El Carmen El Carmen

El Carmen

8138 W. Third St. (La Jolla Ave.)
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-852-1552
Map
Cuisine: Mexican / Bar
A blood-red hipster hangout: drinks are first, food is secondary; the twist is that the Mexican fare here is actually better than average.
Openings: Dinner nightly

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El Carmen, Los Angeles, CA


El Carmen Restaurant Review:


This Tijuana-inspired tequila and taco bar is a longtime favorite among the L.A. hip. Decorated with deep-red walls, dark woods, colorful (though dim) lanterns and traditional Mexican wrestling masks, the atmosphere is definitely unique, oddly festive and certainly well-suited to the cadre of starlets and black-clad screenwriters who frequent the place. While El Carmen may be known for its almost comically long list of tequila offerings (more than 300), some revelers have returned for the shrimp and sole ceviche with lime and cucumber or the sweet corn tamales smothered in black beans. Tacos are surprisingly decent, as are nachos topped with fresh guacamole. Those looking for dessert can choose between apple fritters and churros. But make no mistake --- the menu is clearly meant to accompany the drinks, and not vice versa.