Carmens De La Calle — Restaurant in San Antonio

We've been going to Carmen's since we moved to San Antonio in 2001. Back then it was located off St. Mary's on Mulberry. Paula moved to this location on North Flores a couple of years ago to try to pick up a little more tourist trade. Two things on offer here - really good food with reasonable size portions, and excellent music. Open Thursdays-Saturday nights and for Sunday brunch. Friday nights are usually Flamenco, with both local and national acts. A really good group from Austin, Flamencura, the Cuban guitar player is one of the best you'll ever hear. The food is small plates - if you're a big fan of all-you-can-eat portions, this is not the place for you. For my money, it's the best food in town. The cover runs from $10-$20 per person if you want to hear the music / dancing, but it's not required - shows usually start at 8:30, so if you go after 6 you can eat and leave before it starts. The menu has staples but changes depending on what's fresh - the empanadas are especially good, and I won't leave without having the ha-cha-cha brownie (spicy with a scope of ice cream). This place is unique - not a chain, found only in San Antonio and...

My experience wasn't horrible, but it wasn't good either. Came on a Saturday night about 10:15. They were supposed to close at 12 & had a jazz band. Upon arrival I was told I needed to order my food immediately & that the band would be quitting at 11. The owner told me since it was the last hour of the band, I would only be charged $10 vs $40. I wished she had tried to of charged me $40 so I could have left immediately. Ordered the meat & cheese plate (that was ok), the brussel sprouts (that was amazing), & this jambalaya seafood dish (flavor was good but the seafood was very overcooked & chewy - bummer). At 10:30 the band said they were going to take a 2 minute break, and my Mom & I waited, but instead didn't come back till 10:50 & then offered to play "1 more song". During that time the staff kept trying to rush us & get us out of there. By the time the band tried to "grace us with their presence", I was completely over it. We left Completely Disappointed. If you're looking for jazz & good food, I instead Entirely Recommend "Jazz TX"! Have always had amazing service, food, drinks, &...

We loved Carmen's when they were on Mistletoe, but Friday, Nov 22, 2019 was our first visit to their new location on N Flores. We took our 21 year old granddaughter and her 22 year old fiance. We were SO LUCKY that there was a four-top that wasn't reserved. The venue is very small so there are no bad seats. We arrived early so that we could order a table full of tapas before starting on the Sangria. The tapas were really good. We had savory empenadas, mahi-mahi fish tacos, queso fondido and potatoes with cheese. Every thing was good, and the house made Sangria is GREAT! Service was just right, even when the house filled up. Two things we will do differently next time:. 1) we will reserve a table online before we go, and 2) park on the street just outside. A bit pricey (about $50 a person including cover charge and $20 parking due to our ignorance). We will be going back, and want to catch jazz Thursday...