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Carlota
Master Critic Review
Carlota
8.1
Carlota is a vermuteria and tapas bar on Orchard Street pouring a rotating list of Spanish vermouth and cocktails alongside classic tapas like croquetas, tortilla, and pan con tomate. The intimate room and patio skew from relaxed to lively as the night goes on, making it ideal for aperitif dates or light Spanish dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croquetas de jamón serrano, Tortilla española, Carlota shrimp with piquillo aioli
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Spanish tapas matched with one of the city’s deeper vermouth lists.
Who should go: Drink-focused diners who like grazing on tapas.
When to visit: Happy hour into early evening for peak vermouth energy.
What to order: Jamón croquetas, tortilla española, Carlota shrimp.
Insider tip: Build a vermouth flight and pair each glass with a different tapa.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on the Lower East Side is limited; expect metered spots and competition after 5pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy; jeans are fine but most guests dress for a night out.
Noise level: Moderately lively indoors with bar energy; patio seating allows easier conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins depending on weather and patio availability.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; Carlota opens later in the day and is typically easier early evening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection including tortilla española, pan con tomate, patatas, and several veg-forward tapas.
Vegan options: Limited; a few plant-based plates (pan con tomate, certain salads) but most dishes include dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free tapas available, though no dedicated prep area—ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate room, shareable tapas, and vermouth-focused drinks make it ideal for easing into conversation without a formal dinner structure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for early evenings or later-night snacks; peak weekend hours may require a short wait. The bar is a strong fallback for two.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the room is small, the vibe is adult, and the menu leans toward aperitif-style dining. Older teens may be fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Casual but stylish vermouth drinking, small-plate grazing, and a lively LES date-night atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a full entrée-driven Spanish dinner, very quiet conversation, or extensive vegan options.