Al Carbon

This restaurant and the building it was in no longer exists.

This is a gem of restaurant that we stumbled upon while walking from Mears Marina into town.  It's not listed in any of our brochures or cruising guide books.  We were headed to Schooners but after hearing the loud, rock/country music blaring across the water from Schooners, we decided to try Al Carbon.  They were kind enough to allow us to bring our dog who slept under the outdoor linen-covered table on their big front porch while we ate.  Lovely Spanish guitar music played on the speakers and we enjoyed the chirping of baby bird in the front bushes.

Service was attentive and excellent.

And now the food.  It's a mix of Spanish, Venezuelan, Bolivian, Salvadoran, Mexican, and probably a few other influences.  The menu has a traditional tex mex section of tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, etc.  Plus spanish tapas, empanadas, arepas, soft cooked beef and pork dishes, and seafood of course (paellas, etc).  

They had a surprisingly large number of vegetarian dishes on the menu as well.  Thank you!!!  It's so nice to actually have a choice instead of just salad.

They serve a nice selection of mexican beers and wines from Spain, Argentina, etc.  

So, go for the romantic atmosphere.  Go for the upscale service.  Go for the food.  And even though it's a foodie place, you're fine in shorts and a tshirt.  This is the Eastern Shore after all.

This is a great place to to take a break from all the seafood restaurants and enjoy quality Tex-Mex and tapas style dishes.  The place offer both indoor (AC) and outdoor dinning and is good for both couples and families with young children.