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El Carmen
Master Critic Review
El Carmen
8.4
El Carmen is a long-running tequila and mezcal bar on 3rd Street where tacos, chips, and guacamole support a serious margarita program. Locals treat it as a lively, dimly lit hangout for shrimp tacos, al pastor, and strong drinks rather than a traditional sit-down taqueria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp tacos, Carne asada tacos, Al pastor tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Tequila-focused bar with better-than-expected tacos and lively decor.
Who should go: Margarita fans wanting fun bar tacos and loud energy.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for discounted tacos and cocktails.
What to order: Shrimp tacos, al pastor tacos, chips with guacamole.
Insider tip: Arrive early; the narrow room packs out fast on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; meters on 3rd Street fill quickly after 6pm, so plan for a 5–10 minute walk from surrounding residential blocks.
Dress code: Trendy casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean stylish for the bar-forward atmosphere.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with music and bar chatter; conversational only at early evening or late-night lulls.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for bar seats or tables; the narrow room fills early and stays packed.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; the kitchen opens later and it's primarily an evening bar scene.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid options like veggie tacos, chips, guacamole, and sides, but the menu skews protein-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited; guacamole and certain salsas are safe, but most tacos require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but the bar kitchen lacks dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a lively, dimly lit bar vibe—great for fun energy or margarita-heavy dates, less ideal if you want quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, as it’s walk-in only, but arrive early. Once the bar fills, waits form quickly and seating becomes scarce.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really; it functions primarily as a tequila and mezcal bar with loud music and limited space. Teens may be fine early evening, but younger kids aren’t a fit.
Best For
Better for: A more playful, cocktail-driven taco night with stronger margaritas and a nightlife feel than most neighborhood taquerias.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large tables, or a traditional taqueria with extensive menu depth—other spots in the area handle that better.