Buena Vida — Restaurant in Fort Worth

My husband and I dined in on a Friday around 6pm. The moment we walked in we piled by the door unsure where to go, we weren't greeted and there was no clear direction. We ended up finding an employee in a blue shirt and I asked if we could have a table for two and the answer I got was 'sorry first come first serve' I had no idea what that meant. The tacky bench chairs were all taken, the 3 two seater tables were taken and the 'bar' (it was raining so we couldn't sit outside) we finally snagged two seats at the bar and placed an order. I ordered chicken tacos and it all went downhill from there . So we were told 'you build your own taco , we had complaints , so just a heads up' so I thought okay that's no problem I'll dump all the toppings in my taco like any other taco place and that's it, NO ! they brought my order out to me and on my plate I had two whole chicken things, 3 stale tortillas, and a cup of all the remaining things thrown in together. They expect you to literally knife down an entire meat piece and sit there and make your order. I was not provided forks, knife, spoon, thongs, nothing to accomplish this task! I had people hovering over me due to no setting there was no way I was going to dissemble chicken with my bare hands and 'build' my taco. I didn't even touch my food while I waited on my husband to finish his drink. We also ordered fries , those were just okay. We paid $10 for parking , $58 for food and it was all a shyt show. While we sat at the bar and as people kept coming in they were all just as confused flooded by the door. Oh and also if you find an empty seat you have to throw the previous persons trash away, I saw this happen multiple times including us. There's limes all over the floor, a bunch of used drinks at the edge of the bar taking up space. This place reminded me of a school cafeteria and how you have to tend yourself from the minute you walk in. Besides placing your order your on your own lol . Seat yourself if you can get a seat, clean your table and throw away any trash, cook and build your own food (surprised they didn't bring me out a pot of water and a box of rice to cook formyself) , and if your lucky enough to not sit next to some drunk hyenas you might be able to have a convo with who ever you came in with. This place is very...

A Culinary Fiesta at Buena Vida Taqueria

🔥 72-Hour Short Rib and Pollo Amado Tacos

If you're a taco enthusiast searching for an authentic and mouthwatering experience, look no further than Buena Vida Taqueria. Nestled on South Main, this hidden gem offers a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to taco heaven.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the 72-hour short rib specialty taco. The succulent, slow-cooked short rib is a testament to Buena Vida's commitment to quality and flavor. Each bite is a symphony of rich, tender meat complemented by a harmonious blend of spices. It's a culinary masterpiece that showcases the artistry of their kitchen.

Equally impressive is the Pollo Amado taco, featuring slow-smoked chicken thigh and legs basted with a tantalizing hot sauce. The smokiness of the chicken intertwines seamlessly with the bold heat of the sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. This taco is a testament to Buena Vida's dedication to elevating traditional recipes with a contemporary twist.

But the delight doesn't stop at the tacos; Buena Vida's cocktail selection is equally praiseworthy. The bartenders are artisans, crafting top-notch cocktails that perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of the tacos. Whether you prefer a classic margarita or venture into the realm of frozen cocktails, each sip is a celebration of mixology mastery.

The ambiance at Buena Vida Taqueria adds to the overall experience. The restaurant is tastefully adorned with a lively South Main vibe, creating the perfect backdrop for a casual evening out or a festive celebration with friends.

Buena Vida Taqueria is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable culinary journey. From the 72-hour short rib taco to the Pollo Amado masterpiece, each dish is a testament to their commitment to excellence. With top-notch cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere, Buena Vida is more than a taqueria; it's a celebration of good food, good company, and the vibrant spirit of South Main. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Buena Vida Taqueria and let your taste buds embark on a...

AMBIANCE: They have an amazing outdoor patio! It's a great place to enjoy the weather on a breezy day with a frozen drink in hand. It provided a nice indoor/outdoor feel since there was a large opening from the patio into the restaurant. The music in the restaurant provided a laid back party vibe - perfect as a dinner spot before going out for late night fun!

FOOD & DRINKS: You can tell there was alot of thought put into the menu. They offered unique eats as well as a different take on their tacos. We tried out the following items:

(1) 72 Hr. Short Rib - This is a must try! Literally fall off the bone meat that was big enough for two people to share and make several tacos. I've never had anything like it.

(2) Quesa Birria - I have a special love for barrio tacos just because I absolutely love dipping it into the consommé. I have tried barrio tacos in any restaurant that offers it. Yall...these are the best I've had! The taco had the perfect crunchiness with the most tender meat and the flavorful consommé topped it all off. I would come back just for these tacos!

(3) Birria Pizza - This is one of those unique takes to their food that I haven't seen at any other restaurant. It resembled a quesadilla style that you can dip into their amazing consommé. The same tender meat and it's shareable and a fun way to eat with friends/family!

(4) Jarrito's Spiked Icee Frozen drink - This frozen drink is addicting! Have you ever had frozen drinks that weren't well balanced and just tasted like liquor? Not this one! It's dangerously good and I'm coming back to try all their other flavors at my next girls' night!

SERVICE: The staff was well-informed of the menu and was able to give us suggestions for our first time. The service was amazing! They were attentive, readily cleared tables and checked in on us periodically. Good vibes overall from the staff.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: I will definitely come back here for a date night or a girl's night! They even serve tacos until 3 am - everything was thought out at...