La Buena Vida - Durham

Reviews

• ML

  Melissa Lawrence

  Jan 3, 2026
  5.0
  This restaurant is absolutely beautiful, with amazing food, drinks, and outstanding service. I went on a Friday night with a friend for dinner, and we had such a great time enjoying our meal and cocktails. Our server, Gabriel, was fantastic—very attentive and friendly, which made the experience even better. The atmosphere is super lively, almost like a club scene, and it does get pretty loud because of the music. That didn’t bother me at all—I actually loved the energy! Overall, it was a great night out, and I will definitely be back.
• AE

  Amanda Edgell

  Jan 2, 2026
  5.0
  So, this place is… interesting! Part restaurant, part night club, we loved the street art vibe. Felt like we were somewhere in Mexico City. Tinga tacos were great, excellent homemade tortillas and savory rice. Carnitas were a bit too oily and not as flavorful. But all around cool place, as long as you don’t mind the music being a bit loud. It was REALLY loud when they brought out a birthday cake for someone. Above all, the service was TOP, best we’ve had in a long time.
• RL

  Ruthie Lyle

  Dec 29, 2025
  3.0
  Last night after traveling, cooking was the last thing I wanted to do, so I decided to try takeout from La Buena Vida Durham. To place an order, I had to download their app and sign up, lured in by the promise of bonus points, which already felt like more effort than necessary just to get dinner. The app texted me that my order would be ready at 9:31 p.m. I arrived a couple of minutes early to find the restaurant pretty quiet for a Sunday evening, so I expected things to run on time. After waiting about 15 minutes past the quoted pickup time, I finally went to the counter to ask about my order and was told it still wasn’t ready, which made it clear it likely hadn’t even been started on time. When the food eventually came out, I shared my frustration about the delay; the staff did offer me a dessert as an apology, which I appreciated, but I declined and let them know I planned to leave an honest review so others would know what to expect. The food itself was okay but definitely not worth the extra wait on a night when I was already tired and hungry. Between the required app, the inaccurate pickup time, and the "just okay" food, this isn’t a place I’ll choose for takeout again. I usually go to Monterrey Mexican Grill instead, where the food is comparable or better, the prices are a bit lower, and I can order without downloading an app or dealing with long delays
• JC

  Justin Cruz

  Dec 28, 2025
  5.0
  Don’t let the large restaurant, with loud entertainment fool you into thinking this is just a nightclub. The moment you indulge in the homemade tortilla chips and the fresh salsa, you’ll realize that you crossed into a world of culture and fine cuisine. The ceviches are incredibly balanced, the guacamole is flawless, the tacos (I recommend the Ribeye Tacos, which are gluten free and delicious, especially if you get them medium rare) the enchiladas, and the elotes are beyond words. The best part though? The service is incredible, and made my two children and family feel like family. Waiters like Gabriel and Aron are reasons alone to visit, and if you’re lucky? You’ll find time to visit them for a birthday celebration, or simply to try more of their food.
• CE

  Carola escobarr

  Dec 27, 2025
  1.0
  I am very disappointed with this restaurant. Because of one person who thinks he's so important, he kicked out a friend of mine for no reason, even though we spent about $867 dollars. He disrespected him, treated him badly, and said he would call immigration. Don't go there if you are Latino, as if he were from here himself. Please, don't go to that restaurant. Avoid it., estoy muy desepcionada de este restaurante. por uno que se cree k la virgen le habla saco a un amigo mios sin ningun motivo apesar k gastamos como $867 dolates, lo inrespetue lo trato mal y dino k llamaria a emigracion no bayan si son latinos como si dl fuera de aca no bayan a ese restaurante por favor vetafo.

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