Waitlist - El Carmen
Waitlist closed
The restaurant is not taking waitlist parties right now
El Carmen Reservations
El Carmen Photos
El Carmen Popular Dishes
EL CARMEN ATMOSPHERE
What's the vibe?
More like El Carmen
Recommended Reviews - El Carmen
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
I will definitely be coming here again for the late night happy hour, which is Sunday through Thursday 10:30 PM to 2 AM. The food is solid and the drinks are great. You order yourself at the bar and service is quick. Came here at 10:30 on a Thursday and I'm so glad I came. The bar was almost full but still quick service. Definitely going to be adding this spot to my happy hour rotation.
I went to El Carmen recently and asked the bartender to make me something hella sweet and mad spicy. I honestly do not know what the drink was but it was really good and strong enough to get the job done. I would definitely suggest asking the bartender to do the same. I give the drink an 8. The carne asada quesadilla was mouth watering and the meat was seasoned perfectly. That was easily an 8.5 for me. I also had a shrimp taco which was good overall. I did not really like the sauce on it but that is just personal preference because I am not really into that type of sauce. The taco itself was still solid so I give it an 8. The ambiance was a little different than what I expected from the Yelp photos. It had more of a Mexican wrestling mask and skull style vibe with dim lighting. Some people will probably really enjoy that atmosphere but it was not exactly the vibe I thought I was walking into. Because of that I give the ambiance a 6. Overall I give the place a 7.5
El Carmen Walk through the curtain and you're instantly in a whole different vibe. Low lit, tequila heavy, and just fun. Great tacos & margaritas. They don't play around. It's not trying to be fancy, just consistently solid food and drinks with good energy all around. Great spot to post up with friends or keep it casual on a night out.
Still one of the best places for yummy nachos and fish tacos! My margarita was tasty as well. We came in around 8:45 on a Friday night and had to order from the bar and wait for food to be brought to our table. The manager was so kind and treated us to an apple fritter. Delicious food and great service will keep us coming back!
El Carmen Mexican Food was the perfect late-night stop! The asada nachos and potato taco were both delicious, flavorful, and satisfying. Everything was tasty, and the waitresses' suggestions were right on point. Great food and a great late-night experience
I saw this spot on yelp and it had really good reviews so we decided to check it out. I am so glad we did because this is now one of my favorite Mexican restaurants of all time. The food was excellent, and the service was so attentive. Parking may be a bitch here, but that should not prevent you from trying this place. Valet is $14, could be worse. The food and drinks are very affordable here anyways. To start, we ordered a ceviche and a couple drinks. I ordered the La Seductora and they made it a little spicy per my request. It was fantastic and did the job. Amazing flavor. Ceviche was also good. The star of the show was the main courses and our dessert. I ordered a shrimp taco and a fish taco and both were some of the greatest tacos I've ever had. The shrimp was so yummy and wasn't overcooked. The grilled fish taco was also very tasty. My fiancé ordered enchiladas, and I gave it a try and it was so yummy!!!! For dessert, we ordered the La Bamba which was THE BOMB!!! you can't come here and not try it. This place is a 10 out of 10 I would come back for sure.
Came here for happy hour for work drinks and what a pleasant time! The happy hour specials were fantastic and the portions were big. Their beer selections were plentiful as were their cocktails. Started off with their nachos and their carnitas and potato tacos. All were fantastic! Highly recommend their tacos. Service was phenomenal - shout out to Dominic who was constantly checking on us and the surrounding tables to ensure we had everything we needed and that we were having a good time. Vibe wise this is a dark but cool place with luchadores on the walls. Perfect for work drinks or date night! They have valet parking but I parked street. Come a bit early if you're trying to find street.
We took a post-KazuNori stroll and stumbled onto this fun spot. El Carmen is a Lucha Libre-themed bar with amazing decor, make sure to look around, and definitely look up because the ceiling is the best part!! Didn't try the food so I can't comment on that, but the drinks were excellent. We ordered 4 different cocktails and all of them were delicious. I hate an overly sweet drink and prefer things on the tart side and this place does that just right. Great vibe, unique theme, friendly bartenders, and solid drinks. Will definitely be back, especially love that it's walking distance from KazuNori.
The is a good spot to enjoy some great tasting margaritas!! I recommend the watermelon margaritas!!! Those were very refreshing!! The service is very decent! You do have to wait to be seated! Theme here is the Luchadores!! If you're familiar with these Mexican wrestler icons, then you'll enjoy this place! Even the wall paper inside has a lot of historical movie icons...I spotted Cantiflas and a few others!!
Went on a taco Tuesday with a local and was introduced to a random bar on the West side. Their happy hour started at 1030 and we got there about 930, so we sat for a whole hour just to partake! We sipped on beers, mexican only, no IPAs. They had a small menu that was tacos and snacks and a shot with a beer special. We ordered tacos and shot and beer and margarita, they provided chips. The server was nice, asked for our order but you would traditionally order at the bar. The tequila they used was strong and not tasty lol Tacos were dry, the meat was hit or miss. The ambiance was legit a Mexican dive bar with many people walking around buzzed or hanging with their friends engulfed in chats.
This is my first time here it's pretty cool Services pretty quick vibe is local fun in a vibe. Only spot late night seems like locals only and I love it.
Such a cute bar on 3rd street with the PERFECT music and cool people around Paris makes delicious cocktails and she has the best attitude:) so helpful!! Love the Ceviche and Guacamole I will recommend to all my friends
Great atmosphere and the service is quick and fun. Food was good - had chicken quesadilla, shrimp taco and fish taco. All were very good. Skinny marg was good and the desssert was ok. Either way, good little date spot .. parking is a b*tch though
10 days ago
2 days ago
Stopped by El Carmen on 3rd...Dark little spot with the lucha libre vibe and a crazy tequila list. Grabbed a couple strong margs, ceviche, quesadilla and the potato tacos.. all of them 8/10. read more
6 months ago
Came here with a group of friends. Made a reservation and were seated right away. The chips and guacamole were really good. I ordered the guava margarita and it was just okay. I should've stuck with a strawberry margarita, you really can't go wrong there. For dinner, I had the chicken flautas. They were alright. The chicken lacked flavor, which made the dish a bit bland overall. The beans were seasoned well and the rice was good too, but the portion was pretty small. The ambiance was nice! Dimly lit and a bit on the smaller side, but it filled up quickly on a Saturday night. It definitely has a fun, lively vibe and the music was great. I'd come back and give it another try. read more
I will definitely be coming here again for the late night happy hour, which is Sunday through Thursday 10:30 PM to 2 AM. The food is solid and the drinks are great. You order yourself at the bar and service is quick. Came here at 10:30 on a Thursday and I'm so glad I came. The bar was almost full but still quick service. Definitely going to be adding this spot to my happy hour rotation. read more
I went to El Carmen recently and asked the bartender to make me something hella sweet and mad spicy. I honestly do not know what the drink was but it was really good and strong enough to get the job done. I would definitely suggest asking the bartender to do the same. I give the drink an 8. The carne asada quesadilla was mouth watering and the meat was seasoned perfectly. That was easily an 8.5 for me. I also had a shrimp taco which was good overall. I did not really like the sauce on it but that is just personal preference because I am not really into that type of sauce. The taco itself was still solid so I give it an 8. The ambiance was a little different than what I expected from the Yelp photos. It had more of a Mexican wrestling mask and skull style vibe with dim lighting. Some people will probably really enjoy that atmosphere but it was not exactly the vibe I thought I was walking into. Because of that I give the ambiance a 6. Overall I give the place a 7.5 read more
5 months ago
El Carmen Walk through the curtain and you're instantly in a whole different vibe. Low lit, tequila heavy, and just fun. Great tacos & margaritas. They don't play around. It's not trying to be fancy, just consistently solid food and drinks with good energy all around. Great spot to post up with friends or keep it casual on a night out. read more
Still one of the best places for yummy nachos and fish tacos! My margarita was tasty as well. We came in around 8:45 on a Friday night and had to order from the bar and wait for food to be brought to our table. The manager was so kind and treated us to an apple fritter. Delicious food and great service will keep us coming back! read more
1 month ago
El Carmen Mexican Food was the perfect late-night stop! The asada nachos and potato taco were both delicious, flavorful, and satisfying. Everything was tasty, and the waitresses' suggestions were right on point. Great food and a great late-night experience read more
2 months ago
I saw this spot on yelp and it had really good reviews so we decided to check it out. I am so glad we did because this is now one of my favorite Mexican restaurants of all time. The food was excellent, and the service was so attentive. Parking may be a bitch here, but that should not prevent you from trying this place. Valet is $14, could be worse. The food and drinks are very affordable here anyways. To start, we ordered a ceviche and a couple drinks. I ordered the La Seductora and they made it a little spicy per my request. It was fantastic and did the job. Amazing flavor. Ceviche was also good. The star of the show was the main courses and our dessert. I ordered a shrimp taco and a fish taco and both were some of the greatest tacos I've ever had. The shrimp was so yummy and wasn't overcooked. The grilled fish taco was also very tasty. My fiancé ordered enchiladas, and I gave it a try and it was so yummy!!!! For dessert, we ordered the La Bamba which was THE BOMB!!! you can't come here and not try it. This place is a 10 out of 10 I would come back for sure. read more
11 months ago
Came here for happy hour for work drinks and what a pleasant time! The happy hour specials were fantastic and the portions were big. Their beer selections were plentiful as were their cocktails. Started off with their nachos and their carnitas and potato tacos. All were fantastic! Highly recommend their tacos. Service was phenomenal - shout out to Dominic who was constantly checking on us and the surrounding tables to ensure we had everything we needed and that we were having a good time. Vibe wise this is a dark but cool place with luchadores on the walls. Perfect for work drinks or date night! They have valet parking but I parked street. Come a bit early if you're trying to find street. read more
We took a post-KazuNori stroll and stumbled onto this fun spot. El Carmen is a Lucha Libre-themed bar with amazing decor, make sure to look around, and definitely look up because the ceiling is the best part!! Didn't try the food so I can't comment on that, but the drinks were excellent. We ordered 4 different cocktails and all of them were delicious. I hate an overly sweet drink and prefer things on the tart side and this place does that just right. Great vibe, unique theme, friendly bartenders, and solid drinks. Will definitely be back, especially love that it's walking distance from KazuNori. read more
The is a good spot to enjoy some great tasting margaritas!! I recommend the watermelon margaritas!!! Those were very refreshing!! The service is very decent! You do have to wait to be seated! Theme here is the Luchadores!! If you're familiar with these Mexican wrestler icons, then you'll enjoy this place! Even the wall paper inside has a lot of historical movie icons...I spotted Cantiflas and a few others!! read more
1 month ago
1 year ago
Went on a taco Tuesday with a local and was introduced to a random bar on the West side. Their happy hour started at 1030 and we got there about 930, so we sat for a whole hour just to partake! We sipped on beers, mexican only, no IPAs. They had a small menu that was tacos and snacks and a shot with a beer special. We ordered tacos and shot and beer and margarita, they provided chips. The server was nice, asked for our order but you would traditionally order at the bar. The tequila they used was strong and not tasty lol Tacos were dry, the meat was hit or miss. The ambiance was legit a Mexican dive bar with many people walking around buzzed or hanging with their friends engulfed in chats. read more
12 days ago
4 months ago
This is my first time here it's pretty cool Services pretty quick vibe is local fun in a vibe. Only spot late night seems like locals only and I love it. read more
9 months ago
Such a cute bar on 3rd street with the PERFECT music and cool people around Paris makes delicious cocktails and she has the best attitude:) so helpful!! Love the Ceviche and Guacamole I will recommend to all my friends read more
4 months ago
6 months ago
Great atmosphere and the service is quick and fun. Food was good - had chicken quesadilla, shrimp taco and fish taco. All were very good. Skinny marg was good and the desssert was ok. Either way, good little date spot .. parking is a b*tch though read more
In the mood for Mexican food, ran into El Carmen, located near the Grove in Los Angeles, a Taqueria and Tequila bar that has been open since 1929, walking through red velvet curtains covering the entrance, walked into a very lively long dining room with tables along one side and a bar on the other. Promptly greeted by the host . The server, very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the history of one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. Ordered two asada tacos and one carnitas, the savory meat sat on top of double warm tacos straight out of the kitchen. Delicious tacos and a terrific classic margarita. read more
Yummy Mexican food and fun bar in the Beverly Grove area in central LA. Loved my nachos and margaritas and the fun atmosphere! El Carmen is next to two other restaurants and down the street from The Grove. Found this place on a fluke when The Grove was too packed to grab dinner with family. We decided to choose El Carmen because we were in the mood for Mexican food. Our servers were attentive and kept our drinks and water flowing. The walls are adorned with Mexican comic book illustrations and were fun to admire. Our food was fresh, delicious and spicy. The others restaurants next to El Carmen all share the same valet parking area. There is metered parking in the surrounding neighborhood areas but a short walk to the restaurant. Will definitely come back for happy hour to try more yummy food next time I'm in LA. Heard El Carmen's happy hour is a vibe. Enjoy! read more
4 months ago
11 months ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
Love the vibes in here. Feels like stumbling into a cute dive bar in Mexico in a movie haha. Cocktails are awesome and unique. I really loved the Alex's OG cocktail. The ceviche was sooo yummy too! Salsa served with chips was really flavorful as well. Will definitely return when in the area. read more
11 months ago
The star of the LA bar scene! An institution that if you try once will have you keep coming back. Great drinks, knowledgeable and kind staff, and good food! read more
10 months ago
Love this place. The drinks are excellent, the service is outstanding, and the tacos are consistently on point. The Mexican street corn is a must-try, and the shrimp appetizers are fantastic. 10/10 -- highly recommend. read more
El Carmen should definitely be on every list for best happy hours in LA! I stumbled in on a whim today because I walked by during happy hour. Had no intention to eat out, but the margaritas were calling. First of all, we were in and out in less than 45 minutes which was perfect. The menu was great and I couldn't believe the prices honestly. We both got the margarita with tequila which was definitely reliable. Chips and guacamole were great, but I was shocked at how good the salsa was! We were scraping the sides of the bowl. It was the sort of blended salsa that was not watery at all. So flavorful and unique. That plus warm chips could have me happy all night. We also each got a taco and they were overflowing with flavor. The carnitas were soft and tender and juicy. Truly the perfect taco if you ask me. Plus it all came out right after we ordered. Alyssa was a great server! Seriously can't wait to come back with friends. read more
Straight to the point Review - Parking: Meter and maybe side street parking somewhere around First Impression: This place is chill, low light and with cool Lucha libre decor Seating: There's a big booth, but most of the seating consists of small tables that can be moved around. Happy Hour Experience: I was expecting more from the Happy Hour food and drink items to choose from The happy hour Margarita drink I had was ok. Food: Usually, I'm disappointed when a restaurant charges for chips and salsa, but at El Carmen, the chips were warm & the salsa was just right. We ordered the Enchiladas for $16. Taste-wise, they were good. I got both salsas on the side, and the red one ended up being my favorite. The enchiladas (2 cheese, 1 chicken) were good the rice was perfect. However, the portion plate size was small for the price. I initially ordered one plate to share to try other dishes but ended up getting a second order after realizing the portion wouldn't be enough. Final Thoughts: My husband asked if I'd like to come back or bookmark it as a togo place, and honestly, there wasn't anything that really wowed me enough to plan a return visit. Normally, I'm already planning my next visit mid-bite, but not this time. If you prefer a more American-style Mexican restaurant, this place is for you. They have quesadillas, nachos, great taco options--pretty much friendly US Mexican food choices. The bar area is nice with plenty of drink options, the lucha libre decor is fun, and the staff is attentive. read more
1 year ago
My husband and I wanted to try a new place for my birthday. We heard this place had great margaritas (my favorite). Little did I know, I would fall in love with this spot. Upon entry you'll notice the Christmas lights strung up and lucha libre theme throughout. Although all the tables were taken, we easily found seats at the bar. The host made sure to find us as soon as our table was ready. Random note, but my husband and I hate when tables at a restaurant are so squished together that a human person cannot fit entering and exiting to get to the booth seat. This place perfectly spaces their tables so getting in and out is easy and there is some level of privacy between tables. The margarita lived up to its legendary status. My husband ordered a different drink that was equally great and refreshing. The chips were piping hot. There were plenty of options for a vegetarian. I picked the cheese enchiladas which were cheesy and delicious. I loved how the menu clearly marked any vegetarian and vegan option. Leave some time to find parking if you aren't valeting or within walking distance. read more
1 year ago
Such a fun place! Stumbled in here with a group of girlfriends while walking around the area. Everything was delicious and the drinks were fresh. I had the watermelon margarita. Staff was nice and on it. Ambiance was fun (but music was really loud if that bothers you). Highly recommend! read more
10 months ago
8 months ago
1 year ago
Came here with a buddy of mine late one night. You walk in and they have you grab a table or spot at the bar. And you order from the bartender. Had a couple modelos michelada style which had I had been craving. Also got a steak quesadilla which was fantastic. Pretty cool decor inside and fun music. Everyone that was inside looked like they were having a great time. The staff was pretty friendly. Looking forward to coming back! read more
Page 1 of 30
More info about El Carmen
8138 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Beverly Grove
Directions
(323) 852-1552
Call Now
Visit Website
http://elcarmenla.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Services
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
El Carmen Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - El Carmen
Any non-alcoholic drinks?
What time do you serve food until every night?
Mon. - Sat. last call is 1:30, unless it’s totally dead, then the manager might do last call at 1:15 am.…
Are they going to reopen this month?
We reopened July 7, 2021. Enjoy the best happy hours in town, Monday through Friday 5-7pm. $5 award winning margaritas with great food specials!
Are they currently open as of May 2021?
nope ! just wasted a bunch of time to find that it was closed on a saturday night ...
What kind of music Saturday nights? Any room for dancing?
No dancing room that I could see.
Do they serve wine and are there taco Tuesday specials?
We have a very limited selection of wine. We are primarily a tequila and mezcal bar. Monday - Friday between 5-7 we have taco and margarita specials. So yes, we do have Taco Tuesday specials!
Do you take reservations?
Yes, we take reservations. Call us during business hours at (323) 852-1552 to set up a reservation.
Are the tortillas corn/gluten free?
Yes, we have corn tortillas that are gluten-free. Almost our entire menu is gluten-free.
How late is food served till?
We (I work there) serve food until 1:30am....but last call for food is at 1:15am
Does this place have Taco Tuesday specials? And what time does happy hour end?
Yes!! Probably one of the best HH that I've been to, i believe it's from 5-7 pm, I had a combination plate for $7.00 !!
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
136 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
19 years ago
14 years ago
15 years ago
16 years ago
14 years ago
17 years ago
11 years ago
15 years ago
18 years ago
19 years ago
4 years ago
10 years ago
11 years ago
12 years ago
16 years ago
16 years ago
15 years ago
11 years ago
10 years ago
9 years ago
