This place is an amazing vibe! If you're going out somewhere to eat, looking for entertainment, music -- the works; it's truly a great time out. We came in with a party of 18, where it turns out that whoever was handling the reservations seemed to not put us down (or at least didn't put us in the right day); it was overwhelming, but they were extremely accommodating and fast to come up with a solution for us. For that, I truly give them points -- Shoutout to Oscar (presumably the manager) and Manuel, our server. The entire experience is super fun! But be aware of what you're coming into (for dinner, at least). There was music blasting, which can be overstimulating. When you order a flight, those come with lots of cheering, lights flashing, etc. Overall, we had a blast with our party, looking for a celebration. Food was good! We got flautas and the birria quesadillas, which were honestly super delicious. The portion for rice was on the tinier side, I will say. But the food was cooked great. One thing I will say is I wish we had all received complimentary waters, we did not receive waters and those who did, did not receive refills. I will give grace since there was A LOT of us, and a LOT going on in general at this restaurant. Thanks for the fun time! read more

I'd give La Buena Vida in Cary 3 stars. The environment was fantastic, definitely a 5. We went for two friends birthday, and they did some shots for the table on the house as well as a really delicious cake. The cake was hands-down the best thing I had to eat by far. The staff really get into celebrating the birthdays, and that part was really fun! However, it took close to an hour for the server to ask us for a food order - including appetizers. Service was around a 3.5, friendly but slow. We wanted to start with the dip trio, but after waiting about 55 minutes from when we sat down, we had to flag down our waitress and ask if we could put in the order. She then came back to take the regular food order, not leaving a whole lot of time between the dip coming out and our food coming out. The dip trio was OK, the queso was the best part. I'm not sure if the dip was supposed to be a cold dip or a hot dip, but it was like a lukewarm. I got the chicken and steak fajitas, which I would give a 2.5 out of five. The meat was a bit chewy. Overall I'd give the food a 3. The drinks were a bit too sugary and not well balanced--more filler than alcohol--so I'd give them a 2 (tried a sip of friends, the house marg, mango marg, and drink that comes in a little bathtub). It's a really nice spot for a party/celebration atmosphere, could be very fun for a bday, but you'll need some patience and to keep your expectations at bay for food. They also add a 3% credit card fee when using card, which I personally dislike. In general, I don't tend to patronize businesses that do that. read more

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Came here on a Friday night for appetizers and drinks with a girlfriend, and it was such a nice spot to catch up. The ambiance and music really set the tone - fun, relaxed, and perfect for a girls' night. Our waitress was incredibly patient with us as we took our time chatting and didn't feel rushed at all, which we really appreciated. Service like that makes a big difference. Parking was also easy, which is always a plus for a night out. Overall, a great place to unwind and enjoy good company. read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

We came here on a Friday evening and it was very packed. We had to park in the lot away from the business. The restaurant is spacious with many booths and tables inside. We came here for a bingo event at this location. We waited for some time to be seated by the hostess after being checked into the event. We were not seated all together but randomly throughout the restaurant so it was kind of hard to hear what was going on during the game as it was loud music being played in the restaurant. They did turn down the music at times times during the game. Our server was attentive while we were there. The chips and salsa were ok. The restaurant does make a big deal for people celebrating their birthdays there. read more

Being an out-of-towner, I had some time to kill and was on my way to another restaurant when the outside of this place caught my eye -- so I turned right into the parking lot. Even in the daytime, it was inviting. I went for lunch on a Thursday, so there weren't many people there at first. It's cute inside! The only reason I deducted points was because no one came to check on me after dropping off my food to see if everything was okay. I was waiting for them to, since I needed a knife to cut my chicken. I ended up eating it exactly as it looks in my picture - strips and all. They don't include knives in the wrapped silverware with the napkin. Also, it was a tad salty. Overall, it was cute in there, and I would definitely go back again. read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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My fajita burrito was barely edible; the meat was either gristly or very overcooked, and the sauce on top tasted like tomato sauce straight from a can. The tortilla chips and salsa were tasty, and my husband's fish tacos were pretty good. The margarita was only average. The host was nice but a little smarmy. Our servers were attentive and polite. The atmosphere there felt like a Miami nightclub tried to move north. It was dark, covered in fake plants and the music was loud. Overall not pleasant. read more

Went to La Buena Vida for the TSITP watch party and honestly it couldn't have been a better spot The atmosphere was such a vibe. fun, lively , and full of energy all at the same time. It felt like the kind of place you just want to stay and hang out for hours. The staff was so welcoming too, which made the whole night even better. Now the food... wow. The birria quesadillas were next level so cheesy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Pairing that with the Spanish rice (which was honestly some of the best I've ever had, so fluffy and seasoned just right) made it the perfect comfort meal. Everything just hit the spot. If you're looking for a place with amazing food, great atmosphere, and good energy, La Buena Vida is definitely it. Already planning when I'm going back! read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Birria Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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They have so many fun drinksand cool dishes that you don't want to miss out on! Some even come with "shows" which the kids + adults all enjoyed~ One of the drinks My favorites from our visit were bath time that came with a rubber duck (the bubbles were so fun and tasty) + plátanos rellenos It was THE BEST dish of the evening. If you get nothing else , get plátanos rellenos!!! read more

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Went during daily happy hour specials - VERY reasonably priced during this time. Good service. Fun atmosphere as the music is either off or low in volume. Would return again for these specials read more

Everything was great! Upon arriving and leaving, 2 gentlemen opened the doors for me and my friends. The food was delicious!! Highly recommend the chilaquiles So many fun looking drinks and tasty also. The churro sparkler display was really cool! Loved that the server was on top of things. The aesthetics inside were really cute and vibey! read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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Food was spectacular, highly recommend the carne asada as well as their super fun cocktail menu. The tres leches dessert was a bombshell. You can always judge a Mexican restaurant by their trees leches and they even have a strawberry version! The service was great! Went in a Friday and the place was packed but had almost no wait to sit. The ambiance was great!, it felt kind of like a hip club with modern music and a more modern style with paintings of famous Hispanic people on the walls like Frieda Kahlo read more

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I'd heard of this place but never visited the Cary location. I'm so glad I did. The staff and service were exceptional! The food was a bonus! Everything was delicious and left me wanting more!! The decor and art give this place a very upbeat and sensational vibe. I will definitely be back to try more drinks and more food. I started with the guacamole and birria roll apps from the lunch menu and had the Tiras de pollo which to me was the star of the show! P.S. Margarita Mondays mean house margs are on sale on Mondays! read more

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I enjoyed my time with my buddies there. Amazing food and great service from Greyber! read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Receipt - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

Consistently great food, drinks, and service! A little more than some other Mexican restaurants in the area , but you're paying for quality. read more

My boyfriend and I came in because I heard about this place from a coworker. The decor is very fancy, and it seems upscale as a result. The menus had really small font, and the restaurant was pretty dark. That might not be the best for people who can't see well. I ordered the platano relleno. It was good, very flavorful. The plantains were delicious, and I'm not sure what all was on top. I ate the whole plate clean. Our server was Viviana. She was pretty attentive and recommended a bacon-wrapped shrimp dish. Unfortunately, they didn't have it in stock anymore, which was disappointing. All in all, good experience. Food is a little pricey tho! But the quality is good. I think I still prefer Esmerelda Grill for more authentic and less expensive options. read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Platano Relleno - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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La Buena Vida has a vast menu with lots of options and selections. They have a very nice interior and vibes for a fun night out. I think the food was alright, but the drink menu and energy inside make up for it. I got some enchiladas and thought they were alright. They have these "shows" you can order, where the staff come out and do a dance to music and present several drinks to the table, it was really fun to watch, and I think it would be really fun for a special occasion. Overall, it was an interesting spot, I wouldn't come just for food though. I would come to have a good time and order some drinks. read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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This is a lively and vibrant restaurant, perfect for a fun night out. We visited on a Saturday evening and had a great time. The DJ started around 8 PM, adding a fantastic energy with music that kept the atmosphere upbeat. The Mexican food was delicious, with some unique and creative twists that added plenty of flair. We opted to sit at the bar since the restaurant was busy with large groups, likely due to holiday gatherings. The service was generally good, though a bit slow at times--but we didn't mind, as it gave us more time to enjoy the experience. For dessert, we tried the flan, which was an interesting take on the classic. It served and had a texture more akin to cheesecake and was topped with Fruity Pebbles for a fun twist. While it wasn't the traditional flan we expected, it was still enjoyable. read more

This place is, simply, an absolute shitshow. Sun still up, family dinner with a 3 year old, and there's a lady twerking on her table while the waitstaff parties instead of checking on guests. We left after our 3 year old broke down in tears. The website advertises this a family friendly spot. Shut it down. read more

This place has an amazing vibe! If you're going out somewhere to eat, looking for entertainment, music -- the works; it's truly a great time out. Good food and service. read more

The decor of this restaurant was so much fun! The vibes were lively and it almost felt like I was stepping into a dance bar. Service was relatively fast, especially given how busy they were. I got the chicken empanadas and the mole enchiladas. The empanadas were pretty good, it was your standard fried empanada. The mole enchilada was also just ok - my only complaint is about the multiples pieces of bones and cartilage I had to pick out. I'm giving this restaurant 4 stars instead of 3 because of how fun it was inside. I'd definitely come back for drinks with friends! read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Mole enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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I wanted to love it since I love the Raleigh location. The food consistently changes as does the customer service experience. Celebrated a birthday, party of 13 and all of us received our food at different times which sucked! The food presentation is always a hit, portions are just right and selection of food is good: read more

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They serve chips and salsa up front now! The shredded chicken is so flavorful, and I appreciate that their bowls are filling and put together with more fresh produce than rice. read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Lunch Quesabirrias - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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The food was great! Service was excellent. Atmosphere is awesome! Greta place to go for a friendly lunch or business dinner!

We walked in at 12:05 and there were only 3 occupied tables. We requested the table away from the loud music and the waitress looked annoyed but moved us to an equally loud place. She said they had to keep the music loud so we decided to leave. On the way out she said that she was waiting for the manager because she didn't know how to lower the music. She could have led with that. Anyway we ended up at Aquí Mero down the street which is excellen! Just light background musi, pleasant staff and delicious food. read more

Food is good and the drinks is spectacular Service is good as well, our server is pretty nice and friendly. Ambiance is nice as well. read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Lobster pasta is delicious and the ribeye as well - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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The staff here is outstanding! I ordered a Door Dash and wrong order was delivered. I contacted La Buena Vida and they couldn't have been nicer. They remade the order and Oscar personally delivered it to my home. Highly recommend! read more

Colorful vibrant atmosphere. Food was nothing special. My enchiladas were not served warm - they were cold. My meal came out significantly after those that I was dining with. So waited awhile and then was still cold when it was served to me. That was disappointing. read more

Great party atmosphere on a Saturday night. In house DJ played great up beat music to set the vibe. Birthday celebrations are definitely a hit! We had the guacamole which was excellent and very refreshing. The mango passion sushi roll was a wonderful! The agave chicken tacos had a great blend of ingredients with a perfect amount of char to the chicken. We will definitely return for the fun high energy experience! read more

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I visited for lunch on Saturday, April 26th. The restaurant was not busy; only a few tables were occupied. I ordered the Enchilada Suprema's. The first bite was the cheese enchilada, it was ice cold, YUCK. The mouthfeel was terrible, so I unrolled the enchilada, and it was an unmelted cheese stick rolled in a corn tortilla with a little sauce on it. Never knew cheese enchiladas were made from a cheese stick. On to the ground beef enchilada and it was ice cold as well. After several minutes of waiting on our waitperson I returned the dish. The manager visited and asked if I wanted something else so I ordered chicken tacos. They were okay. My partner ordered the taco salad and left half of it. Two lunch entrees, an iced tea, and a water for $26. The complimentary chips/salsa were good. Side note, the two chicken tacos were $5.50 each and while tasty, they were nothing special. $11 for two chicken tacos, really? The vibe of the restaurant was a little out of the norm and might be fun for a drink in the evening. Bright colors, loud music, neon lights. Bottom line, we will not be returning. read more

The space itself has potential, but that's all they have going for them unfortunately. Bad service, sad food, overall a bad experience that makes me wonder how long they have left. Also, the smell of the heavily soiled and dirty bathroom drifted into the dining area for added ambiance. Be warned on this one. read more

I don't know why the reviews are relatively low but the food, service, ambiance, and did I mention the food are all amazing. They did a great job here. The food was so fresh and tasted like scratch made recipes. Great job with this place. Cary needs this place and I hope more people will go here and keep this pace not only in business but thriving. read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Smoky Asada tacos with Jalisco Old fashion in the background. So tasty! - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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This is one of my favorite places to eat at! Love the food here and the portions are great. The space and decor is very fitting with the theme and the drinks are amazing as well. The staff is very friendly and helpful with any questions you may have. read more

At first I was super sad to see that Topopos wasn't here anymore but then we tried La Buena Vida and it was great! I thought the decor was fun before but I love what they've done with the place now. It looks like it was decorated by Justina Blakeney of Jungalow. I loved the music videos on the screens throughout as well. Oh, and the food and drink - fantastic! The manager came by our table to ask how everything was going and seemed genuinely interested in our impressions. Can't wait to go back! read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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The flautas de pollo meat was totally uneatable, like chewing bubble gum. I don't know what they did to ruin a simple ingredient like chicken, but they managed. I don't think the waiter understood my English when I complained. read more

The drink menu is great. Try the La Tóxica. This is a great place for groups and celebrations as well as a date night. read more

La Buena Vida - Cary - La Tóxica - Mexican Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

We (family) went to the restaurant early to celebrate my adult daughter's birthday with her husband and their toddler son. Right away there were communication issues with the server...largely language. We understood we were there at happy hour so the table ordered margaritas and one beer. We were also told that the table could have a cheese quesadilla free also because happy hour. My son in law brought my daughter's favorite cake with us for dessert. He also brought plates and utensils. The restaurant provided nothing. When I received the check I simply paid it, didn't really look tthat close. On the way home I look, realize there were no happy hour discounts on the drinks and in fact was charged for 2 beers. Also, I was charged for the "free" appetizer, and then to add insult to injury I was charged a $15 "cake fee". The mandatory gratuity was 18% and they added a credit card fee of 3%. So I had to turn around and 5 miles back to the restaurant. When I explained the issues to the manager, he was not sympathetic but took off the beer and free appetizer. Then he tells me happy hour was only 1/2 price for mojitos, nothing else. That wasn't communicated by the server.... But what really was over the top was the arbitrary "cake fee". We had our own cake, our own plates and flatware, and at no time when we carried the cake in, did anyone disclose a "cake fee" for no cake. When asked where there was disclosed, he said on their app. I told him I didn't have his app and never visited his website...first time to the restaurant. He couldn't care less, refused to credit the charge. Bottom line, the food was not very good, the waitress was friendly but could not understand half of what was said and could not communicate to us clearly, but the topper was the manager's attitude. I really have no issues with clearly communicated policies but to expect someone to look through their website before visiting a restaurant is a stretch. It was not on the menu or any signage. I don't complain a lot but to be charged in 3 places for things I never received, at full price, that's unforgivable. His decision to not apologize and stick me with the $15 fee after all of that cost him my business, and my families and friends business as well. read more

This place is not for honest people, and the food wasn't great either. Despite there being only two of us, they automatically added an 18% tip and listed the guest count as six instead of two. The staff was inattentive. I will never return to this place and don't recommend it to anyone due to the poor food, drinks, and service. read more

Nine of our family met to celebrate a birthday. A very pleasant atmosphere with adequate room for small or large number of patrons. We found the menu to offer dozens of options from sushi, chicken dishes, beef dishes, and fish. This made it an excellent choice since we had a wide variety of food preferences. We also brought a homemade dessert and they graciously provided serving items. The service was excellent, attentive but not overwhelming. Will definitely go again. read more

After receiving an promotional flyer in the mail, my husband and I decided to try the Cary location. The ambiance is gorgeous. However, the restaurant was chilly (perhaps they had the AC on) even though it was 45 degrees outside. We showed our waiter the flyer and we wanted the offer of "receiving a free order of chicken fajitas with any $25+ order". The waiter took the order (chimicangas, chorizo dip, and the chicken fajitas) was told by the manager that we would have to make a second order of fajitas in order to receive the free ones. Not what the flyer said, so I had to change my order. DON'T ADVERTISE IT IF IT CAN'T BE BACKED UP PLEASE. The chorizo dip was almost all grease and very little cheese or chorizo meat. The waiter was polite but inexperienced and took atleast 5 minutes to bring us anything except for the check. Then he was hovering behind my husband waiting to be paid. Worst place for Mexican if you care about more than looks. read more

Greber was our server and he was absolutely amazing! All the staff was super nice. Great atmosphere, drinks and food! Bringing all my friends here. read more