Carlota

- 14A Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

For New Yorkers seeking a vibrant and authentic escape without leaving the city, Carlota offers a taste of Spain right in the heart of the Lower East Side. This charming bar and tapas spot, a "hidden gem" in the neighborhood, injects a modern New York sensibility into the soul of traditional Spanish tapas. It’s the kind of place that feels both trendy and cozy, making it ideal for everything from a sophisticated happy hour to a lively late-night gathering. With its focus on fresh ingredients, a great wine list, and a unique vermouth service, Carlota provides a culinary and social experience that is both memorable and approachable.

Carlota is not just a place for drinks; it's a destination for a full-on Spanish-inspired culinary journey. The menu of small plates and the carefully curated beverage list are designed to be enjoyed together, encouraging a communal and relaxed dining style. Whether you're craving classic tapas like Patatas Bravas or something more unique like the Chorizo Katsu Sando, the menu is filled with delightful surprises. The atmosphere is a key part of the appeal, balancing a casual vibe with a sense of trendiness that draws a diverse and welcoming crowd. This article will guide you through all the essential details about Carlota, from its convenient location to what's truly worth choosing on its enticing menu.

Carlota is perfectly located at 14A Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA. Its position on Orchard Street places it in a dynamic and bustling part of the Lower East Side, just a few steps away from its sister establishment, Bar Belly. This area is known for its rich history and contemporary cool, with an array of bars, boutiques, and galleries. The bar is easily accessible via public transportation, with the F train at East Broadway and the B, D, J, and Z trains at Grand Street all within a short walking distance.

The bar is designed to be welcoming to all. It features a wheelchair accessible restroom, which is an important amenity for guests. The atmosphere is a blend of cozy and trendy, making it a comfortable spot for everyone, from a solo diner to a large group. Carlota is also a pet-friendly establishment, allowing dogs inside and outside, which is a rare and delightful feature for New Yorkers who want to bring their furry friends along. For those who drive, paid street parking is available, though, as is common in this neighborhood, it can be limited. Public transportation is often the easiest option.

Carlota provides a range of services that cater to a variety of dining and social preferences, ensuring a seamless experience for all its patrons.

• Dine-in: The primary service is the full dine-in experience. Guests can enjoy the cozy, vibrant atmosphere and table service, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the Spanish-inspired ambiance.

• Outdoor Seating: For those who enjoy al fresco dining and drinks, Carlota offers outdoor seating. This is a popular option that allows guests to soak in the lively energy of Orchard Street while they enjoy their food and drinks.

• Takeout: While the bar is best experienced in person, the takeout option is available for those who want to enjoy the delicious tapas and other food items at home.

• Accepts Reservations: Carlota accepts reservations, which is particularly useful for planning a dinner or gathering with a group, as the cozy space can get busy. The ability to book a table in advance makes it easier to plan a night out without the stress of a long wait.

• Happy Hour: A major highlight of Carlota’s services is its happy hour, which includes "top notch appetizers" and drink specials. This service provides an excellent opportunity to sample a variety of menu items at an affordable price and is a popular time for locals to stop by.

Carlota stands out from other bars in the city with its unique offerings and distinct atmosphere.

• Authentic Vermouth Service: A standout feature is the extensive and unique Vermouth Service. The menu includes a variety of options, such as Byrrh Grand Quinquina and Cocchi Americano. According to a customer review, the vermouth on the happy hour menu is the "best one I've ever had," showcasing the bar's commitment to offering a high-quality, authentic experience.

• Great Cocktails and Wine List: Beyond vermouth, Carlota is known for its "great cocktails" and an impressive wine list. The cocktails, like the Pedro Espresso and Bloody Maria, are creative and flavorful. The wine list includes a wide selection of Spanish Cava, red, and orange wines, making it a great spot for wine enthusiasts to discover something new.

• Delicious and Authentic Tapas: The food at Carlota is a major highlight. The menu focuses on small plates that are "so delicious." Classic tapas like Jamon Serrano Croquettes and Patatas Bravas are staples, and the bar also offers unique specials like the duck croquetas, which a reviewer highly recommends. The food is perfect for sharing and complements the drink menu beautifully.

• Cozy, Trendy, and Welcoming Atmosphere: The ambiance at Carlota is a perfect blend of casual and trendy. It's a "cozy space" that can get "really loud" as the night progresses, reflecting its popularity. It's described as a "hidden gem" with a welcoming crowd that includes locals, groups, and is a designated LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace, making it a truly inclusive spot for everyone.

• Dog-Friendly: A unique and much-appreciated feature is that the bar allows dogs, both on the patio and inside. This makes Carlota a top choice for pet owners who want to enjoy a night out without leaving their companions at home.

For reservations, inquiries, or to get a table, you can reach out to Carlota using the following details:

Address: 14A Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Phone: (332) 275-0656

When you visit Carlota, the value is not just in a single dish or drink, but in the entire experience of a Spanish-inspired night out. For a truly memorable experience, you should definitely plan your visit around the happy hour. With special deals on drinks and food, it’s an unbeatable way to sample their offerings. The $1 oysters and other "top notch appetizers" mentioned in reviews are a clear highlight and a great way to start your evening.

For drinks, a dive into the Vermouth Service is a must. It's a signature part of the Carlota experience and something that sets it apart from other bars in the city. The carefully selected vermouths provide a unique and flavorful aperitif. The great cocktails, like the Pedro Espresso, are also well-worth a try. On the food side, be sure to order some of the tapas. Reviewers rave about the Gambas Al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) and the Chorizo Katsu Sando. And if they have the duck croquetas on special, consider it a non-negotiable order. For dessert, the Basque cheesecake is a creamy, mind-blowingly delicious ending to the meal.

What is most worth choosing at Carlota is the ambiance and hospitality. The friendly and attentive servers make the experience a joy, and the cozy, lively space provides the perfect backdrop for a date or a night out with friends. It's a place where you can relax, try something new, and feel completely at home. For any New Yorker looking for a fresh take on a bar and tapas experience, Carlota is a top choice that delivers on all fronts.

Carlota

14A Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA