Vida Taqueria — Restaurant in Houston

Title: A Gastronomic Haven in the Hustle of Transit - Vida Taqueria

As a seasoned traveler, I've come to expect the usual fare when it comes to airport dining: the pre-packaged, the reheated, the mass-produced. So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a gem in the midst of the departure lounges and duty-free shops - Vida Taqueria. This restaurant is not just a pit stop; it's a destination in its own right.

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the kind of warm and personalized attention that one might expect from a family-run establishment in the heart of Mexico, not a bustling airport. The staff at Vida Taqueria are nothing short of incredible. They have a rare gift for making every guest feel like the most important person in the room, despite the transient nature of their clientele. Their attentive service is marked by genuine smiles and an eagerness to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of perfect.

Now, let's talk about the food - because, oh, the food! It's clear that Vida Taqueria's chefs are maestros of their craft. Each dish is a symphony of flavors, expertly prepared and presented. From the zesty tang of their freshly squeezed lime to the subtle smokiness of their carnitas, every bite is a testament to the authenticity and care put into their cooking.

Their tacos are a revelation - the tortillas hand-pressed, the meats seasoned to perfection, and the salsas homemade with a kick that will delight any aficionado of Mexican cuisine. The menu also offers an array of options for all palates and dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can find something to savor. And savor you will - for the portions are as generous as the staff, leaving you both full and fulfilled.

But what truly sets Vida Taqueria apart is the atmosphere. There's an undeniable warmth here, a convivial spirit that invites you to slow down, to savor, to enjoy. It's a welcome respite from the stresses of travel, a place where you can recharge both your body and soul.

In conclusion, Vida Taqueria is more than just an airport restaurant - it's a beacon of hospitality and high-quality cuisine in a place often devoid of either. For weary travelers in search of sustenance, or for food enthusiasts on the lookout for an unexpected culinary delight, Vida Taqueria is an experience that should not be missed. The next time you find yourself passing through the airport, do yourself a favor and drop by Vida Taqueria. It's a journey for the taste buds that you'll want to take...

When you think of Tex-Mex food, the first thing that comes to mind is that unique flavor and spices of being exclusive to the Lone Star State of Texas. This takes me to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in the northern part of Houston, TX where my tummy was craving some authentic food at "Vida Taqueria". Located in the North Terminal part of the airport and adjacent to travelers flying through United Airlines, I came here on the evening of 9/24/2021 at around 7:00pm while waiting on a one hour layover.

The layout has a very "bar-like" feel to it with high chairs that surround the kitchen and bar area. All ordering is done exclusively through a tablet (to eliminate paper menus and the use of a QR code). There is also a large sized menu that displays all the food options, but no prices; which basically means that the eateries at airports charge a significantly higher price for out-of-towners and tourists. This is something you have to expect with is not uncommon.

Since I was hungry from my 4 hour flight from California to Texas, I decided to go with their "Taco Trio" (I went with a variety that included shredded chicken, shrimp, & carnitas). This also included a side of tortilla chips and guacamole. The price for everything was $19 + tax. I figure it wasn't a bad deal considering each taco runs around $3.50/each while the chips/guacamole is around $8. They were quick though as my food came out in less than 5 minutes.

I will say that these tacos were generously sized and included two corn tortillas but lacked a whole lot of flavor. My favorite of the three was the carnitas but as I mentioned, I've eaten way better; and I am a taco fanatic. The chips were not good at all; almost to a point where they tasted stale. The worst part of this meal was the guacamole as some of the mashed up avocado pieces were of a darkish-brown color. It definitely did not taste fresh at all so sadly, I only ate just a couple bites of this.

All in all, I was not very impressed by "Vida Taqueria". The only reason why I gave them a 3-stars is that the size of the tacos were generously proportioned while the service was above average. But for airport food, I would advise checking out a different eatery. My best bet is if you are able to wait to leave the airport and find a way better place to eat, I would highly recommend going that route. So this place was just average to me; nothing special except for curbing...

Disgusting !!

I ordered 2 tacos, 1 margarita and a black bean soup. my bill was just under $50 before tip. not ONE person there spoke to me, I knew how to use the tablet ordering system but didn't get a water, no greeting, no nothing. my food came out before my $15.75 margarita in a small 8-9 oz glass

The manager overheard my comments on the price of the margarita and began to argue with me telling me that their prices were cheaper than other international airports . .. BS !!!! he stood over me, arguing with me after walking up in a stalker manner and not identifying himself as a manager or employee... he stayed, argued, badgered and harassed me. I asked this idiot 3 different times to 'go away', 'run along now', 'leave me alone' and he stayed.. continued to argue about prices and food quality.

1. no employee spoke to me at all until my food hit the table
2. my food came out before my drink
3. $15.75 for a margarita/ $50 for 2 tacos, 1 soup and a small drink?
4. irritating tablet ordering system
5. manager badgers me over complaining about bad service and high prices
6. manager won't just go away.

HOW HAPPY WOULD YOU BE????

This is a horrible concept, horrible service, horrible food, horrible prices. If you read this and go there, you deserve your own horrible experience. YOU HAVE...