Caló Kitchen + Tequila — Restaurant in El Segundo

I eat out at least 3-4 times every week at a variety of restaurants. Yesterday I had one of the best gastronomic experiences I have ever experienced in the last several years that I didn’t prepare myself! Usually, there’s always one dish or something that’s lacking. Everything I tried at Calo tasted fresh, well-seasoned, with deliciously balanced flavors. I started with the Little Casita Salad which was anything but little. The dressing was just the right amount of acid to oil ratio, and it was big enough to split with my friend. The salsa and chips and the black bean dip were perfection. The chips were thin, light and crisp; the salsa was like a pico de gallo, only better; the black bean dip . . ., THE BLACK BEAN DIP was amazing. It was savory, creamy and unctuous without being oily. I could have licked the bowl. The guacamole was a very generous portion with the right amount of chunkiness, seasoned just short of salty. It was perfect quac, in my opinion.

I plan on eating my way thru the menu. This time I ordered the rib eye tacos that came served on top of a cheese, onion and mushroom sauce and I chose both the house made corn and flour tortillas. The steak - tender, the sauce - delicious when spread on top of the make-yourself-tacos or eaten alone. The second entree I ordered was the seafood trio that was so, so good. The shrimp were large and plump on the shrimp & bacon taco, and perfectly cooked, and I’m a firm devotee that everything is better with bacon; the shrimp and crab enchilada was drool-worthy, and I have no words to describe the lobster chili relleno. Calo does not skimp on the seafood portions. EVERYTHING I tried was absolutely delicious. My friend’s street corn blew my mind cause generally I’m not a fan because I like my corn simple and it always felt like street corn was doing too much. Calo will take it off the cob for you. The char that is on the corn lends itself to enhancing the favors (yes, plural) of the corn. I am now jonesing for another bowl of the street corn just because of the char. Both the sides of red rice and refried pinto beans, and the white rice with corn and refried black beans (same as the black bean dip appetizer) complement the meals very nicely.

Last, but certainly not least, the restaurant is nice and cleaned, and has a very contemporary aesthetic. There’s plenty of seating on both outside patios, inside on the first level and upstairs. The bathroom on the second floor (there is an elevator) was clean and well-supplied, and nicely fragranced.

Overall, we loved, loved, loved Calo not only for its delicious offerings, but also for its staff. Edwin our server was attentive and friendly and took care of our every need. It helped that we were there for a late lunch on a Tuesday. I hear the place is quite busy on the weekend, and reservations are required. And it can be a wait to get seated. But based on the level of cuisine Calo serves, it is worth the wait. Kudos to Calo’s manager, Jocelyn, and her staff. They have created a delectable gem. And I can’t wait to...

We were looking for a little more upscale Mexican food and decided to take a chance on a place we hadn't tried previously. We were VERY glad we did. The short rib enchiladas were great, flavorful, warm, and done perfectly. The seafood trio was also on point. The chile relleno was different but very good, the shrimp and bacon taco with caramelized onion was a wonderful meld of flavors, and the shrimp and crab enchilada was also top notch.

The chips came out with a mild salsa that again, was full of flavor, and black beans that had some heat. Dipping the chip first into the beans then into the salsa was the best way to get a balanced bite. The actual tortilla chips were the only not-so-good item we had. They were hard and stale, def could have been better. I'm glad the rest of the meal went up from there.

We topped it off with a shared plate of churros and while they aren't my favorite thing, they were good. Imo, the churros were trying too hard, too much going on. Churros with cinnamon sugar drizzled with chocolate and dulce de Leche, filled with caramel, and served with French vanilla ice cream and (fake) whipped cream. Nah, won't get those again but they were worth trying.

Price-wise, most of the dishes seemed reasonable but I really did feel $39 for literally 3 items (seafood trio) was way too much. There were NO sides so it was 1 chile relleno, 1 shrimp taco (with 3 shrimp in it), and 1 seafood enchilada. $13 for each of those. I won't be getting that again.

We will be back to try more of the menu and next time,...

This is a fancy and casual Mexican restaurant with a bar. I was amazed at this place because the service was very attentive, and the place is nicely set up and clean. The parking lot is small but there is a parking structure nearby. The place is two floors with seating inside and outside. I came here with my mom and we were greeted right away by the hostess. We were sat right away, and our server was friendly and attentive. She explained the menu and they give you complimentary chips with salsa and refried beans.

I ordered guacamole as an appetizer and the chicken tostada salad. My mom ordered the organic chicken fajitas. The guacamole was good and fresh. The chicken tostada salad was huge and very filling that I couldn’t finish the whole thing. It comes with lettuce, chicken, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro ranch dressing. The dressing was delicious and it wasn’t bland or watery. The tostada is placed on top of refried beans.

I tried a bit of the chicken fajitas and they were good. The rice was tasty and full of flavor. It didn’t taste bland or hard. The food was delicious that I decided to order dessert. I ordered the deep-fried vanilla ice cream with hot fudge and strawberries. The dessert is big enough to share among your group. It was hot and cold at the same time. It was perfect. I really enjoyed the service and the food. If I’m ever in the area I will come back to try the...