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    Buena Vida Tapas Bar

    4.3 (494 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    BUENA VIDA TAPAS BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

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    Panko Cauliflower
    Elizabeth D.

    Came to this restaurant conveniently placed right off the beltline on Wednesday afternoon to catch up with my girlfriends. It's always a good time when we meet up with my friends cause the conversation and fellowship is always so sweet, however this time I'd say it was somewhat interrupted. The live music/saxophonist is nice however, it's overbearing. There's a soundtrack playing in the background in addition to the saxophonist and honestly it's just too much. There was always someone yelling over another and we had to continuously ask someone to repeat themselves. They do half off bottles of wine on Wednesdays and that might've been the one thing I enjoyed. As for the food, it was also subpar. I ordered the CRISPY PIMENTON CHICKEN which was essentially a fried chicken with hot honey sauce and that was enjoyable. The caprese salad was good but my tomato's were a bit mushy. I also enjoyed a few of the potatoes brava as well but they weren't anything spectacular. My friends said the steak tasted burnt and needed less charring. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cute as there is indoor and outdoor seating but honestly, I'm not that eager to go back.

    Sheek T.

    We came in on a Saturday afternoon. Very cute spot on the beltline. Good spot for people watching if you sit outside which we did. There was also live music. We ordered a few tapa style options and a couple of meals. Everyone enjoyed everything but service was a bit slow. My standout was the empanadas and the croquetas.

    Snapper and coconut ceviche
    Hussain L.

    Upscale yet casual Spanish tapas bar in Old Fourth Ward with a fun Latin vibe! Spicy Octopus is warm, delicious and the sauce is finger licking good with a nice kick! Nice photo decor wall in the entry area. Variety of cocktails and drinks to pick from. The shrimp (gambas al ajillo) are tasty and well seasoned! The order comes with four shrimp for $17. The snapper and coconut ceviche was unique and filling, not my favorite dish, though it's a local special. Beware, if you sit at the outdoor bar area, the seats are a bit uncomfortable (no cushion) and you will hear the music bumping! Tres leches have some extra ingredients that are not typical authentic. It includes cinnamon and peach marmalade on top, which distorts the flavor significantly from a traditional tres leches cake. Still good but different. Seafood paella is bomb, Large portion, takes about 20 minutes to come out!

    Seafood Paella
    Sierra H.

    I've been at this location 3 times, and each time has been so good. The decor is modern, sleek, and fun. I love the photo opp sight right at the door. The PAELLA!!! Hands down some of the most authentic I've ever had in Atlanta. Their menu is always delicious, and the drinks pair really well. I tend to try a new drink each time. Everything pretty much hits on their menu, so you'll never leave hungry. Our server on the last trip, Justice, was so attentive and nice! Very knowledgeable of the menu, had a great sense of humor, and took care of us. Highly recommend coming if you're in Midtown, or before you're about to see a show/play at the Fox theatre! Only 7 minutes away!

    Andrew D.

    I continue to enjoy the great service and fine fare at Buena Vida. The sliced Rib Eye slathered with house made Chimichurri is always a must! The Duck Pot Pie with homemade crust is a great flavor for winter with ample pepper! I usually stick to a bottle of Spanish Tempranillo Or a pitcher of their White Sangria. The bar can be lively hosted by great bartenders like Spencer, Juan, Alissa or Chloe. I am here often and will continue to be here often.

    Never order their takeout. Doordashed it. Bland, small portions, croquettas were shaped not in balls, paella was small and bland. Ordered tres leche and it was fully missing All around terrible.

    Shikeita E.

    I like this place ! The area is nice ! They also validate parking as long as you eat there . They had entertainment that night the gutair playing with instrumentals you barely hear the musician but it's was a vibe ! The atmosphere was nice pleasant and aesthetically pleasing . We sat outside the waitress was very nice and fun so was the hostess! I wish I could remember their name cause they made the experience awesome ! It was a Friday night ! The food was good !!! I will definitely be back !!!! I need to try more food ! I had the empanadas and a salad I think I found my spot !!!!! My sister had steak

    Paella and Margaritas
    Olivia T.

    Buena Vida is in an awesome location, right off the Beltline. The food here is a 3/5. Some stuff (paella) were above average and other stuff was just okay. I liked the tapas style of the menu though because we got to try a lot of different things. I got the spicy marg and it was quite spicy but sooo good. The staff here is super friendly and fun! Their patio is immaculate (5/5), which is why my rating is a 4/5. In my opinion, you shouldn't come here expecting a gourmet meal. This should be your spot for an app and drinks before dinner OR an awesome patio to have casual drinks/food when the weather is nice.

    Glass of Piatelli Cabernet Sauvignon wine & patio seating.
    Cory J.

    It was our first time here & it was nice! We went for "Jazz & Wine on the Beltline." It took us a little while to get seated - it seemed like the hosts were relatively new to the restaurant but it wasn't a problem at all. We didn't eat, so we can't attest to the food - we just came for the half priced bottles of wine since it was Wednesday. It looked super good though. The saxophone player was REALLY GOOD. I don't remember our server's name, but she was super sweet! The ambiance was amazing, especially when it got dark outside. We'll definitely be back!

    Joseph R.

    Came here on a Sunday for dinner with friends. Great location right on the beltline. Can definitely hop around to bars before or after. The vibe inside is cute. The service was good. Had the spicy marg which was well balanced. The croquets are quite nice. The paella was awesome! the empanadas were okay. The chicken were basically just flat chicken nuggies, I'd not get those next time. Overall it was a fine experience! I wouldn't be opposed to coming back. Was just a bit conflicting in my mind, felt more like a Mexican restaurant but the food was Spanish. ‍

    Espresso Martini & Beach Bonfire
    Janna P.

    From the moment I walked in, I felt transported. The energy here is unmatched--think Southern Spain meets Atlanta's Beltline, with a side of good music and even better food. We ordered a little bit of everything, and every single bite delivered. The Mahi Mahi Ceviche was fresh and zesty, and the Goat Cheese Fritters were crispy on the outside with the perfect creamy center. The Chimichurri Steak was tender and full of bold, herby flavor, and the Truffle-Agave Brussels Sprouts had the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and crispy. But the showstopper? The Seafood Paella--hands down the best paella we've ever had. Perfectly cooked rice, plenty of seafood, and so much depth of flavor. We wrapped it all up with the Tres Leches, which was light, dreamy, and the perfect sweet finish. The drinks were just as memorable--I had the Mango Batida, which was tropical, creamy, and refreshing, and their Espresso Martini was smooth with just the right kick. 10/10 on the cocktails! The staff was friendly, attentive, and knew the menu well--they helped us make great choices and timed everything perfectly. The space is bright and beautiful, with a cozy patio that looks out on the Beltline and a stunning mural wall inside that makes for the perfect photo moment. Bonus: they host live music during brunch, which just adds to the fun, chill atmosphere. Pro tip: There's 2-hour validated parking in the deck nearby, which is a rare gem for this area! If you're looking for a spot with amazing vibes, flavorful tapas, and Instagram-worthy everything--Buena Vida is it. Can't wait to come back!

    Katherine G.

    This place was so good! Definitely a fun spot for a celebration, to hang, out, and just overall good vibes. We got a table outside since the weather was nice and really enjoyed it. The food is tapas style, so you get to order a bunch of items and try them all! We got 5 dishes between the two of us and this was the perfect amount of food. We had one of the jamon, bay scallops, short rib, chimichurri steak, and brussels sprouts. Everything was spot on in terms of flavor, and I really enjoyed the brussels sprouts and chimichurri steak! Something about the glaze and toastiness of the sprouts was so perfect, and the cook on the steak was also spot on. I would highly recommend this spot! A great place to eat and service was also friendly and spectacular.

    Side Salad (gf)
    Taryn C.

    Stopped in to Buena Vida on a weekday for lunch. I was seated and served quickly and attentively. It is perfect for a quick lunch or seems like a great spot to grab drink and catch up anytime. The bar is super cute and the seating area has a great vibe to it. The food was AMAZING. I got a smash burger, salad, and brownie! Do not skip dessert!!! Can't wait to try more from the menu!

    Caprese Salad

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    Buena Vida Tapas Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Buena Vida Tapas Bar

    Will our outdoor reservation be under cover, or is this open?

    It's open. There is no roof over the outdoor seating.

    Do you have a tv?

    they don't have TV's

    Do you have a Happy Hour menu?

    Unfortunately at this time we do not offer a Happy Hour menu. We open at 5pm Monday - Friday and brunch at 11am Saturday and Sunday. With a smaller bar bites menu between 4-5pm and then we start the dinner menu back up at 5pm on both days.… 

    When is paella available?

    We will be doing a seafood paella tonight as a New Years Special. Hope to see you tonight.

    Do you guys offer unlimited mimosas?

    Yes for Brunch from 11-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays we do bottomless Mimosas.

    Is the patio dog friendly?

    Yes, we welcome (well behaved and leashed) dogs on the patio! Our patio opens out to the ramp up to the Beltline which reaches the Beltline right across from New Realm.

    Is there parking?

    Buena Vida provides complimentary parking validation for up to 2 hours in the North and Line Deck. Just enter the main North and Line apartments deck entrance, which is the first left after you turn onto N Angier Ave NE from North Avenue (alongside… 

    View All 8 Questions

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    Silla Del Toro

    Silla Del Toro

    4.6
    (103 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$
    Romantic vibe
    Full bar

    Decent location if you're looking to see a live show in the Emory area. Fantastic selection of…read moretapas, and their drinks are delicious. The hightop tables were a bit too high for us, but the other traditional seating was great with a candle at every table. We ordered all types of things. The pulpo (octopus) and baked mussels really stood out as our favorites. Owner/manager came out to speak with us. He and his staff clearly care about creating a great business with the best Spanish dishes in the area. Give this spot a try--you won't regret it!

    My husband and I came here last month with one of my friends and it was an excellent introduction!…read moreMy friend had been here before just for dessert and had been wanting to try more dishes, so we visited upon her recommendation. The ambiance is classy while not being stuffy, with business casual dress code. All of the staff were welcoming and kind to us, from the hostess to our waitress to the food runners. We shared several tapas: paella verduras, Pulpo parrilla (grilled octopus), Pan con tomate, empanadas with beef, Calamares fritos (calamari) , Espárragos (asparagus), and Patatas bravas. Everything was absolutely delicious! One of my favorite items of the night was the bread with tomato (pan con tomate)! The bread was toasted perfectly and came with garlic and grated tomato to spread on it, along with a sprinkling of greens. My typical favorite at Spanish restaurants (patatas bravas) was done very well here too, with the right crunch and tasty sauces. The perfectly tender octopus came with a side of beans that I wished to ask for the recipe for because they were seasoned so nicely! The calamari was breaded lightly which allowed the natural flavors to shine. The beef empanadas were juicy and crisp. The asparagus was cooked to perfection. The vegetable paella was also filling and wonderful! We ended our meal with the toffee butter cake which was an absolute dream. We look forward to coming back for more!

    Photos
    Silla Del Toro
    Silla Del Toro
    Silla Del Toro

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    Barcelona Wine Bar

    Barcelona Wine Bar

    4.1
    (1.6k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Recently went back to Barcelona and this time I sat at the bar. Upon entering, since the group was…read morebig it was going to take some time before being seated. But since the bar was open, we decided to sit there. The waitress at the bar, informed us we needed to order immediately as the kitchen was getting ready to close. So we did just that and the food still came out fresh and tasty! Plus, they always have a nice selection of wines! Parking in Inman park can be a bit of madness lol. But I parked in the garage across the street which wasn't that costly.

    I wish I could give this spot 5 stars but it just didn't entirely hit the mark for me…read moreunfortunately. My group of 4 and I came in around 9:05pm for our reservation at 9:00pm and were told our table wasn't ready. We went to grab a drink at the bar but ended up unfortunately waiting about an hour to be completely sat (about 10:10pm). The location was VERY busy, almost difficult to walk through with the amount of people standing around waiting to get sat, but just wish it would have been a quicker turnaround time, especially with the reservation being booked. Now onto the good! Our server and server assistant Mitch were both lovely. Mitch came by frequently to take our order and check up on us. The food and drinks were INCREDIBLE! We got the some tapas, including potatoes, croquettes, empanadas, tomatoes and meatballs and everything was top tier. Quite an affordable night out if you end up sharing a bunch of dishes. The white sangria was also amazing. Very floral but in a not over powering way. We ended up choosing street parking a street down and were able to walk right to the restaurant with no issues. Would definitely love to give this place another try as it seems very promising but maybe on a less busy night.

    Photos
    Barcelona Wine Bar
    Barcelona Wine Bar
    Cheers bubbly rosè

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    Cheers bubbly rosè
    Eclipse di Luna - Buckhead

    Eclipse di Luna - Buckhead

    4.2
    (1.1k reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    OH EM GE! Our server wasn't lying when he said the best food comes out of this specific location…read more I've been to all expect for this 1 till last Friday, it was delicioussssssssssss!!! Came for girls night & 1 thing about us, we can EAT! We order a few plates & everything was wow, a 10/10, literally! They also have a DJ and the music was good as well. * calamari 10/10 * Brussels 10000/10 * apple salad 10/10 * watermelon salad 100/10 * patatas bravas (potatoes) 1000/10 * Leeche martinis 100000000000000000/10 * lavender & guava pisco martinis 1000/10

    I visited Eclipse di Luna on a quick weekend trip up to Atlanta for a Sunday Brunch with a few…read morefriends. Upon arrival, we were greeted pretty quickly. We did have a reservation, so after that was confirmed, we were seated. Soon after we were seated, our orders were placed. We wanted to share the mimosa tower (we got the one that serves 12) - which, split amongst the table, was reasonable. Our food order, ironically, came well before our mimosa tower - which was a little interesting, but we rolled with it. We ate, and as soon as the mimosa tower came, we were able to indulge. We did have to flag down our waiter to point out that they did short us. We were only given 9 out of the 12 servings. So, they prepared the missing 3 servings, and all was good from there. Beyond that, I did enjoy the food. I enjoyed the mimosas - with their lavender one being my favorite. Pricing was reasonable on the food. As for the restaurant, even though it was fairly busy, service was still pretty quick. The overall vibe was lively; they had a really great playlist going at the time. It has nice design/decor elements that I found interesting to look at. I'd definitely go back, but I'd like to try maybe happy hour or their lunch/dinner menus.

    Photos
    Eclipse di Luna - Buckhead
    Eclipse di Luna - Buckhead
    Sparkling Rosé.

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    Sparkling Rosé.
    Casi Cielo

    Casi Cielo

    4.6
    (694 reviews)
    10.6 mi

    We dined at Casa Cielo, a neighborhood favorite that never disappoints. Their cocktail menu is…read moreoutstanding, especially the mezcal creations. We tried the La Piñata and the Smokey Old Fashioned, which arrived in a dramatic smoke dome--such a fun presentation. For our first bites, we ordered the Tostadas: handmade corn tostadas served with both red and green avocado sauces. They were fresh, vibrant, and a perfect start to the meal. Our main courses were equally impressive. The Short Rib with Mole Amarillo came with pickled habanero onions, rice, and plantains--rich, tender, and beautifully balanced. We also enjoyed the Arrachera, an outside skirt steak served with sautéed onions, chimichurri, rustic potatoes, and a bouquet salad. Every dish was plated beautifully and tasted exceptional. Our server, Dalia, made the experience even better. She was warm, knowledgeable, and attentive--always appearing at just the right moment, whether to refill our water or guide us through the menu. Overall, it was another amazing visit. We go there often and have never been disappointed.

    TLDR: one of my favorite ATL restaurants, lamb tuetano bone marrow tacos are a stand out. Remember…read moreto validate parking immediately. This is my second time here and both times have been so good. We came as a party of 3 and left so happy and full. I love Mexican food holy moly We got the queso and octopus shrimp ceviche as starters. The queso was 3 cheeses: American, cotija, and Oaxacan. They heated it up under a salamander so it was nice and crispy on top, while being gooey all throughout. Also came with a couple of nice salsas. The ceviche was not my favorite because I don't prefer raw(ish) octopus, but the squid ink sauce was very flavorful. For our mains the 3 of us shared the red snapper, tuetano with lamb, and the mixteco poblano pepper. Red snapper had a nice charred smoky flavor from being grilled. Was more meaty than flaky in texture. It was our second time getting the mixteco poblano pepper and it hits. Highly recommend eating with some of the salsa as well if you get queso. The duck carnitas in it wasn't particularly duck-y today, but still very good. Best dish is definitely the tuetano. The bone marrow is so incredibly flavorful with the blue corn tortillas. Add some of the pickled onions and it's hard to go wrong with that flavor combo of salt, fat, and acid. if you're going to order one thing, I'd order this and share with a friend and tbh it's enough to be filling. For dessert we got the volcan de chocolate (basically lava cake). The lava cake and coconut ice cream combo is fantastic. You get bits of coconut flakes as you eat! Fair warning it isn't the brownie texture you may be used to, it's a bit more cakey. Amazing service the whole night! Almost got our cars booted because we forgot to validate until 1.5 hours in but luckily we were fine. The staff let us know they have been booting cars though so be wary!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Croquetas De Platanos
    Croquetas De Platanos
    Oaxffle de milpa

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    Oaxffle de milpa
    Bar.bacoa

    Bar.bacoa

    4.5
    (324 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    My party and I were originally planning to dine at another restaurant on this strip, and we're so…read moreglad we decided to give this place a try instead. From the moment we arrived, the staff was outstanding, especially Kelly. She was incredibly patient, took the time to explain the menu and dishes, and even surprised us with a complimentary dessert at the end of our meal. We're in town for another week, and we'll definitely be stopping by again before we leave. The food was exceptional, everything we ordered was delicious, and there wasn't a single dish that disappointed. The drinks were also fantastic and very reasonably priced, especially compared to what we're used to back home in Miami. We travel to Atlanta frequently, and this restaurant has officially earned a spot on our "must-visit" list. Highly recommended!

    TL;DR: Good place to go if you have three people or less in your party and you're already in the…read moreneighborhood. Skip the tacos and get the tapas instead for the best value-to-price ratio. The covered patio is beautiful and much quieter than the rest of the restaurant. This is a fusion spot with mostly Spanish and Latin American influences. The food isn't the best you've ever had, but it's decent and the restaurant's neighborhood is cute and fun. It's a great place to hang out for the day, and Bar.bacoa is a good choice if you have 3 people or less in your party. The group size is about maximizing the value you get here. The portion sizes are small for tapas. The paella was $24 but would be hard-pressed to feed just two people. The ham and cheese empanadas were $12 and came with two empanadas. These rates aren't bad for tapas if your group is small, but any group larger than 3 is going to start losing on the value-to-price ratio. When it comes to the tacos, they're $6 each for tacos that are not new or outstanding, so I would lean on the tapas instead.

    Photos
    Bar view
    Bar view
    Bar.bacoa
    Bar.bacoa

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    Buena Vida Tapas Bar - spanish - Updated August 2026

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