09/30/09

Wonderful place

by Peter Tveskov

We recently lived in Boston for four years and for whatever reason always found Carmen's closed as we cruised the North End for food adventures. Having left Boston and returned for a visit, we walked in late one afternoon and was seated immediately, being politely warned that our table was reserved for someone else a reasonably period later.

Had a great and exceptional meal and wonderful service.

Have since been back several times when visiting Boston - with reservations that were honored - and our first reaction was only reinforced.

Hope they keep it up!

Thank you all whoever the three blond ladies who took care of us were, as well as the chefs in the very cramped kitchen are.

• Pros: Excellent food and service
• Cons: Small and crowded. No big deal

11/22/08

Absolutely Horrible Hostess

by NorthEresident

My bf and I had planned to go to Carmen for dinner and he made reservations early in the week for Friday night. We arrived on time and gave the hostess our name. She then told us 1 second and proceeded to call someone, lost the call and called the person back. In the meantime, 2 other people came into the restaurant. She immediately said hello to them and said just a moment. We had now been at the door for about 7 min. She then told them "right this way." To which I responded, "I don't understand?" The couple responded, "Oh we have a 8:00 reservation." To which my bf said, "we do too." They responded "oh gosh, this doesn't make sense." The hostess had already walked away and led them to what we thought was our table. We then asked if we could just sit at the bar. She told us that she had "just spoken on the phone with someone who would like to sit there." (You mean the people who called AFTER we were in the restaurant for 10 minutes? AFTER we made a reservation 3 days ago?!) She took us to our table which was on the other side of the curtain blocking the door. Anytime the door opened it was absolutely freezing. We had been sitting for a moment when another table opened up in the back. We asked the hostess if we could move, she walked away, turned around quickly and said "thats being reserved." The couple JUST LEFT! I then said " do we need to specify in the future where we want to sit when making a reservation?" To which she responded, "Its a small restaurant." (No kidding! Its super romantic thats why we had come. There are now 3 OPEN tables!) She then said, "we have a lot of regulars that we cater to." I said, "Oh, so what about the new people that come to Carmen? Tough luck?" She then looked at me, smirked and said ENJOY YOUR DINNER. We left. In the tough economic times its people like this that will ruin a business. Why would I spend my money at a place where I'm treated as a 2nd class diner bc the hostess didn't like me? Horrible!

• Pros: Looks nice from the Outside...
• Cons: Worst hostess experience in the city... Went to MARE and it was absolutely fabulous!

10/10/08

such a wonderful time!

by julesmonroe

I have never written a review before .... but let me tell you what a great experience! came in last night for diner, we were told our table would be ready in a few minutes, not a big deal.. we were offered seats at the bar and and a glass of wine while we waited for our table. the bartender/hostess was very attentive! actually we ended up eating at the bar, what fabulous seats... our meals where incredible! The scallops were to die for! perfect sized portions! and our service was spectacular! we will be back to dine at the bar on thursdays from now on!

• Pros: Sit at the small wine bar it is delightful!
• Cons: go open minded.. very small place but worth it