Carmens De La Calle Cafe

Just a word of warning: only open thursday-saturday starting at 6 PM. After 8 PM expect a $10 cover to see flamenco (possibly even on world culture night) and it appears that empanadas can be purchased by the dozen but are not sold individually at the restaurant. Not impressed but has a cool look about the place.

What a fun night out! My girl friend invited me out to Carmen's for what we expected to be Jazz night. It turned out to be World Music night instead, but the band was fantastic. The food delicious and the sangria was perfect!

We weren't aware that you can order a carafe and ordered a pitcher by accident. Maybe that helped sway my opinion of the place, but I think I'd love it just as much without the sangria influence. I had the bruschetta and my friend ordered the salmon flatbread pizza along with the baked mango and brie. Everything was so yummy!

I also loved that everyone is packed in a bit at the tables, so by the end of the night, you're friends with your neighbors and you're all dancing to the beat of the music.

The one thing keeping me from awarding five stars is the bathroom. It's hard to hang out at a bar with only one women's and one men's restroom. With all of that sangria flowing, at least 2 stalls each would have been lovely. I waited for 15 minutes for the restroom, which in turn had me missing out on the fun conversations being had back at our table with new friends.

Some of my best experiences in San Antonio have been at Carmen's. What makes this restaurant unique is it's non-pretentious and non-commercial feel. It is an old house turned into a cafe with a small stage for performances which are only feet from your table. Carmen's has the best sangria in town (period). The tapas are truly authentic, original, and VERY delicious. Pick three and share with a friend. The entertainment whether live flamenco or tango musicians is truly amazing. This place is a treat for the eyes, the ears, and the palate. A must DO!!