Carmens De La Calle Cafe

False Advertising

by ConsumerofGood

March 30, 2009

Where do I start? They don't answer their phone. Their voice message says, "no reservations", yet when you walk in with a party of 3, they want to charge you 20% more than is normal. Besides, the $10 cover charge way before 8:30 when it's supposed to be charges.

And we have to get our own plates?

When I go to a restaurant, I want to be served. I don't want to serve myself. I can stay home for that.

With their bad service and bad attitudes, eat someplace else.

• Pros: None that I could see
• Cons: False Advertising

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Local Gem

by griptape138

August 13, 2007

This local gem is set just north of downtown in an older community but the life inside the house-turned-heaven is vibrant. The menu is roughly 15 items, short and sweet. They often have live entertainment, Flamenco, World music, salsa, etc. Dress nice or dress casual, you'll fit right in. Seating is limited in this small home, but that only means its a full house every night.

• Pros: Local flavor, atmosphere
• Cons: parking, seating

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User review by vsalas1313

by vsalas1313

November 05, 2005

I recently went with a friend for the first time and saw a band called Jamaya (?) and it was great. I have never heard of Carmens till tonight but it was worth the cover charge. The environment was great and the band was awesome.

• Pros: live music, different food
• Cons: no waitstaff, no variety in drinks

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Funky and vibrant, this spot doesn't miss a beat.

by Contributor

August 18, 2003

Chef-owner Paula Sullivan hails from Chicago and has blessed San Antonio with a true original. On Thursdays, Carmen's features live jazz and Spanish paella, while Friday nights bring tapas (Spanish-style appetizers) and flamenco dancing with classical guitar.

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Excellent tapas

by brittany1983

May 03, 2003

Carmen's tapas are excellent! I haven't been able to find anywhere else in San Antonio quite as unique as Carmen's. The desserts are great too!

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You've got to try this place!

by kheasley

September 04, 2002

My husband and I were introduced to Carmen's through some friends of ours who had been there before, and it is absolutely wonderful. We now take all our friends there, and everyone loves it. It is an appetizer bar, so if you go hungry be prepared to spend a good amount of money. The two of us can usually get out of there for $50-$75 if we don't go crazy. I recommend eating a light dinner first and then going there, but tables fill up fast, and then there are only barstools or patio tables left. Not so good for large parties; groups of 2-6 probably work best. Flamenco dancing on Friday nights is so exciting; if you only go once you should go then. You must try the mongolian sausage (spicy!) and definitely the sangria.

• Pros: best food & sangria, wonderful atmosphere, flamenco dancing!
• Cons: not a lot of parking, not a lot of seating, little expensive

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