At La Buena Vida, guests are invited to enjoy sharing a meal filled with bold flavors alongside good company. This restaurant was born out of a deep desire to share with others the warmth of Latin hospitality. Here, you can enjoy classic Latin recipes with modern spins like Ceviche Buena Vida, ACP, Enchiladas Verdes and more. Its a great spot for a casual dinner or a special occasion.
Share
Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Absolutely loved our meal here. Tried it tonight with my boyfriends family and honestly the best meal I've had since I moved to Durham a few months ago. Our server was super helpful and very nice and everyone else was so nice, too. I had the steak a la Mexicana and it was delicious. The strawberry margaritas were so good and everything was presented really beautifully. We will definitely be back.
Dante Farrar
Feb 17, 2026
5
If you are looking for the perfect venue to host a milestone celebration, look no further than La Buena Vida. We recently hosted my wife’s 40th birthday party here with a group of 52, and "impeccable" is the only word that truly does the evening justice.
From the very beginning, the planning process was seamless. Alexandra coordinated every detail with such professionalism and grace, ensuring that our vision for the night was perfectly captured.
When it came time for the event itself, Gabriel took the reins and executed everything to perfection. His attention to detail and ability to manage the flow of the evening was world-class. The entire event team and staff were attentive, professional, and went above and beyond. Highly, highly suggested!
Tayah Little
Jan 14, 2026
5
Went for my friend’s birthday and the atmosphere was sooo fun! We also really enjoyed and appreciated our waiter Gabriel!
They have really fun and picture worthy drinks and $3 tacos on Tuesdays!
Would definitely recommend having your birthday here!
Justin Cruz
Dec 28, 2025
5
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.
Mrs.B
Dec 28, 2025
5
This place is a VIBE! The food is pretty decent I had sushi and wings and I really enjoyed them! Someone was celebrating a birthday and the had a whole production moment for the birthday lady!!! It was fun and very nice! It was our first time visiting and our first date night as Husband and Wife! Will definitely be visiting again!
Robin Gibbs
Dec 6, 2025
5
When I say I was not expecting what we got. I will start out by saying our server Tony was fantastic. He was patient and offered suggestions as it was our first time here. The food was great and drinks were even better. I had the chicken rolls and a side of rice and black beans. Both my husband and daughter had the barria ( sp) quesadilla with rice. The only complaint for them was it was very cheesy and not enough meat. I had the strawberry margarita with sugar rim and husband had some drink with a corona turned upside down in the drink. But what came next, we were not expecting. They turned off the lights and here comes The Mask ( character). It definitely changed the atmosphere. Just a suggestion for people who choose to bring the family, know that after 8pm,it becomes like a club scene than restaurant. If you have children with ADHD and or auditory sensory issues, please do not bring them. It was too much for my daughter. We will be back, just without her.
Nichole Gantshar
Nov 26, 2025
5
When it's at its best, this restaurant is a bit noisy but incredibly festive and fun. The wait staff is extremely professional and very atentative. The menu goes beyond the traditional tacos. If you llike ceviche, be sure to check out the expansive list of choices.
Lauren Williams
Nov 19, 2025
5
My mom and I had dinner here tonight and our waiter, Cuba, was the best! He was super friendly, explained the drinks and food perfectly, and checked on us the whole time. His recommendations were amazing, and the food and drinks did not disappoint.
We had such a great experience and will definitely be coming back. If you go, ask For Cuba!
A Google User
Nov 19, 2025
5
I had dinner here with my daughter, and we had such a great experience! Our waiter, Cuba, was amazing—so friendly, attentive, and genuinely kind. He made sure we had everything we needed the entire time. He took the time to explain the drinks and the menu, and his recommendations were spot on.
The food was delicious, the drinks were unique, and Cuba’s service truly made the whole night even better. We’ll definitely be back! Highly recommend La Buena Vida—especially if you’re lucky enough to get Cuba as your waiter!
Jackie MacHardy
Sep 26, 2025
5
Wonderful experience at La Buena Vida! We took a friend to celebrate her birthday and this new-to -Durham location exceeded every expectation! We started with top shelf margaritas - exceptionally good. Lunch portions were generous, well- plated, and absolutely delicious! I can’t say enough good things about how welcoming and attentive we found the staff. They truly made us feel like family. We finished with a mix of delicious desserts. I predict good things for this spot - it is well suited to a Friday/Saturday night nightclub vibe - beautiful bold interiors and seating that easily lends itself to groups ready for a good time. The extensive and inviting cocktail menu will insure everyone finds something to like! Give these great folks a try! We will define going back!
Patrick Slaughter
Sep 24, 2025
4
Patrick with Offline - I visited La Vida Buena on September 24th for a special tasting event, and the experience was completely different from a typical night. The music was at a comfortable volume, and the staff was exceptionally friendly and attentive. One minor suggestion would be to adjust the yellow lighting; depending on your seating, it can feel a bit intense and noticeably affect the color in photos.
I started with a Margarona, which was delicious. My appetizer and main dish arrived at the same time, which was a pleasant surprise. The corn on the cob, or Elote, is an absolute must-have. I also highly recommend the Aguachile Mixto Verde. They offered to cook it, which surprised me for a ceviche dish, but it's a great option for those who prefer it that way. I personally stick with the traditional preparation, as I couldn't imagine eating it with cooked shrimp.
Our waiter, Keisy C, was amazing. I can't recommend her enough—she and her team were fantastic that night.
Overall, if you're looking for great food, good music, and a lively atmosphere, I highly recommend coming here during the week. It's a much more enjoyable dining experience than on a weekend.
Marilyn Moore
Sep 20, 2025
5
Great new place for lunch. Most lunch choices are around $11. Food is fresh and well-seasoned. One of the better places for authentic Mexican food. Interesting decor.
In the evening, the place has nightclub aspirations, staying open until midnight on weekdays and 2 am on weekends.
April H
Sep 7, 2025
4
Went to celebrate my friend's birthday. It's really decorative inside with beautiful murals on every corner. Nice club vibe but may be a little too loud at times for some. Not sure if its considered child friendly but definitely entertaining. Food was good and the drinks were outstanding! Looking forward to trying other menu items. I think overall its a cool spot with lots of potential.
KC Zabrycki
Aug 3, 2025
5
A really unique dining and bar experience! The food and drinks were better than expected and the service was great! They do fun birthday celebrations and it's very high energy. They do play loud music and have flashing lights during these mini party like shows but if you're up for it, it's super fun!
kara bellissimo
Jun 22, 2025
5
Food was flavorful and portions big. The menu is large with many options for everyone. We had fajita and a quesadilla both were delicious and the rice was amazing!!! They also have a big alcohol menu as well and brunch items. Wait staff was attentive and atmosphere was loud at times, decor was very classy
Natasha W
May 24, 2025
5
Second time here and it was an amazing experience! The Brussel sprouts app is amazing; I ordered the Salmon Tropical with shrimp as an entree. Tip, ask for salmon medium as mine was way over cooked and dry. The drinks were spot on and fun! The airplane shot flight is an EXPERIENCE within itself. Definitely my new go to for Mexican cuisine. Make a reservation to be on the safe side...and ask for PAOLA for your waitress; she's EXCELLENT
kala c
May 20, 2025
5
The food was amazing!! The staff was great!! Including Carlos, he took his time and wasn’t rude or disrespectful towards me and my family, i would recommend coming here for a family meal, the tacos are amazing, and the wings, 10/10 would come again!
