El Carmen

El Carmen is known for its vast collection of Tequilas and Mezcals, carrying over 300 labels from over 175 producers. The original 1927 neon sign distinguishes the exterior of a bustling 3rd St. Step through the thick red curtain, and you feel as if you had walked into an intimate bar in Mexico that never existed. But El Carmen is more than just ambiance. Under an intricately mosaic-barreled ceiling, guests nosh on tacos, elote, and nachos. The margaritas flow, and the specialty cocktails offer a balance of mezcal and tequila concoctions that include award-winning margaritas. El Carmen is a destination for locals, first dates, new friends, old friends, and celebrations. Established in 1994. El Carmen was first opened in 1927 by Encarnacion Elias Gomez and was passed through the family for generations until she sold in 1994 to Sean. MacPherson. Growing up, Sean spent the summers with his grandmother in Guadalajara working at her school for blind girls. Sean's connection to his heritage, the history of El Carmen, with an elusive story, was a perfect match. El Carmen holds the one common denominator among MacPherson's restaurants & bars by evoking a sense of place and connection. El Carmen will celebrate 26 years May 6 2023.