Here's my posting to la.foodblogging on one of my favorite hangouts in the city...El Carmen on Third Street. You may find me here after work hours or on a lazy weekend evening, sipping a sweet, smooth blended mango margarita with a girlfriend.I'm always amazed to find something new to love about El Carmen every time I stop in for my drink of choice. This tequila bar in the heart of the city heralds over 300 different tequilas and has been around since the late 1920s. There is a brass sign outside the front door that pays homage to its deep roots. It's a small bar that can get pretty crowded as the night lingers which is why I prefer to arrive early to choose where I'd like to sit and to have the undivided attention of our server. The long and narrow bar usually gets loud with lively chatter and laughter from an eclectic group of patrons. I especially enjoy the mix of people who frequent El Carmen, the friendly servers and bartenders I've encountered, and the overall ambiance that El Carmen exudes. From the oil paintings of maked Mexican wrestlers from years past, the tapestry of old Hollywood posters that line the walls, to the rich colors and lights of reds, yellows, oranges, and blues that envelop the bar and its arched ceiling, it is no wonder that El Carmen is a great LA bar with much history, depth and character.
The food served isn't the most spectacular, but I usually end up with a plate of two beef flautas (which are very similar to taquitos) and munch on the complimentary chips and salsa served. My last trip to El Carmen's had a bill of about $50 with tip for two. The damage included 3 margaritas, 1 plate of beef flautas, side of rice (which was unimpressive and dry but I ate all of it anyways), and guacamole with the unlimited free chips and salsa.
Another perk to arriving early - street parking. On weekdays and late evenings, parking can sometimes be a nightmare if you don't want to valet it.
El Carmen
8138 W. 3rd Street in Los Angeles / near La Jolla
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