Although it's intended for locals, and there are in fact apartment buildings in the area, the DC Wharf to me is a tourist trap at best. That is to say, while I enjoy the atmosphere at the Wharf, the offerings of restaurants and shops are more along the lines of "special occasion" to me than neighborhood haunts. Put differently, I'd go out here for a date or to show a friend around. But I wouldn't eat out here weekly. The prices are just too high for the value. The same is true of Mi Vida. This place is gorgeously decorated and provides a great ambiance to eat your meal. But alas, the meal is overpriced for what you get. While portions are decent, there's just some disconnect for me upscale Mexican food that doesn't wow you. With every bite I feel I'm helping to pay the rent. That's not to say the food here is bad. It's fresh and tasty. I just don't think you'll leave craving more of it. I came for lunch one late afternoon because this place participates in the American Airlines Dining Rewards Program, allowing me to earn 5x miles per dollar spent in addition to my normal credit card earnings. I made a reservation because I could earn 50 extra bonus miles by making one. I made the reservation just shortly before I arrived. The greeter said he saw my reservation, but after my dine, Open Table contacted me because it thought I was a no-show. I'm not sure of the specifics of that but that reflects poorly on the restaurant service to me. My party and I were sat at a table and left to wait. The server who covered our area didn't come. Instead a lady who seemed to be a manager took our order instead. She checked on us once or twice and then forgot about us. Which was fine, except when I tried to pay nobody came. I had to flag down the guy who covered our area but never served us until the end when I wanted the check. Overall, I think this is a fine if pricey restaurant with so-so service. But for the ambiance and the quality of the food, four stars. read more

So...shrimp and crab guacamole is not something I would normally order. But I was with my friend and feeling adventurous! I'm particular about my shrimp. It really needs to be overcooked for me to like it...so I liked the guacamole a lot but didn't need the shrimp. The chunks of crab were hittin the spot for me! I ordered the crispy shrimp tacos, which were bomb and I ate ALL three of them :-) I ordered fries plantains thinking they were tostones, so didn't end up eating them. But they looked good. And our waiter was exceptionally nice and polite. I've never seen anything like it. He was like a character out of a movie, and I just felt like he just had politeness running through his veins or something! Anyhow, I would definitely go back. The vibes were giving and the atmosphere was welcoming and photo worthy. This is a cute place for a date night or a night out with the gals. read more

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Stopped in here for some pre dinner cocktails. The bartenders were friendly and poured us a couple of very good espresso martinis. Didn't order food here but there seemed to be a steady stream of people coming into eat. Place seems like a great place to come with a large group. read more

Mi Vida - Espresso Martini - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Far too many restaurants have an inverse relationship when it comes to ambiance, cost, and location vs quality and authenticity of their food. Well, we came to Mi Vida hopeful, but expecting this same unfortunate scenario. Hope turned to joy as we had a great evening.. The food was high-quality, authentic, and delicious, service was friendly and attentive (thanks Anthony!), and the ambiance and location at the wharf on New Year's Eve was fantastic. I have Mexican family and yes, I am spoiled at home. I have also traveled many parts of Mexico from north to south, east and west. We decided to try the "Sabores of Mexico." At $45/pp it gave a fun assortment of dishes starting with an authentic guacamole which tasted like home and, thankfully, lacked Tex-Mex tomatoes and other unnecessary ingredients. The enchiladas suizas were amazing as were the flame-grilled carne asada tacos filled with tender steak and served with fresh, home-made corn tortillas. Perhaps the biggest surprise weee the seafood empanadas featuring a Mexican-style dough and stuffed with shrimp and crab with a.n amazing mango salsa. Closing out the meal were authentic churros served with chocolate, raspberry, and cajeta (caramel) sauces. Drinks were also good. We enjoyed the evening so much, we forgot to take more pictures. Highly recommended! Thanks again to Anthony for the great service. read more

The food was amazing everything was delicious The service was great but the server and the management came and just had unusual remarks I really didn't appreciate it but overall I felt we were served good and the ambiance was amazing love the vibe here. read more

Mi Vida - Appetizer - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Had a great experience at Mi Vida! The salmon was cooked perfectly, and the corn was absolutely delicious. Our waiter, I believe his name was Josh, was fantastic. He was friendly, attentive, and gave excellent recommendations that did not disappoint. The food, service, and overall atmosphere made for a wonderful dining experience. I'll definitely be back! read more

Mi Vida - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We were just stopoing in for a bite before the Janelle concert, but omg were we surprised! I am NOT a foodie so I rarely put any effort into commenting on food but. Omfg my simple butt figured I'd just get chicken tacos. I have never had chicken that tender before. It just melted away like butter and blended in with all of the other flavors. All of the flavors were synergistic in the way that I couldn't really pick out a particular one over any other. It was all goodness. My two friends ordered fish and ceviche. The fish tacos were also really good but not rave-worthy like the chicken. Granted fish doesn't take seasoning the same so I get it. I did t taste the shrimp but the guacamole was ri-gotdang-diculously good and the cantina style chips set it off. Now the drinks. I'm trying to remember what we all ordered. I had the El Frozen which is a frozen margarita. One friend had whichever drink comes in a skull shaped glass and my other friend had I think a classic margarita on the rocks. The drinks were easily as good as the food. I tasted all three. Obviously it's subjective but at this point in my life, if I order a mixed drink, it's because I want mixer flavor with liquor on the backside reminding me that I'm grown. That's exactly what I got in all three drinks. Grown and sophisticated drinks. Got us juuust right for the concert we were pre-gaming for! I'm a fan :) read more

Mi Vida - El Frozen in front. Classic Margarita on the right and some other drink in a skull shaped glass. All - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great early dinner the other night with a friend. Lovely, fun atmosphere. We started with a "De La Casa" margarita. It was tasty - nice and citrusy. The waiter said the house specialty is the frozen margaritas- but it was about 10 degrees outside, so no way. We ordered the fresh guacamole- and it was very good. The chips were perfectly crispy and not too salty. We shared an order of crispy fish tacos (quite good and not too spicy & the avocado salsa offering a nice, fresh zing) & an order of shrimp tacos. These were just ok. The flavors didn't really come together - the spicy Chipotle mayo was just lost. Overall a nice meal. The service was good. We'll be back! read more

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I'm normally hesitant to try this food outside of my family's house because my standards are high, but this place blew me out of the water. I had never tried mole enchiladas and let me tell you I will always chase that high. I also bought a side of beans and fried plantains because I was itching to try them and they were so good. My biggest regret is getting full fast because the portions were sufficient. I would recommend this to my friends. read more

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The ambience was great and the service was on point. Unfortunately, the food was the least desirable part of the experience. Things started strong with the guacamole, but after that, no one in my party truly enjoyed their meal. We all ordered different dishes, yet everyone walked away disappointed. My fried fish was overly greasy and heavy, and it was oddly served only with a spicy tartar sauce, which felt out of place. My friend's chicken tacos were bland at best. Another friend ordered the fajitas, which were just okay, but it was confusing that they were served with cornbread and a cheese on the skillet that quickly hardened rather than melting. My last friend received seafood empanadas that tasted "gamey" and were unpleasant enough that she had to rinse her mouth afterward. I'm not sure what was happening in the kitchen that night, but it was disappointing that each of us had something negative to say about our meals--especially at this price point. read more

Mi Vida - Fish and chips, seafood empanadas, rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I was so grateful to be able to get reservations here after a Mardi Gras parade on the Wharf! The ambiance is beautifully detailed and dimly lit during dinner service. The staff was very attentive for being so busy. The menu is extensive but there is a wide variety even for people not craving Mexican cuisine. The guacamole was absolutely delicious though I felt like there needed more guacamole to balance out the toppings and the shrimp and crab didn't add anything special. Not worth the extra $! The plantains were good and loaded with cheese. Both of the tacos were disappointing. They had enough seafood on them but lacked flavor. They both were topped with different slaws and both were very spicy. The spice took over any other flavor. Loved the ambiance and guac but would not get tacos again upon return! read more

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Cool spot on the Wharf - we had seats up on the top floor with views of the water which was pretty nice. Food was all good too though smaller portions than I was expecting given the prices. The queso fundido wasn't quite what I was expecting, especially served with soft corn tortillas, but it was very good. My friends also shared a margarita pitcher which they enjoyed but did say was pretty strong! We were still finishing up the pitcher when they let us know they had people waiting for tables - it was definitely a super busy Saturday at the Wharf read more

Mi Vida - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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My wife and I did the Sabores de Mexico dinner and wow, what a lot of food! I was all good, but much of it was food that we would not have ordered, just because it was standard Mexican fare that we could have ordered anywhere - Guac and chips, beans, rice, queso, etc. Good flavors, but filling. Next time we will a la carte. Cute plates! read more

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I went to Mi Vida after the Mardi Gras parade at the Wharf. Thankfully we had a reservation as the wait to get a table was at least 50 minutes. The restaurant was dimly lit and the decor around the restaurant matched the vibe. For starters we tried the crab and shrimp guacamole. The guacamole seemed to have more shrimp, crab and onion than it did guacamole. The flavor was there but wish there was was more of the guac. I ordered the shrimp tacos and my guest ordered the cod tacos. The tacos were good but spicy. There also seemed to be more of the slaw then what was expected. The slaw overpower the protein. The shrimp taco could have been better if the shrimp were a lot crispier and less of the slaw. The plantains were soft and tender and were cooked to perfection. The cojita cheese added to the flavor of the plantains. read more

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Met my friends here for happy hour and the food and service was great! I loved the Piñada cocktail. I also got the chips and salsa which was flavorful and the spring rolls were so good! read more

Mi Vida - Spring Rollos de Pollo - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Excellent, excellent Guacamole. Accommodating staff and beautiful interior design. Known for their brunch and patio seating. Parking in local garage will cost you an arm and a leg but the food and drinks are worth it. Signed, The Happy Hour Huntress read more

Mi Vida is huge, two and a half/three floors with outdoor seating as well. But they are also very busy. I highly recommend making a reservation for dinner, especially with a larger group. I got lucky and was able to get in right away. Service is very efficient, food is tasty and the views can be really nice on the wharf. read more

Mi Vida - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

great time celebrating my bday here! wharf parking is brutal. use spothero to find something cheaper nearby. 10-15 min walk from 2 metro stops. we requested to be seated outside/on the upstairs covered patio and they complied. amazing view of the water!!! we had a party of 10 and they needed 6 of us there to be seated - they didn't mind that it took nearly 20 min to do so! we ordered a la carte. service was great & they made it feel special! everyone enjoyed their food but i wish the desayuno tacos had a bit ... more. classic brunch bevs $10-15 each - mimosa, bellini, bloody mary, etc. they gave a free brownie with sparkler for bday :) a great place for a group with a fun vibe and something for everyone! read more

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Came here a handful of times for tacos and recommend sitting on the balcony (you need to request it!). For the food - recommend all the tacos - steak especially - 4 to 5 per person with a side of their cheesy corn. The appetizers are OK and on the smaller side. I would recommend ordering more sides or 3 entrees. The branzino was nothing unique - on the smaller side and probably wouldn't order again. The crab enchiladas are solid! For wine - recommend a bottle of the LOS VASCOS, 'CROMAS GRAN RESERVA', CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019, VALLE DE COLCHAGUA, CH. It is the heaviest bodied wine on the menu. Interior is gorgeous - feels like an artistic jungle. We love this place. Service is always good! read more

Empty restaurant but sat us at closest table directly by server stand. Constant traffic by staff. Beware of a 20% gratuity built in to tab yet service was worth maybe 2%. Also, there were only two of us and receipt said gratuity added for groups of 5 or more. read more

Mi Vida - Other patrons who got nice tables after we were already seated. - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Mi Vida's vividly orange colored sign (and equally vivid website) is the first indication that you and your companion(s) are about to embark on a journey that is reminiscent of the best of Mexico City. The imposing wooden double front doors were so grandiose and heavy that they reminded me of church doors. Once inside your senses will be soothed and assaulted at the same time by tranquil lighting but hustle and bustle of the crowd. The cocktail flight is outstanding. Well-balanced drinks, some with a spicy kick to counter the sweet. I can just enjoy this with their house-made tortilla chips and smoky fire-roasted tomato salsa. Spicy but just enough to sing not singe (that is a great line, if I do say so myself). My favorite dishes are actually the sides. The deconstructed elote (off the cob and in a bowl) is so good and less messy than the original. The black beans and rice are superbly savory and hearty. You will want another dish of them to bring home. I am not usually a fan of plantains outside of my Caribbean spots, but Mi Vida is staking a claim that their version should be in a conversation (Mexico borders the Caribbean Sea). I love the service, the value proposition, and the waterfront location of this truly beautiful restaurant. Five stars well earned. read more

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Another corporate, uptight simulation in the DMV at the commercialized Wharf that lacks soul and iron. My mom and I were very excited to go to a renowned Mexican owned spot to be disappointed by the lack of food portion sizes relying on sauces that are not tasty but still overcharging quite a bit. My mom had wimpy small enchiladas that skimped severely on the chicken and an unappetizing black beans (they do not have pinto beans go figure) rice bowl that she gave to me to eat most of it, as she was not feeling it. The salmon I had was soft and had a nice taste, but the salmon and the hash were very small as my mom did not even notice the sweet potato hash, that is how small is was and unnoticeable. The server had to provide me the check an old-fashioned method, as the fancy machine or whatever they try to use was not cooperating. He was respectful and helpful, but there was just something missing, but the food was really what hurt the overall score. My mom said the over $50 I paid her teeny weeny enchiladas were worth only $4 each, and we agree that you are way better off at Taco Bell or a chain restaurant like Chevys that will provide chips, salsa, and combos without having to pay for sides that will keep you full and satisfied much longer. This place nickels and dimes you for sides charging almost a whopping $10 per sides it seems like. You should not be walking out of restaurants hungry, but that is what we did and I ended up cooking/preparing dinner at home which was much more fulfilling and of much higher quality than here. I cooked enchiladas myself later in the week that turned out fabulous and had great portions and flavor putting these enchiladas to shame from Mi Vida. The server was respectful, but DC is transactional, so you are not going to have down home warm, cozying kind of vibes at all more so just transactional based. The bureaucratic static is real. These places rely on the fancy lighting and decor but lack the soul and quality of the food and hospitality. My mom noticed the woman's toilet was stuffed and clogged a bit, so behind the bougie mask, you still get the low class behavior and the restaurant at that time on President's Day did not get that clog fixed. We drove non highway after visiting Rack Room shoes in Annapolis Parole area and this was just disappointing. You are better off at the Municipal Fisherman's Wharf further down the original and most authentic wharf experience where the fish tacos there blow this joint on the water! I would stay away. This place might have the glitter (can take social media such as Instagram picture and videos) but it sure does not have the gold. read more

Mi Vida - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Taking a stroll by the ward in DC. Come inside Mi Vida for some great food and service. When you come in, there is a small bar on the right. We made reservations to make sure we would get a table right before a concert. We got the carne (asada) tacos ($21 for 3), the mole enchiladas ($23), fried plains, sweet potato fries and a margarita. Everything was fantastic. Would definitely recommend this place. You can sit inside, which can be a little tight, or outside, which can be hot in the middle of summer. Try this place, you won't regret it. read more

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I would not bother going here. Be cautious with the bill as there are charges that we need see carefully before paying. Jonathan who deal with billing was the most obnoxious who has zero customer service skills. Dime a dozen Mexican restaurant where I ca go spend my money. More over apart from billing issue food was not authentic. read more

My first time at this restaurant. This was a great restaurant located at The Wharf. We were seated us upstairs, which was nice because we were away from most of the other tables. There was a "secret" elevator, but that required a special key or badge and wasn't open to customers. Our server, Octavio was efficient in taking the orders and taking payments, but otherwise the communication was minimal. The food came out very fast (at least seemed like it was fast!). They tag on 20% gratuity (and suggest additional tip amounts) and don't separate checks for larger parties. The decoration throughout the restaurant as well as the lighting set the mood. The bathroom itself looked very cool with the walls and lighting. They provided chips with guacamole and salsa. I shared the Enchiladas de Mole Negro with someone as the portions were so large (3 enchiladas). It was delicious, although the tortilla was a little tough to cut through. From what I heard, the other dishes were tasty as well. The dessert was okay...nothing to really brag about. The prices were high, as is expected being that this is at the Wharf. There was a paid parking garage and paid parallel parking available around the corner. Would I return? Most likely not, only because I rarely go to DC. read more

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Place is cute and outdoor seating isn't bad even in summer. Service is good server was friendly. He paid attention to my flowers and asked was it a special occasion which it was my anniversary. He brought out sparkler and brownie. The brownie was a tad hard. But the enchiladas suzias 5/5 tasty, saucy, and the contrast from the white sauce with red inside was good. read more

Mi Vida - Enchiladas Suizas - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I usually prefer independent restaurants over chain ones, but my friend wanted to check out Mi Vida one night out on the wharf. We sat at the bar and our bartender, kevin had great suggestions for drinks. Margaritas is a must especially at this restaurant, if you prefer sweetness in your drinks I recommend the watermelon margarita. Their empanadas are definitely the best food item on the menu. It has a hint of spiciness and comes with a mango salsa dip which was also spicy. Unable to give 5 stars because the street style tacos could use for flavors, and they don't offer mix-match taco option on the menu so if you wanted to try the different kinds you would have to order them separately read more

Mi Vida - Crab and shrimp empanadas and popcorn shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Food was excellent. We had Salmon, Enchiladas and Fajitas. Service was great. Very attentive to gluten allergies.

Food: I came to Mi Vida for dinner and enjoyed my time here! I ordered the Picadillo / Vegan "Beef" Picadillo Empanda, which came with Avocado-Chipotle Salsa. I also got a side of plantains and a delicious mocktail. I couldn't tell that the empanada was vegan at all; it was so flavorful and filling! I recommend this if you're looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional beef empanada. Service: The service was great! I arrived a little bit earlier and left a little later than my friend, and the restaurant accommodated me by letting me sit at my table and wait for the rest of my party. read more

Mi Vida - Outside Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Mi Vida combines stunning waterfront views with vibrant Mexican cuisine to create one of D.C.'s most enjoyable dining experiences. The menu features fresh, flavorful dishes ranging from creative tacos to beautifully prepared entrées, all complemented by an excellent margarita selection. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between lively and upscale, making it ideal for everything from casual lunches to special celebrations. Great food, attentive service, and an unbeatable setting make Mi Vida a destination worth returning to again and again. read more

Great atmosphere, warm staff and unique menu twist! I sat outside on the patio, it's a great area to sit. read more

Mi Vida - Salmón with sweet potato mash, chips, salsa and Guacamole. In the back is my friend's ceviche and Brussels sprouts. - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The food was definitely the highlight. The queso fundido never disappoints -- creamy, rich, and perfectly consistent every time. We were a bit let down by the wings, though: they removed the mango sauce we loved, and the portion is quite small (only three per order). For the mains, we tried the carne asada and the burger with sweet potato fries -- both were absolutely delicious and felt thoughtfully prepared. Overall, I'd rate the food itself a solid 4/5. Unfortunately, the service left us disappointed. When our server approached, she only said "Hi," which led to an awkward silence before we jumped in to place our order. She didn't ask us anything or guide us through the menu, and it felt like she was caught off guard that we were even there. Then after we ordered she told us the we should read the menu again because everything changed (is not like if we asked for something that was off menu) I just ask for a classic drink that is made often even if not on the menu. Meanwhile, we noticed other tables around us were greeted warmly and offered more guidance, which made the difference even more noticeable and set an odd tone for our meal. We will come back because of the food. read more

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Early Saturday night dinner before a show at Arena Stage. We had reservations, while the crowd was steady there was plenty of availability (or at least it seemed like it). Service was excellent, our guacamole was served faster than we could order it. La frozen margarita was delicious and worthy of another visit when it's warm enough to sit on the patio. The tacos de pollo were filling and delicious. This might be my favorite pre-show dinner spot in the Wharf. I love all the butterflies on the walls, so pretty and peaceful. read more

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Great service, very friendly staff. We ordered the skewers as an app and they were loaded with flavor (sour cream, avocado cream, cheese, and a spicy sauce). The birria plate was very tender, could have used some more onions though and the corn tortillas were nice and thick and soft. All of the food was pretty spicy, whi,h I loved, but my wife had a few overheating moments. I would go back for sure. read more

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Great service! Can put yourself on the wait list and explore three Wharf. Food was delicious. Coming from TX, I was afraid of the salsa not having enough flavor since most places tend to make Pico de gallo more than flavored salsa but that was one of our favorite things here - nice kick, perfect with all of our dishes. We sat upstairs and if the weather was nice, it'd be a great patio! Would love to come back again next time we're in DC read more

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We visited the Georgia Avenue and 7th Street location on August 9, 2026. The menu was very limited, and the food was extremely salty and flavorless. Based on our experience, it was easy to understand why the restaurant was empty. Our server initially provided decent service. However, when we handed him our card to pay the bill, he asked my husband whether the card actually belonged to him before processing the payment. We found the question insulting, disrespectful, and completely inappropriate. After such an offensive remark, the service did not warrant a tip; nevertheless, my husband still tipped him. I also intend to file a formal complaint regarding this experience. read more

On a nice evening, me and my wife came to Mi Vida to soak in the good vibes, enjoy the waterfront, and have some fun. We ended up at Mi Vida, it was actually our second time dining there. We had a wonderful meal, we both had carne asada, ceviche, esquites and their tres leches cake. The drink selection is also very nice, there's something for everyone and you can even make the margaritas "Skinny". The service was great, staff was kind and attentive. I would definitely return & recommend! read more

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We stopped in for taco Tuesday & happy hour. Sat in the bar area at a little high top booth. It was comfy. Our server was kind and attentive. We ordered solely off of the happy hour menu since the deals were great! Their guacamole is amazing! You can tell it's fresh and it was perfectly seasoned with their yummy chips. We tried two tacos- the fish and the pork. The pork to me was a little fatty but flavor was good. I LOVED the fish one. It had a huge piece of fish with this delicious spicy sauce on it. My marg was pretty good- fresh. I would dine here again during happy hour! This place would be fun for a date night or going out with a group as it has LOTS of seating! read more

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Came here for happy hour so can't comment on the food, but the cocktails were great! Service was good and the ambiance was beautiful-- definitely want to come back to try out the food next time! read more

Mi Vida - Vibe - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Worst birthday dinner. I chose Mi Vida to celebrate, but the experience was unacceptable. The service was terrible and the food was dry and flavorless. My husband clearly told our server twice that he has a severe nut allergy, yet I was still served a birthday dessert with nuts. My husband ate it and had to be rushed to the hospital due to anaphylaxis. The server and manager, Jose, did not apologize and instead blamed us, claiming we never mentioned the allergy--despite all five people at our table hearing us say it. There was zero empathy, accountability, or compensation. Our night ended early and we won't be back. read more