Buena Vida - Arlington

Sort by

Filters

1. LS

   LisaS

   Las Vegas

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   The Dinner Experience was fun and allowed us to try some different takes on Mexican cuisine. The staff were lovely and accommodating and other than a small hiccup with a fish dish, we enjoyed our evening there.

   Report
2. SY

   SaruY

   Washington DC

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   Over priced drinks; a modelo and Corona cost over $18 absurd really!!

   Report
3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   1 review

   vip
   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall1food1service5ambience3

   The food was not worth the price

   Report
4. m

   mick

   Washington DC

   6 reviews

   4.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall4food3service5ambience4

   Overall a good experience. Myself plus two did the all inclusive menu. Server was great, she was knowledgeable and made every effort to check back and encourage us to order more dishes. Some places where it’s all inclusive the servers don’t do that. Not the case with our server. For drinks we started with two of the Oxacan express’s and the bacon fat washed cocktail, forgetting the name. The Oxacan cocktail was delicious and well balanced. I would reconsider the coconut flakes garnish. It didn’t improve the taste in any aspect and gave a distracting texture when drinking through a straw. Drinking from the side of the glass did as well. Just a thought. I swapped to DJ anejo margaritas after and am sure it wasn’t Anejo in there. All good though. Food was inconsistent. Some dishes were excellent while others fell flat. The corn was delicious, the barbacoa disappointing, etc. Given that they just opened I would consider visiting again in six months and see if the food improves. As far as the inclusive dining option, was it worth it? I believe it was for the experience. Given rising food costs I’m sure that is a factor in the price point, plus they obviously have to make a profit. I would pay it again but my two companions said they wouldn’t.

   Report
5. p

   peaches

   Washington DC

   18 reviews

   4.0

   18 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   My business group had a great experience! I would definitely return.

   Report
6. JM

   JessicaM

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Food was phenomenal. However, for bottomless, I'm usually used to seeing $25-$35 for bottomless food only or $35-$50 for bottomless food AND drink. I found $45 to be expensive for food only, especially with cocktails being $13-$15 each. Would be nice if at least a limited drink menu could be included in bottomless where drinks are cheaper (e.g., even $5 per cocktail in addition to bottomless food for $45 would be more reasonable).

   Report
7. JL

   JessicaL

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall3food2service2ambience3

   I was really excited to visit Buena Vida, however the experience left us feeling confused. We participated in their unlimited brunch. However, instead of being allowed to order the small plates we desired, our waitress told us that we had to go in order. We had to order pretty much in the order to which she suggested, appetizers, scrambles, etc. as if we couldn’t come back to something we desired more of, or somehow order something further down on the menu. They were times she brought dishes we did not order. At one point, I was eating and she expressed that she was going to get me a new plate, but with the fork in my mouth, she stood there and waited until I put the fork down and took the plate I was still eating from. Which I felt was rude. The drinks were great, and a great price. The plantains were delicious. But my guest and I just felt as though we were somehow, doing something wrong. I would go back to try dinner, just to see if it’s a different experience. Great location, decor is beautiful, lovely large rooms for private parties.

   Report
8. M

   Marianna

   Washington DC

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service3ambience5

   Food is great. Quality of ingredients complements the variety of options in the menu. There is something for everyone. Burritos are delicious and the torta ahogada is fabulous. This place is perfect for brunch (with friends or family), lunch and dinner.

   Report
9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall1food2service3ambience1

   Their hard press push to the “all experience” menu was annoying and set a tone of them trying way too hard to control our dinner experience and manipulate us to extract as much money as possible. Money was not the issue, more resistance to feeling controlled, so out of principal we ordered a la carte. We all ate to comfortable fullness and out of curiosity did the math — our party of 6 saved $120 by going our own way. We’ve never written a review before but eat out a lot and feel it’s important for others to know. Food was pretty good and we’re confident staff was just doing their jobs but strongly suggest they lose the hard press for the silly “all experience” forced experience.

   Report
10. MB

    MelissaB

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Great food, waitress was overwhelmed, but fun atmosphere and fun place

    Report
11. CK

    CoraK

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    They closed to “revamp” they didn’t revamp they were better as TTT was a bit disappointing

    Report
12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Omg! We had the most amazing time! Everyone was so attentive, the food was phenomenal, we had a great experience tasting all the different dishes that were served! The restaurant definitely lives up to the expectations we had. We were totally indulged in the ambiance, and are looking forward to the opening of the rooftop! This restaurant is certainly one to make sure to visit if your in the area! We will certainly be back! Thanks Buena Vida!

    Report
13. Z

    Zana

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and service for a newly-established restaurant. I hope they can maintain the quality of their offerings.

    Report
14. A

    Ainsley

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was fantastic! Our waiter Henry was super knowledgeable about the dishes and helped us curate an incredible meal. We will absolutely be coming back!

    Report
15. HF

    HollyF

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5

    It took about 40 minutes for us to get our drinks, but the cocktails were great once we got them. The food was okay but lacked a lot of flavor, and some of the food that came out wasn't warm. Still, it's a great value for the unlimited plates; it's more of a quantity versus quality thing. As a new restaurant, I think they're still trying to work out the kinks.

    Report
16. q

    queshar

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Really loved the experience at Buena Vida. Food was great and the endless small plates fill you up! The wait staff was super attentive and even had a chance to speak at length with the Chef/Owner. Looking forward to my next visit.

    Report
17. YB

    YvetteB

    Mississippi

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    Great vibe and service. The chips, quacamole and salsa was delicious. Food items were repetitive in nature and nothing was amazing. Lacked wide variety in food options. I love the concept but price didn’t justify the menu. I think Ámbar has much better variety. Would recommend for the ambiance.

    Report
18. SH

    SueH

    Baltimore

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    The food was pretty good but we like Ambar better. Unlimited tapas is a great way to try a lot of new foods. The food at Buena Vida was not too memorable. Brussel sprouts and cauliflower were my favorite. Don't order dessert, the raspberry tamale is nasty. The cookies/ice cream - ice cream delicious, cookies - no taste.

    Report
19. Q

    Quita

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was a really nice restaurant and the food was really good. Well worth the money!

    Report
20. RF

    RachelF

    Dublin

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food for a great value

    Report
21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great dining experience that allows you to taste different specialties from several regions of Mexico! Cochinita pibil is a must! We are a Mexican family that recently moved to the US and we really enjoyed having a genuine taste of home in Buena Vida.

    Report
22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I visited restaurant for Chef Mehmet! Everything was perfect

    Report
23. C

    Christian

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This place is great! I came here for the brunch experience. Unlimited tapas for $40 with 99 cent margaritas and mimosas. The food was really on point and the service was fast. Our server Alyssa was so sweet and gave amazing suggestions. The atmosphere is beautiful, the menu selection is great, and the food does not disappoint. Such a good value. Highly recommend.

    Report
24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    We went there for Mother’s Day. It was a great experience, except for service being a little slow. Our server was extremely nice and accommodating, but they were busy hence slow. We enjoyed our brunch there.

    Buena Vida - ArlingtonResponded on May 10, 2022

    Thank you for your great response! We are so glad you enjoyed your time at Buena Vida and very appreciative of your review. Please come back and see us again soon! Best, The Buena Vida Team

    Report
25. LR

    LRSEATS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    This was our first time dining at this restaurant. We were there for brunch. The food was fine -- nothing spectacular and probably not worth the price. The bigger issue though was the uneven pacing of the meal. Our drinks took over 30 minutes to arrive. The servers choose food items for the table based on what you tell them you like; although you also can order for yourself off the menu. This ended up being very strange. We had no idea what items the server had placed and often the person bringing the food to the table didn't know what the item was. This was an issue because there was a vegetarian in the group and it was unclear which dishes she could eat. Moreover, we got several orders of one dish and none of another. A bowl of soup showed up for one person and then much later in the meal another bowl of soup randomly showed up. It was a disjointed experience with mediocre food. I think it would work much better to just let people at the table pick which dishes they wanted instead of having the servers make these selections. The staff also needs much better training both in terms of the menu selections and getting food/drinks to the table in a reasonable time frame.

    Report
26. F

    Foodie

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and friendly service. I loved the whole experience.

    Report
27. S

    Sofiegal

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Way better than the last restaurant here TTT. Bueno feels less like bro bar and more like a good place for a couples evening out. The tapas was really good. The majority of plates brought out were well prepared and tasty. A few were just ok. The lower lever seems a bit chaotic and noisy. We got to sit up the stairs in the loft style area which was very nice. Given the price and the amount of food I feel like this is a special occasion place.

    Report
28. KC

    KyleC

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience3

    Imagine leaving hungry from an all you can eat brunch. That is what happened to us. Less than half of what we ordered actually came to the table. They claimed the "kitchen was backed up" and that was why they couldn't give us our food, and then kicked us out without giving us the food we ordered. We were all still hungry after we left. Pass on this one.

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    BEST.EVER. Our servers were amazing explained the experience it was beautiful! Our first time in DC and 1st dinner so it was the perfect way to start our girls weekend! The shrimp, the CORN OMG, and the potato situation lol it was chefs kiss!

    Report
30. JC

    JessicaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had the best waitress Danille! She was so attentive and up beat!

    Report
31. LD

    LouiseD

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My sister and I decided to visit Buena Vida for an impromptu lunch after seeing a post featuring the restaurant on Instagram. We were very pleased from the start with the overall feel of the space. Our server Destiny provided us with first-class service starting with the tastiest mocktails we've ever had, and by also providing us with a guided selection of several delicious menu items including dessert. The price was amazing and the food was even better. I will make sure to visit again soon.

    Buena Vida - ArlingtonResponded on May 10, 2022

    Thank you for your great response! We are so glad you enjoyed your time at Buena Vida and very appreciative of your review. Please come back and see us again soon! Best, The Buena Vida Team

    Report
32. AB

    AaronB

    Little Rock

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    An incredible experience… good just kept coming and coming! The margaritas were great as well!

    Report
33. KS

    KeithS

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Their new system seems very chaotic in how they present & deliver the food. I've been to many tapas restaurants but felt like every minute, someone was at our table with something or cleaning up something. Was not enjoyable at all & had asked them 3 times to stop bringing food so that we good actually have conversation but that never happened.

    Report
34. CP

    CharlotteP

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went here for a birthday and had a blast! The server ordered for us for the first hour, and then we ordered dishes for the second hour. It really took the pressure off of ordering so we could relax and enjoy the company. Margaritas were especially great!

    Report
35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Hip, trendy and delicious!

    Report
36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved the plates especially with the server choosing the first 2 to jumó start us. We couldn’t get enough!!!! Everything was tasty and delicious. Would definitely recommend. Destiny was our server and she was engaging, knowledgeable and fast.

    Report
37. C

    Clarendonrunner

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    Food was excellent. It’s geared to having the price fixe “experience” so come hungry. Great drinks too.

    Report
38. SJ

    SarahJ

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was amazing!! We love Ambar so we knew we would love Buena Vida. Our waitress walked us through everything and started us off with a few of her favorites. We have to go back again because the menu had so many things we wanted to try!

    Report
39. M

    M991

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience2

    It is LOUD... can only hold a conversation if you shout in your fellow diners' ears (we were there for Sunday evening dinner). Portions are SMALL.

    Report
40. CS

    CharlesS

    San Francisco

    61 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We regularly dined at Buena Vida before the pandemic, so we were delighted to learn that they have resumed the fixed price/unlimited small plates concept. We favor seafood, and we were quite pleased with the flavorful tuna ceviche and the excellent, moist mahi mahi. The vegetarian dishes (e.g., brussel sprouts and the watermelon and jicama salad) were also excellent. We sampled 17 dishes out of the 40+ items on the menu. Small plates add up, and we left very full. Buena Vida is once again our go-to dining destination in Clarendon!

    Report