La Buena Vida Spanish Restaurant — Restaurant in Town of Brookhaven

I took my wife for her birthday, we live local but haven’t eaten in this building since many years ago. the truth is we had a certain stigma about it owing to the previous restaurant, one we both disliked even before we met. Anyway, today was her birthday, we made reservations at Daphne’s in West Hampton but bailed because of the small menu and far drive. In trying to come up with a back up plan I remembered seeing the parking lot of La Buena Vida often packed, so I looked it up and saw almost 300 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. So I looked at the menu, I saw Paella, Tapas, I was sold. When I sent her the menu she was sold.

We arrived and it was a beautiful early fall/late summer night so we decided to dine out on the deck, it was a great decision. Our server couldn’t have been more accommodating she offered to re-seat us if the flies from the pond were to much, they weren‘t and we enjoyed the ambiance.

After looking at the drink menu, we were again very impressed with service. My wife really wanted a la. buena vida margarita, but wanted it made blue. She graciously had the bar tender added the blue liquor to change the color. When time came to order we stared with the avocado crab bruschetta, it was a great decision and service was very quick. Next was the entree order, so we both ordered paella marinera. Again our server made a suggestion and informed us its a big serving, we could easily share it an order another tapa (which means she was also a mind reader). So after seeing how torn we were, she suggested an off-menu item - stuffed sweet plantain - and upon hearing I didn’t wast meat graciously swapped out beef for shrimp.

Our food was hand delivered and served onto our plates by the chef. This service was phenomenal, but even the amazing service did not compare to the perfection of our meal. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and season, the sweetness of the plantain pair beautifully with the savory of the shrimp. The paella was also perfectly cooked, the saffron rice was amazing, with the generous amount of shrimp, scallops, clams, and mussels. The meal was very satisfying.

For dessert the fried cheesecake was highly recommended and “Wow” is all either of us had to say. It was easily the apex of the meal, sweet savory, with a crunch, and a hot/cold temperatures balancing to perfection. Dessert even came with a song and ”Happy Birthday” in caramel.

We strongly recommend this neighborhood gem. There is nothing like it around, the chef is talented, the staff is amazing. if you haven’t tried it yet, what are you...

We drove 45 minutes to this restaurant to hear Laura G. sing and weren't disappointed.

My husband and I thought we would have a drink and maybe an appetizer.

After seeing this beautiful restaurant, outside seating (for warmer nights, not tonight) and the menu we went all out. The margaritas were absolutely delicious. The bartender, attentive, personable and knowledgeable.

We decided to sit at the bar so we could watch and listen to Laura. The bartender, Katie rattled off the specials which all sounded amazing.

I settled for a traditional mixed seafood dish served with rice on the side. Oh my, it was amazing! So flavorful and a perfect serving size, not too big, not to small.

My husband got 3 appetizers since he couldn't make up his mind. The grilled octopus, seared scallops and baby Lamb chops. I wish we took pictures. He loved and finished them all!

Just when we thought we were done we were told by several customers and friends that had also gone to watch Laura sing to try her favorite, the deep fried cheesecake.

This treat came in 2 large pieces, accompanied by 2 scoops of ice cream, and whipped cream with 2 spoons. Haha.

I wanted 1 bite, I don't usually eat cheesecake. Well, I ate half!!

There was nothing but 2 spoons left on the plate. Actually we ate everything that was put in front of us.

Thank you!

We will definitely be recommending this restaurant to our friends and will go back again when the weather is a little warmer and we can sit outside.

Music on the outside patio...

I should’ve learned my lesson the first time, but on three separate occasions with different groups of people, we were overcharged by the bartender. The Bartender John that works Friday night during happy hour. First time we thought it was just a legitimate mistake the second and third time we started to see a pattern and he thinks he can get away with it. The last and final time that I will ever be a patron to this establishment was a couple of weeks ago where they OVERserved a customer. Even after, stating the obvious that the customer should not be allowed to have any more alcohol. They continued to serve him then, when he could barely stand, and he threw a couple of napkins on the floor, the owners threw him to the ground, manhandled him. The Man struggled to stand up and they didn’t care knocking him to the ground again. They dragged him out of their establishment all because he threw some napkins on the floor. I was mortified I witnessed it. I begged for them to stop. They had no care for the welfare of this man that was so intoxicated he didn’t know what he was doing, but why was he so intoxicated because they overserved him so bad that he wasn’t able to make decisions for himself. I met the man at the bar, I had never seen him before in my life. I was just being human & I had concerned for his well-being. My friend and I got him home safely. I don’t know who he is or how he is doing, but I know I did what was right and getting him out of that situation and...