Food was great. I usually order carne asada at most places. I just wish they had home made flour and corn tortillas. That’s what I look for when choosing a Mexican restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Carol Gastelum
We got there before other people and we were served our food after them. Little frustrating but ok I
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Steak and Shrimp, Queso Fundido
Stacey Perez
Food was delicious, well priced. Can not wait to go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Short Rib Enchiladas
Tylor Meyer
Ok, as for price much better options that are just as good and more affordable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
K Haverty
I have driven by this restaurant so many times and never stopped in because honestly I thought it was a tattoo shop. It was some of the most elevated and wonderful Mexican food I have ever had. The chips and salsa were good, the salsa was fresh and full of tomatoes, and the beans, were thick and black, and tasted like pork. The short rib enchilada is on the spicy side and absolutely fantastic. They are covered in some kind of super spicy, but sweet sauce. I had never tasted anything like it before. The chicken flautas were also delicious and beautiful to look at. They take a lot of pride in presenting their food, and it shows… even the plates were lovely. Everything was fresh. The price point was spot on for what you get. The watermelon margarita was possibly the best margarita I’ve ever had in my life, I would definitely recommend this place and plan to bring friends and family here.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tommy Cothran
Great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mae D
This place is very good. They have Modelo negra, which I really appreciate. It’s my favorite. Their halibut tacos were VERY delicious. We even got dessert— which was very impressive to look at. I think the churros were made and refrigerated beforehand which is my only complaint. It would have been better if they were fresh and not cold. Also there’s a parking lot in the back. I will be back and I want to try a margarita next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Halibut Tacos
David Wilso
This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in Salem. It's not your typical rice and runny refried bean meal. We love the corn on the cobb side. Cocktails are excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Connie Duncan
My daughter and I have been here twice. I’ve lived all over the world and been to Mexico several times and this is the BEST Mexican food I have ever had. The steak fajitas have the best flavor and are soooo tender! The chips come out hot and crispy. The shrimp ceviche is top notch and the margaritas are delicious and unique! I tried the Cadilla today and it was the best. Isabel has been our waitress both times and she is very attentive and kind. Could not recommend this restaurant enough!!! I would give it a billion stars if I could.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Crab Enchiladas, Chips and Salsa, Beef
It was Valentines Day and they were moderately busy. We arrived a couple of minutes early and were sat. A busser dropped off water, chips and salsa right after we were sat. 30 minutes later go by and we hadn't even been asked if we wanted a beverage or able to put in our food order. We never even met with or spoke to our server. After being outright ignored for 30 minutes we decided to leave.
Food is excellent, elevated Mexican food. Something other than our typical Mexican restaurant here in Salem. I've only been here twice but both times the food impressed me. Great value for portions and experience. Cocktails are awesome! The staff is wonderful, but small, poor things were running around constantly on valentines. The only thing I think they need to fix is just the generL decor of the place, not sure if its in the budget but the place is just a bit run down. For example- our tables vinyl top was peeling off and had a chunk missing. But overall this place is a must try!
Kendra Feth
Our server was very friendly and the food was delicious! Everything cooked to perfection. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Taylor Sorgenfrie
Our favorite Mexican food in Oregon. And we’ve tried A LOT. Like a lot a lot. An unhealthy amount of tacos from various establishments have been consumed. La Vida Catrina’s golden ticket is flavor. There is so much complexity, care, and attentiveness to the flavors in every component on your dish. From their sauces to their veggies to their salsas, *chefs kiss*! I’ve never had detention in my life but if I had to select my death row meal, it would include their mango pickled peppers and onions (the best thing I have honestly ever put in my mouth ((wink)) which you can find on top of their chicken flautas), habanero salsa, their house table salsa, and any of their marinated meats. The shredded beef, pastor, and short rib are all excellent choices. All of their sauces are flavorful, rich, and authentic. The manager/owner is a saint and a delight as well. As if we needed an additional reason to regularly visit, she is wonderful, welcoming and remembered us after just one visit. We’ve been so excited to see this place busier and busier over the years. The Salem area is definitely catching on to how special this family restaurant is. I promise you, the food is so worth it, even when it is busy and you have to wait a bit. Amazing food takes care and time. Be patient. You will thank me after.Kid-friendliness: They are always happy to make something for the kiddos. My son loves the cheese quesadilla, tacos, rice, and beans.
Reservation for 5 turned away because they didn't receive the reservation. I had an email confirmation, showed it and still turned away.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Christy Desmond
Delicious carnitas and al pastor tacos, such a haven when everything else was closed because of the snow. Really good margarita- they offered the Grand Marnier separate from the marg to sip on, or to combine. I chose to sip, and it was a delicious way to enjoy it! The best margs don’t taste as strong as they feel, and this one was no exception. :) The best way to warm up!
Food was great. I usually order carne asada at most places. I just wish they had home made flour and corn tortillas. That’s what I look for when choosing a Mexican restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
We got there before other people and we were served our food after them. Little frustrating but ok I
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Steak and Shrimp, Queso Fundido
Food was delicious, well priced. Can not wait to go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Short Rib Enchiladas
Ok, as for price much better options that are just as good and more affordable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I have driven by this restaurant so many times and never stopped in because honestly I thought it was a tattoo shop. It was some of the most elevated and wonderful Mexican food I have ever had. The chips and salsa were good, the salsa was fresh and full of tomatoes, and the beans, were thick and black, and tasted like pork. The short rib enchilada is on the spicy side and absolutely fantastic. They are covered in some kind of super spicy, but sweet sauce. I had never tasted anything like it before. The chicken flautas were also delicious and beautiful to look at. They take a lot of pride in presenting their food, and it shows… even the plates were lovely. Everything was fresh. The price point was spot on for what you get. The watermelon margarita was possibly the best margarita I’ve ever had in my life, I would definitely recommend this place and plan to bring friends and family here.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is very good. They have Modelo negra, which I really appreciate. It’s my favorite. Their halibut tacos were VERY delicious. We even got dessert— which was very impressive to look at. I think the churros were made and refrigerated beforehand which is my only complaint. It would have been better if they were fresh and not cold. Also there’s a parking lot in the back. I will be back and I want to try a margarita next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Halibut Tacos
This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in Salem. It's not your typical rice and runny refried bean meal. We love the corn on the cobb side. Cocktails are excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My daughter and I have been here twice. I’ve lived all over the world and been to Mexico several times and this is the BEST Mexican food I have ever had. The steak fajitas have the best flavor and are soooo tender! The chips come out hot and crispy. The shrimp ceviche is top notch and the margaritas are delicious and unique! I tried the Cadilla today and it was the best. Isabel has been our waitress both times and she is very attentive and kind. Could not recommend this restaurant enough!!! I would give it a billion stars if I could.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Crab Enchiladas, Chips and Salsa, Beef
It was Valentines Day and they were moderately busy. We arrived a couple of minutes early and were sat. A busser dropped off water, chips and salsa right after we were sat. 30 minutes later go by and we hadn't even been asked if we wanted a beverage or able to put in our food order. We never even met with or spoke to our server. After being outright ignored for 30 minutes we decided to leave.
Restaurantji Recommends
Food is excellent, elevated Mexican food. Something other than our typical Mexican restaurant here in Salem. I've only been here twice but both times the food impressed me. Great value for portions and experience. Cocktails are awesome! The staff is wonderful, but small, poor things were running around constantly on valentines. The only thing I think they need to fix is just the generL decor of the place, not sure if its in the budget but the place is just a bit run down. For example- our tables vinyl top was peeling off and had a chunk missing. But overall this place is a must try!
Our server was very friendly and the food was delicious! Everything cooked to perfection. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our favorite Mexican food in Oregon. And we’ve tried A LOT. Like a lot a lot. An unhealthy amount of tacos from various establishments have been consumed. La Vida Catrina’s golden ticket is flavor. There is so much complexity, care, and attentiveness to the flavors in every component on your dish. From their sauces to their veggies to their salsas, *chefs kiss*! I’ve never had detention in my life but if I had to select my death row meal, it would include their mango pickled peppers and onions (the best thing I have honestly ever put in my mouth ((wink)) which you can find on top of their chicken flautas), habanero salsa, their house table salsa, and any of their marinated meats. The shredded beef, pastor, and short rib are all excellent choices. All of their sauces are flavorful, rich, and authentic. The manager/owner is a saint and a delight as well. As if we needed an additional reason to regularly visit, she is wonderful, welcoming and remembered us after just one visit. We’ve been so excited to see this place busier and busier over the years. The Salem area is definitely catching on to how special this family restaurant is. I promise you, the food is so worth it, even when it is busy and you have to wait a bit. Amazing food takes care and time. Be patient. You will thank me after.Kid-friendliness: They are always happy to make something for the kiddos. My son loves the cheese quesadilla, tacos, rice, and beans.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Short Rib Enchiladas, Carnitas Plate, Beef, Chile Verde, Burrito
Reservation for 5 turned away because they didn't receive the reservation. I had an email confirmation, showed it and still turned away.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Delicious carnitas and al pastor tacos, such a haven when everything else was closed because of the snow. Really good margarita- they offered the Grand Marnier separate from the marg to sip on, or to combine. I chose to sip, and it was a delicious way to enjoy it! The best margs don’t taste as strong as they feel, and this one was no exception. :) The best way to warm up!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Famous Carnitas