Viva Mexico — Restaurant in White Center

What a disappointment. With all of the amazing ethnic foods in the area why would anyone choose to go to this place? We have lived here for 10 years and never went in there but decided to give it a chance.

The first indicator of the quality of the food...not one latino in the entire place except for the staff. I will say that the interior was well-done and made you feel like you were in a villa somewhere other than White Center. That is where that experience stopped for us.

I am not a food snob and can usually find something I like just about anywhere I go. Not here, sadly...

The salsa did not taste fresh. It had the taste and consistency of the cheap stuff you find at the store. On top of that, the chips were stale.

My wife ordered a sangria that was bland, flavorless, and contained no fruit at all. I think they call that (bad) wine. They did not have horchata and their beer selection revolved around the typical Mexican beers.

Onto our dishes...

1 beef burrito, 1 hard shell taco, 1 tamale combo - (1/5) - I tried to find something nice to say about this dish but all of it was bland. Even the tamale. The frozen tamales from Trader Joe's are better.

Chili relleno - (2/5) - I cannot comment on this dish but my wife said the whole beans were bland and hard, and that the pepper was bland and flavorless.

Pulled chicken tacos - (1/5) - My daughter tried to eat this dish but she barely ate half of her first taco. Bland, flavorless. The chicken tasted boiled and then pulled. No flavor. We didn't even bother boxing this to go.

I will say that the location is quaint and the staff were friendly, prompt, and courteous but we will not be...

First time coming to this restaurant on a Friday night. Though it was a little bit busy, as in almost every table packed and the cars circling the parking lot looking for parking - a good sign that shows its a popular spot. I must say I left impressed and full. One of the owners himself took our order and consistently checked in on us to make sure we were not only satisfied, but to see if we needed anything else. Once you are seated and drinks have been ordered, you are greeted with fresh warm totrillla chips along with beans and cheese and some delicious salsa to dip into. I'd say only a mere 7 minutes of sitting down before our table was served hot, sizzling juicy food. I ordered the chicken fajitas. Not only did the food come out very fast, but it was served fresh and hot, right off the grill. The meal portions were extremely well sized. For example the fajitas come on their own plate (chicken, onion and bell pepper) then I got a second plate with beans, rice, Pico, sour cream and some lettuce. Along with fresh hot tortillas (choice of flour or corn). Throughout our meal we were checked in on, finished plates were taken in a timely manner, and drinks topped off. It was a very pleasant first experience, and I'll definitely be coming back, and bringing other friends to this restaurant. The restaurant was clean and well kept - I did t use the restroom at all so I can't comment on that - but the floors and tables we clean. The staff was very friendly...

5 Stars – Outstanding Food, Welcoming Atmosphere, and True Community Feel

We absolutely love Viva Mexico Restaurant. The quality of the food and drinks is always top-notch and well worth every dollar. I’m not sure if it’s family-owned, but it definitely feels that way. The atmosphere is warm, genuine, and welcoming — the kind of place where the staff remembers your name and makes you feel like part of their family.

It’s also one of the few truly kid- and family-friendly restaurants in the White Center area, which makes it even more special for us. We’ve celebrated birthdays, random weeknight dinners, and just about everything in between here, and every visit has been wonderful. Everyone on staff is great, but it’s always an extra treat when Joel is our server! He is always so patient with us getting our kids settled good recommendations and just overall a great server - thank you Joel!

You can’t go wrong with the carne asada or taco salads (my personal favorite, especially with a side of deep-fried jalapeños). Whether you’re stopping in for a family meal, casual dinner, or a drink with friends, their non-alcoholic options, margaritas, and cocktails never disappoint.

Thank you to the whole Mexico team for making every visit...