La Vida Cantina

Name: La Vida Cantina
Address: 1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA, United States, 92627
Telephone: (949) 612-2349
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

314 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top tags:

La Vida Cantina is an authentic Mexican restaurant and bar with a captivating atmosphere and a menu of fresh, high quality ingredients where traditional recipes are presented with a modern twist.

Guests will enjoy a spacious, lively and beautifully designed atmosphere patio with a large pentagon-shaped bar, ample lounge seating and five fire pits, all under tow over-sized palapas. The interior features dark wood, warm lighting and contemporary Mexican murals.

The extensive cocktail menu features premium tequilas, an amazing array of uniquely crafted margaritas and signature martinis.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 7, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 5 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon, Wed, Thu 4:00 pm–12:00 am Tue, Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–2:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–1:00 am
Phone number
(949) 612-2349
Website
http://lavidacantina.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Juan Martinez
Private party facilities
La Vida Cantina Costa Mesa is available for all of your special event needs including holiday or private parties - both small and large, photo and film shoots, corporate events and more!
Private party contact
Chelsea Hayhurst (Restaurant Manager): (949) 612-2349

Location
1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Neighbourhood
Costa Mesa
Cross Street
19th Street
Parking Details
7 levels of convenient, free self-parking is available in the center's parking structure. Valet parking is also available.
Entertainment
Live music every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday!More to come!
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Tier 1 $55(per person) New Year's Eve Menu
Dec 31, 2023 only
$55 per person plus tax and gratuity 3 course meal (2-hour time limit) Appetizers/Soup/Salad (choose one) Corn Ribs Guacamole Taquitos Shrimp Ceviche Chicken Tortilla Soup House Salad (Side of Ranch or Balsamic) Caesar Entrees (choose one) Milanesa (limited supply) Salmon Shrimp Enchiladas Fajitas - chicken, steak, shrimp, or mixed Santa Fe Salad Desserts (choose one) Cheesecake Churros Tres Leche
Tier 2 $85(per person) New Year's Eve Menu
Dec 31, 2023 only
$85 per person plus tax and gratuity. 3 course meal plus 2 specialty drinks (2-hour time limit) Appetizers/Soup/Salad (choose one) Corn Ribs Guacamole Taquitos Shrimp Ceviche Chicken Tortilla Soup House Salad (Side of Ranch or Balsamic) Caesar (Croutons and Queso Fresco) Entrees (choose one) Milanesa (limited supply) Salmon Shrimp Enchiladas Fajitas - chicken, steak, shrimp, or mixed Santa Fe Salad Desserts (choose one) Cheesecake Churros Tres Leche
Tier 3 $550(up to 4 people) New Year's Eve Package
Dec 31, 2023 only
$550 per package, up to 4 people, plus tax and gratuity (no time limit) 3 course meal plus 2 specialty drinks One bottle per package under $325 Appetizers/Soup/Salad (choose one) Corn Ribs Guacamole Taquitos Shrimp Ceviche Chicken Tortilla Soup House Salad (Side of Ranch or Balsamic) Caesar Entrees (choose one) Milanesa (limited supply) Salmon Shrimp Enchiladas Fajitas - chicken, steak, shrimp, or mixed Santa Fe Salad Desserts (choose one) Cheesecake Churros Tres Leche

What 314 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

3.9Food
4.3Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Orange County
Hot spot
Orange County
Great for outdoor dining
North Orange County
Hot spot
North Orange County
Great for outdoor dining

314 Reviews

A
Alex
Orange County
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
Overall4Food4Service5Ambience3
The drinks would be perfect if they would actually use a shot cup to pour that amount to the mixed drinks. I got so bloated after 2 drinks and when I went to ask for a shot and another drink for My friend I saw they only poured less than a shot to her drink and the rest waa just syrup juices.
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LR
LeticiaR
San Diego
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Great service and the drinks were good. I had a cantarito and steak quesadillas.
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SJ
StephanJ
Orange County
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
Overall4Food4Service4Ambience5
Atmosphere was good and lively good people nice food
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S
Sone
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
Overall3Food2Service3Ambience5
The vibe is GREAT! Music & atmosphere spot ON! Our food took fooooorrrrever to come out. We had to question the waitress & Management in what the hold up was. They apologized & said it was due to the kitchen being backed up. After waiting for over an hour, they asked if we wanted to order from the other menu? No, we insisted on the Brunch menu. Our meals came out eventually. They offered to continue the champagne they cut-off because at that point brunch was over, since we were waiting so long for our food. Total bummer because we were celebrating our daughters birthday & engagement.
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OC
OCBrunchLover
Orange County
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
Overall1Food2Service1Ambience1
We went to La Vida Cantina after the OC Register rated it as the number two brunch in its Best of OC ratings. The food, ambiance and service were horrible. The bottomless mimosas consisted of a premixed solution of way too little sparkling wine and way too much of a Tang like substance. On one side we had the audio from the Sunday football games blasting in competition with music blaring expletives from the other direction. To round out the experience, we had to contend with dirty cloth napkins and a wobbly table. Needless to say, I can no longer trust the Best of OC ratings.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience3
Michele was our server and she was amazing! Food was fabulous and worth the money. The drinks seemed a little bit watered down, and served in very small glasses. It’s super loud as it’s a bar and not a restaurant. We are older and didn’t enjoy the noise and probably won’t come back! Too bad because the food was super super good.
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JH
JamesH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Our waiter, Blake was awesome! Very attentive to our needs while celebrating my son's birthday with friends.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
Overall3Food4Service1Ambience1
Host didn’t acknowledge that we were there to Celebrate a Birthday. Not only that she rarely checked in on us and the restaurant wasn’t even busy.
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PH
PimaH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Great place the food and drinks and service amazing
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
Overall2Food1Service1Ambience3
Carne asada was tasteless.. drinks were good service slow
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MG
MayraG
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
Overall2Food3Service2Ambience4
The hostess at the front was unwelcoming. She was hosting last night around 8:00 pm. I showed up with my group and we had to initiate contact although she was just staring at us. No “hello”, “welcome”, “how can I help you”. Drinks were all too bitter and food was average for the pricing. My server was good though and ambience was also good .
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 9, 2023
Overall4Food5Service4Ambience5
The quesadilla was great, I had mine filled with Asada! Along with the Paloma margarita which was also perfect!
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h
habibiting
Orange County
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
Overall5Food4Service5Ambience5
Great music, food, and vibes! Come for brunch! The drinks are delicious!!
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JF
JoeF
Central Coast
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
The food was fresh and the presentation was first class. Our server was exceptional, and very personable. We ate on the patio area. The manager come by and checked on us and made it special.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
OMG had the best time for my birthday!! And service was phenomenal (:
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2023
Overall4Food3Service4Ambience4
It was good! Enjoyed it. Not something I’ll go and tell everyone about but it was a nice dinner nonetheless.
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M
Meisha
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
enjoyed watching the fight! Organization of letting people with reservations could be a little better and faster.
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a
anap
Orange County
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2023
Overall3Food5Service2Ambience3
Just had trouble dividing all the bill, I understand it was a big party, 18 guest but it confused us a lot when the bill came in one check for the whole party so we basically had to look for what we spend for each person so there wasn’t any confusion but we could of avoided all That is the waiter helped A little, because of course they charged 20% for tip but couldn’t help separating the bill
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J
Jerry
Orange County
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
Overall4Food5Service4Ambience3
In my personal experience, I found La Vida Covina to be a restaurant that offered a mixed experience. While the restaurant earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5, I found that some aspects shone brighter than others. Undoubtedly, the food was the standout feature, earning a rating of 5 out of 5. Every dish we tried was expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. The salsa, in particular, was spicy and delicious, making it a highlight of the meal. However, I found that the ambience and value left something to be desired, earning ratings of 3 out of 5. The seating was uncomfortable, and the lighting was too bright, giving the restaurant an underwhelming atmosphere. The prices were steep, and while the quality of the food was excellent, it was hard to justify the cost. Despite this, the drinks were a standout feature of the experience, expertly crafted and complementing the food perfectly. The staff was also friendly and knowledgeable, earning a rating of 4 out of 5 for service. However, the noise level was quite high, making it hard to have a conversation without shouting. Overall, while there were some downsides to the experience, the quality of the food, drinks, and salsa made it a memorable meal. If you're looking for excellent cuisine and expertly crafted drinks, La Vida Covina is worth considering.
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RC
RanjeetC
Orange County
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2022
Overall3Food2Service4Ambience4
We had problem with fish Taco. Had to send it back . Three guest had to send back as it was not chewable. They still charged though. The chef came and we explained. The waiter said that he can give two desserts free but has to charge for spoiled fish tacos Shame.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 11, 2022
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Amazing and super good food
Is this helpful?
ML
MichaelL
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2022
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Pretty good! Has a nice vibe, the drinks are good, and overall a great bar!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2022
Overall2Food3Service2Ambience3
Bad service and music too loud.
Is this helpful?
MZ
MelissaZ
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2022
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Food was great, lovely ambience and waiter was very attentive.
Is this helpful?
J
Jayy
Exclusive
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2022
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Great service! Food and drinks came out with good timing. Brunch entree’s portion sizes are pretty big.
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V
Voodoo
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2022
Overall4Food4Service4Ambience4
Was a bit too load. Much loader than any other time I’ve been there. Was unfortunate that volume couldn’t be adjusted as catering to a large party celebrating something. Not sure how they could talk/hear each other.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2022
Overall2Food1Service1Ambience2
Waste of money
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KA
KarlaA
Orange County
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2022
Overall3Food4Service3Ambience4
Although I made a reservation, There was No table available when We arrived! Restaurant has this very strong policy that you need to Add a credit card in case you don’t show up, they will charge you $20 per person. I don’t have a problem with that, But at least I EXPECTED To have a good Service. Host just offered us a table with patio style seats and a Very low table which is perfect if you just go to have drinks and Talk. But with Family and for a Sunday Bruch It’s obviously UNCOMFORTABLE AND IMPOSSIBLE TO EAT. I had 2 small kids and I spoke to her and tell her about the situation and That I needed a PROPER table to eat with my family. They seated me within a couple minutes, But ridiculously we waited a long time for a server to come to our Table until My husband went to ask for someone to take our Order. There was a Big party like 20-25 people next to Us and every server was more concentrated in that big party. Finally the waitress came and Took our orders, she was Nice and friendly. But definitely this place NEEDS more organization. If they don’t have enough personal to work they should put an stop on the amount of people they took on reservations! Didn’t see any manager At all around. Drinks looked good But poorly made. I will Not recommend this place to go with Family. For me is most like to go with friends, enjoy the music and have some Drinks
1 person found this helpful
T
Tejaz
Los Angeles
19 reviews
2.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2022
Overall2Food2Service1Ambience2
This was for a casual birthday dining. I don’t get what’s the point of rsvp asking when we book what the occasion was for when i indicated it was for a birthday and when we were there nothing was even brought up. Our waitress didn’t even ask us if we’d like to see dessert menu or ask who’s birthday this was for or anything. The vibe was nothing I expected. It was quiet but it def wasn’t fun. The server was attentive and everyone was helpful but our waitress didn’t even do much. She disappeared half the time and I had to ask someone to find her. Their guacamole was so tasteless and it was just chunks of avocados on there. Felt like I was just eating chunks of avocados. There was barely any onions or tomatoes or flavors. The menu was very limited and they don’t really have any shrimp items. I asked for shrimp enchiladas which they only had w scallops. But if ordered their chicken enchiladas but ask it to be replaced w shrimp, it’s the same price as the chicken $16 and they added an extra price of $8 on top for the shrimps instead of chicken. Over price for what it was and this would be my first and last time.
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JH
JasH
Orange County
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2022
Overall4Food3Service2Ambience5
Special deals make it worth it, I love when the open up the dance floor
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M
Miguel
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 31, 2022
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
I love the customer service! The music is a vibe and my Server Emily was very patient!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2022
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
It was my third time going and so far it been the best loving coming here the food drinks music and the vibe is great love this place
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JT
JenniferT
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2022
Overall3Food3Service3Ambience3
The server was very nice but very very slow with everything. The chips were stale and kind of soggy in one basket but ok in the other. We are put a nice big table however next to us is where they stacked all the heaters and the umbrellas so it was sort of like we were in the storage corner. Also the tables are like picnic tables with the wood separated so when you get a drink you don't get a cocktail napkin or coaster with it so all the condensation just goes through the wood slats of the table and gets all over your clothes in your feet. My first glass of wine was more like a 6 ounce glass but my second one was more like a 4 ounce so whoever's pouring definitely is not doing it correctly. We asked for plain guacamole with nothing on it just guacamole but he brought each one with salsa on top. The chicken in the tacos definitely need some type of taco seasoning in it it was just very boring and bland chicken.
1 person found this helpful
DL
DivaLisaD
Las Vegas
8 reviews
vip
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2022
Overall1Food1Service3Ambience3
Mediocre food. Zero Mexican attributes.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Great service waiter went above and beyond and great food
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h
hungryhungrycustomer
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 26, 2022
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
La Vida Cantina was the perfect place to have get together for a birthday party. Good drinks, and good vibes! Service was excellent and worked with me to even add more veggies per my vegetarian request.
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f
ferny16
Orange County
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
Overall3Food3Service2Ambience5
Cool spot, good music, but overpriced.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
We went early so we were seated fast and food came to us on a good timely manner :)
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 25, 2022
Overall2Food3Service1Ambience3
Friend gathering. The hostess was friendly and helpful. Our server took 30 minutes to attend to us, after the 30 minutes it took another 10 minutes to deliver two waters along with four Luke warm beers. Finally our server changed for a better one and the rest of the night was fair. Food was good and decently priced. Only thing I recommend is getting a good good server.
1 person found this helpful
G
Greatmeal
Orange County
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Margaritas were yummy blended Mango Margarita especially and a nice presentation
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

La Vida Cantina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 612-2349.

La Vida Cantina is rated 4.4 stars by 314 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 7, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 5 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
19th Street
Neighbourhood
Costa Mesa
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon, Wed, Thu 4:00 pm–12:00 am Tue, Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–2:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–1:00 am
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
7 levels of convenient, free self-parking is available in the center's parking structure. Valet parking is also available.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Juan Martinez
Entertainment
Live music every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday!More to come!
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://lavidacantina.com/
Phone number
(949) 612-2349
Private party facilities
La Vida Cantina Costa Mesa is available for all of your special event needs including holiday or private parties - both small and large, photo and film shoots, corporate events and more!
Private party contact
Chelsea Hayhurst (Restaurant Manager): (949) 612-2349

La Vida Cantina

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

Tier 1 $55(per person) New Year's Eve Menu

Tier 2 $85(per person) New Year's Eve Menu

Tier 3 $550(up to 4 people) New Year's Eve Package

Menu

What 314 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Screening

FAQs

Does La Vida Cantina offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is La Vida Cantina restaurant rated?

Is La Vida Cantina currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information