Buena Vida

3.9 (616 reviews)

ModerateMexican

Open • 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

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Buena Vida - Butternut Squash Taco - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Buena Vida - Interior - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Buena Vida - Lamb Barbacoa Taco - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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BUENA VIDA ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Casual

Trendy

Good for groups

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Lea G.

My sister and I are visiting this area. We came in late and they were finishing up for the night. We were seated and served. They were very nice and we enjoyed the experience a lot. The food was amazing. My sister got some chicken enchiladas that had an amazing sauce and she loved them. I got the Carne Asada plate. It was so good. The meat was cooked perfectly. All the accompaniments were delicious. I especially enjoyed the tortillas and the salsa. I really liked this place a lot and wish I could come back and visit again and try some other of their delicious food. Our waiter was excellent. I highly recommend this place. did I mention the drinks were epic!

Victoria M.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]My party was located on the top floor. It's a pretty cool spot. It's very open and it looks like there's also potentially like a roof opening in the summer.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I was there in the cooler months. It was a super busy night, but it only took a few minutes to be able to grab the bartenders attention and order a drink. The bartender is super friendly and I was able to ask him a few questions about the menu. I didn't order any food, but the menu did look like it offered a lot of different options that catered to a lot of different food needs. I ended up ordering one of the spritzes and then later had a margarita. Both were pretty good, pretty standard of what you would expect. I wouldn't say that either were exceptional, but they were decent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall I would say this is like a really easy spot to have a large group of people just because it's such a large space and it's very easily accommodating to a lot of different variety of needs.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I should add that despite being how busy it was everyone was super nice, super friendly, and extremely helpful. I I would not mind giving this place a second chance on the Service alone.

Catalina S.

I've Been Here For Various Occasions From Rooftop Parties To The Bottomless Brunches. [[HIGHLIGHT]]From The Perspective Of The Party Rooftop It Definitely A Great Place To Celebrate They Do The Bottle Service & The Music + Vibes Are Always Immaculate![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Although It Does Can Pretty Packed Inside Best To Have A Table Or Be Ready To Be Close To Others & Long Waits At The Same Gender Bathrooms.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] As For The Brunch Aspect Foods Were Good & Drinks Were Flowing Thankfully [[HIGHLIGHT]]As For The Place Is Multiple Levels With Plenty Places To Take Photos & Have A Good Time![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Jasmine J.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The picture window views make for a charming and aesthetically pleasing dining experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is a culinary success. They have you covered from the savory to the sweet. The chorizo hash comes out piping hot in a cute mini skillet. It's an excellent balance of egg potatoes and the star of the show chorizo. Of their waffles the berry one was my fave. The chicken slider oh my heaven!! So good the black bean spread with the kick of the jalapeño is a genius sandwich. Cristina our server was a sweetheart and the runners kept the food coming. The libations were also a hit. I recommend the rosè sangria but the raspberry mint margarita was also quite tasty.

Sabrina L.

Just love the food in this restaurant. I went with my family and friends. We had excellent service, attentive and friendly staff, who were well-experienced. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was lively and relaxing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We started with appetizers, which included Chicken Nachos, Corn Ribs, and Mussels a la Diabla. For drinks, we had beer, house lemonade, and coffee. In the entree, we had Chicken and Steak Fajitas, Acapulco Salmon, Shrimp and Crab Enchilada. The flavors in each dish we ordered were amazing and perfectly balanced, and the ingredients tasted incredibly fresh. In between our meals, the manager and the chef came to ask about the food's experience. For dessert, we ordered Cheesecake and Pina Colada Tres Leches. While I am writing, I still can feel the taste in my mouth, it was so yummy. I will definitely recommend it to my friends and family.

Linnea E.

It's a little confusing, but Buena Vida is on the 3rd floor of the building so keep heading up! I was also meeting friends for happy hour, but we were told that the happy hour deals were only available at the bar but by then we were already seated at a table. All that aside, the steak and cheese tacos were delicious, and they certainly didn't skimp on the meat! The rice and beans side dish was meh but the tacos were good so I was happy. One of my friends ordered the enchiladas which we found to be pretty flavorless so I'd stick with the tacos or something else on the menu.

Rane S.

Food was just ok. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Came here with the girls and the decor is beautiful[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], but service was slow. During brunch hour, you have to do their all you can eat at 32/per person and cannot do a la carte. The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor of the green pig restaurant. Enter and go up the elevator to the 2nd floor. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The whole restaurant was super hot and humid with no ac on a 95 degree day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Bill for one person with 1 non-alcoholic drink and brunch all you can eat is over $47 after tip. That's expensive for one person - I personally would pass on this place.

Alanna P.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]We visited the rooftop for happy hour and it was ok.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The rooftop itself was very cute and had a great vibe![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was just alright- the pork belly tacos felt kind of like a salad there was so much watercress on them and I think they forgot to put the pico de gallo on them. The nachos were nothing special and just ok. The waiter also disappeared and there was about an hour where no one checked in on us. We ended up having to walk up to the bar to order more food

TG - Rice & Beans and TG - Steak & Cheese Tacos

Trendy D.

I actually really enjoyed this spot! Located in Clarendon right next to Ambar. The inside is super cuteeee! There's a parking garage and street parking available (at a cost). They don't validate parking. I had booked a reservation for a fairly large group of 8 of us. We were seated upstairs. This is a great spot for large groups. The staff took foreverrrrr to take our orders which was my only complaint. The food didn't take super long to come and the staff were at least very kind and accommodating. The food was feugo!! They have a really good mix of dishes. We ordered the: Steak & Cheese tacos 8/10 Al Pastor tacos 8/10 Crab Queso dip 9/10 All tacos come with a side of beans & rice which was yummyyyy !!! Overall, I would definitely come back here. Such a great vibe and good food. Doesn't get better than that:

Calista A.

I had an event here on the rooftop level. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere is beautiful, light, spacious, and of course botanical.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food and drinks were excellent. Crowd favorites included the shrimp tacos, margaritas, and hot churros. Everything ran smoothly. Management was very responsive and flexible in helping me to plan my event, even as guest count continued to change. They even let me use one of the booth tables for a display I created. The servers were super helpful and always present. [[HIGHLIGHT]]While my event was for an Arlington military funeral reception*, this would be a great space for engagement parties, large birthdays, family reunions, or even a small wedding reception that is gorgeous and delicious without breaking the budget.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would happily plan future events there. *This was the perfect location for honoring my dad, who was a botanist specialized in central American flora, loved margaritas and sangria, met my mom in Korea, got married in Hawaii, and was stationed in Okinawa. While this restaurant is considered Mexican, I felt the cherry blossoms over the bar and then bringing in my own Hawaiian orchids really represented our family. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space was sunny and heavenly, which is the opposite of lame cold funeral home vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Even the name, Buena Vida, made it perfect for honoring a life well-lived.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Camilla W.

This place is a scam. Read the edit Edit: after receiving the check, we were surprised that the brunch special didn't include drinks. Apparently this fee was to give us the RIGHT to buy mimosas at a discount (44 to18), rather than giving us unlimited drinks as advertised. This was on top of the $40 charge for the brunch. Moreover, we were charged full price for pitchers of sangria. Discount sangria was available by the glass for $2, but apparently the PITCHER was not on discount. We were charged $44 for the pitcher. In what world does a pitcher hold TWENTY TWO glasses?? This place is squeezing it's patrons, and I think it's because they're on their last legs. There's no way anyone would come back. If they closed within a year I would not at all be surprised I came with a group of 9 for unlimited tapas and brunch drinks for $39.99 which sounds like a decent deal. We've came here since 2020 for brunch and dinner but maybe there's been a change in manager and the kitchen crew cause the quality has definitely been going down. Loved the high energy vibe and Instagram-worthy interior. Our service was great, very attentive, and food came out very fast. The food was quite bad. On paper and in pictures, they look quite yummy but everything was either too sweet or too bland. Pork Belly Taco- one piece of pork fat with maple syrup...why? We had such high hopes for this but it was such a disappointment. Caesar salad- soggy lettuce Salmon toast- very little salmon, very salty, dry, and tough but the toast was soggy Bacon, Egg, & cheese-small bacon bits, barely any cheese, mainly just egg Taco de chorizo verde -again just egg Chorizo Hash- the only decent dish with a good amount of chorizo and over easy egg Blueberry/Banana Nutella Waffle/- tasted very wet & soggy with cheap artificial store-bought icing Quesadilla Gringa-bland chicken

Marissa O.

I've been here a few times and finally getting around to write a review. I've only been for the unlimited brunch, because, why not? The food has consistently been good. The benedict, pork belly tacos, jalapeño corn bread, Nutella waffle and steak and cheese torta are some of my faves. The portions are small enough to where you can try many items on the menu. The interior is definitely Instagram worthy with the bohemian aesthetic.

"Steak and cheese" torta (they forgot the cheese), chicken chilaquiles, and jalapeno cornbread.

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Review Insights

Laneeka J.

4 years ago

10 out of 10 Reservation were made the day of for 130 and we were seated immediately. We had a Mimosa in our hand less than 2 mins after sitting down. It's small plates and it's a LARGE menu . They serve you 5 small plates at a time. They have an option for the chef to pick your plates so that's what we did to dip our feet in. EXCELLENT choice. All of the food was severed promptly and HOT and FRESH. All the food is Spanish flare . We didn't ask for any substitutions on any of the food we just ate everything as is. We took a break during brunch to drink and then we got right back to the food. Price point was the best part. 40 dollars. Bottomless food and 25 cent mimosas- or 99 cent margs. Will go again and again. read more

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Karla L.

4 years ago

My friend & I got food poisoning from this place. Haven't been so sick from food in my entire life!! It is a costly place (which I don't mind) but to have PAID $200+ for food poisoning really sucked. Beware. read more

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Diane M.

Elite 26

253

7 years ago

We brought out of town friends here for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner and had a wonderful evening. Our server was friendly and helped us navigate the menu. Chips and salsa are on point - hearty chips and three flavorful salsas. Seafood is a standout here starting with the shrimp and avocado and fried shrimp appetizers. The branzino was light and nicely seasoned and the calamari with chimichura sauce was delicious - so tender. More traditional dishes such as queso fundido and chicken enchilada were very tasty as well. They do vegetables right, and we loved the zucchini with esquites and the cauliflower with mole. The only item we didn't rave about was the short ribs - tasted like pot roast, bland and not fall apart tender. The manager stopped by to chat and brought us complimentary coffee/kalua "martinis", churros and plantain fritters. The fritters were divine, so light and pillowy. Such a nice end to the evening. This was our second time eating at Buena Vida and the quality was excellent both visits. Bravo! read more

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Amanda L.

7 years ago

Buena Vida is known for hip atmosphere and fun, tropical drinks. I love stopping here for happy hour to enjoy the beautiful rooftop and a nice beverage (the rest of Arlington needs to catch up). This review is for the food - I came with a large corporate group for a generous dinner. Here are the things you should order: * Guacamole (YUM - very fresh, not spicy if that's your thing) * Tropical Ceviche (summer on a plate) * Queso Fundido (melted cheese is obvious but it comes with hot tortillas and a delicious jam... yes.) * Fried Shrimp (they're green which is off putting but MAN these are addictive, we got several rounds of these, smother me in aioli!!) * Acapulco-Style Fish (OK I am not a fish person but honestly I think this is one of the top fish dishes I've ever had. just trust me on this. Had a smoky addictive flavor!) * Lamb Birra (definitely a heavier dish but MMMMM) Live without: Mango Salad (its jicama, mango and watermelon with chili powder on a plate. refreshing but worth $9? no.) Drunken Chicken (not very flavorful, dry) Smoked Garden Veggies (again, just not seeing the value here for something a home cook could achieve) I will definitely be returning for brunch! Love this place great addition to the neighborhood. read more

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Leah Y.

Elite 23

377

134

275

7 years ago

BLUF: It's wild how you can have distinctively different experiences in the same establishment. While I had two amazing visits to Buena Vida Social Club, just upstairs, in one weekend, my single visit to Buena Vida Clarendon restaurant was disappointing. The menu is a fun take of Mexican food with a modern twist but the service was severely lacking and disappointed me. Highlights: The Guacamole. Made with olive oil and not lime it was amazing. I stuffed myself completely on chips and guac. I am certain I will be back again because I love the rooftop that much and I am excited at another chance to try this perfected form of a traditional side. The menu looked very fun. Rabbit a dish called Drunken Chicken and a sous vide turkey dish all caught my attention. Garbanzo beans (called chickpeas) were fun to see as well. We began with the guac and brussel sprout quesadilla. I enjoyed both. For my entree I opted for a more traditional meal as I typically do when able: ribeye, (black) beans and rice, plantain. I subbed in the mixed veggies with plantain the steak also came with guac. Overall good food, I think I will experiment more when I return the food gets four stars from me-- I enjoyed it. My friend ordered the Lamb Birria, also very good but we did not enjoy our entrees too much because we were full of appetizer due to the sheer length of time we waited... we both departed with very full doggy bags remarking we'd wished we had eaten more of our entrees. So on to that wait. I cannot attribute such mediocre service (relative to the caliber of restaurant) to it being fairly new because just upstairs the social club got it right. My friend and I arrived, were seated, twiddled our thumbs until we were greeted. We put our order in, the appetizers arrived quickly and then we just sat there. I felt forgotten and it affected my overall experience. Not to mention I barely touched my entree because I was waiting so long for it, I snacked on too many chips. LOL I am sure I will return but for now this visit gets an overall 3 to 3 and a half star review. read more

Buena Vida - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Buena Vida - Guacamole and quesadillas - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Buena Vida - Lamb - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Buena Vida - Ribeye and plantain - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Kay D.

3 years ago

Stay away if you're looking for quality. Mediocre. Not fresh. Overpriced. A quintessential fake restaurant you'll find in Arlington that tries to lure mid-upper class crowd but really is just trashy place with slightly upscale furniture. read more

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Melissa W.

4 years ago

This restaurant was perfect! I went with a group of 12 for my sisters birthday. We weren't sure what to order so the manager, Kevin, took care of us! He sent over one delicious dish after another. The lamb, street corn, mussels and shrimp were my personal favorites. After dinner, we went up to the rooftop for more drinks which were also really good. I had the strawberry margarita! This place was definitely worth every penny we spent! read more

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Jessie N.

4 years ago

10/10. This place is stunning after remodel. Every item we tasted on the menu was delicious. Highly recommend pablano bisque, steak tartar, queso with apricots, brussels.. Can't even remember them all! The restaurant was definitely busy for cinquo de mayo lunch with marg sepcial and therefore a little slower at first to get drinks and food, but the service and attention Made up for it! Perfect for any occasion. read more

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Lily E.

3 years ago

great service and great food! host brought out the chef for some food questions and made the experience so fun! Will come back for sure.

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R G.

4 years ago

Buena Vida's lunch experience was amazing. Great food and great customer service! Tapas were flavored well and the portions were just right. Our server Jenna was awesome. She was well versed on the menu options and made great suggestions for us to try. She went above and beyond to make sure that we were happy and we will absolutely be back! Definitely recommend you trying them. read more

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Ivan R.

7 years ago

I decided to take my fiance here on a nice mid-week date. She had sent me an Instagram post about this restaurant opening up. I'm Mexican so when I go to a Mexican restaurant, I usually compare it to my mother's food. High standards, I know. My mother is the greatest chef I've ever met. She makes an incredible chile relleno and a mole that can make me think about it for days. I arrived at this restaurant and ordered the chile relleno, drunken chicken, and buñuelos for dessert. My drinks were a glass of champagne, a drink called "La Guerra", and a margarita. They provided the first two drinks on the house due to some waitlist issues. Their service is incredible. The chile relleno has a cinnamon tasting/ tomato tasting gravy that I'm pretty sure my mother makes all the time. The gravy on the chile relleno reminded me so much of my mother's sauce that I began to use the sauce from it as chips dip as well. Speaking of, the two sauces they gave for the chips (green and red) are incredible. The red has a good kick that can pretty much go on any of your starters and entrees. The drunken chicken tasted EXACTLY like my mother's mole. The chicken is marinated in tequila, beer, and some type of mole-like sauce that really gives the chicken an outstanding and authentic Mexican taste. Lastly, the buñuelos were AMAZING. My mother usually makes these but they're flat instead of donut shaped. They give you a side chocolate sauce that I'm pretty sure has the same ingredients as Chocolate de Abuelita, which I grew up having every time family was over. Overall, this place was fantastic. The service was remarkable. The drinks were amazing. The food was an incredible trip down memory lane of my childhood, my mother's food, and great times with my Mexican culture and family. I highly recommend it and will be coming back! read more

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Julia P.

227

3 years ago

We got happy hour on the rooftop, and it was absolutely lovely! Lydia was an incredible server!

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David S.

Elite 26

146

724

7 years ago

5 stars for this place. My wife and I were looking for a place to watch the Patriots game on Sunday and every place was full, no seats to watch the game, so we walk past buena vista and see they got a huge TV on the first floor so we walk in and ask if we can watch the patriots there and they were so helpful trying to find the channel. The managers were very nice especially the woman who came over and chatted with us for a while. What a great place, definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun environment and delicious tacos! Great spot! Thanks so much. read more

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Jazmin G.

4 years ago

The food was great and the staff was amazing. Maria, our waitress, was awesome! Maria and the rest of the staff were very friendly and accommodating. Ashley, the manager, did an excellent job checking on our service and our experience. read more

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AJ M.

Elite 23

153

757

2089

7 years ago

My last stop before heading to DCA. Buena Vida reminds me of some of the places I love in chicago. Great drinks, great eye candy, and great rooftop for a great sunday funday. First off Buena Vida is deff trying to look alot cooler then they are by making people wait outside in line to go up to the rooftop. Once we saw the line we went to another place, only to come back when the line was empty, and saw that the place was not even that packed lol. The drinks are the highlight here, mezcal mules, hibiscus margaritas wow!! Plenty of eye candy here as well. Only wish this place was more hype. Buena vida is more chill relaxed, I feel they can turn this place into a real SundayFunday, by turning the music up and making it more of a party environment!!! Eitherway it was one of favorite spots during my time here. read more

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Kimbérly M.

242

6 years ago

My first time here, enjoyed the vibe & enjoyed being treated by Filip. He was very kind and took very good care of us. Also got a chance to meet the manger Nenad & he was amazing and made us feel welcomed! I am a VA blogger and I travel around the DMV area to restaurants to try the experience. For the month of March we will be at Buena Vida every Sunday! I am looking forward to see Phil and Nenad! Thank you guys so much! read more

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Jourdi I.

6 years ago

The meal and drinks were very very good! All you can eat and drink for $34. The vibes are also on point. Highly recommend. Our waiter Gavin was the best!!! read more

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Tatiana C.

7 years ago

Andrew at Buena Vida is fantastic. He makes the best TNT drink. Ask for it! So friendly and charismatic. We'll be back just for Andrew! read more

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Stephanie B.

3 years ago

Food was mediocre. Got the enchiladas, steak and cheese tacos and churros. Churros tasted stale/ not fresh. Not sure how it was rated a top restaurant in Northern Virginia. Vibe was "post-college frat party". Service was fine- on the slow side. Not terrible but wouldn't go back. read more

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Bob S.

4 years ago

This is the second time here and last time, I decided to come in group of 4 during brunch to get others opinions on the food. Sadly food was the worst thing here. The shrimp here smelled very fishy; which means it's frozen, old, and not fresh. This can make someone sick, do not order shrimp from here. Next the milanese de pollo had uneven cuts( very thin vs thick cut) and slightly greasy instead of crispy crunch. The scramble chorizo eggs were over salted. The cochinita queso torta was one of the greasiest items on the menu where it soaked into the bread making it soggy. The flan was order at different time by each person and each time it was over cooked, you can tell just by looking at all the holes on outside and inside from over boiling the flan. With no standards they decided to serve this over cooked dish to everyone in the restaurant. Finally buñuelos are a joke, can't even compare it to a funnel cake, so bland. I wouldn't even feed any of this food to my dog. Only upside was the service, the waitress was very attentive and amazingly on top of removing dishes and asking to see how we were doing. Atmosphere was nice and decor was elegant. The food is what the experience is about and this place doesn't have it. read more

Buena Vida - Flan - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Erin E.

4 years ago

Made a reservation a week in advance for a Saturday night with a group of friends. Ambiance was beautiful & sophisticated, tapas experience was well worth it especially with a large group of friends. Alyssa, our waitress, was very helpful to allergies as she offered a different menu that listed all of the allergens for each dish. Many of the dishes could be made without milk, nuts, etc. Very allergen-friendly place, just be sure to check with food runner if the item delivered to table is allergen-free when they bring it over. That can get confusing with a large group, but overall amazing experience & well worth the money. read more

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Lamont P.

3 years ago

Molly provides excellent service! has a great attitude on the job. I will definitely come back again! if you come to Buena Vida request Molly. read more

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Eric C.

4 years ago

The brunch is probably the worst I have ever had. I'm surprised by some of these reviews here. We didn't like a single small plate and tried most everything they offered. Do not go here for brunch! read more

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Chris M.

156

7 years ago

We went there with high hopes of authentic cuisine. Out of the 5 dishes we weren't impressed by anything - chicken was bland, rabbit wasn't well done to any degree, and the food was overall just boring and didn't have bold Mexican flavors. The only things we liked from Then we're the guacamole and the margaritas. read more

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Samantha C.

Elite 23

207

686

7 years ago

I am always looking for new places to check out and planned on meeting a girlfriend in the area so Mexican was our choice. After reading all the reviews, I was super excited to check out Buena Vida. Such a Fun fact is ....it's three restaurants in one! The main floor is more of a quick street taco with a DJ vibe, second floor ( Buena vida) ... a little fancy ( small plates etc.) and soon to come a rooftop for those sunny days! I love the idea of fun places coming to the Clarendon area as it's such a good hangout! The decor is very modern and cute.. please check out the tile floors! ( I'm obsessed ) While I waited for my friend, I went to grab a seat at the bar up stairs. The bartender suggested I try the LA Mexicana..... it was small yet mighty! ( and super cute) I will say I wasn't blown away by the service or food. We ordered the guacamole and fried cheese for starters. The guacamole was packed with mostly tomatoes and lacked flavor. I do like the idea that it's freshly made to order. Our main entrees left something to be desired! Salmon and chicken seem super simple but here just okay. I would totally come back to check out the rooftop and DJ downstairs oh and the drinks! read more

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Feven B.

299

4 years ago

Venue is really nice, food was decent. Went with a group of 9 for the "dinner experience" where small plates come out in rotation. It took about 10-15 minutes between each small plates to come out (3 small plates at a time for whole table of nine). When we asked the server if they can continuously bring out the food, the response was "I can't control the kitchen". The customer service was terrible, our server constantly gave us attitude and made us feel uncomfortable to ask questions or put in orders. Server kept on making unnecessary and unwelcoming comments as she was serving us. I do not recommend going to this place, it is not an experience you want to go through. read more

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DeAngelo V.

337

7 years ago

Awesome! Food is great, atmosphere is very well done and service is solid overall. Visited on 2 occasions and both times it was very very good! Great selection at the bar. Food was excellent. I will continue to support them! Go Visit! read more

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Le Bec Fin ..

4 years ago

Borderline rude staff. Decent drinks. Overpriced food when you order a la carte. Would not come back.

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Jenna C.

7 years ago

I've been here twice now and both times I was impressed. The staff is great and very helpful with menu suggestions. We had multiple dishes each time and I recommend: Guacamole, Ceviche, Chicken Enchilada, and any of the Lamb Dishes! Those were just the favorites out of a bunch of great food. Also - the classic and modern margaritas are amazing. I'm really happy with this new addition to Clarendon. read more

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Douglas O.

4 years ago

Food quality was great! We had a great experience with our waiter, MJ. Will definitely go again! read more

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Osman M.

7 years ago

I went to Buena vida for brunch. Their buffet brunch is the best in the VA area, I recommend this place, plus this place is a family restaurant. read more

Buena Vida - This is virgin pina colada, - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Cristian G.

4 years ago

Henry is the best server in Clarendon. Food and ambiance was amazing! Had a great time and food was delicious. Will return and 100% recommend. read more

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Alex R.

4 years ago

First time to Buena Vida after the re-opening and they didn't disappoint! It is recommended that you get the all inclusive experience and bring your A (for appetite) game. The service was terrific. Their Arnold Palmers were fancy like mock-tails. You could tell there was a bit of care and art in the preparation. The meal started with chips, guac and 2 types of salsas nicely presented. This was followed by a parade of small, tasty dishes. Some of the dishes were eaten outright. Some were self-rolled into a soft tortilla along with additional salsa and guac. The whole experience was delicious and left me in need of a nap! Looking forward to coming back. read more

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Alex C.

4 years ago

Place is spectacular, went in a couple days ago. Was seated promptly without a reservation. Host stand was friendly and professional. Our server, Deinielle hit every mark. Her recommendation, the musssels that have the Diablo sauce... my goodness I'll have to come back when belly is empty. Bartenders definitely know how to Make a drink, el jefe was something to enjoy. I will definitely revisit when I want Mexican food again. Please check out this spot. read more

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Max G.

3 years ago

Been to Buena Vida a few times and have always enjoyed it. The food is inventive and fresh and setting is also very open and bright. Definitely our favorite Mexican restaurant in Arlington. Highly recommended! read more

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Julia B.

4 years ago

First time at Buena Vida in Arlington and YOU have to go!!!It's the coolest spot with a great rooftop. Make a night out of it, sit on the rooftop for some drinks then head down into the restaurant for unlimited food catered to you for just $45/pp. IT WAS FIRE!! The service we received was amazing. Make sure you ask for Jorrel behind the bar, he's awesome! He made us feel so welcomed and gave us an amazing experience. read more

Buena Vida - Hanging at the Rooftop bar with Jorrel the best bartender! - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Leslie G.

4 years ago

This was my first time at the rooftop. Have such a good time with my friend. Henry was our serveer he was great bring, good vibes & very attentive. Plus they have such a good atmosphere. :) read more

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Effie K.

144

4 years ago

I really enjoyed my time at Buena Vida! The experience was amplified due to our server Henry! He was amazing and so fun!! I'll be back!

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Alejandra M.

311

7 years ago

We had a birthday brunch at this location and Ryan was our waiter...Props to this guy w/ his patience and organization!! I definitely recommend this place!!! -Thank you Ryan for your hard work for 15+ ppl. We all hope to see u again. You definitely deserve recognition! Thank you, Buena Vida read more

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Youheard I.

168

7 years ago

Overall pretty good flavor and great service. The guacamole was a little bland. Cocktails were good but had to pay $2 for a "free" sample of their draft cocktail, interestingly listed on the receipt as "on us:)". Would be interested in trying the tacos on the first floor and will probably be back for when the roof top opens. read more

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Page 10 of 16

2900 Wilson Blvd
Ste 103
Arlington, VA 22201
Clarendon
Directions
(703) 888-1528
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.buenavidagastrolounge.com

Hours

What time does Buena Vida open?

Buena Vida opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Buena Vida opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Buena Vida close?

Buena Vida closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Buena Vida closes at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu 12:00 PM - 10:00 PMFri 12:00 PM - 11:00 PMSat 10:00 AM - 11:00 PMSun 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Buena Vida take credit cards?

Yes, Buena Vida takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Buena Vida have catering options?

No, Buena Vida does not have catering options.

Does Buena Vida have a drive thru?

No, Buena Vida does not have a drive thru.

Does Buena Vida have a happy hour?

Yes, Buena Vida has a happy hour.

Does Buena Vida serve alcohol?

Yes, Buena Vida serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Buena Vida allow dogs?

Yes, Buena Vida allows dogs.

Does Buena Vida have TVs?

Yes, Buena Vida has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Buena Vida have outdoor seating?

Yes, Buena Vida has outdoor seating options.

Does Buena Vida have parking?

Yes, Buena Vida has parking options. Garage Parking, Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Buena Vida wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Buena Vida is wheelchair accessible.

Does Buena Vida have free WiFi?

Yes, Buena Vida has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

At Buena Vida the cuisine featured is traditional, indigenous fare incorporating recipes that have been handed down through generations. One will have an authentic experience, tasting a Mexican cooking that transcends what one expects from most Mexican restaurants in America. For example, there is no flour used in any savory dish as seeds are ground and incorporated, as is the tradition for authentic cuisine from this country. The restaurant takes pride in using fresh, seasonal ingredients as well as sustainable and socially responsible cooking methods. All items are made from scratch including organic corn tortillas, house-made sauces and made-to-order salsas.

History

Established in 2019.

The first Buena Vida Contemporary Mexican Cuisine restaurant was opened in Silver Spring just under a year ago. Since then, Street Guys Hospitality group, and its head Ivan Iricanin were working almost non-stop on bringing you its sister restaurant - Buena Vida Clarendon.

Meet the Business Owner: Ivan Iricanin I.

Ivan Iricanin is a well known name in the DMV hospitality industry. He is the CEO and owner of the Street Guys Hospitality - a company that has brought you some of the DMV's favourite restaurants like Ambar Capitol Hill and Ambar Clarendon.

Buena Vida Reviews in Other Languages

French
1 Review

Ask the Community - Buena Vida

New telephone number? I've tried calling the past week, no answer?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Does the unlimited small plates dinner special have an unlimited drink special similar to the unlimited small plates brunch and drinks?

Yes, but that is extra for mimosas. Its $35 for brunch and $5 Bloody Mary's.

View question details

Is this place 21+ only (specifically the rooftop)?

No age limit to go up to eat upstairs or look around if you are downstairs.Normal age limit to be served liquor.

View 2 more answers

When is happy hour?

Dear Sarah, Happy hour is in TTT on first floor, Monday-Friday from 3 p.m.- 6p.m.. Best regards,…

View 1 more answer

When does the rooftop open?

Today! https://www.washingtonian.com/2019/06/10/buena-vidas-massive-mexican-rooftop-bar-opens-in-arlington/?fbclid=IwAR1Hb1uCxc83NFYFufiftOc3bmktMRCNSN4Kpg7MetWOMdlqYhqOiweenis

View question details

When will unlimited drinks be available?

25cents

View question details

Do they offer happy hour?

Yes. $6 Margaritas, $5 beers

View question details

Do they have the $49 bottomless food and drink menu?

Clarendon now has $34 brunch bottomless only for food though.

View 1 more answer

Do they have the same brunch deal as the one in Silver Spring?

It's $34 for bottomless food

View question details

View All 12 Questions

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Los Chamacos Mexican Restaurant

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Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita

Haven't had a good burrito in a long time, this hit the spot. Very good salsa. Really nothing more…read moreyou can ask for in terms of menu, quality, and environment. Still will never be over the whole $4 a taco thing but it's unfortunately becoming more and more defensible.

We bought over $200 worth of food to bring back to the hotel, however, got no salsa which I told…read morethem I wanted lots of salsa and lime, they gave me no extra limes, but it was enough however no salsa really bothered me because of the tacos, etc., and especially me asking for it typically and assured that I would receive. The best thing there to me personally was there Agua Fresca. It was delicious. I wasn't a big fan of the corn personally, but like too much mayo. However, I would come back and give it another shot

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A Toda Madre

4.4

(27 reviews)

0.5 mi

My girl and I wanted grab to lunch from someplace new and decided on giving A Toda Madre a try. The…read moreservice was friendly and quick. We ordered chorizo, al pastor, and fish tacos. We wanted to try the lengua taco but they were out. All the tacos were delicious and their salsas were fantastic and had a nice smoky flavor. Our favorite was the fish tacos which immediately reminded me of the tacos I've had by the beach in Cancun. These were probably the best fish tacos I've had in this area. They have a little seating area and their prices are reasonable. I look forward to trying other items on their menu soon.

Don't pass this truck up! The tacos are so delicious and everything is so fresh…read more I had an al pastor taco and carne asada taco, both sauces that came with were delicious and the tacos were so good too. The meat was tender, flavors were great. Would absolutely get this again!

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El Centro

Came for lunch while exploring Georgetown. Had the chicken tacos and guacamole. They also have a…read morebottomless brunch on the weekends. Both dishes were great. The guacamole tasted fresh and the chips were warm when they arrived to the table. You get three tacos with the plate as well as a side of Mexican rice and beans. Service was fast, and polite. The inside has two floors. We sat upstairs where there is an indoor bar portion and an open patio. Would recommend and would return if I'm in the mood for solid tacos.

I work down the street from here, and actually found out about it as I was perusing different…read morerestaurants to check out for Restaurant Week. I liked their menu and wanted to give it a try. I got there shortly after they opened up and it was pretty empty. I got a seat right by the door, and had a view of the street and watched as the restaurant began to fill up. Lots of college kids came in as the evening went on and it seemed like a popular restaurant. I thought my server was very good. He checked in regularly and had a lot of tables he was responsible for. For my meal, I started with Queso Fundido and that was probably my favorite. The cheese was really hot and very delicious. It also came with three types of salsa on the side (a salsa verde, a chili salsa, and a third one I'm not sure what it was). I did like the chili one. The flour tortillas were very hot and fresh. I enjoyed it. For my entree, I had the Achiote Hanger Steak Fajitas. This was my least favorite part of the meal. I had asked the waiter if they were good and he told me he always recommends it. I didn't mind the sides that came with it. The rice and beans were pretty good and I liked the guacamole. What I didn't like was the actual steak. It was very tough and hard to bite into. What was weird is it was completely red in the middle so I believe it was medium to medium rare, but the steak wasn't tender at all. It also wasn't very seasoned and the peppers and onions under it just seemed to be sitting in oil. I did ask for salt and pepper, but even with it, I didn't like it. I ended up not finishing the meal. Finally, I had ordered the corn cheesecake as a dessert. I now realize they sent out churros instead, but I guess I wasn't paying attention until after the fact.The churros were OK. I would have preferred more chocolate sauce on mine. I wish I would have spoken up because I was actually looking forward to trying the cheesecake. For me the food was ok, and not spectacular. I'd be willing to try out something else and come back to at least try their cheesecake, but if I never returned that'd be fine with me too.

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Tacos Los Primos

I recently moved from Kent Island, MD to Arlington and I've slowly been checking out local food…read morespots to fill the a void I have with some places I miss back home. One such place was a Mexican place as my old fav Mexican place on Kent Island (Señors Chile) had great but extremely greasy birria tacos. So you can imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this food truck that read "Tacos Los Primos". The spot made me curious. So I went to visit a friend who lives in walking distance from the spot for lunch recently. She ordered the veggie burrito and I ordered (pic below) Quesabirria tacos (no onion). When we got back I was WOW'd by not only how yummy my food was but how it wasn't oozing with grease! The consume that comes with for dipping is just enough for me personally and bursting with flavor. As you'd expect from most food trucks the service is made to order. When you go up to the counter and tell them what you want they make it fresh! The truck is parked on Rhoside Green Park (sandwiched between Courthouse and Rosslyn) so if you live in either neighborhood it's easy to access from walking distance. And since it's near an Arlington green space there's usually some seating nearby you can pop a squat and eat lunch. Given spring time is approaching this seems more doable. Just yesterday I was driving by to visit the same friend and saw a long line for this place! Most people in Arlington know how great this spot is, it is a terribly kept secret! Can't comment much on how long the line was busted as I went during a time when it was windy (but warm) and it was mid day. When I drove by it was pushing dinner time past 7pm. I love the food here! But since I live closer to the storefront location in Lyon Park I usually end up ordering food from there (review on that location is coming soon)! If you like authentic Mexican food that's fresh and delicious, you'll enjoy this spot!

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Don Tito

Fun dancing class on Wednesday Latin night! The 2 ladies were great teachers! Great DJ too! We…read moreenjoyed the Bachata lesson. The floor got quite crowded as almost 1/3 of the space is the bar area.

It was a beautiful day outside, and I was in the mood for a rooftop happy hour in the area. I came…read moreto Don Tito's expecting just that, but I was met with disappointment. I found free parking nearby, but it's a very crowded and mostly paid parking area. When I walked into the restaurant, I wasn't greeted too warmly by either of the hostesses. I asked if the rooftop was open, and they answered yes and directed me to the staircase past the elevator. I did try the elevator, but it wasn't working. When I got upstairs, I found out the rooftop was enclosed. Why have a rooftop at all if you can't feel the elements? There was also a foul odor I didn't want to smell while I was eating. I went back downstairs and asked if I could eat outside. They said yes and that it's bar service. The 1st floor was very picturesque with an elegant bar and flat screens throughout. The bartender was pleasant. I ordered a mango margarita, 2 beef tacos, 1 carnitas, mango habanero, and BBQ wings. The prices were pretty solid for Happy Hour. The margarita paired well with my I enjoyed the carnitas taco the best, and the mango habanero wings were great.

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Jarochita #2

No gasten su dinero este lugar el servico es pesimo y Nada que ver si quieres pozole este lugar no…read morevende nada bueno miren la foto esto es sopa de pollo con color y nada mas por $15.00

I'd consider this a hidden gem in Arlington. Out of so many Latin spots to try, this is one of the…read morebest in the area. Fresh food 24/7. I keep going back for their tacos. In the pictures attached you'll see a lunch special I got - Al pastor tacos (3) w/ a soda (can) for $12. I've also been getting fresh guacamole with fresh (warm) chips. I want their chips recipe - it's beyond delicious! This past week was the first time I tried their Al pastor tacos and they were super tasty. I usually get their shrimp tacos, which I also highly recommend. I've ate inside several times and recently been ordering for to-go. This is somewhere that I will continue to frequent.

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Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita III

This place was great. I got a mixto torta and mi esposa got shrimp and chicken tacos…read more I am going to sell our house and move next door.

Update: Visit yesterday. Had a huge HAIR in my Carnitas Quesadilla…read more Disgusting! ...

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Ruthie's All-Day

Excellent food and service! We had the deviled eggs, biscuit and gravy and the black bean patties…read more Everything was cooked to perfection! We sat at the bar and the bar staff were attentive and friendly and really seemed to enjoy interacting with customers. We will definitely be back the next time we visit the area.

Food was excellent. We didn't know we needed a reservation but I will have one next time. It…read moretook 50 mins to be seated and about 10 more to get a server. But once we ordered the food came quickly and the best food I've had trying out a Restaurant in a long time. Great food, good prices. This was the Fairfax location.

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Mele Bistro

The scallops I received were cooked well but slightly salty from the blackened seasoning I think…read more The mushroom risotto was perfectly made. We really enjoyed the complimentary bread, however we had to ask the server several times to even get one basket refill. When it got busier it seemed like our table was slightly forgotten and we had to get up and find someone to bring us our check and get water refills. Overall the food was good but maybe understaffed that day

We sat outside and it was nice. They spilled something and…read morewe had to change tables. I ordered the salmon and it comes with 2 sides and he said I could not substitute a salad. So I ordered the salmon, mashed potatoes, and wilted spinach. I also ordered the salad separately. He came back and said there were no mashed potato's and we both had ordered it. I got the mushroom risotto instead. The fish was incredibly fresh. I would like to come back.

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Palette 22

Palette 22 had been on our list for the longest time, and now we're just upset we didn't try it…read moresooner! We went on a Saturday night and made a reservation, which I'd definitely recommend. The space is so unique and artsy. The walls are covered with beautiful artwork (some of which you can actually purchase), and even the menus are works of art. It made the whole experience feel fun and creative. The staff was wonderful, especially our server Noah, who was incredibly attentive and made the experience even better. We did the bottomless dinner, and the value is honestly unbeatable. We tried the grilled gem lettuce, marinated cucumbers, street corn, hoisin-glazed pork belly bao buns, P22 cheeseburger sliders, spicy shrimp & pancetta pizza, funghi pizza, dan dan noodles, rigatoni norcina, and the sesame steak skewers. Everything was delicious, but the standouts were the dan dan noodles (rich, savory, and packed with flavor), the funghi pizza (crispy with earthy mushrooms and perfectly melted cheese), and the sesame steak skewers (tender, juicy, and coated in a flavorful sesame glaze). The hoisin-glazed pork belly bao buns were soft, fluffy, and packed with melt-in-your-mouth pork, while the rigatoni norcina was creamy, comforting, and perfectly cooked. The grilled gem lettuce was also a fresh, flavorful way to start the meal. For drinks, the white sangria and pomegranate ginger mocktail were both refreshing and delicious. Dessert didn't disappoint either, the flourless chocolate cake (with candied pecans instead of hazelnuts) was rich without feeling too heavy, and the churros were light, crispy, and perfect with the caramel and chocolate dipping sauces. We finished with cappuccinos, which were the perfect ending to the meal. 10/10 experience, we'll definitely be back!

Late to the party as I knew of Palette 22 for a long time but never dined. I went on a weekday for…read morehappy hour with a pretty decent appetite. The focus of this restaurant is on food and art. I saw a man painting when I walked in here and it was very detailed. It is a lively scene in here. Palette is a nice play on words for the art palette and palate for taste. They serve tapas (small plates) for a reasonable price. There is an all you can eat option in which your entire table has to order, or you can order a la carte. I ordered primarily off the happy hour menu which included the chicken slider, shrimp tacos, jerk chicken skewer, garlic wings and for dessert, I got churros. Most of the food here were extremely salty and did not agree with my palate. The shrimp tacos were the best thing I ate as the veggies gave the taco a refreshing taste. Not the most sanitary either as I found a piece of hair in my food. There is a parking garage nearby a block away.

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Inside

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Each table was prepared for the small plate brunch!

Sakaki Izakaya

This is an awesome addition to the Clarendon area and I'm so happy something like this has finally…read morecome into the neighborhood. The food at Sakaki is full of flavor and the prices are reasonable for the amount. I think, after being twice, that the AYCE is not as worth it for me personally because I'm not a big eater, but it's totally worth it if you want a lot of variety and you have a good appetite. I really liked the rolls in particular. The service was excellent- it was a nice balance of coming over once in a while to ask how we were doing without coming over too much. The vibes are awesome with a really nice interior- definitely a nice place to go for a date,!just to go with friends to have a nice meal, or even to grab a meal alone since the center has a large area for single seating. Fyi- for the AYCE menu, note that once you put in an order for a round, you can't order for another 10 min so be sure to order enough at a time. Also, there is a time limit to the AYCE (I think it was 90 min). This'll definitely be a place I go to regularly in the future!

I missed lunch so AYCE sushi was very much needed! The silver level at $29 is a great deal with…read moreplenty of options including a variety or rolls as well as appetizer/side dish items. I tried as much of the menu as I could and the rolls and nigiris were definitely the highlight. I wouldn't recommend the crab korokke (too liquidy, and no crab that I could taste) or the karagge - save space for other items! The AYCE is 90mins and you can order every 10 minutes from a tablet. Service was FAST, they definitely weren't playing games. The restaurant itself is also super spacious and well decorated.

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Inca Social

Came here for the US/Australia world cup match. Had a great time. I'd say the best margarita in the…read morearea. I believe no happy hour deals during World Cup. Or at least during the game there wasn't. Had the empanadas. They were good, but $11 for the size I thought was a little steep. I would get them again, but they're a little on the small side.

I visited Inca Social today and overall had a very good experience…read more The atmosphere was excellent--warm, lively, and perfect for enjoying Peruvian food with family and friends. The Ceviche Carretillero was fresh and flavorful, but it was a bit too salty for my taste. That was the main reason I decided to give 4 stars instead of 5. The fried calamari was excellent--crispy, tender, and cooked perfectly. The picarones were outstanding and easily one of the highlights of the meal. The alfajor, beautifully shaped like the map of Peru, was the perfect ending to the meal and absolutely delicious. Overall, I enjoyed the food, desserts, and atmosphere, and I would definitely return. With a little less salt in the Ceviche Carretillero, this could have easily been a 5-star experience.

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Bronson Bierhall

Big fan of Bronson's. Word of warning is that it can get super crowded but that just speaks to its…read morepopularity. The food is good. My most recent venture I had the wings. I did the house dry rub and old bay dry rub. The house dry rub, to be honest, was bland and flavorless. The old bay seasoning was very good. I wish the wings had come with more. For $15 you get 8 total wings. It didn't feel like great value. What is great value and tastes great are the Bavarian pretzels as well as the buffalo chicken dip. You truly can't go wrong with either one. They have a robust drink menu. They are lacking a cider on tap but it is what it is. While this might not be the most glowing review on its surface, Bronson's gets 5 stars for its atmosphere and ability to accommodate a wide range of food and drink desires. I watched two World Cup games here and it was a fun, electric atmosphere.

If you're thinking of going to Bronson Bierhall, read this first…read more I got kicked out Friday night for absolutely no reason. I was in the patio with friends, in the corner, not bothering anyone -- not fighting, not yelling, not approaching strangers. Security walked up, said there was "a complaint," refused to say who it was from, refused to say what it was about, refused to let me talk to the manager, and refused to even let me back inside to grab my own card. My friends asked him to stop. He ignored them. This is the second time their security has unfairly targeted me. The first time I had just stepped outside to take a phone call. The same guard ran after me and started accusing me of stealing -- but couldn't say what was supposedly stolen or who had complained, because nobody actually had. I told him my laptop and jacket were inside at the bar and that all the bartenders know me. He eventually apologized once it became obvious he had nothing. Same guy, same pattern, different night. Also worth knowing: my friend and I had just ordered around $100 in food and drinks at the end. Nothing finished. No refund offered, no apology, no manager. If management thinks letting one guard humiliate paying customers in front of their friends is good for business, here's your feedback. Plenty of better pubs in Arlington that actually respect the people

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Currywurst

Green Pig Bistro

We were there on June 12 for their Philippine Independence Day fund-raising. Both service and food…read morewere excellent. The staff made us feel like old friends and were very attentive. Additionally, the food was really great. We had both the filipino dishes which were to-die-for. We also had the appetizer and the fish which were perfectly done. Will recommend to friends and will surely be back. Definitely five stars.

The new(-ish) location is great -- roomy and airy, if a bit acoustically challenging. Food was…read moregreat last night -- favorites at the table were the deviled eggs, pork chop, pork belly gnocchi and ricotta ravioli. Problem? It was a Friday evening-- and they were NOT crazy busy, but the service was SLOW! Like crazy slow. I swear our waiter was avoiding us. A couple of our dishes were warm at best when they were presented -- clearly prepped and sitting in the kitchen for too long before they were brought out. So come for the food -- but don't expect it to be a quick meal.

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Seafood Tagliatelle

A Modo Mio

A Modo Mio offers many food specials. For example, on Tuesdays, that's when we stopped there for…read moredinner, all their pasta dishes are 1/2 price. However, given that they ranked 32nd among this country's top 50 Pizza restaurants, I had to order a pizza. And I'll get to my pizza after I discuss some other things, because it all plays together. Also, during my visit, I kept drawing comparisons between this place and Pupatella, a local Neapolitan pizza juggernaut. The Big Question to answer is why A Modo Mio got a spot on the Top 50 while Pupatella didn't even make the cut. Access is easy, and parking is good. There are lots of spaces that wrap around the restaurant. That's in contrast to Pupatell, which has limited parking and where I always wind up using the Safeway lot across the street. The restaurant is clean and spacious, with plenty of comfortable seating. It also has a long, well-stocked bar where you can sit to enjoy a beverage or a meal. Pupatella doesn't have any of that. When you arrive, you're greeted by a host who shows you to your seat. A very short while later, a waiter shows up and does all the things waiters do. At Pupatella, you wait in line to place your order, then find an open table. TLDR: Your dining experience, outside of the food, is much more civilized and relaxing at A Modo Mio. The pie that earned their 32 out of 50 ranking was the Sicilia. But I ordered a 12" Casertana because I'm not crazy about eggplant and like sausage. The pie arrived a short while later, piping hot and loaded with sausage. The taste was sublime and delicious. My only complaint was that the basil was added before baking, and I prefer that herb when it's not reduced to ash. So back to The Big Question, is the A Modo Mio pizza *that* much better than Pupatella that it earned a spot amongst the Top 50 while the other one didn't even make the cut? Frankly, it's not. It is good pizza... possibly great pizza. But that's also true of the other place. What sets A Modo Mio apart from that other place, and the answer to the Big Question, is that the criteria for generating the Top 50 list included more than the pizza. It also took into account: - Hospitality and Service - Ambiance - Beverage Program. Beyond the pizza, A Modo Mio has those things in abundance, while the other place pretty much has none. TLDR: Comparing pizzas side by side, the two places are on par. However, if you take into account the entire dining experience, you will be much happier with your pizza here, as opposed to that other place or most other pizza restaurants in the DMV area.

Voted best pizza in Arlington…read more Boy did they have huge shoes to fill with that accolade. I came in expecting to be Wowed by their pizza and it was just alright for me. I made a mistake and didn't realize this was a fork and knife establishment. I picked up my pizza and all the toppings fell off. But to be honest... even with "fork and knife pizza" the toppings should not be goopy and slippery. Does the best pie and Arlington hold like that on the regular? Nothing special about the toppings either. The crust and dough were the best part of this experience, but an amazing pie, should have all component's complimenting each other. Is it decent pizza? Yes. Best pizza in Arlington? I don't think so.

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Pizza oven

Meat Lover (White Sauce) - Fior di latte, tomato sauce, parmesan, E.V.O., basil, pepperoni, ham and sausage.

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49 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Brooklyn W.

2 years ago

My recent visit to Buena Vida was more than just a delicious meal - it was a truly exceptional experience thanks to the outstanding service of our server, Deinielle. From the moment she greeted us with a warm smile, her kindness and attentiveness made us feel instantly welcome and cared for. Deinielle's knowledge of the menu was impressive. She patiently answered our questions and offered insightful recommendations that perfectly suited our tastes. When I mentioned my love for seafood, she steered me towards the pan-seared scallops with saffron risotto, a dish that turned out to be an absolute delight. My companion, a vegetarian, was equally impressed with her recommendation of the grilled vegetable stack with herb goat cheese. Deinielle's passion for the food was palpable, and it made our dining experience even more enjoyable. But it wasn't just Deinielle's expertise that stole the show. It was her genuine warmth and enthusiasm that truly elevated the evening. She engaged in friendly conversation, making us feel like valued guests rather than just diners. She surprised us with a complimentary appetizer to celebrate a special occasion, and her thoughtful gesture added a touch of magic to the night. Throughout the meal, Deinielle maintained an impressive balance of attentiveness and unobtrusiveness. She was always at hand when we needed anything, refilling our water glasses and anticipating our every request, yet she never hovered or intruded upon our conversation. Her efficiency and grace created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing us to savor every moment of our evening. Leaving Buena Vida, we felt not only satisfied with a delicious meal but also grateful for the exceptional service provided by Deinielle. She is a true asset to the restaurant, and I wholeheartedly recommend requesting her if you ever have the chance to dine there. You're guaranteed a memorable experience filled with culinary delights and genuine hospitality. read more

Paul G.

3 years ago

One of the best places to go eat! Rave review! We were a larger party and the manager katie went out of her way to ensure that we were taken great care of. The second floor was apparently closed, and she found a server to take our party. We had a blast! The server and bartender were very attentive especially given this floor was not even open! We went without nothing! Katie came back a couple times to make sure we had the best time. And boy did we ever! She was so kind and real. You could tell she really cares for what she does. We felt spoiled to be honest. And it this is how the place is ram, we all decided we will be back. Already planning for this coming week for some of us. We look forward to having the same fun time as a few days ago. Hopefully Katie is working again when we go back in. Can't wait to say hi and have more of the delicious tacos. The shrimp ones were my favorite. The drinks were fun, I got the el jefe. I recommend this all. read more

Gurleen M.

3 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this Mexican spot, and it was an absolute delight! The food was an explosion of flavors that left me craving for more. From the perfectly seasoned tacos to the mouthwatering enchiladas, every bite was a culinary adventure. But what truly stole the show were the drinks! The margaritas were simply divine - expertly crafted and packed with the right balance of sweetness and tanginess. The variety of tequilas and mezcal available added an authentic touch to the experience. The ambiance was vibrant and lively, immersing me in a true Mexican fiesta. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure every aspect of our meal was exceptional. If you're a foodie and a fan of Mexican cuisine, this place is an absolute must-visit. I can't wait to return and indulge in more of their amazing dishes and drinks. Salud to a fantastic dining experience! read more

Brian L.

7 months ago

In the last month or so, I have twice visited this restaurant and I must say, I have been very pleased with the quality of food and service. The Mexican style food is very authentic and very tasty. I live 40 miles from the restaurant but I do not mind driving if there is a get together of friends or family at this place. I love Chef's innovation around the desert's and the way they are presented. Last time I was in a side room where as a family we could enjoy privacy for our family group so something to keep in mind I will highly recommend it to anyone who desired to enjoy a good meal at reasonable prices for Arlington area. By the way, the Restaurant is in an interesting setting. There is another restaurant downstairs of BV called Green Pig Bistro which I have also visited twice and enjoyed very much. read more

Liam M.

167

2 years ago

I was extremely disappointed with my experience at this restaurant. I came specifically for the $39.99 brunch tapas special, which had the potential to be an excellent value. Unfortunately, the service was excruciatingly slow, marring the entire experience. We were seated for at least 45 minutes into our 2-hour session before we even received chips and salsa. The drinks arrived sporadically, and it took the waitstaff two or three reminders to bring us the correct orders. Additionally, we received random dishes at our table, indicating a complete lack of organization and communication among the staff. It seemed as though no one knew which food belonged to which tables. Unless there are significant improvements in their service process, I would not consider returning for brunch again. read more

Paige H.

145

4 years ago

This place did not disappoint! The food is top notch, and the Margarita Al Pastor has become my favorite drink in all of the DMV area. The vibe throughout the restaurant is inviting and intriguing-- and the service is amazing. One of the managers, Corrine, went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. She was so accommodating, and especially responsive and helpful with all questions and made sure everything was to our liking. Buena Vida has now become one of our go-to spots. read more

Sebastian N.

2 years ago

Lily was an exceptional waitress who truly went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was outstanding. Not only was she incredibly attentive and efficient throughout our meal, but she also took the time to accommodate a specific dietary restriction with a special dish, which truly impressed us. Her dedication to ensuring everyone at our table was comfortable and happy did not go unnoticed. Thank you, Lily, for your exceptional service and for making our evening memorable. read more

Cecilia V.

7 years ago

When trying out new places I look for good food, good ambiance and good service. My visit at Buena Vida was amazing! I found delicious food, great atmosphere, and my server Sandra went above and beyond to make sure my husband and I had an amazing. Everyone that interacted with us was courteous , helpful and friendly. However, Sandra stood out from everyone! Thank you, Buena Vida! I look forward to coming back for more. read more

A T.

3 months ago

It is difficult to fully describe the bland mediocrity of my party's brunch experience. The staff seemed lackadaisical which manifested as lack of service and attention, the all you can eat brunch plates were microscopic in size - which was not communicated to us - and of varying quality, and the mornings rain leaked through multiple holes in the roof. This was our first and will be our last Buena Vida experience. read more

Emmalee M.

2 years ago

Buena Vida offers a fantastic happy hour with a wide range of small plates, perfect for sharing. The unlimited food and drinks are a great deal, allowing you to sample a variety of their dishes without overspending. The atmosphere is lively, the service is attentive, and the drinks menu has plenty of refreshing options. It's a perfect spot for groups or anyone looking for an affordable dining experience. read more

Sejal B.

151

3 years ago

We went to brunch on a Saturday afternoon, and we sat on the rooftop that was heated and had nice views. Carolina was our waitress and she was amazing! We asked her to place orders for us based on our preferences and we loved everything! The mimosas, potatoes, enchiladas, tacos, and cornbread were all delicious. The service and food were excellent. We'll definitely be back! read more

Alicia G.

4 years ago

A fantastic experience all around!! 10/10 recommend the dinner experience! the food was outstanding, very authentic and unique dishes! Not only was the food amazing, the staff was top notch! Multiple people constantly checking in and offering great recommendations! Can't wait to come back! Special shoutout to Johnny, he's the man! Also our waitress Juliana Was the best!! read more

Erin R.

2 years ago

I had an amazing experience at Buena Vida for my friend's birthday during brunch hours. Not only was the food outstanding, but the service was top notch, with staff like Lilly going above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was nothing short of perfection. I highly recommend the chorizo hash skillet!! I can't wait to return for another great experience! read more

Daniela M.

2 years ago

This place is amazing - the food, decor, drinks, and service are all top-notch! The ceviche and Caesar salad were perfect, but the mushroom quesadilla was bland. The queso fundido was decent but needed an extra kick. The chips were warm and crispy, and the red and green salsa were great. The staff was super professional and friendly! read more

Pretty Gyrls P.

4 years ago

this place blew my socks off great atmosphere, great drinks, amazing food , and top notch customer service. the manager Kevin deserves restaurant of the year reward as he goes over the top to ensure customers dining experience is heavenly! i can't wait to go back thanks to everyone that made the night perfect read more

Alixandra S.

3 years ago

If you come here ask for Maria. she is the best server I have had in a very long time. so attentive, so fun, literally 10/10. we came here for a girls night on a whim and she exceeded expectations. The food and drinks are great. We did the restaurant week deal and it was perfect. read more

Ruby C.

3 years ago

went here during restaurant week with a some friends and the food was great! if you come here, ask for Maria as your server. she is fantastic!!!! her vibe was great, and she was so nice and really accommodating to our big group. truly the best service I've had in a while. read more

Claire W.

486

148

118

7 years ago

Such great customer service! It was my friends birthday and not only did they bring us a beautiful dessert for free, they even got us a round of shots!! Will definitely recommend. Amazing place! Also, the Brussels sprout quesadilla was so good! read more

Josue T.

7 years ago

Dinner was amazing! We have a great time at buena vida queso was tasty one of the manager Ivan stop by our table my server Sandra recommend my drink and food wish was Acapulco fish!!! Five star for. This place and amazing team read more

Justin M.

3 years ago

goose and Maria made the whole experience magical and worth repeat visits. we absolutely love to come here because these individuals make us feel so at home and welcome. not to mention the experience is amazing read more

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49 Buena Vida reviews that are not currently recommended

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49 reviews that are not currently recommended

Buena Vida - mexican - Updated July 2026

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