Kalimotxo
You might have heard of Hestia, a new "modern grill house from the team behind Emmer & Rye.” Kalimotxo is its sister restaurant, but serves more as the front bar and outdoor option with more casual options. My go-to is shishitos and a cocktail on the back patio at about six o’clock. While it sits in the middle of downtown, turning the corner to the patio seems to put my mind at ease despite all of the chaos that surrounds. It’s easily accessible for downtowners, visible to few passersby, and oddly relaxing.
Kalimotxo is my current go-to for a quick bite with a friend or contact. While a full meal is an option, I prefer to pop in as they open and continue with my evening elsewhere. If you’re ever interested in reserving a large space for a cocktail hour, I’d recommend reaching out to them.
COVID-19 hit not long after its opening date, and the team pivoted quickly to provide options that felt interesting to take out.
Most days, they open at or a little before five o’clock. Read more about them here.
Menu Picks
BLISTERED SHISHITOS | lemon, sea salt, aioli
Get ‘em while they’re hot. Not sure what makes them taste better than most shishitos I’ve had, but I tell people to go here if that’s what they’re craving
PAN CON TOMAT | grilled bread, smashed tomato, garlic, evoo
If you need something super simple to keep you full for a few hours, check it out. It’s solid, but it’s nothing that’s going to blow your mind.
KALI BURGER | t44 farms beef, px onion, mushroom aioli, mahon cheese, house-made bun served with patats bravas or garden salad
I highly recommend trying it (or even splitting it with your dinner partner).
JAMON SANDWICH | berkshire ham, boquerone aioli, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, guindillas, pan cristal served with patats bravas or garden salad
If you’re there for a meal that leans Spanish, get it. It’s bigger than you’d expect with an anchovy to top it off. This, like the burger, can be a messy thing to try to eat. I’d get it with the right company.
KAKIGORI | shaved ice, preserved cherries, toasted bran ice cream, vanilla cream, white chocolate, hibiscus caramel
Image above, it’s massive, but light. It steals glances as it makes its journey to the table. Tavel is brilliant.
Four-Course Menu for $40
I haven’t tried this deal, but I’d recommend it if you’re there for a meal and the burger isn’t top-of-mind (though it should be).