They have the best ceviche in town! I think people overlook this item. I love the atmosphere and the service is always friendly. You can't find an organic Mexican restaurant anywhere, so I highly recommend this place especially for the price. read more

One of the best taquerias in town. Good ingredients, best salsa, and best manu for good prices. Good meat and good vegan and vegetarian options as well. read more

Me and my girl were hungry for mexican food. We entered the lobby the first thing I noticed was the fountain with no water? I let that go. When we went to order, never mind let me do this quickly, they were out of half the menu and had no chips! what mexican restaurant dosen't have chips and salsa? read more

There was no one in the restaurant when my mother and I walked in and for good reason. There was no one in the kitchen and the gentleman at the counter was nice and engaging. There were a lot of menu items that were jot available but he recommended we try them 'next time, they are really good'. I ordered the fish tacos and my mother ordered the veg tostada salad. Both were just ok, nothing amazing and things I can definitely make better at home. We couldn't even eat any salsa, as there was only verde and rojo sauce, that he gave with chips that were so stale I couldn't eat more than a bite. read more

This place is honestly hilarious. I am here right now, 8:30 on a Friday night, they are out of rice. A Mexican restaurant in a modern city with open functioning grocery stores, out of rice. I ordered chips and salsa 3 times and I guess they ignored me, because they didn't give me any. When I asked about it they replied "chips and salsa cost money" as though I shuffled in without shoes on. I scrounged up my savings and managed to pay for what turned out to be a small bowl of chips and a ketchup bottle of sauce I could apply chip by chip. The food smelled awful. I love Mexican food - so much so I have a low low garbagey bar for what I will tolerate and eat as long as there is a tortilla involved. I couldn't eat this. read more

Staff is generally unfriendly and does not like to meet the customer's needs - orders are mediocre in size and quality - it is doubtful that their food is all organic. They charge extra for chips. Prepare to walk out still hungry. Not recommended. read more

If it weren't for the bitchy server working behind the counter this place would get 5 stars. Food is amazing. I have never had anything here that I didn't like and the guacamole is actually pretty amazing. To the people who wrote reviews about the food, stop being such a picky high-strung, stick-up-your-ass Santa Cruzian and just enjoy the fresh organic food. It's delish. The nachos are amazing and the food is cooked perfectly. They sell kombucha and Horichatta. Great selection of food and from what I've noticed the prices aren't too much different from a regular taqueria. NOW -- The customer service. Seriously, that dark haired, wannabe hipster girl that sits behind the counter texting like shes better than the world, needs to be fired. How on earth does a food service/customer service business hire such a lousy hostess? She took our order rudely - staring at us blankly as we spoke like she was annoyed of our existence, and then just glared at us the ENTIRE time we ate our food. It was the most uncomfortable meal I had ever eaten. Her negative energy ruined my delicious plate of nachos. What was really shocking was that she couldn't have been more obvious - Every time I met her gaze she'd roll her eyes and then stare back at us. So rude. We never got a thank you or a greeting when we walked in or anything, and the second we got up to bus our own table she walked toward it with a bottle of spray and a towel. Couldn't you just wait till we made it halfway out of the restaraunt?! She also stood behind the counter texting and laughing on her phone while customers came in and waited to be helped by her. Every time someone would come in she'd act annoyed and woudln't even say hi. She just stood there like an idiot with her cell phone in her hand and waited for them to start ordering. Utterly unbelievable that someone would hire that girl. It's truly an annoyance, because I will never give my business to that place again (my last trip there was the first time I had seen her in there), until they find a new person to wait on the customers. Comb out your ratty hair, put your American Spirits down and get over yourself. You ain't that cute, girl. Go work somewhere like the DMV where people are SUPPOSED to be rude. Another note - whoever mentioned the thing about the plastic disposable cups, good point. This restaraunt contradicts itself. read more

Fresh, organic ingredients. Bottled Coke. Flavor that's off the charts. What's not to love?! If you prefer local, organic ingredients, with an authentic flavor resembling the actual food from Spain/Mexico than this is for you! Our 7 year old son loves the food and so do his buddies when we bring them here. Casual, easy, and reasonably priced for the QUALITY. Finally, a fast food place that is healthy. read more

Employees are incredibly rude. The food is average. They are cheap with the salsa and get angry when you ask for a little extra. We live in Santa Cruz and will not go here any longer. read more

first off i'm a fan of this place. that being said, my buddy and i call this place the $9 burrito joint. the prices are definitely on the high end, especially for santa cruz. however i've never been disappointed with the food, and the owner is not the most outgoing person but will definitely chat it up if you make a bit of an effort. we stopped by one the way back from Monterey and were definitely starving. i didn't think i'd be full from the veggie burrito i got, i was happy to find out i was wrong. my wife and kids love this place, and i'm definitely going back. food is good, good atmosphere and the food is always out quick, and the kitchen is clean. read more

This place runs the risk of being overlooked among the sea of taquerias in Santa Cruz, but at Viva's they simply try harder and do better. They offer healthier ingredients such as organic beans and veggies, whole wheat and spinach tortilla options, and brown rice. They've got yummier ones too, with a tremendous mole sauce and a fabulous chile relleno. Next time the line is too long at Charlie Hong Kong, don't be afraid to cross the street! read more

I'm mostly stoked that they use local and organic ingredients. The prices are fair, especially considering their use of quality ingredients. They have gone out of their way the past two times I've visited to make sure that I'm happy with my food. Ceviche was very good. I think they could improve on their chips, and yes, the squirt bottle salsas. The problem with the squirt bottle is that I am eating my food with my hands, and then I have to touch that public squirt bottle again. Not ideal. I do recommend this place, though. Very friendly owner and the girl behind the counter was also very nice. They are getting their beer and wine license soon. read more

High grade organic Mexican food. I was raised on food like this. I have only been here a couple times and our dinners have been great. The service is warm and pleasant and the atmosphere inside is relaxing. The lighting Is low so i cannot tell if the ceiling is spick and span. I usually order a vegetarian burrito. Inside the spinach tortilla it's filled with organic black beans and rice, lettuce, fresh salsa, and guacamole. They make a delicious vegetarian burrito and better than most places around. I am wondering if they make the beans from scratch. What restaurant does? It especially tastes good because its organic, wholesome, vegetarian, and fairly priced. Also, the food seemed cooked properly and not greasy. Everything's excellent if they could get rid of the microwave and the colored chips. The oven is a dynamic tool. My favorite part of the experience at vivas is the chile sauces. Green and red. Sweet and hot. You pick. Its not really a thick salsa. If you like really greasy, heavy, authentic mexican american food I would not suggest this place. I don't think they use manteca here (animal lard). Maybe? There are other Mexican taquerias in Santa Cruz I love more but because its organic Vivas is up there. If there was a fresher culturally authentic organic Mexican restaurant in Santa Cruz I would go. Until then.... read more

Nachos with black beans rock. Also, the red salsa is one the best I have ever had.

Sweet guys here served us samples if their mole chicken and their secret-sauce grilled chicken, so we could choose. Both were delicious. Over nice fresh organic green salad. Open late too! :) read more

the food is good, fresh and many ingredients are organic. it's Mexican food, but not what you would get in the average taqueria, it's higher quality and prepared with more attention. the molé is delish. and they play great downtempo electronica, hence the five stars, making their cute dining area perfect for sitting and enjoying your meal. read more

My sons took me there for the first time Saturday and we all agreed that is was delicious definitely plan on returning. Loved the fact that they offer an organic vegan menu. read more

I have been a fan of Viva's in the past. In fact, in a town filled with Taqueria's, it's been my go-to! But, those days are now in the past. Today I went for a super veggie burrito and the counter person was not friendly and scowling. Once I placed my order (which was bothersome for the attendant, who apparently had something better to do), I waited for the customary shallow bowl of chips... I asked for this bowl, and in return i got a scowl and a pointed hand to a printed sheet of paper that stated chips are $1.25. I did not get words, just a scowl and a point (as you'll read in other reviews, these chips tend to be stale and barely edible). Oh well, I waited for the reason I was there... the burrito. When it was ready I picked it up. This burrito was a disappointment. It was cold (both rice and beans), the sour cream was only in one spot and the tortilla seemed raw, unheated, making it chewy... Basically nasty. You are better off at Chipotle (gasp!). Go somewhere else! read more

The pictures make the atmosphere look appealing, which is partly why a gave this place a shot. It not that appealing of a place. It is run down, the fountain is dry, the seats are torn, there is no outdoor seating. I got a pastor burrito, and it isn't very good. The pastor doesn't come from a rotating rotesorie and just tastes more like a stewed pork. The menu description says grilled pork, but my isn't grilled. They also charge extra for chips an salsa, which I skipped as they didn't look very good. The chips look like the kind you get in that giant bag at Costco. read more

Vivas is not decadently delicious, but it is fresh, healthy and tasty. I had the chicken enchiladas, and I would have preferred more sauce and more cheese, but they were good, not great. I like the decor and the music. I wanted to order a side of veggies. The man at the cash register was very nice and said that they are working on getting some stir fried veggies (with Mexican seasonings I hope!!!) read more

Not good, portions to small and the employees aren't helpful or nice.

I don't usually leave reviews but this was the worst restaurant I have ever been to. We went on a Friday evening and we were the only customers. We ordered enchiladas and the food wasn't even warm. There was barely any meat and no cheese in it. The tables were dirty and and everything seemed unsanitary. To top it off the service was awful as well. read more

I love this place. They have delicious vegan options that don't leave you feeling like your food is missing something, not mention they're organic!!!. Try adding their grilled veggies to your burrito, so good. read more

If I could give ZERO stars I would of. My friend wanted to go here, so I said ok- I wanted to go to Charlie Hong Kong across the street ( wish we did ). I walked up to the counter, and the guy at the counter could not have been more miserable. A sour look on his face, I swear I wanted to leave, but did not ( MISTAKE ). He did not say hello, can I help you, nothing, he was a robot- took the order, took our money, no thank you, nothing. Ok we sat down , he called out our food, we got it-- No Chips --- First off- If a Mexican Restaurant does not give chips, to me that's a no-no, My opinion. I go to the counter and, I ask for chips the guy literally points to the menu board above his head, not one word. " What am I looking at?" He says in a nasty tone, extra charge--- what an ass- so I give him his dollar fifty-- again no thank you nothing--- ok now the food-- I think well this food must be amazing, because how else could this place be in biz ( it was not busy, and it was lunch time). I had a burrito. I took one bite, and wanted to throw it out, absolutely disgusting, no flavor, it smelled bad, I could not eat it. I did not want my friend to feel bad, so I did not say anything. The food is all sitting behind the counter in a steam table, like a buffet--- The tortilla is raw, just terrible.. I would advice anyone BEWARE----go to El Palomar downtown Santa Cruz - 5 minutes from this place. You guys should be ashamed of yourself for serving such food, and more ashamed of yourself for hiring that ass at the counter---- I went Friday for lunch-- NEVER EVER AGAIN......This place should not be in Business--- read more

Excellent fresh Mexican fare. Great to eat before a show at the Rio. The veggie tostada and veggie taco will not disappoint. Great low key atmosphere. read more

I'm bummed these guys have got some bad reviews. I was just there again Sunday and it was great. Much better flavor than your average taquiera and they're patient with my little ones. The kids burritos and my veggie burrito were huge. Make sure to grab the squeeze bottles of salsa. read more

Organic Mexican food that is to die for! I usually get the chicken burrito but everything I have ordered has been really good. I sometimes used to feel guilty for eating lots of greasy Mexican food that tasted good but I knew it was very processed and not too good for me. Then Viva's opened and it is all organic ingredients and is not greasy. You can see them make the food, the kitchen is open and the staff is really nice. read more

I LOVE Vivas. It will be the best vegetarian burrito you've had in a long, long time. For the carnivores, the mole is awesome and the chile verde, divine. Beats the pants off Tacos Morenos any day of the week. My favorites: the burritos, the super quesadillas and the owner, Conrad! That man is so sweet, so nice and always a pleasure. read more

Ive been to alot of mexican restaurants... But none as healthy with saving all the taste of a traditional mexican meal... Im going to be a regular here from now on: ) read more

I thought the food was ok. The chicken was obviously not made to order fresh(I see all of the microwave comments and now I'm a little scared to ask) but it was tasty. Veggies were very fresh and love the green salsa. I'd go back if hungry and not looking to be wowed but I wouldn't really consider this a mexican restaurant, maybe mexi-cali. read more

This is my second time here and I already love this place. I ordered the super burrito with chicken mole and it was delicious. I was curious to see if the mole was store bought (I'm mexican so it matters to me) and I found out by the very nice cashier that they make their mole from scratch which really made me like this restaurant even more. Mole is very tedious to make, even more tedious to perfect. I will be coming back more often to try new foods on the menu. read more

Ate there a few times, good, healthy food, I'm especially fond of the chicken mole. No salsa bar but the red salsa they have is nice and hot. read more

Love this place! My go to spot for sure. Best mole I've ever had and the prices for the quality can't be beat in Santa Cruz. Thank you Vivas! read more

Awful experience. I've eaten here many times visiting Santa Cruz and always found it satisfying. Today I walked in and two employees were behind the counter--no acknowledgement of my presence at all--one went away from the counter and left me standing there for several minutes while the other guy stared off into space. Let me add the place was empty save for one bearded wanker sitting there cackling about something that amused him. 4 minutes elapsed and the one guy reappeared-still no greeting at all from anyone--including the guy that never left. Really awful service from an establishment I've enjoyed in the past. I did just find a tacqueria down the street next to The Jury Room with wonderful food and exceptional service. read more

This Taqueria is definitely one of a kind in Santa Cruz. It is great to be able to come here and grab a burrito with natural and organic ingredients. All of their meats are tender, juicy, and richly seasoned and flavored. I recommend the Chicken Mole. The rice and beans taste like slow cooked, homemade rice and beans and the lettuce, cilantro, salsa, avocado, etc. are all very crisp and fresh. The restaurant also has great customer service and is very reasonably priced. Highly recommend trying it all out... read more

Organic and Natural are very important to me and I was interested in trying this places based on the fact that they advertise this. When I called to see what they considered "natural meat" they were unable to tell me where it comes from, how the animals are treated and most importantly what they are fed. "Natural" to some means corn for cows, not me and many others as well. Natural for cows would be grass fed or at least organic. The fact that no one could answer my questions on the phone nor speak clear enough english to understand me was quite frustrating and so I went somewhere else. I really don't think this is "all natural and organic" as it claims to be, if it is they need to educate their employees so they don't loose future business. I'd rather to go Chipotle where at least I know where the meat comes from and how the animals are treated. read more

This place is overrated! Kudos for the whole wheat tortilla options. Although, I have had way better (and cheaper) Mexican, at many other places in Santa Cruz. The guy behind the counter acts like it's too hard to smile or say hello. He sniffles and snorts, talks too fast (yuck) like a disco candy man. And the music? I don't wanna dance, I want to relax and eat. Didn't ask "here or to go?"Chips should be included, for competition purposes. Especially with Organic Charlie Hong Kong's across the street. Hope I don't get sick later. I asked for guacamole, didn't get it. Overpriced for what you get. I felt rushed too. I liked it when it was Jalepenos. read more

They suck! I ordered and they never brought me my food. That's never happened to me before and it was very unprofessional.

First time going to this place, Stopped by on our way home from the beach... Place was busy, food was great... Really good Mole and Chile Verde... Decently priced and worth the dollar .. read more

most reasonable priced taqueria food for what you are getting : organic ingredients, different regional tastes (mango salsas) with a price tag that is similar/less than Vallarta and other taquerias. Sure once in a while there can be a slight off night, but the food is consistently prepared and I have asked the workers about their treatment by the owner and all have reported favorably. And all could answer me in English which for me is a big plus regardless of ethnicity or gender. read more