El Carmen

El Carmen is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Los Angeles. They offer a happy hour menu Monday to Friday from 5–7pm with incredible prices ($8 margaritas, $3 tacos) that make it easy to stop by after work without breaking the bank. The drinks are delicious, and I had some of the best shrimp tacos I’ve ever tasted here—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The chips, salsa, and guacamole are also a must-order, with everything tasting homemade and vibrant. It’s a cozy spot with great energy, and I can’t wait to go back.

We actually tried to go to the Italian restaurant next door but were turned away due to no reservation so we decided to go to this Mexican place instead. Very pleasantly surprised with the awesome atmosphere inside and great service! The tacos and enchiladas were to die for. The grilled shrimp tacos were my favorite 🤩

I just stopped by solo and they were awesome. It's a fun place, a little loud for me, but I'm old now. Found a place for me to sit when they were slammed and my tacos were on point!

Always Excellent drinks & service. Also my favorite nachos in the city, love El Carmen

Great spot for happy hour. Came in after work with my friend. Happy hour 5-7. Highlights are the $6 beers and $7 margaritas. Inside has a cool, stylish interior. The food is good for soaking up the booze. Service was great. Friendly staff. There's street meter parking up and down the block but you might have to walk a block or two.

Came in on a Sat late night for a quick bite. You seat yourself and order with the bartender. The bartender was rather sharp and unfriendly the moment it was clear we weren't drinking. I got tacos (Asada, Pescado, Papas). Tacos are $5-7 each but very good and worth reordering. The star of the night was the potato taco! Buttery, spiced potatoes with onions stuff into a thin crispy fried hard shell. It was like eating the world's best giant hash brown. Vibes and music is good but very loud so don't expect to have long conversations in here.

I was recommended by a friend to visit this place. After telling me about this little hidden place for so long. I finally decided to go there. I finally got there. I ordered a strawberry margarita, guava margarita also had to drink Cold cold Bohemia i sure enjoyed it so much it is one of my favorite beers when in mexico visiting also ordered 3 papa abd chorizo taquito and 1 shrimp grilled taco, street corn, for dessert ordered mexican chocolate cake with ice cream. All was very good and was a nice calm spot to just chit chat and chill. Food service is very fast, maragaritas are good. During happy hour time it is even better.

A very enjoyable late night spot . The late night happy hour is a fun experience. Lots of drinks and tacos!

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!!

Welcoming and friendly staff, and amazing selection of tequila and drinks. I was surprisingly impressed by how good the food was...some of the best tacos I've had. The decor is fun with Luche Libre vibe. Parking is valet.

One of my favorite happy hours in this part of town (5p - 7p). Love the margaritas. The food is good (but there are better taco spots in the area). It's dark, and loud, and a vibe, and the staff is very friendly and attentive. Parking in the area can be tricky, so give yourself time!

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.

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!

Fantastic food- had the chicken taco combo. Super friendly service. This place has such a cool nacho libre feel- it's my new hangout! Will be back!

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

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.

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.

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!

The atmosphere is great and the service is prompt and pleasing. The tacos were super fresh and the tequila list is kinda wild. Bartender made me a spicy margarita that was somehow strong and smooth. Really loved and genuinely my time here.

came to this place for cinco de mayo and honestly once we walked inside it was so cute and festive like the atmosphere was so fun. We got a few items on the happy hour menu and of course on the regular menu. The servers recommended the chips,salsa and guacamole to start off with so of course we did and that's on the happy hour menu. I decided on the enchiladas and got them with just cheese and the green sauce on top which I have to say was so delicious tasting. my friend got 3 tacos from the happy hour menu which were one of each (chicken, carnitas and potato). Those were very tasty as well. They also had entertainment which was so fun. They will come up and ask if you would like to hear something and they play it for you and everyone (staff) was so friendly and honestly I will be back again with more friends. I highly recommended if you are looking for a good Mexican place

My new favorite happy hour spot!!! The staff is so attentive and super kind. Great prices for happy hour and even better food options. This place is not the largest but overall be the best vibes and I can't wait to bring more people back to experience it. I was having such a good time enjoying our food and margaritas that I completely forgot to take any pictures. I will visit again and try to capture a visual representation of my experience here. Why am I just now hearing about this place I'm obsessed!!!

Service was great, friendly host and great bartender. Food was average, nothing too exciting. Better as a drinking/gathering spot.

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.

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!

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.

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.

This place is the best and I truly cannot recommend it enough for a group of friends!!! Get a reservation for large groups and even for prime time for smaller table, or HONESTLY the bar is so fun for a date or post-date drink. I bring so many friends here and they love it!

30 or so years ago El Carmen started off as the hip new spot, and has aged effortlessly into a classic LA mainstay. I go with the potato taco and the Asada taco. Always fun, always delicious. Parking is difficult, but worth it. Excellent early bird menu! Keep going El Carmen!

This place is adorable. While the food and drinks won't win awards, it has wonderful lighting and ambiance, and if you come in a group and reserve early, there's a nice table for you. Tequila flights aren't amazing, but the chips and guac are nice, the service is extremely kind, and it's not too loud. Price is right, too - so all of the advantages of a dive bar without any of the downsides of dive bars.

So fun and vibe is good. Servers were very nice and food was decently priced. People came after a game and were so drunk and loud so that was the only distraction but it was good overall.

A bit loud but a fun small place. Food was delicious and service was great. Nice selection of alcohol too! Nice ambiance.

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!

Great place for a short visit to start or end the evening. The fish tacos are about as good as you'll get anywhere (and I've eaten fish tacos at literally over 100 restaurants). The vibe is cool and staff are incredible attentive, nice, and professional. The only knock is they have crammed in more tables than they should and it's almost 100% 2-tops, although you can pull them together for larger parties. Also, the tables are probably about 18 inches wide (maybe 20, but not more than 20) and the tables are so close together that there is barely enough room to squeeze between them. Overall, a pretty good place for a short visit.

as I was walking up to the restaurant, I honestly could not tell what it was. It was not clearly marked, although it was next to a very popular restaurant so that's how I kinda knew where to go. You get in it's a very small but packed restaurant very clearly you can tell they're known for their margaritas because there was at least one at every single table as well as their Mezcal and tequila. I had decent expectations in terms of just overall food and cleanliness, however, they didn't lead up to it that much. Unfortunately, the people at the table next to me were very loud and you could tell they were very much plastered. I kind of wish that the staff handled it a bit better. Their menus were pretty disgusting as well as the mirrors behind the booths. Overall cleanliness can be very much improved. I work in the food industry, so I do notice a lot of these things. It also just puts them in a better light if they were taken care of a bit better. I had the Ensalada and it was OK. I have a couple of food allergies and they told me they use the same grill for everything. I do not suggest coming here if you have allergies. The salad was very similar to a southwest salad. Their chips were also not salted and their salsa was very mild even for me. I unfortunately will not be coming back.

If sipping an award-winning margarita at happy hour prices so low they feel illegal isn't your vibe, then what are you even doing--paying triple for watered-down drinks at a bar where the bartender treats you like you're lucky they even looked your way ? This place has forever had the best happy hour prices in L.A.--hands down. For the cost of parking anywhere else, you can load up on happy hour-priced guac, tacos, ceviche, and nachos while sipping margaritas so good they'll ruin all other drinks for you. The chips and salsa go perfectly with those tangy margs. The vibe is perfect complete with classic lucha libre-themed decor, vintage-tiled walls, classic multicolor, string lights, and that red-orange glow for an authentic tequila-bar feel. And if you meet a stranger at the bar, don't be surprised if you end up borrowing one of the bar's many decorative Luchador masks and doing some "wrestling" later.

Luchador Heaven! Food and cocktails on point. We had spicy margaritas and their chips and salsa- with amazing guacamole and house salsa. Tacos were delicious. It gets busy (for good reason) so coming early to eat/drink is recommended. Owner is awesome and super helpful.

We ended up here on accident. I was looking for a Mexican restaurant near the Grove and forgot El Carmen is a bar, not a restaurant. Regardless they serve food so I shuffled in with my elderly aunt. She was a good sport about it and the service was wonderful. The food was better than ok but not "authentic". Tasty! Thanks for accommodating us!

Saw that they had happy hour so decided to go try. Such a fun and lively place! Such a great happy hour menu, cheap and delicious margs and a selection of yummy bites to choose from. Really good chips and salsa too! We only had drinks but saw other tables eating and everything looked delicious. $9 nachos that were huge!!! Will definitely be coming back when I'm back in that area

Love this place! The vibes are cool, the service is great, and it's clean! LA is dirty so I appreciate cleanliness... I had strawberry margarita and my man had beer, my margarita was so good! I'm not even a margarita lover but I loved this one! They have excellent Guac and chips, the salsa is just the right of spicy. All of our food was fresh and hot. Must try in the neighborhood!

Divey hole-in-the-wall great for drinks and a casual outting. Food: Food is okay. I got the enchilada plate. Nothing super amazing, but the flavors are decent. Chips and salsa were great. Salsa was the star of the show, so I had to take an extra one home so my partner could try it. Service: Service was top notch. No complaints whatsoever and everyone was very attentive to refilling waters and checking up on us. Overall the experience was just okay. Not worth the price I paid.

Had the best night at el carmen with friends on a Saturday. Live music, vibes, great service. Good drinks the food is always good and clean / fresh.

Extensive tequila list, terrific happy hour and very easy going vibe. The service is fast, polite and good. The decor was fantastic. Will be going back.

Great decor, fresh ingredient drinks, and friendly staff. I sat at the bar and staff were able to give recommendations towards food and beverages. We ordered the chips and salsa, enchiladas, and flautas. Yes, indeed the plates are smaller than your average restaurant, but served its purpose.

Have been going to El Carmen for 55 years. The food has always been great. The service has always been great. The Ambiance has always been great. One of the two best Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles (the other being El Compadre -- which is less than a mile away).

Always a good time here! Awesome happy hour, nice bartenders and door guy. We didn't have reservations, so they sat us at the bar. The tacos were amazing!

El Carmen is one of my favorite spots in LA. It's been a go-to for me for almost 10 years! The tacos are delicious (especially the mushroom), the chips and guac are always fresh and tasty, and the margaritas are fantastic. (Not to mention dangerously strong!) I've come here for happy hour, regular dinner time, and almost at closing, and I've had the same impeccable service and amazingly fun experience every time. Darn it, now I want to go again!

The vibe in this place was quintessential LA! It was very small, dark and cozy. There were several amazing paintings of Luchadores and an unbelievably long list of tequilas and mezcals. The service was perfect and the food was great. Good value for the ambience. If I had to change one thing, I would turn down the music. But I'm old and like to talk without having to raise my voice!! I would definitely go here again.

Good happy hour spot. Came in for drinks after work. Inside is pretty cool with a unique style. No TVs. The after work crowd fills up fast. This is a good spot for small groups or a casual date. Happy hour 5-7. Highlights are the $6 beers, $7 margarita, and food specials. The food is pretty good for bar food. Got the potato taco, nachos, and ceviche. I liked all of it. Will definitely be coming back for more. Service was good. Friendly staff. There's street meter parking but you might have to walk a block or two. Add El Carmen to your happy hour list.

Worst experience I ever had at a bar the bartender was so rude and disgusting towards me and my partner after we purchased 100$ shots of Clase Azul and still tipped him like $10 not once but twice he was so rude and ugly as a person treated us so poorly will never be back I wish I would've got his name but my husband insisted we leave and never come back

I ordered a the guava margarita. It is honestly delicious!!! I couldn't recommend it more. It's definitely on the sweet side but not ridiculously sweet. I ordered a quesadilla with chicken. The guacamole they serve here is without onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños. It's very white washed in that sense. The drink was great. The food was great. Staff was nice for the most part.

Everything was great except for the host in the front who seemed very bored and like he doesn't know how to talk to customers. Domenico, on the other hand, was our server and he was always smiling and checking up on how we were doing. He even bought us dessert because it was my friend's birthday! Loved the food, we had the nachos (9/10) the taco combination plate (9/10) and the red sauce chicken enchiladas (9/10)! the decor of the interior was super cool, very nice vibes overall :)

Best taco Tuesday in town. Immaculate drinks, the absolutely best tacos in town, and some of the most kind and considerate staff ever that always checks in and does the most to make you feel taken care of. Been going here for years and it's always a vibe inside. The decor, art, and tunes are always on point. Also shout out to my bartender Jenna for introducing me to some new mezcal. Very well versed and nailed it on the education.

Made a reservation for an LA meetup with friends. The location is easy to find, the parking however is disgusting. There are few meters and the parking in the surrounding areas are by permit only. Leaving patrons with no other choice but to utilize the $14 valet (literally a lot across the street). There was one waiter, one or two bartenders and one host. Service is efficient, but prepare to wait and practice your awkward hand waves and "check" gestures. The drinks are very yummy and strong. The entrees was comically small but delicious. The salad was awesome. The ambiance is casual and fun. The decor is nice and the noise level is LOUD. All in all, it was a nice experience.

Drinks are good here food not so much. Tacos overcooked and not much flavor. come for drinks food eh. Seems to cater to caucasian palate

Enjoyed the visit! The dishes were flavorful, and the service was kind. One item was a bit overcooked, but everything else was great. Would return and recommend to friends.