Buena Vida Cantina

Mexican Restaurant $$ 4.6 (331)


Buena Vida Cantina offers a vibrant and authentic Mexican dining experience, praised for its fresh and handmade dishes. Customers often commend the friendly service and warm atmosphere. Despite some concerns about value and portion sizes, many find the food to be flavorful and the environment inviting, making it a spot worth visiting in downtown San Francisco.

Overall:

4.3

(276 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

4.6


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (415) 450-6689

Address: 860 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Curbside Pickup Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Dog-Friendly
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Absolutely excellent food! We had our family celebration at Buena Vida Cantina, and I couldn't recommend it more! Our server was attentive and friendly, really made sure we had a great experience. The birria ramen was not something I expected from a taco place, but it was fantastic! The flavors were rich, and I could tell everything was made fresh. Will definitely be adding this to our list of go-to dining spots! " (*Curated Review*)

" Amazing experience! We stumbled upon Buena Vida Cantina after seeing it highly rated online and decided to check it out for ourselves. The outdoor seating with fairy lights was very charming, and although it was a bit chilly, the heaters made it comfortable. Service was prompt and our server was very informative about the dishes. We had the birria tacos, which were delicious and quite filling. I highly recommend trying the spicy margaritas; they're a perfect pairing with the food. I can't wait to bring my family next time! " (*Curated Review*)

" The experience at Buena Vida Cantina was decent but far from extraordinary. The food took longer than expected to arrive, and although it was fresh, I was looking for more complexity in flavors. My chicken enchiladas were good but lacked that punch I hoped for. That said, the margaritas were on point, a highlight of the meal. I would recommend this place for drinks but may not be inclined to return for food. " (*Curated Review*)

" I honestly don't understand the hype surrounding Buena Vida Cantina. Sure, the ambiance is nice, and the location is great for a night out, but the food was just average in terms of taste. The tortillas tasted store-bought, and as someone who loves authentic Mexican cuisine, I left feeling underwhelmed. The service staff were friendly, but they couldn't save the meal. Unfortunately, I don't think I'd come back for a second round. " (*Curated Review*)

" From the moment we stepped into Buena Vida Cantina, we felt the lively energy of the place. It was bright, cheerful, and lively. I ordered the flautas, and they were crunchy and packed with flavor. My partner had tacos al pastor, and we both agreed they were delicious. Service was quick and friendly, and we appreciated the variety they offered. The margaritas? A must! We'll be back for sure for another fun night! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (266)

" My family and I decided to try Buena Vida Cantina while visiting San Francisco, and we had a mixed experience. While the restaurant's atmosphere was warm and inviting, the service was slow, and we felt a bit forgotten at our table. The food, however, was a highlight—especially the guacamole and chips, which were absolutely delicious. The carne asada burrito was satisfying, but I wish the portion sizes were a bit more generous for the price. Overall, it's a cute spot to try, but I hope they can improve on service. " (*Curated Review*)

" What a find! We tried Buena Vida Cantina during our last trip to San Francisco and were blown away by the flavors. The tacos were delicious, filled with generous portions of tender meat. I can't get over how friendly the staff were—they made us feel right at home. The decor complemented the food perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone craving some tasty Mexican food! " (*Curated Review*)

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