El Carmen

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 decorSeating: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.

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!

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!

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!