El Carmen

Parking: Valet, Street Parking Difficult, Metered, Nearby
High Energy, Bar Scene, Singles 21+ Wheelchair Accessible

So you like tequila? El Carmen is your new favorite bar. Tequila shots (more than 300 kinds of tequila to choose from),  creative margaritas and michelada (beer with lime juice and salt) are the rule at this destination, which boasts a long bar, a banquette with tight table and coveted black booths in back (diners only). 

Of course, you can also get your Jack & Coke or Gin & Tonic here, but why not try an upmarket tequila instead? Drink enough Trago, and you'll be reaching for the Mexican wrestling masks above your head (or just hitting on an average-looking guy or gal you normally wouldn't even look at).

Although the bar used to be more popular years ago, there is still a great happy hour scene here. And for singles, a lively pick-up scene takes place every Friday. Best pickup line heard here? "Let's go watch some Lucha Libre DVDs at my house." Tacos, flautas and small plates are available if you get hungry after flirting with the waitstaff. Casablanca ceiling fans, vintage Mexican wrestler masks peering down from the skylight, pressed-tin ceilings and dark moody lighting make this a 3rd Street-Miracle Mile classic.

Know something we don't? UPDATE LISTING