Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Rexburg

Nestled in the heart of Rexburg, Costa Vida presents a Mexican-inspired dining experience that has captured the attention of both locals and visitors. Following my recent visit, I find myself inclined to assign Costa Vida a rating of 4 stars. The food, undoubtedly, merits praise for its flavor and freshness. I give Costa Vida 4 stars, the food was good, but the price and atmosphere kept it from being great. Stepping into Costa Vida, I was greeted by an overall good vibe that sets the stage for a pleasant dining experience. The warm colors, lively music, and a captivating bubble art display contribute to an inviting atmosphere, creating a welcoming ambiance. The visually appealing bubble art not only adds a touch of creativity but also is somewhat mesmerizing, enhancing the overall aesthetic. However, it's important to note that the atmosphere is not without its drawbacks. Some aspects, such as grumpy workers, can affect the experience when ordering food. The contrast between the cheerful decor and less-than-enthusiastic staff can be a bit jarring. Additionally, the comfort of the seating arrangements falls short, with chairs that may leave customers feeling less at ease during their meal. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall atmosphere at Costa Vida manages to strike a balance between visual appeal and the challenges presented by service and seating. Turning our attention to the pricing aspect of the Costa Vida experience, it's evident that there's a mix of highs and lows. On one hand, the cost of two large drinks was $3.60 each, which makes me raise an eyebrow because it seems disproportionately high for just beverages. This pricing may leave customers feeling that they are paying a premium for what is a basic component of their meal. However, the scenario isn’t terrible when we consider the nachos, which were priced at $11 and shared with a friend. In this instance, the cost aligns more reasonably with the portions provided. The nachos offer a more satisfactory balance between price and serving size, making it an excellent expense for the quality of the meal. Finding a better pricing equilibrium with certain menu items would bring up my rating of Costa Vida by a large degree. When it comes to the factor of taste, Costa Vida manages to leave a positive impression. The portion sizes are notably generous, providing a satisfying and filling dining experience. The food, overall, meets expectations with flavors that feel relatively authentic. Delivering on the promise of Mexican-inspired cuisine. Each bite is a journey through a mix of well-balanced tastes and textures, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients, particularly from the fantastic mix of guacamole and beans with a perfect ratio of chips. One great aspect that enhances the dining experience is the option to personalize the meal with an array of sauces as well as fully customizable cheese and meat alternatives. The ability to add and adjust sauces to individual preferences adds a delightful touch, allowing customers to tailor the flavors to their liking. In this aspect, Costa Vida excels in delivering not only on taste but also on the ability to customize the culinary journey. Costa Vida in Rexburg, has both positives and drawbacks, earning it a 4-star rating from me. The food is tasty and served in ample portions, creating a pleasing taste experience. The atmosphere is generally welcoming, though occasional staff and uncomfortable seating can dampen it. Pricing varies; drinks are a bit expensive, but some menu items offer better value. Despite these concerns, Costa Vida stands out for its customization options, allowing diners to personalize their meals with various sauces. While not flawless, it provides a satisfying dining experience for those craving Mexican-inspired...

Ah, let me regale you with the tale of my delightful escapades to that splendid establishment known as Costa Vida! Permit me to recount my second sojourn, which transpired in the illustrious month of March in the year of our Lord 2025! I was greeted with a veritable whirlwind of speed, as if the very fates had conspired to deliver swift and efficient service before I could even blink twice. The employees, bless their kind souls, exuded an air of warmth and niceness that could convert even the iciest of hearts into a molten puddle of gratitude! Within a mere trifle of three minutes—yes, I assure you, I had everything tenderly prepped, artfully crafted, and the monetary exchange completed with the swiftness of a cheetah on roller skates. One cannot help but shower praises upon their exquisite practice of crafting tortillas fresh enough to have a pulse, alongside an array of delectably prepped meats and vegetables that would make even the grandest of feasts green with envy. It is, without a whisper of doubt, a magnificent venue for elevating one’s culinary experience in the realm of the venerable Mexican grill!

Now, let me take a delectable detour to my first visit, which I undertook in the charming month of December in 2024, whereupon I was greeted with an embodiment of gastronomical delight—great food indeed! Costa Vida astounds both palate and pocket with its commendable quality of comestibles at prices that don’t send one weeping into the void of bankruptcy. And oh, the lemonade! Such ambrosial nectar cascades from its machines, it’s the elixir of life itself! I highly implore you to partake of the ambrosial concoction known as Strawberry limeade, alongside the heavenly sweet pork, and the utterly divine raspberry chipotle chicken quesadillas that sing symphonies upon your taste buds. The salads, my dear pals, are nothing short of a verdant explosion of flavor that could make even the most jaded of salad skeptics swoon with delight! Admittedly, I must confess that Mexican cuisine does not often set my gastronomical heart aflutter; however, this never implies that you should shy away from such a treasure trove of culinary wonder! So, if the hankering for a bit of Mexican grill stirs within your soul, prance forth to this hallowed ground, for I proclaim it a resounding...

After having eaten at Costa Vida several dozen times, I feel I am now qualified to offer criticism and praise. I like the food in general at Costa Vida, it could use a little more spice and finesse, but all in all, it's a solid 8 out of 10. One thing I REALLY like is that all of Costa Vida's food is made fresh, and without any preservatives, artificial sweeteners and most importantly, no soy or MSG. For those of you with food allergies, this place is your safe haven. They cook everything from the meat to the tortillas right there in front of you, and add nothing but normal spices and flavorings, even the Pico sauce and other sauces are made there.

The service is usually very friendly, and they have a few very attractive ladies there, not that this makes any actual difference as a restaurant, but it's just a little icing that I felt was worthy of being mentioned. :) There could be a little more attention to speed during lunch hour, when there can be as many as 40 people in line. I once came into Costa Vida, and counted 21 people in line, and 13 people working behind the counter, and it still took me 17 minutes to travel 30 feet.. This (plus the need for more spice) is really the only slightly negative thing that can be said about the place. The price for a full meal is a little spendy, but they have a card club there that is extremely easy to join, and that adds a very nice amount of change back on the card, for use on ANY item they have there. I have purchased four meals since getting the card, and I have just under $3.00 on the card that I can use any time, for any item. This is a huge step above Subway, Maverick, or Togos.

All in all, I would recommend Costa Vida to anyone, with the above stipulations intact. Costa Vida is constantly trying to improve its service, so just politely mention something you felt was wrong, or not 100%, and you can bet it will...