Introducing Buena Vida Gastrolounge, an airy and contemporary eatery located in Arlington, Virginia. With a focus on traditional Mexican fare and tequila drinks, Buena Vida offers a vibrant dining experience. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor rooftop seating options, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in a stylish and comfortable setting. Open for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery, Buena Vida aims to satisfy all dining preferences. In addition to their regular menu, they also offer the Buena Vida Dinner Experience, a value-oriented option featuring unlimited small plates and dessert to share. On February 14th, guests can celebrate love with this special menu priced at $60 per person. To complement the dining experience, Buena Vida also offers happy hour drink specials starting at $6. With its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, Buena Vida is a welcoming destination for all. Join them for a fiesta and discover the flavors of Mexico in an unforgettable setting.
![](https://static.where-e.com/United_States/Virginia/Arlington_County/Buena-Vida-Gastrolounge_3979b1044f085f5c8fdddcf8a4d2762e.jpg)
Amenities and More
- Late-night food
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Small plates
- Good for kids
- Outdoor seating
- High chairs
- Breakfast
- Paid street parking
- Somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Comfort food
- Dinner reservations recommended
Reviews
My new favorite Mexican restaurant! It’s a vibe and great for a date or a group of friends. I went during restaurant week and got to sample a lot of different menu items, all of which were delicious. The service was amazing.
Great service, Beautiful place!! Three levels, all aesthetically pleasing. We were welcomed warmly. I got the summer dinner special, and enjoyed the nacho appetizers a lot. They also had a kind of picture stand which is nice for memories. Would visit again.
This is a place worth visiting with friends or family! The tacos were on point and the staff was friendly and efficient! We came early in the night and got a place in the roof top, it had a really nice vibe and we plan to continue to come back. Highly recommended!
Great atmosphere - clean and colorful, with friendly and helpful staff. The manager Catie is a dear, and a breath of fresh air! Danielle on the bar has really good taste in tequila - just ask! She can show you flavors off the beaten path. The food is varied and delicious - the pork belly tacos are a favorite, and cost $8 during happy hour. Good variety of drinks, too. I usually post up at the bar. They've got a great variety of Mexican beers and some solid session beers on tap - Lagunitas being a welcome addition. I recommend this spot compared to others in the Clarendon area - it's a good balance of price to flavor to atmosphere to staff, the staff being the best part if you choose to engage with them. Other spots don't quite hit this balance. And this is from a twelve-year veteran of the area. Check it out!
We came to the restaurant for their Valentines night with their set menu. We had a fantastic experience! Every single item was delicious and perfectly cooked even though the restaurant was so crowded and the service was impeccable! Carolina was so nice and gave us a great service and made the whole experience even better with her friendly and helpful demeanor. Overall, would definitely recommend and will be back for sure!
So long review. With some bias, I had something in my cup and got a barcode in my food. Other than that here is our honest review.
Bathrooms are clean
Pork belly 7.5/10 needs more acidity
Chicken milensa 10/10
Shrimp gobarnodor 8/10 needs a sauce for extra flavor
Bacon egg and cheese 6.5 /10 we got a barcode in one taco but it’s good
Corn beef 5.5/10 taste canned
Blueberry waffle 7.5
Banana Nutella waffle 8/10
Salmon toast 8.5/10
By these I was drunk
Chicharones eggs Benedict 7/10
Butternut squash 10/10 I love it came with an egg
Steak and eggs 0/10 did not look appetizing
Atmosphere is good but I’m so disappointed in everything else. The $40 brunch deal is not a steal. The service takes way too long to make it worth it. Nothing came out at the same time. Somethings came out after 5 minutes. Some came out …
I was able to visit this beautiful venue for a not-too-busy happy hour filled with very delicious bites and margaritas to wash them down with. Loved the taco selection and crab queso. Beautiful atmosphere and friendly service. Will return for more!