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.
Review Source: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!!
Review Source:Looking for an out of the ordinary and romantic place to take a date? Carmens De La Calle is the place for you. Thursday-Saturday she has live entertainment from Jazz to Flamenco to Indie Rock. There is a variety of tapas to choose from and all are wonderful. I will say don't come starving to death because, you will end up spending an arm and a leg on tapas. Â The sangria is tasty and I recommend getting a carafe to get a better bang for your buck. Â The atmosphere is nice and cozy, but be sure to get there at least one hour before the show to get a table. Â You will definitely impress a date and score some big points for originality! I love this establishment and have been coming here for about 8 years.
Review Source:Welcome to SA's best kept secret. Â Delicious hand-prepped Tapas, and Flamenco shows on Fridays, and some Saturdays. Â
You have to go to experience this. Â
Some items from the menu
Prosciutto wrapped Dates
Paella
Stuffed Portabella
Savory Baked Empanadas
Halibut Tacos with Poblano Sauce
Then there's the dancers...
Tall, flowing, graceful and dripping sexuality on a more than subtle level.
The Cante...Amazing
The guitars....
Indelible
The atmosphere....Magic.
Do go, and tell'em Vanushka sent ya!
This place is an excellent place to see Flamenco Dancing at its finest. I have had the privilege to meet and Teye and Belen, they are one of the most intense, pasionate couple I have ever seen. This make the Flamenco dancing even more onjoyable. This place is known for the best Sangrias around and the Paella is out of this world. I recommend this place for a great evening.
Review Source:I am very happy we found this place. First time going and will not be the last time. Â From the generous sized tapas to the Sangria that everyone raved about...which by the way lived up to the hype... this place has it all. Flamenco dancer and musicians were excellent and entertaining. Yes, the space is small, so I recommend getting there early but well worth it. I give it a 5 jalapeno rating, no less
Review Source:Of all the interesting places in town to go, Carmens is one of my all-time faves for a Friday or Saturday night. They have live flamenco and jazz regularly and the setting is uber intimate. I'm talking soft lighting, candles on each table and sensual flamenco dancers with deep red lipstick moving those hips like there's no tomorrow. Come ready to enjoy THE BEST sangria in all of SA as you lose yourself in their soulful performances.
Be sure to get here at least an hour before show time if you want good seats. If you show up late, you WILL be standing b/c the seating is VERY limited. The owner is awesome and the few times we've spoken she has been down-to-earth and appreciative of my business. Be sure to bring cash too b/c they do have a cover charge when there's live performers which averages about $10 a show.
The tapas here are pretty tasty as well but this is one of the FEW places where the food is secondary in my book. If you're not ravenous but would like to try something though, I'd recommend either the paella which has some robust flavors or perhaps the empanadas. I recall the Chipotle Chicken empanada specifically being quite tasty.
Fellas, this place has the potential to get your girl in a sexy mood so play your cards right by bringing her here and feel free to take all the credit. Just don't forget to thank me for making you seem like the cultured fellow she thinks you are afterwards. ;)
Carmens was so much fun! The atmosphere is sexy and cool. The music and dancing were very entertaining and the sangria was not only delicious, but hella strong!
I gave it four stars only because I didnt try any food, though others in my party did, and they said it was delicious. Be sure to get there early if you have a larger group as seating is limited.
Just moved to San Antonio and went here for Valentine's day with my gal. We had spectacular sangria, terrific food, and were treated to some great music.  I especially loved the spinach stuffed pastry, and I don't like cooked spinach.  Some couples were dancing, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.  Service was very attentive, and the owner came out to thank everyone personally.  It's a small place, but that keeps it very personal and cozy, we will definitely  be back often.
Review Source:Carmens and I began our affair a few years ago when she seduced me with her intoxicating flamenco night. The sexy music, the sultry atmosphere, the sweet sangria... I was hooked from the start.
But, for some reason, I stop seeing her for a while. Stop visiting for late-night rendezvous involving fantastic music, eclectic people-watching and delicious drinks. I recently made it back to the neighborhood and I have to admit, I can't remember why she and I broke up in the first place.
If you're looking for a place to fall in love, you've found it. Give Carmens a few hours of your time with the one your heart desires and you'll both be hooked. This is one of the more romantic spots in town, in my opinion, but don't worry - Carmens can hold her own when you're just looking to party as well. One of my favorite hangouts in San Antonio!
This place has a certain allure that I like, partly because you don't find too many spots like this in San Antonio. Â At least not yet. Â It is small and intimate with a colorful vibe. Â I like the fact that they bring in a variety of groups and don't just stick to flamenco. And each show I've seen has been quality.
When it comes to the food I'm not too impressed. Â I wouldn't come here with the intention of getting a great meal. Â I do understand it's a tapas bar and I have done many tapas places, but I think it's a tad bit overpriced for what you get and the quality is lacking. Â I come here for the entertainment, a drink, and the vibe.
I haven't had enough sangria in SA to say whether this is the best or not. Â But I do think it is good and is usually what I will drink when there. Â I like this place for a charming and enchanting night.
My first one star review, but also my first time eating at two places for dinner. Three of us shared 4 tapas, the thought was that if we need more plates, we can always order more. What it really boiled down to is neither quality nor quantity was worth the price.
We paid $55 for: 4 shrimps, 7-8 small pieces of chorizo + ~10 green olives, 7-8 dates wrapped in bacon + ~10 green olives, 2 chicken empanadas (~2 " diameter semicircles), 2 cokes, and 1 sangria. This isn't a lot of food for the price, even for a tapas bar. I've had cheaper and better tapas in Barcelona ~€3/plate, and you get more food.
I can let the quantity slide (-1 star), but the quality isn't there either. The chorizo's texture was equivalent to that of a raw cow hide, almost inedible and definitely making your mandibles work for the money (-1 star). The dates wrapped in bacon and garlic shrimp I could've made myself. . The Sangria was terrible. I expected deep dark red wine with real fruits floating in the drink, what I got was a watered down pink alcoholic punch (-1 star). The empanadas were the highlight of the night and the only dish that I wanted more of. (+1 star)
I can't make up my mind about the ambiance, it's kind of cool and eccentric possibly date worthy, but it has a hint of ghetto-ness to it. Like the wooden chairs on the patio had splinters and my friend was stung by mosquitoes/bugs at least three times, probably due to the various standing water sources from fountains. The best adj. for it is "meh.." (-1 star)
Still feeling hungry after the meal, we walked over to King's Court Frankfurter Express and shared a ft long Cincinnati and sides $9 (-1 star for Carmen, +1 star for King's).
Mix together a dollop of eccentricities, 2 cups - house-made sangria, a spoonful of tasty tapas and you get the "sabor" that is Carmen's De La Calle.
We went to see a funky quintet play on a Saturday night and Carmen's rocked my socks and left me yearning for more. Â The music produced by those 5 skillful players was tantalizing (totally worth the $10 cover) and every seat in the house had a good view. The highlight of the night though goes to the crab bake we ordered from their tapas-only menu. Â It was enough of a light snack for 2 and you wouldn't believe how declicious every bite was...seriously, each one. Â The crab was fresh, chunky, and there was a hint of sweetness from the coconut milk that balanced it all out to create the perfect flavor. Â I would go there for that alone. Â - A sidenote, they only serve beer, wine and are known for their sangria; which has the right balance of juice and wine. Â
It's located off the St. Mary's strip but the prices aren't similar to what you'd find in the surrounding bars so that's the only reason they don't get 5 stars.
This place is the perfect spot for a romantic night, in my opinion. Â And if you're looking for a little flavor, they have regular Flamenco shows on Friday's that I will definitely be going back to watch.
For years all my jazz cats have been jiving about this funky lady called Carmen of the street. She's good, they say, she'll treat you all right all night. One day I decided to see her and pay her some mind. I rolled up to her, she was standing just off of St. Mary's, by the looks of her I could tell she'd been around the block a few times and was ready to take me half-way around the world. Five dollars, she yelled to me. Five dollars? Now sweetie, what's five dollars going to do for me? She opened her doors and took me in and revealed a mystery so enchanting that my eyes near popped out my head.
I swear I saw Gypsy flamenco dancers clattering away on castanets enticing my passions for tapas and wine. I was no longer in San Antonio, but some how in a tablao in Andalucia. A table was found, tapas were ordered, wine was happily drunk. If it were jazz playing that night then Carmen would have transported me to beatnik joint in the East Village. Carmen, my wonderful lady of the street.
Fair warning, don't come here hungry, tapas are not dinner but simply snacks served with drink. This tapas is top notch. If you were to go to Spain, they'd open a bag of Lays potato chips and call that tapas. There is often a cover and often two shows, an early show and a late show, if you paid for the first show and stay for the second, they will ask you to pay again. I'm not really down with that, but it shows they pay their entertainment fairly, and you will see a top notch jazz or flamenco show. Carmen's is old school classy entertainment, aside from reminding me of a East Village beatnik club, or Andalusian tablao, it also made me think of those flashy times of the late 1950s to mid 60s Mad Men era, when a night on the town was met with top-notch entertainment and an experience that had you feeling sort of worldly. The feeling here is intimate, so be opened minded because you'll get to know those sitting around you pretty well if you do. If you bring a big group (8 or more) call ahead and make reservations. And this is the best place to take a date out to. Prepare to spend some money, after all you have to treat a lady right, and you may have to park a football field away since parking is on street.
I was disappointed by this place. I was told that the sangria here is the best in town but frankly, I think it sucked. Its possible that maybe this was a bad sangria night but if Olive Garden sangria is way tastier then you know there's problem.
I had the salmon and that was surprisingly tasty. The live entertainment was good. Maybe I'll give this place another shot one day but for now I'm stil miffed about the sangria
The food was just meh. 3 of us shared about 4 different tapas...all edible, but not amazing and certainly overpriced. I agree that their sangria was not very good...entirely too sweet for my palate. More wine, less sugar please!
The atmosphere, on the other hand, was lovely. I like the quaint, dark, romantic vibe...I loved all of the red decor and paint, really adds intimacy.
Great young jazz band playing, too.
Carmens could be 1 million times better if they fixed thier tapas menu, quality of them - for the over price and the SERVICE (the only waiter which we have had - is always kindof annoyed, not very service oriented palce at all) and they are no cheap. Â The only good thing about it is the music, everytime we go- it is only because of who is playing that night- and when we want some food, they are almost always sold out of everything on the menu by 9PM. Â The atmosphere is also nice and cozy, but it is just a shame that the "tapas" are not anything special, are not really spanish influenced, and are really over priced for the quality, quantity, and service.
Review Source:I love Carmen's. Â I am so lucky that I live around the corner. Â The St Mary's strip is a hopping place. Â It's home to the Candlelight, King's Court Frankfurter Express, Tycoon Flats, the G.I.G, Salut, the Lava Lounge, the White Rabbit and all kinds of one of a kind boutiques. Â You would never even know that the strip was there unless it was as Friday or Saturday night when things get poppin.' Â
A newbie to the neighborhood, I began to notice things like El Miagrito and Demo's, but I was completely taken aback by Carmens de la Calle. Â
I've always wanted to go to a juke joint. Â This is the closest I've ever gotten to one. Â No, there's no smoking and no illegal gambling, but there's an essence, a vibe that is uniquely it's own. Â It feels like my own secret hideaway. Â
The diverse group of people, decor, the shows always awaken my imagination. Â I can see flamenco dancers from all over the country. Â I can drink all of the wine I want and I have have scrumptious food (albeit for a price). Â The tapas can get pricey. Â I can easily spend $50 per person with wine.
What did I have to eat? Â It doesn't matter, the menu's always changing and it's all good. Â Have some wine or beer. Â Chillax on the hard liquor. Â Enjoy the jazz or flamenco (espeically the flamenco), or world music and support someone who was persistent enough to have a vision and stick to it.
In the vein of Ram Das, I invite you to
EAT HERE NOW
At Carmens, life is good! I wish me and my five best friends lived within walking distance of Carmens...I'd be living my "Friends" fantasy and Carmens would be our "Central Perk". This comfy tapas spot is the perfect setting for gabbing and grazing.
My friends and I wanted to try Carmens on a Thursday so we could enjoy some live jazz. While trying to find street parking, my first thought was that "De La Calle" was a very appropriate name for this tapas bar nestled in a residential area. Due to torrential downpours that evening, I bolted into Carmen's and didn't notice much about the exterior except that they had a nice-sized patio seating area. We sat, I ordered a dirty martini and...GASP!!!...much to my dismay they did not serve liquor drinks. Not to worry, they do serve many nice wines, a signature sangria, as well as beer. I quite enjoyed the Cabernet recommended by the bartender. (Gunther in my Friends fantasy)
Warmly painted walls, scattered lamps and hung lighting create a cozy red hue throughout this small, single room bar. The fabric throws over each chair create a Moroccan feel that adds to the overall comfort of the room.
The menu, which changes daily, is written on a chalkboard at the edge of the bar. We ordered our tapas through the bartender and were served in under 10 minutes. My favorites included the Shrimp & Garlic, European Meat & Cheese Plate and Italian Bruschetta which could all be aptly described as sexy and tasty. I could eat their prosciutto wrapped dates all day long! (my mouth is currently watering)
The large area rug over the rustic wood floors created a stage for the live jazz band. The music was as smooth as the Cabernet I was sipping. I definitely plan on returning to Carmens for Friday Flamenco and Saturday World Music!
Had an amazing time here over the weekend.
Arrived just after 7 and had plenty of time to order drinks and food before the show started. (Seats fill up fast and menu items are removed form the board as the evening wears on, so if something catches your eye, order before it's gone)
The show was great - a guitarist, percussionist and 2 flamenco dancers. The performers were interesting, personable (even made me get up and dance with them since it was my birthday) and seemed to be having as much fun as those of us watching.
The food was good and the sangria was great as well. I would highly recommend this place.
The best place in San Antonio to be entertained and to eat well. Â This place feels like it shouldn't be in San Antonio, in fact. Â I know, I know, I'm hard on San Antonio, but this place deserves a populace more appreciative of what this place does for the community.
If you want to talk over drinks and tapas, you will have the opportunity during performance breaks. Â But really, you come to Carmen's for the show and the food.
The tapas are great--the sangria and wine selections perfectly paired. Â It feels like an authentic Spanish Flamenco Bar. Â When you're ordering your food, things can get a little crazy when the place gets packed--just make sure you have enough libation because the food could take a while--but all's good because your attention will be diverted from your stomach to the incredible performances put on here. Â
I wish I could pull the place up by the foundation and move it to Austin. Â It kills me that my wife and I can't walk there anymore...
This place, in spite of the fact that you won't be able to talk much, is VERY ROMANTIC. Â Come here when the first dates have passed and things are getting routine--Carmen's will definitely spice things up! Â Go to the flamenco show!!!!!
Great atmosphere, good food.
I was afraid the tapas were going to be bland, meat-based affairs like I once had at a "Spanish Flamenco bar", but I was pleasantly surprised.... My party shared 4 dishes from the list of offerings (which changes). All were good; 2 were delicious. There was a jazz band the night we went (a Thursday). It was a bit hard to chat while the band was on, but the vibe was great. Highly recommend if you want to experience something a little different...perhaps more "European" than San Antonio's usual fare. The music started at 8:30 and I think he said the kitchen closes around 10.
Went to Carmen's last night with some friends, it was jazz night. Great local place to hang and soak up the atmosphere & vibes. Â Place is small and intimate somewhat eclectic decor. The menu and entertainment changes nightly, food is primarily tapas.
We got the Shrimp & garlic, Crab & shrimp casserole and this melted cheese dish (sort of like Greek saganaki) with soft tortillas. Liked the the casserole the most, it was similar to crab cake with great flavor and texture. Spread it on the tostadas, very tasty. Shrimp & garlic is a regular on their menu, good though wasn't extraordinary. Would rate the cheese dish ahead of the shrimps and I'm not typically a fan of cheese - could be worth another star if they had lit it up like saginaki :).
As mentioned in the other reviews there is a $5 cover ($10 on Sat.). Food was reasonably priced, but can add up with multiple dishes and drinks. They do have a Dinner, Dessert & Jazz Special on Thursdays for $14.95 pp, would be worth a try. Website says 'Mention "Don Jose sent me" at the door'.
Awesometown - Population: Carmen. Â It's so great to find a San Antonio spot that doesn't feel like it's trying to be one (so long as it doesn't get 'Taco Taco' carried away by appearing on the Food Network). Â But so what if it does; it will still be great. Â
The live music is fun and the atmosphere is even better. Â While I prefer the Jazz performances, the Flamenco groups always spice up the night. Â If you're not from San Antonio and you want a good Latin experience, a Friday or Saturday night here will beat anything you might find on the Riverwalk. Â
Just about everything on the menu makes for a good snack and goes well with sangria or a wine of your choice. Â If you're kind enough to overlook my relative inexperience regarding sangria, then I will go so far as to say that Carmen's signature beverage is really good. Â But you should try it for yourself. Â You won't need much...
While there is a cover charge (and I do loathe cover charges), this is money well spent. Â For a fun, romantic evening Carmen's de la Calle Cafe is at the top of my San Antonio list. Â
Check out their website for additional information.
If you're looking for something unique and different, Carmen's will not disappoint. Â Of course, you do have to pass the BBQ Jerk Chicken smoker of the place next door ... and believe you me, that was hard to do! Â (Mental note that I need to go back and try it. Â It smelled like heaven!) Â
I went on a Friday night that had Flamenco dancing. Â I ordered a glass of sangria (yummy!) and grabbed a table. Â There was a $5 cover charge. Â The room is painted a rich red color and the whole feel of the place was romantic and fun. Â The owner and the staff were very friendly and happily explained the menu and set up to me. Â I really enjoyed the Moroccan sausage with fig. Â
The dancing was incredible! Â I meant to stay for only one set but ended up staying for all three. Â Great for a date, anniversary or just a fun time out with friends or out of town guests. Â I love supporting local business owners, especially ones with such flair!
Carmen's is a hidden gem in the North St. Mary's neighborhood, just off Highway 281. It's a tapas bar and live music/performance venue. They are only open three nights out of the week (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) and they charge a $5/person cover, but the entertainment makes it worth every penny. We've seen Teye and Belen, the Flamenco dancer and guitar player twice now and they are very impressive!
I love the international feel of this place and the diversity of it's patrons. It's not something you find every day in San Antonio and in my opinion makes Carmen's something of an enigma.
Get there early to secure a seat and start getting your orders in for tapas before the place gets too busy. By the time the performers' second set starts, it seems to be standing room only.
The menu (all tapas) is eclectic and delicious and changes weekly. Be sure and have the sangria!
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