Costa Vida wasn't outright bad but it wasn't very good either. I shared a couple entrees-fish tacos and nachos with steak. The fish tacos had itty-bitty pieces of fish covered by lots of mango salsa...so all you could taste was an odd sweet flavor. No fish. The steak nachos were decent but the nachos were heavy on salsa. I mean heavy. Like 4-5 big scoops-soggy-swimming-in-salsa nachos are not really very good. Good nachos are about a nice well rounded blend of cheese, meat, beans and a smallish amount of sour cream and/or guac with a little salsa. Not likely to return. read more

I did a pickup order. The food was good but no social distancing inside the crowded restaurant. Lots of people without a mask. I suggest at least offering curbside pickup. Otherwise not worth it for me. There are better restaurants I can go to. read more

My wife and I ate at a Costa Vida in Idaho in December and loved it. Last. Night we ate here in Mesa for the first time. Had a Great meal! We will definitely be back. Great salads! read more

Have been going to this location since they originally opened and subsequently changed ownership. They have some of my favorite dishes, but the quality has been slowly eroding, and the plating borders on sloppiness. It's almost like an abusive relationship where you keep going back even though you know there is a chance that they will disappoint on the hopes of recapturing some of the old magic. read more

Best place to get food! Everyone knocking them for not enforcing masks are completely ignorant fools. They can go eat somewhere else and let the normal people that aren't brainwashed eat a great meal. Everything here is good!! read more

It's a busy place. The line was long, but went fairly quick. Seating is limited and it was loud. I can let that go though as it was lunch hour in a rather large plaza. The sweet pork tacos were what I went with because all the tips pointed me there and, well, that's what I went to try! They were good, but the chicken tacos were so much better! I prefer salt and spice over sweet though, so choose accordingly. The salsa was full of flavor and the tortillas are handmade right in front of you! The chicken is grilled behind the counter... Looked like it might be dry, but it most definitely was not. And the rice... Cilantro lime rice. Honestly, I didn't taste the lime, but it was great anyhow. Delicious! I was afraid to admit that I found this place on Yelp (my bf threatened to ban me from Yelp after two disappointing picks, lol). Even he was satisfied with this one! :-) read more

Costa Vida - Fresh tortillas! :-) - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Man the service is so slow here. They are severely understaffed. Food was bussin bussin tho

Love watching them make the tortillas fresh, they taste amazing. My favorite thing is the chicken salad or chicken burrito and it's delicious to get it smothered with sauce and cheese. I personally like to do 1/2 sweet pork and 1/2 chicken sometimes but some people do think the pork is a little too sweet, but I like it! read more

Great food! Service was perfect as well. The cute lady making the salads kept me entertained while waiting in line too

I ordered sweet pork quesadilla and sweet pork nachos. Sweet pork quesadilla has nearly no cheese in it, it was dry as can be. The sweet pork nachos had half of the proportion that it should be, the queso on the side in a 4 oz cup had barely half of the cup which is not even 2 oz. overall , the quality and quantity was not meeting my satisfactions. This location has disappointed me badly! read more

I did not like this place it was awful they charge 1.50 for a teaspoon of sour cream and they had bad service when I came I will tell my friends and family never to come here very bad read more

I really wanted to like this place but the food is so blah. I got three tacos (pork, shrimp, and shredded beef). They took the tortillas and placed then on the flat top, which I thought was to warm them up and then they put cheese on them and waited until it melted. The kept them on for so long that they all burned and black on the bottom. Then they added the meat, lettuce, pico and sour cream. There was so much juice from the meat and pico that the tacos were dripping and soggy. But the bizarre thing was that they had zero flavor. The pork meat was very sweet which was kind of a nasty combo with the pico and sour cream. So I guess I'm the odd ball based on the rest of the reviews. I think this would be a great place for someone who does not like spices or is afraid that Mexican food is too spicey. No worries here since the food is very bland. read more

Costa Vida - 3 burnt tacos for $12 - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Customer service at this location is terrible! They are rude. I called in to place an order and they put me on hold forever and then the lady gets back on the phone and says please call back and hangs up! I tried calling back five times, and nobody would answer. Whenever I go into the restaurant to eat none of the employees smile. They rush you through the line. None of them are friendly or care to help you at all! read more

This location is always busy and short staffed but they do their best to keep up with the orders with a smile on their face. I have to give major props to I believe the manager of this location, this gentleman is here every time I come and puts in so much work. It's unfortunate people aren't wanting to work but this place puts in their best effort and of course always wonderful food. read more

I ordered my meal on the app. I got to the restaurant 2 minutes before the scheduled pick up time. There was quite a long line. I go to the pre order register. I gave my name to the girl. She goes over to where the app orders are kept. Read the receipt on the only one there. She goes over to where they make the food then came back to me and says "it's not ready yet should be just a few minutes". So I sat down and watched the line dwindle down to where new customers were now ordering. So I get up and approach a different girl. I point out that I've been waiting now for 10 minutes for my food and that everyone that was in line when I came in had their food while I waited. She goes over to bag that the first girl checked 10 minutes prior.... It had my name on it. My burrito had been sitting there for 10+ minutes getting soggy and cold. By the time I got it home it was barely eatable. Bad ending to a long tiring day. No heart felt apologies and my burrito should have been re-made. Bad customer service read more

This WAS the place I went to. In fact I had to update my rating from 5 years ago. Usually with poor service it's outweighed by the quality of food. Neither is the case. I had no tortilla, no rice, and no beans. I just wanted the cheddar cheese on my salad and they refused to sub it out. While checking out they questioned a few times if I got double meat. One of the reviewers said it best... stingy. Stingy with their food and stingy with their smiles. read more

Re: cocos-19: Their dining room is open and they are not taking the pandemic seriously. Their dining room is still full of tables and chairs. You sit inches from strangers. They don't do anything about the line to order. The forks, napkins, lids, etc are out for anyone to touch, cough on, etc. I called to complain and they said they are doing "what is required." It is not safe to eat there. Very disappointing. read more

I ordered through a third-party vendor- Well where to start... Obviously the concern is usually if the food is late, but in this case the food was 30 minutes earlier than the time scheduled for delivery. Which also meant the food was here 30 minutes prior to the meeting it was scheduled to go with, which made for awkward coordination. I told the girl she was really early and she just continued unloading while looking at me confused and saying "No....". The food arrived in Ziploc bags in a cooler. That's right.... Ziploc bags. Which were dumped into serving trays, on our kitchen counter. I paid an additional $1.50 per serving for shredded beef and I'll tell you that the ziploc bag was at least 2/3 liquid. Several employees noted to me the massive visual discrepancy in quantity of chicken to beef. Which was embarrassing. While the girl was here pouring our food out of bags, I asked about corn tortillas since I had ordered a mixture of flour and corn. There was a huge language barrier, because when I asked which one of the packages of tortillas were corn (knowing none of them were) her answer was "Umm... No...". She made a call and then just said "No... Sorry". When she finished pouring the bags and was heading to leave, I looked at her and said "Yeah, this is not good" she laughed started heading towards the door and told me to "Have good day". I contacted ezCater, which were excellent addressing my concerns and contacting the caterer- My problem was how Costa Vida proceeded to handle the poor execution of our order. They offered a $40 discount on our total for the tortilla mishap but said they pre-portion the meat and we got what we got. Not acknowledging why, we got shredded beef soup with maybe 1/3 of the meat we should have had. The portions seemed very inaccurate. I always make it a point to order more than the anticipated headcount and this meal, there wasn't even enough food for me to actually eat. I personally will never order from here again. read more

Get the sweet pork burrito smothered with cheese and red enchilada sauce...oh and be very HUNGRY!

Love Costa Vida!! I always get there steak salads! I'm obsessed! Employees are friendly and the place is always clean. Sucks there closed on Sunday's but other then that it's my favorite place! I wish they had a location in the Phoenix area! read more

I came to costa vida on February 24th to get a burrito. I noticed that according to Google, they closed at 9:30pm so I came in at 9pm. The doors were locked and there were a lot of people inside. I was let in by a woman and she told me it was to go only at the moment. I got up to the front and the manager looked at me in disgust and refused me service!! Not only this, but the manager and the woman were fighting in Spanish about it and the manager was super disrespectful to me and told me to leave. I have never been treated like this in a restaurant, and even if you were closed, how about you change your hours on Google so this doesn't happen to anyone again! I am NEVER coming back to this location. read more

Depending on how much you like this place, you could describe it as either a rip-off of or an improvement to the Chipotle model of dishing out sort-of Mexican food. Personally, I think it's a wash: Costa Vida does a few things better and a few things worse. At Costa Vida, you have the option of ordering hard tacos, a burrito, a bowl, or nachos. Once you've decided the basic configuration, the real fun begins. You pick one of four meats, one of two different beans, one or more of the numerous salsas, and whatever you want of the standard toppings. They really pile things on here, which is a definite plus, and that makes the food here a pretty good deal. On the other hand, not all the options are wonderful. The tacos are noticeably smaller portions than the other options and the chips in the nachos often turn to mush under the wetter toppings. Of the salsas, several are tasty, but none of them appropriately spicy. But, that may actually appeal to you. I think what's going to make it or break it for you with Costa Vida is how well you like the much lauded sweet pork. Everything else at Costa Vida is pretty unadventurous and safe; the sweet pork is really what sets this place apart. Basically, it's slow cooked pork, shredded up in a very sweet reduction that I would bet money is made out of a cola. The meat is very tender, but I found the sauce to be rather cloying, almost syrupy. I've heard it described as being like a dessert, and I don't think that is very far off. Some people love it, but I couldn't do it. It was just too sweet and an odd complement to the cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, etc. To me, it the sweet pork seems like a better fit for a Southern restaurant. If it sounds like you may like this sweet pork, give the place a shot. There is often a big line to get food, but this is an efficiency kitchen and they handle rushes with aplomb. I found the dining area awfully loud and uncomfortably packed, but the seating outside alleviates most of that. Still, it's a little hectic for me, especially since I'm not impressed by the food. Get it to go or sit outside, that's my advice. read more

Costa Vida - Sweet pork nachos - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

See all

My favorite place to eat! The mango salsa is to die for-- try it smothered on a pork burrito!! read more

Please spend your hard earn money at a different restaurant that appreciates its customers. This last incident was the last straw for me and something has to change at this Costa Vida location at Dana Park. The staff will lie in your face, downsize their portion size just to accommodate their closing time and avoid bringing out more food regardless how much money you spent there, they will kick you out right at closing time even if you ordered to dine inside, they are quick to blame being "understaff" for any concerns that may arise from customers and will tell you the manager is in the back and only after pressing to see the manager they will tell you there is no manager on site. Its just a shame and Dana Park deserves better. read more

First time here and I am extremely disappointed. Waited over 20 minutes to order (understand they are short staffed). When I put in my order, I was told it would be another 10-15 min wait for the steak to be ready (should have been communicated to those waiting in line). Asked me what I would like on my burrito and I let them know I wanted black beans, steak, lettuce, cheese and green sauce. When I got home I noticed I had a side of lettuce? I had to disassemble my burrito to find out they didn't add the lettuce to my actual burrito, just on the side. While reassembling, after adding the lettuce to my burrito, my entire tortilla fell apart. How hard is it to add lettuce to a burrito before assembling? $10 for now a soggy mess of a burrito.... read more

Costa Vida - a burrito and a salad - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Pork enchiladas were way too sweet. Threw out one of the two that I ordered. Disgusting. Would have preferred regular pork, not sweet pork, but no such option. Do not recommend. read more

Reasonable prices, nice selection, and pretty nice casual ambiance. Two thumbs up. read more

Went to get sweet pork nachos, practically got chips. There was hardly any pork. I asked for the queso on the side as the nachos were to-go and I didn't want the chips to get soggy. They gave me one small cup of queso and when I asked for another I was told it would cost extra. When I got home I poured the queso out and it was thin and grainy. Go to another location. read more

Terrible! Placed an order with post mates and messed everything up. Made the post mates lady wait in line like everyone else, but door dash got to go in front of everyone. My order was all wrong and called the restaurant 4 times and no one answered. Also when I called , my call got ignored. This was not pistmates fault. This was the restaurants fault. Loved eating here, but never again after this experience. read more

Not good at all...chicken tasted weird and then we all had upset stomachs afterward. Staff not friendly or helpful. Food was way overpriced.

Tried calling the store multiple times and no answer. Can't find an email or anything so leaves me to write a review in hopes someone sees this. I ordered a salad to go and this is what I got home with. So gross! They were also out of rice and was told 20min at least. I know they are busy but that's an important item to keep up on! read more

Costa Vida - Watery salad - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

See all

I feel like if you're going to be closed early maybe you shouldn't allow online orders, take the payment, send me a confirmation email & make me drive to pick up if it's freakin closed!!!! read more

30 minutes behind on phone order, still no food. Haven't even started cooking some of the meat. About 15 orders stacked up. Not enough staff. read more

Going to be honest, pretty disappointed. My husband and I don't go out to eat very often, but we thought we would take a chance on Costa Vida: bad move. The prices were extremely high for the very small portions. Think half the size of chipotle. There weren't any specifics as far as "bad" food, it was all just very sub-par. For how expensive the board read, I was expecting amazing, or at least big! I unfortunately got neither. One of the employees told me sour cream was extra... sour cream?! I must have given a funny look cause she said she would throw it in for free, so that was nice. I wouldn't waste your time, cash, or stomach space and just get chipotle or cafe rio instead. read more

Costa Vida - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Wow, I really hate to leave such a poor review, but I was very disappointed. Placed an order online, on their direct website. I requested the tortilla that come in my salad on the side, nope. That didn't happen. Also asked for my rice and beans on the side, which did happen however, the lid to the rice lid wasn't on properly and spilt inside the bag before it made it into the house. The icing on the cake for me was, not a single employee acknowledged me when I walked in to pick up my order... no hellos... no thanks for coming. NOTHING. I walked in told the young girl at the counter my name and she tossed my food on the counter and walked away. We have lived in this neighborhood for 4 days... way too places to choose from to return. The food was fine, nothing special. read more

Done with them never to return. Poor customer service walked out very dissatisfied could not handle our simple order went to Chipotle around the corner. read more

This place treats their employees and customers like absolute crap. My daughter worked there and not only did she mention the workers being rude but when I came to get lunch on her day off (they didn't know I'm her mother) the first person (I this his name his Joel) was very rude. He literally mocked me and started calling me slow all because I HE couldn't hear what I was saying. Definitely never coming back. read more

This place is closed or late to opening way too many times without it being posted, not counting the rude customer service. The manager is the only pleasant person there. read more

Terrible service. I tried calling multiple times ahead of time and never got anyone there to pick up the phone. My wife drove down 40 minutes before closing to find the doors locked. An employee came out and told her they were actually closed because they were out of food.. yet people were still in line getting food! When questioned about not answering our phone calls, we were told they had to turn off the phone because they were too busy. Why not put a message on the phone so we know why you're not answering? Why not put something on your website? Why not somehow tell us you're not answering the freaking phone so your customers don't waist their time trying to call in! I realize it's COVID19 season but all the more reason why I'm trying to call in instead of walk in and order! Super frustrating! read more

Came in the day after my birthday. My mom took me out and I wanted to use the coupon they gave me 4 free dessert with the app I have downloaded on my phone. It doesn't say on the app anywhere specifically on your exact birthday it just said bringing this daughter and they would honor it well unfortunately they wouldn't. If they're stipulations with your guyses coupons you should have release date so so people don't waste their time really disappointing. The food on the other hand was great. My mom decided to try the new Baja Bowl she absolutely loved it it was light not heavy imperfect for someone who doesn't eat a lot and he's trying to eat healthier. I decided to be unhealthy and go out with a nachos the nachos are huge I literally didn't even eat a quarter of it. We also paid for our dessert of flan which was pretty damn good make sure you get extra caramel sauce and whip. read more