Black velvet paintings and more than 300 kinds of tequila--but you don't need a passport to get into this bar.

The Scene
If "Twin Peaks" director David Lynch designed a south-of-the-border bar, this is what it would be like. Mounted bull heads watch over tequila drinkers, while black velvet paintings of Mexican wrestlers survey the room. The theme carries over to the wrestler masks hanging from the ceiling and the Pulp-style art covering the walls. The surreal mood is locked in when the jukebox jams its fourth Michael Jackson song in the last hour and no one even notices.

The Draw
The kitsch factor draws its share of hipsters, but El Carmen also gets its fair share of the sleek and chic who come for the tequila, baby. There are more than 300 varieties to choose from; the sampler platter offers a sip or two of several different types. Or try a Mexjito, a delicious, tequila-based take on the mojito.

Crowded - yes
Trendy - yes
Romantic - no
Good for after work - yes
Good dancing - no
Good social scene - yes
Good happy hour - no

Hours
Mon-Fri 5pm-2am
Sat-Sun 7pm-3am

source: Shivon V. Tuoni
for http://losangeles.citysearch.com