El Carmen
(323) 852-1552
8138 W Third St
(at Crescent Heights Boulevard)
Los Angeles,
CA
90048
34.0722
-118.3671
Neighborhoods: Central LA, Beverly Center
Hours:
Mon-Fri 5pm-2am
Sat-Sun 7pm-2am
Parking:
Lot
Last updated 1.30.09
What People Are Saying About El Carmen
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
If "Twin Peaks" director David Lynch designed a south-of-the-border bar, this is what it would be like. Mounted bull heads watch over tequila drinkers, while black velvet paintings of Mexican wrestlers survey the room. The theme carries over to the wrestler masks hanging from the ceiling and the Pulp-style art covering the walls. The surreal mood is locked in when the jukebox jams its fourth Michael Jackson song in the last hour and no one even notices.
The Draw
The kitsch factor draws its share of hipsters, but El Carmen also gets its fair share of the sleek and chic who come for the tequila, baby. There are more than 420 varieties to choose from; the sampler platter offers a sip or two of several different types. Or try a Mexjito, a delicious, tequila-based take on the mojito.
User Reviews
tonymoore
June 28, 2009
Had a drink here on Friday night. $10 for a margarita on the rocks. It was mostly rocks with very little tequila. And it comes in a small glass. The bartender chick was pretty worthless when it came to service. Stick with the beer and the food.
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good_will_dining
May 27, 2009
Dug this place for years, never fails to deliver on food, ambiance and of course, drinks. Great crowd too. Happy hour has some nice offerings and attracted a good size crowd, even on a weekday. Bonus, a few blocks from The Grove, so nice place to head after a movie.
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rosannajaan
May 21, 2009
My co-workers and I went to El Carmen last night for Happy Hour, most of us for the first time. I really liked it, although it's a cozy place with no outdoor, you quickly warm up to the place because of its pros. Mexican theme, great service - even though it was crowded, she was there whenever we looked up, and the food and drinks kept coming... (That's partly due to our amazing boss though) We couldn't stop raving about the food, we kept saying, "OMG, this is sooooo good! (Munch, munch, munch) Did you try the shrimp? (Munch, munch, munch) What about the guacamole? (Munch, munch, munch) Did you try the ceviche? And we kept eating! It was great! We love to eat, and all that is on the Happy Hour menu!!! Don't forget to try the pomegranate margarita... Bomb!
read full reviewThe Details on El Carmen
Know Before You Go:
Don't put that ID away once you get past the door guy--the bartender will card you again.
When to Go:
Get there early to snag a seat, because who knows how long you can stay vertical after you've had a few shots of tequila.
What to Eat:
Curb your drunkenness with some tacos off the small bar menu, and you might not forget where you are.
Category:
Bars & Pubs, Bars & Clubs, Singles Bars, Lounges
Payment Methods:
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Minimum Age:
21
