El Carmen

  4.6 – 509 reviews   • Restaurant

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El Carmen is known for its vast tequila and mezcal collection, with over 300 labels from 175+ producers. Its iconic 1927 neon sign marks the entrance to this lively 3rd Street bar. Step through the thick red curtain, and you’re transported to an intimate, dreamlike Mexico that never was. Beneath a mosaic-barreled ceiling, guests enjoy tacos, elote, and nachos, paired with award-winning margaritas and expertly crafted cocktails. A go-to spot for locals, first dates, friends, and celebrations, El Carmen is more than a bar—it’s an experience.

This colorful cantina with a whimsical vibe offers a varied menu of Mexican eats & tequilas.

✔️Breakfast ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in El Carmen 90048

Hours

Friday5 PM–2 AM
Saturday6 PM–2 AM
Sunday6 PM–2 AM
Monday5 PM–2 AM
Tuesday5 PM–2 AM
Wednesday5 PM–2 AM
Thursday5 PM–2 AM

Address and Contact Information

Address: 8138 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Phone: (323) 852-1552

Website: https://www.elcarmenla.com/

Menu Photos

elcarmenla.com

Photo Gallery

Related Web Results

El Carmen: Home

El Carmen. 8138 W. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA, 90048 · Tequila & taco bar. (323) 852-1552. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday: Open 5pm. Close 2am.

El CARMEN (@elcarmenla) • Instagram photos and videos

️ Oct 31 – Nov 2 ️ Celebrate Día de Muertos at @elcarmenla with amazing drinks crafted by some of the best bartenders in LA ✨ Enjoy delicious food, …

RESERVATIONS – El Carmen

For large parties, please call or email us. Asset 1_3x_edited_edited_edited.png. 323 852 1552 · 8138 W 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048.

Reviews

Giorgia Consuelo
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.
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Vanessa Jane
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
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Robert Jackson
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!
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blankechos
Always Excellent drinks & service. Also my favorite nachos in the city, love El Carmen
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Jeff Cruz
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.
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Kitsune Chen
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.
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El Pinga loca !
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.
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Maurice Perkins
A very enjoyable late night spot . The late night happy hour is a fun experience. Lots of drinks and tacos!
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Jennifer Hicks
I love tacos but this was something different. The tacos here are AMAZING

There was so much meat on the tacos and feel like that is not that often. It was delicious

My favorites were the shrimp & beef tacos

Chips and guacamole was also delicious & the staff was super friendly

The margaritas was good too! The OG was the best in my opinion
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amy co
THE BEST street tacos! All varieties a must try! Way too loud in the restaurant. But food was so good, giving them a pass on that. Also had great salsa and flavorful guacamole!
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