Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area
  4. Virginia - DC Suburbs
  5. Arlington
Buena Vida - Arlington, Arlington, VA

Buena Vida - Arlington

4.1
4.1
780 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today
  • Great for happy hour
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for brunch
Buena Vida promises more than great food; it provides a space to make memories. We pride ourselves in guiding customers through a curated menu, going beyond the expectations of hospitality, and leaving them to enjoy the company they are with.

Our tables are a gathering place for good conversation and community so people feel energized by the creativity of the food and drinks, excellent service, and time with loved ones.

Each table has 2h time limit. 2h time limit does not apply for reservations made after 1:00pm on Saturday and Sunday due to service closure at 3:00pm.
Rooftop seating cannot be reserved and it is only available on first come-first served basis. Unlimited dining is not available on our rooftop - a la carte menu will be offered instead. Rooftop will not be open for brunch service.
To best meet our standard, we highly recommend against the Buena Vida Experience service 1h prior to kitchen closing.
Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Traditional Mexican, Latin American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street parking or Public lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ismael Lopez
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

What 780 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1
4.1 based on recent ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Buena Vida in Arlington offers "delicious food" with standout "tacos" and "amazing brunch specials." Guests appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff and the lively atmosphere. However, some diners note that service can be inconsistent, and the noise level may be high at times. Overall, it's a vibrant spot for a fun dining experience.

780 Reviews
  1. jnn4f

    Washington DC1 review

    1.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Laura F was our server. After two sips of the el jefe cocktail we told her it wasn’t drinkable. The description didn’t have smoke and it tasted like an ash tray. She pretended like she didn’t understand us and basically said that’s how it’s made and there’s nothing she can do. We couldn’t exchange it for another drink. Our party spent $400+ night. Never again.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Ethan

    Washington DC5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hard to find but fantastic for a date night. Would highly recommend. Great food and service

    Is this helpful?

  3. Joslin

    Washington DC2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food, drink and customer service were top tier. Looking forward to coming back once the rooftop opens.

    Is this helpful?

  4. jessica

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hosted a Galentines dinner here! & Also had my bday brunch at Buena Vida! Both times it was the perfect space & the food was so amazing! Perfectly priced in my opinion & the brunch all you can eat was so good!staff was so nice both times & very welcoming! Can’t wait to go back soon.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jenn VIP

    Richmond3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 8, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Enjoyable. Food was good not amazing. Nice ambience.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Katheryn

    Baltimore1 review

    4.0

    Dined on February 2, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Our favorite part was the music and the delicious piña colada tres leches cake!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Krista

    Washington DC1 review

    5.0

    Dined on January 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    We went for my birthday celebration, and they catered to us so well! I loved the little waffle with the candles and on top of that a card with all the servers name! So thoughtful and unique thank you so much

    Is this helpful?

  8. Dana

    Washington DC1 review

    1.0

    Dined on January 18, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter was inattentive and uninterested. It took 30 minutes for our guacamole and chips to arrive (and we even inquired to remind him). A fire alarm went off for about 15 minutes or so and there was no attempt to compensate for the disruption. Enchiladas arrived cold and the beer was warm. Margaritas tasted like virgin drinks. Manager was nice and offered to make new enchiladas, but it was way too late. We had already paid and were ready to be gone. Do not want to go back.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Literally the best food we’ve had in Arlington! Delicious and incredible, attentive service!!!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Patty VIP

    Washington DC5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on December 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The vibe is amazing! A friend and I had dinner and stayed till closing. The drinks were great and the tacos were delicious. Beautiful restaurant and great staff! Especially the crew working upstairs the night of Dec 30th, 2024. Will be coming back soon for a date night.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Buena Vida - Arlington offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 888-1259.

Buena Vida - Arlington is rated 4.1 stars by 780 OpenTable diners.

Buena Vida - Arlington does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today
Google Map for Buena Vida - Arlington

2900 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1, Arlington, VA 22201

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Traditional Mexican, Latin American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street parking or Public lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ismael Lopez
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo