I had not eaten at Pura Vida in a decade after moving from McMinnville to Astoria. I stopped for lunch with my son and it was as good as I remembered. We had the totopos, arepas and pork belly tacos, everything was delicious. They also have Xicha Brewing on top, excellent service, food and beer. It's a must stop if you're going through McMinnville. read more

Nice atmosphere, excellent service. We both had the tacos ... large portions! Favorite was definitely the Barbacoa, followed by the pork belly and shrimp. The 4 stars is because the chicken taco was average. Also felt the rice could have been warmer ... it was lukewarm. Things this restaurant could easily change to improve. But overall, a good stop. read more

We've been here once before for a lovely dine in experience. I remember the food tasting delicious and fresh. We didn't have time to dine in this time so we ordered takeout and it was amazing! The salmon ceviche and camaron taco orders were perfect for our picnic in the car sitting next to a beautiful field of wildflowers. The order was ready on time and we felt very welcome. read more

Pura Vida Cocina - Camaron tacos - Mexican Near Me - Mcminnville, Oregon

10 out of 10. Unique Cozy space Friendly & informative staff Deep menu to explore Really good vibe Check it out. read more

Pura Vida Cocina - Amazing delicious creative chile relleno with prawns ans rocket salad atop cheese, rice, black beans. - Mexican Near Me - Mcminnville, Oregon

Didn't get checked on the entire time we were there. After waiting an extensive amount of time to get our check, I decided to get up and ask for it myself. When expressing my dissatisfaction with the food I ordered, I was offered nothing as compensation other than the explanation that it wasn't "typical Mexican food". I ordered a chile relleno, and received a pile of salad atop a pile of cheese covered quinoa/frozen veggie medley on top of a roasted poblano. Just not what I expected or what was described on the menu. I suppose I should have asked some clarifying questions. read more

Pura vida is a McMinnville staple! They are a delicious Mexican flare restaurant with elevated service, unique options for food, and delicious cocktails! Staff is almost always attentive- even during busy times of the day- and their food always comes out fresh and ready to devour. I have visited many times and never received the wrong order or felt as if I wasn't being catered to as a guest. The only downside is that they can get really busy in days where other restaurants are not open downtown and the wait time can be longer than 30 min. Definitely a must visit for anyone craving a margarita! read more

Having a nice long weekend wine tasting in the area & stopped for a bite to eat. The chicken tacos were delicious, nice vibe to the place. What was amazing was the hustle of the people that work there. I did not get their names but this beautiful woman was mixing drinks & her male counterpart was moving out the food. Also Cheers to the guy in the back making delicious food. Thank you. read more

Pura Vida Cocina - What a joy to watch such beautiful people making their job look so effortless while working their butts off. - Mexican Near Me - Mcminnville, Oregon

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Food and service was great, fast and friendly. Will definitely come back again when we are next in town.

Food was good the Barbacoa was kinda dry and the house made tortilla seemed a bit under cooked. The service left something to be desired. Server was not very attentive. The resturant was clean and look quite nice inside. Honestly , not sure if I would go there again. read more

Pura Vida Cocina - Barbacoa taco plate - Mexican Near Me - Mcminnville, Oregon

This hidden gem may be small, but it truly delivers, both the food and service are outstanding. We tried the rice plate, which was incredibly unique and full of flavor. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area! read more

Excellent food and service. Interesting and different types of food and flavors. Give it a try. We really like this restaurant.

It was my first time here but not my last. Great looking menu that I can't wait to work through. I ordered the empanadas and can't say enough great things about them. I practically licked the black bean side dish off my plate it was SO good. Very friendly and helpful staff. Looking forward to supporting this restaurant! read more

We have been to this restaurant twice now and it is consistently awesome! Both times we had great waiters who were friendly, attentive and accommodating. My mom has gluten and dairy allergies and they were super great about making sure her needs were met. The restaurant is small and cozy. The food is awesome! We have had the chips and guacamole with pepita salsa (which is my new favorite salsa!) chicken tacos, stuffed peppers, Caesar salad and pork taquitos. All of it was super yummy, but the taquitos have been my favorite:) I highly suggest going here if you are in McMinnville! read more

The food is not your typical beans rice and enchilada kind of place. Top notch Mexican cuisine. The margaritas were tasty. With dinner ( large portions, I took home and ate for two more days) two meals two Maggie's and tip we walked out at about $100. read more

Had the mixed tacos and tried the barbacoa and pork belly ones. They were fresh and flavorful. Would highly recommend and would go back again read more

Pura Vida Cocina - Mixed taco plate. - Mexican Near Me - Mcminnville, Oregon

Have you ever sat there staring at a menu of a new place feeling overwhelmed all the amazing looking options, place your order, get it, take your first bite and get an exciting rush from not only tasting something amazing but knowing you made the right choice? That was here for me. The crispy pork belly taco might be the perfect taco. Now you're thinking "dude, you gave them 4 stars." Yes, food is 5 stars hands down but the service was lacking. I assume they had something going on because it wasn't a busy night and the young table busser is the person who helped us. We only saw our server when he brought us our check and took our payment. I appreciate the busser stepping up and helping us though. I'm positive our next experience will be 5 stars. read more

Pura Vida Cocina - Puerco (crispy pork belly tacos) - Mexican Near Me - Mcminnville, Oregon

Everything was outstanding. The soup of the day was so fresh and perfect for the warm day today. The fried avocado is a don't miss. Service was fabulous and vibe very comfortable. Great local spot and a must stop read more

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While on our visit to McMinnville, my partner and I popped in for a late lunch on a Saturday. I got the Cuban sandwich, my partner got the vegetable empanadas. Cuban sandwich: came with papa bravas (fried potatoes with a sauce on the side), a bit salty, but otherwise no complaints - a solid Cuban sandwich. Vegetable empanadas: very good - we thought it was gonna be a small snack portion but it was a good, hearty meal - the corn pastry skin isn't thin like at some places, but it was flavorful, not heavy, and loaded with vegetables. The salad was light and refreshing and provided a nice contrast with the earthy beans, and the aioli was flavorful without being too salty. We were surprised by how much we liked it and finished it for the lunch together and packed half the Cuban sandwich and some of the papas bravas to go. Price: $13 for the Cuban sandwich and $11 for the empanadas, good prices for good portion sizes. Worth a revisit? Yes, next time we are in McMinnville, we'll drop by again (especially for the empanadas!). read more

Pura Vida Cocina - Seasonal vegetable empanadas - Mexican Near Me - Mcminnville, Oregon

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The decor and set up is standard. We were there at a very busy time and even though it took a while for service the server was super nice and did not make us feel rushed or unimportant. The food was really good. We got the Mole which was a special. My niece said it was the best she has had. Tacos for me and plantains to share. Over all we will put this on our rotating list for the area. Took off one star for the 5$ price for one can of soda. I don't mind that price if it is bottomless, however for one can it's a bit much. read more

Pura Vida Cocina - Plantains - Mexican Near Me - Mcminnville, Oregon

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Awesome food in McMinnville. Super friendly staff and cool Latin music playing throughout our meal. Got the taquitos, fried avocado, and vege sope. All were awesome - served w the tastiest refried black beans and chipotle sauce. Taquitos were crispy and juicy. Sope were veges filling a cornmeal cake shell. Avocado was a nice salad. Also got the guava Fresca - soda water, lime and guava juice. Very refreshing Will come here again read more

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Well worth the drive from Portland to McMinnville for this hidden gem! The fresh made arepas were PERFECTION! When well crafted the simplest things can be magical. I also tried the mixed taco plate (because I love trying several things). The barbacoa, puerco, and camaron were all amazing. So much flavor and no skimping on proteins. Staff were very kind and caring as well. read more

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Pura Vida was recommended to us by our host at our AirBNB while visiting the area. I am so glad we took their advice and made the trip to McMinnville for it. As soon as she mentioned them having amazing Chile Rellenos I was on board. You can tell they've been impacted by the staff shortages because most of the wait staff were brad new which made for a little less than perfect service, but I don't think that's reason to hurt their ratings because it's something everyone Is dealing with these days. And really, the food more than makes up for it. We ordered some amazing arepas to start that were topped with a delicious salad mix and dressing that was creamy and just "tan rico". The same salad mix was on my Chile relleno that was out of this world. The vegetarian Chile was stuffed with veggies and smothered in another creamy sauce that was sooooo good. It was very different than any other Chile relleno I've ever had. I was so stuffed and content when we left the restaurant. I wish I had a place like this here at home! read more

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We stopped by for an early dinner to start our weekend. We are glad We came early because by the time we left it was nearly full. I ordered the chille rellano. It is not your typical rellano though! It came topped with salad and perfectly cooked veggies that included diced carrots, broccoli, zucchini and pickled onions as well as greens. The chille was not stuffed like traditional rellanos but had some cotija cheese sprinkled throughout. It also came with seasoned rice. I enjoyed it a lot. I came away without that gluggy feeling that often comes with too much cheese. The veggies were a nice surprise. The others in our party ordered the chicken enchilada, barbacoa tacos and arepas. They enjoyed their selections too. The service was a bit neglectful. We never got the Lime Fresco we ordered and the waiter didn't check in with us. We also thought the guacamole needed salt and the chips, which seemed house made, were quite thick. I would have like some salsa served with my chille rellano. All in all though, we enjoyed our meal and I would definitely go back! read more

Stopped at Pura Vida Cocina on our way home from a coast trip and I'm glad we did. Eclectic Latin American menu was a hit with 4 hungry travelers! Margaritas were refreshing and delicious. Shrimp was especially fresh-tasting. Service was friendly and efficient, in an art-filled space. Will be happy to return in the future! read more

This place is fantastic. The staff is charming and inviting, and they are quick. While the food is a little more on the expensive side, it makes up for it with the quality of food. From the first bite, you can tell it is handmade and has incredible flavors. Even though the portion sizes are not the biggest, I still got very full. A fantastic place to go out if you want some authentic food in a cute little place. Overall, I would most definitely go here! read more

Pura Vida Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Mcminnville, Oregon

Delicious, fresh food. Latin fusion? Generous servings, yummy flavors. Great service.

Food was good, but the service was supremely slow. There were six of us dining together, yet we were served in "waves". After some wait, two got their food, then more waiting and the next two received theirs, and by the time the first two served had finished their meals, the final two of us were served our meals which were eaten in haste to try not to keep the rest of our party waiting to depart. Weird way to run a restaurant. read more

The server was nice... I was excited about this place because of the reviews, but was extremely disappointed with the food. We go the 3 different tacos plate, the chile relleno, and the guacamole appetizer. None were authentic by any means. The tacos were the worst! Meat was extremely dry and lacks any flavor. So sad cause I was looking forward to some good Mexican. The chile relleno was weird. It was like a saucy shrimp salad. I've never heard of chile relleno as a salad with broccoli and cucumbers. The sauce was palatable but not great. The guacamole was watery and just different. Trying to find another Mexican place to scratch the Mexican food itch. I'm being honest about this place because I felt bamboozled by the good reviews of this place. 2 stars at most! read more

Pure Vida Cocina is pure-ly delicioso Pure Vida is a one of a kind Latin American restaurant in downtown McMinnville. The menu is inventive and unique, a real gem in our small town. It maintains a high, consistent quality and never disappoints. Our family of four stopped in for dinner on a Friday night. I had been here three other times for business lunches. We ordered the totopoes as an appetizer. Then, for our meals, we had the Sopes, shrimp tacos, enchiladas de mole, and chicken arepas. We were all very pleased with the flavors, presentation and quality of ingredients. The service was average (nothing to complain about: and a charming waiter). And the atmosphere is pretty rustic and simple, but don't let that look deter you. We'll absolutely been back again (and again). I'd highly recommend Pure Vida, whether you're just visiting McMinnville and Linfield or live nearby and would like a unique and impressive meal. read more

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Came back to Pura Vida, and it was still good, just not as good as I remembered it. I got a spicy margarita- be ready for the heat if you order it! I was very excited to get the plantains again, but they were out. We tried some new dishes- the empanadas were great, the Chile relleno was just ok. The flavor wasn't great and the chicken was over cooked. The croquetas and arepas were just as good as I remembered. I'd go back, but definitely not order the Chile relleno. read more

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Absolutely delicious food and outstanding service! Try the Salmon Salad, truly outstanding!! read more

Visited for lunch on a quiet weekend. We both had Chicken tinga empanadas. They were made fresh, but the portions felt small for the price. The accompanying black beans did not have a lot of flavor. Service was good. read more

Stopped here on our way home from the coast. This little gem I found on Yelp. I'd say it's more Latin than Mexican for their offerings. Wish I would have gotten photos. The brazed pork empanadas were fabulous. No skimping on the meat. Of course I had to have the shrimp tacos they were amazing. The shells are handmade and the shrimp are large and fresh, served with pickled red onions and radish. My husband had the chili relleno stuffed with shrimp and fresh vegetables and it was topped with a beautiful salad. For the prices and quality of food it definitely with the drive. We will definitely make the trip to McMinnville just for this restaurant again! Took one star off for the shared restroom that could have used some tidying up. read more

When we left we said "how could we possibly come back. I don't think I could not order what I had, but I also can't imagine not branching out!" We started with the fried avocado. I don't like avocado but judging by the sounds from my wife it was pretty good. I got the tacos. I loved that there was a good amount of meat in each taco. My favorite was the pork belly. Add a little of the green salsa and it's a winner. Shrimp taco was great too. Shrimp cooked well and tasty slaw. I love the homemade tortillas. My wife got the sopes. The masa was excellent and it was loaded with fresh and well seasoned veggies. She will definitely have a hard time passing this up if we come back. Blood orange margarita was amazing. Not too sweet or heavy. It just had all the best things a margarita should. Very friendly and attentive service. Our best bites in McMinnville read more

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Pura Vida was Pura Highlight of our visit to McMinville. Wait, it's pronounced Vee-da Co-CHEE-na. Oops! However you say it, the food here is delicious. The environment is basic, but the food was not. The arepas appetizer was amazing with hot and fresh arepas topped with delicious veggies. The paella mixto was filled with excellent seafood and some pretty big mussels (the Arnold Schwarzenegger of mussels). The Mrs. had the Chile Relleno which was a pile of food in itself. Too much for her, which meant more for me! Yum! Thanks for the delicious meal! read more

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True South American fusion. The enchiladas were spectacular, croquets were an unusual surprise

Well, I honestly don't understand all the 5-stars on here. I have traveled all over Central and South America, so that's the first problem - what is Pura Vida Cocina aiming to be? Is it Costa Rican, as one would think. No. It's not anything. A Latin restaurant is insulting to the rich and varied cuisines of a huge piece of the world. I have been here three times, and three times they are out. Today I got the chicken mole enchiladas. No heat, no acid, not much salt = not much flavor. Boiled zucchini and big chunks of hard carrot??? Not at all appetizing. Big pile of what looked like weeds on top, which just diluted the passable mole sauce? No thanks. I could barely find any chicken, and what there was was dry. The quesadillas alado were okay - very good even, if only they came with SALSA. Some heat, some acid - those building blocks of flavor. I have learned my lesson, but it would appear most don't agree with me. Ah well, to each her own I suppose. read more

Pura Vida Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Mcminnville, Oregon

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Someone recommended this restaurant to us, it's one that could easily be missed but we are happy we stopped by. The service was excellent. Our server was very attentive and inviting. We ordered the paella, ceviche, arepas, tacos which came with a side of rice. They only had corn tortilla and the ceviche was ok. Otherwise the food was good. read more

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We came here because of the Yelp reviews. I have to say that the tacos were very very good here. Friendly service and everything seemed fresh and well made. I'd definitely come back and come to this place again if in the area! Worth the stop! read more

Open till 8PM? We came just after 7 PM on a Saturday night and the restaurant was closed.