Buena Vida - Arlington

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1. MS

   MartaS

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food4service4ambience5

   The food was very good, but we’re out of eggs Benedict in the first 1/2 of our time there. Mango margarita and hibiscus mimosa were delicious. Our waitress was awesome! But I’m horrible with names, I really did try to remember but she was super sweet, and her recs were yummy!
   

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2. LS

   LaSheenaW

   London

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall4food5service5ambience4

   The food was great so were the drinks!! Loved the small tapas
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great food and atmosphere. Elevated twist on Mexican cuisine.
   

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4. MM

   MauraM

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on May 21, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Food and drinks were delicious, although didn't realize that drinks weren't included in the bottomless brunch special (although drink prices were reduced). Ambiance was lovely, great for celebrating am occasion! Did feel like our party was rushed out at the end however.
   

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5. S

   Steph

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 21, 2023

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   I will saying this place is aesthetically pleasing! Great atmosphere and good vibes. The food was good but keep in mind it is tapas food so the plates are very small . Overall service was easy and this was us going on a busy Saturday night . I would definitely recommend .
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 20, 2023

   overall1food3service3ambience4

   My outdoor/rooftop dining request on the reservation was completely ignored. We were placed somewhere downstairs in the dining room. So we had appetizers and left to go to a different restaurant for dinner.
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 20, 2023

   overall3food5service2ambience4

   They said the rooftop was first come first serve but had all the tables reserved at 4pm when it opened…
   

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8. R

   Richie

   Washington DC

   4 reviews

   4.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on May 20, 2023

   overall4food5service4ambience3

   Nice brunch. We sat outdoors on a nice Saturday. The unlimited small plates for $40 were pretty good, with good variety. Just seemed a little pricey overall, and I wish we had been able to get refills quicker.
   

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9. C

   Cazey

   Richmond

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on May 15, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Great place for tapas and drinks in Clarendon! Super good happy hour pricing
   

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10. LH

    LeenahH

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Brought my family here for Mother's Day brunch. It was the worst meal and experience l've ever had in the area. We arrived and we're sat immediately, which is expected when you have a reservation. After about 10 minutes our waiter finally came over and took our orders. We were a group of 4 and at this time only a shortened brunch menu was given (makes sense it's Mother's Day and they expected to be busy). Yet, overall the restaurant inside was pretty empty. When we went to order we were informed we could only order 5 items (which are all small plates, think tapas). Typically I would be okay with this, but after we ordered our first 5 we waited 30-45 for 4 cold mini chicken milianse and then we waited another 20 for the other 4 dishes. Which I had to remind the waiter to put in. On the second order half of the food did not even come out. At the end I had to tell the waiter to cancel it because we were just ready to leave. By the time we wanted to order a third round we were informed that the kitchen was closing. Really wish the food had come out within a reasonable time, especially because we were ordering tapas such as a mini quesadilla and splitting it between 4 hungry people. When the food did arrive, it was cold, plated sloppy and honestly some things such as the salmon toast looked like a 7 year old playing chef made it (and tasted like it). We could barley eat some of the things that came out because they just sucked such as the corned beef hash, salmon Benedict, shrimp tacos, salmon toast (honestly can't think of one thing liked). I have eaten here in the past and the food has been good. However, the establishment seems to be changing in a downward manner. After eating here, we left feeling hungry, annoyed and dissatisfied with the overall service and food quality. For a holiday brunch or special occasion I would definitely skip this place.
    

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11. SS

    SilverStarla

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We sat outside in one of the booths next to the building. Have to say the booth seating was incredibly awkward and a but uncomfortable because we felt squeezed in and there wasn't a lot of places for me to rest my legs without bumping my table mates. Aside from that, everything else about the experience was fantastic. The service was great and the food was delicious. We were all quite impressed.
    

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12. M

    Manuel

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience5

    Buena Vida used to have a great all you can eat tapas type menu for a pretty high price (but worth it $60/person). They got rid of that and instead replaced it with limited selection… the kicker is you still pay roughly the same price for a tiny fraction of the food!! You have to pay $12 for chips and salsa (not on the house), weak margaritas, and ultimately paid around $60 for three tacos, some beans and rice, chips and guacamole, and a margarita with a desert. I literally left still hungry… Stingy. A friend visited from Richmond and I was excited to show them this place. Left embarrassed by how down hill it went.
    

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13. SF

    StephanieF

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2

    Food mediocre for the price. Loud inside. Service was a bit slow.
    

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14. CL

    CLGgg

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    The restaurant was beautiful and welcoming in the inside. Service was very fast and there were many people The food was okay. Portions were large which was awesome but the taste was mediocre. The bloody Mary’s were not good and were incredibly citrusy. We noticed many tables left full glasses of bloody Mary’s on the table when they were done. We enjoyed the atmosphere but would not go back for the food.
    

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15. L

    Lucius

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Our waitress was literally on drugs. Came and asked us for our drink order after we already had ordered and received our drinks. Came and asked us if we were ready to order food after we had already ordered and received our food. She spilled drinks all over the place. Shocking that your management did not notice that she was intoxicated by something and even more shocking if y’all DID in fact notice and still allowed her to serve. Will not be coming back ever.
    

    Buena Vida - ArlingtonResponded on May 9, 2023Hi Lucius, thank you for letting us know what happened during your visit. Would you mind reaching out to my email so I can gather further details and look into this? I’d also like to make a gesture to help bring you back when we connect for a better experience if you’d be willing to give us another try! Noah Loudenback n.loudenback@streetguyshospitality dotcom
    

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16. T

    Tierfoodie

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Food and margs were good. Service was excellent. We had several servers and managers checking in on us. Food and drinks came out quickly. Table busser/clearer was quick and respectful. All in all very good time.
    

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    Great overly experience. Food was good and was a good value during their brunch special. Definitely will come back as long as they have their brunch special going.
    

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18. YA

    YaraA

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience4

    Great ambiance, awesome staff but the food? Cold and flavorless, and we tried everything on the brunch menu. Butternut squash and the chilaquilles were the only thing served warm and tasted good!
    

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience3

    Worse food ever. Food was cold with no depths of flavor. Little to not many options on menu to choose from. Poor quality food. Expensive for what’s it’s worth. Charges you the food experience and drink base fee so essentially the drinks were not discounted. This was not stated on website or menu until check time. SCAM. Paid $50+ per person for an unsatisfied/waste of calories “meal”. Never will be coming back.
    

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20. JS

    JayySavg3

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I love this place! We have been here a few times for brunch and each time is just as amazing. Food is great (get the chorizo skillet hash 😉), drinks are nice and strong, and service is phenomenal. We were seated at a table we didn’t quite like and they were very nice and accommodating and weren’t rude or annoyed by our request.
    

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21. G

    Gami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Brunch was so fun! Food was delicious and the drinks were great. Service was perfect, staff was friendly and food was brought to the table only a few minutes after ordering. If you get Stephanie as a server you’re going to be taken care of. Sprinkle sprinkle xoxo ;)
    

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing service! Brunch was absolutely delicious! Mimosas were amazing ! Outdoor seating on a nice day is the way to go! The place is so pretty and all the staff was pleasant and helpful
    

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23. L

    Liliana

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience2

    The place, food, and service were great, but the tables were too close, and we could hear people's conversations. The music was deafening. No need to have loud music in a restaurant that is already loud because of the echo. If people wanted loud music, they could go to the rooftop. Even though the food was good, the noise level detracted from the experience, so I won't recommend this restaurant. It was a disappointment
    

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24. JO

    JOHNK

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Buena Vida never disappoints. Great food, great service, great atmosphere
    

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25. A

    Amber

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    I’ve been here many times and unfortunately, my most recent visit tainted my view of Buena Vida. The service for bunch was extremely slow and every single dish I ordered was either lukewarm or cold. There weren’t many people in the restaurant, so I’m not sure why the service was so slow. I tried to be patient, but it was taking more than 20mins for a server to visit our table and take our order for more small plates. On top of that, the food didn’t seem fresh. It wasn’t even served hot. I also had to ask four different servers for syrup for my waffles. I waited over 40mins and by the time someone bought it to me, I didn’t want it nor the waffle. I’m really disappointed. I’d like to give Buena Vida the benefit of the doubt, but this was a poor experience overall.
    

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience3

    The food and drinks were good. We were sat at the worst table in the place, on the bottom floor up against the stairs. That sucked because there are other tables by windows or on the other floors with better views. Our server apparently didn’t see us get seated and kept us waiting for 15 minutes while she talked to another server. But after that she was great. Otherwise everything else was awesome. Will definitely be back.
    

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27. DC

    DCdiner

    Washington DC

    135 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    135 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4

    Food was fabulous! Pickled mango in the crispy cheese tacos ... yum! Service was slow, yet our entrees arrived mere minutes after our appetizer; wish it could have been timed better. Great decor and a lively ambiance.
    

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service! Food was delicious and drinks were strong. Went for brunch and will definitely go back.
    

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29. D

    Dell

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our server Maria was amazing, she was very attentive, pleasant and helpful since it was our first time there. We found Buena Vida on Tik Tok and I took my brother there for his birthday with my dad. We did the $40 brunch deal and let me tell you, the food was AMAZING!! Everything came quickly and cooked to perfection. It was a ton of flavor, my favorite was the blueberry pancake and the bacon egg and cheese tacos. We also tried the mango and strawberry margarita, they were 1.99 each which was a great price point. It was so good! I highly recommend this place and will be back with my friends. Thank you Maria for making our experience beyond amazing!
    

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Mala experiencia, de comida mexicana no tienen nada en sí
    

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience5

    Food was brought with the appetizers. When ordering we explicitly said what is first and what is the meal. Then he brought the food back five minutes later while we will still eating appetizers. Waiter never checked in. We had to ask someone else for water and to put in another drink order. He came and asked if we wanted a box. Never brought the box. Had to walk up to him while he was chatting at the bar.
    

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32. JM

    JudyM

    Atlantic Canada

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience5

    Wait staff was nice but not very attentive. We made reservations bet were seated at a split up table for four with another couple at the other half when there were empty booths nearby. I didn’t like that. Took a long time to get our bill but there were tons of staff just standing around talking Cool place and the food was decent (not amazing).
    

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33. DR

    DianaR

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very lovely staff, everything in the brunch menu was delicious and hot
    

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34. DW

    DanielleW

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Our server was great! She was attentive and she was constantly checking in on us as we took full advantage of the brunch perks. Only issue was at the end as we were checking out with our server and the manager I’m guessing (a guy) decided to to come up to our table and tell us another party is needing the table we were at and we needed to hurry up basically and we could finish our drinks at the bar (i was the only one finishing up a drink.) This put a very sour taste into our time there because he clearly saw the server chucking us out and we were immediately leaving afterwards since we knew about the 2hour time limit before hand and our server notified us when 10 minutes were remaining. Him coming up to us was absolutely unnecessary and made me and my group feel some type of way
    

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35. JM

    JocelynM

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    Lexi was amazing and her services was amazing and the food and drinks were amazing too. The brunette at the entrance wasn’t so great. I called ahead and ask to change the amount of people last minute and I understand it can be difficult to do something like that very last minute but her face and vibes towards it could’ve been better and she could’ve at-least smiled when greeting all my guest. I wouldn’t have someone like her who’s bitter greet people
    

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36. J

    Julie

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    i loved the food and service but it was so loud and i couldn't hear my friend speaking unless she yelled at me.
    

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37. FW

    FishermansWharf

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was very solid from the appetizers to the tacos to the entrees we chose. I highly recommend the crab queso dip which wouldn’t have normally been on my list of hors d’oeuvres to try but it was delicious. The Baja fish taco and the Al pastor were outstanding and even the simple rice and beans were great. Not overly long cocktail menu but covers what you’d want at a place like this will definitely be back.
    

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience4

    The place is nice and so is the staff. I enjoyed the bottomless mimosas and margaritas. The food was not good at all.
    

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was lovely. Will definitely be back very soon.
    

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40. R

    Roxy

    Washington DC

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We had a good time for a girls brunch. Bottomless is the only way to go and they will make modifications for specific diets. There is a hefty service charge for large parties but worth it anyways
    

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