We went here for dinner around 9 p.m. on a Saturday. The dining area was completely empty, but the bar was packed. We were seated right away and given chips and salsa--the salsa was kind of bland, and the chips had no salt. Our waitress was very nice and attentive, which we appreciated. My wife ordered the enchilada combo with three different enchiladas. She doesn't like spicy food, and it turned out to be spicy, but no one mentioned that ahead of time. Still, she said it was good overall. I ordered the "pick three" combo with one side. It came on a giant plate (as you can see in the pictures). The tamale was decent but lacking flavor, the enchilada was okay and a little spicy (which I didn't mind), and the chimichanga was easily the best part of the meal--really good. The black beans were not good at all, though--they tasted off, almost sour, so I left them. For dessert, I got the churros to go. The menu doesn't say they're stuffed, but they were--filled with caramel and served with chocolate chip ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream. They were excellent. Prices were fair, and I'd probably go back, but it's not really my type of Mexican food. I prefer fresher Tex-Mex flavors, and this place leans more toward heavy cheese and sauces. read more

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Vida Mexican Restaurant is an authentic Mexican restaurant that opened in Laconia, New Hampshire in April 2021. It was founded by a family of restaurateurs that includes Arpeet Shah, his wife Gabriele Hernandez, and brother-in-law Alan Romani. The family sought to bring authentic Mexican cuisine to the New Hampshire Lakes Region. The menu features of variety of Mexican dishes such as fajitas, burritos, tacos, chimichangas, quesadillas, enchiladas, as well as their signature crafted margaritas. A second location, dubbed Vida II, opened in Tilton in October 2021, but it was closed by late 2022. A third location, dubbed Vida at the Lake, opened in Meredith May 2022. The family also owns and operates Ensō Japanese Steakhouse in Meredith (opened June 2024) and Raíces Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Manchester (opened February 2025). My extended family and I visited the original Vida this past summer while we were visiting Funspot down the road. After a few hours at the arcade, we were getting hungry for lunch and looked on Yelp to see if there was a good restaurant nearby. Vida came highly recommended and we're glad that we decided to stop in. Most of us started off with a round of delicious margaritas. My wife had the "Fresca Strawberry Margarita" (1800 Silver tequila, triple sec, Gran Gala, fresh lime and fresh house strawberry purée) and I had the "Spicy Margarita" (Ghost Tequila, triple sec, Gran Gala, fresh lime and agave). We then ordered some freshly made guacamole for the table to share. For entrees, I had the "Taco Dinner" (three chorizo tacos, served w/ rice, beans, pico de gallo, fresh limes, grilled onions, jalapeño and salsa on the side), my wife had the "Shrimp Fajitas" (large grilled shrimp with onions, peppers and tomato, served on a sizzling skillet w/ rice, beans and salad), our older son had the "Kids Burrito & Taco", our younger son had the "Kids Corn Dog" (w/ fries). These dishes were super authentic! All of the ingredients tasted so fresh and flavorful. We're very happy to have discovered Vida Mexican Restaurant and we highly recommend them to anyone looking for authentic Mexican cuisine in the New Hampshire Lakes Region! read more

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We were driving through after visiting the local lake. We were skeptical bc my wife and I are both Mexican and from the SW (my wife is originally from Mexico) and "authentic" Mexican food is hard to come by in the NW. But we were happily surprised! The food was great and the Margarita was fantastic! Music, atmosphere, and service were fantastic as well. We shared the fajitas vida (more than enough for two) and I had the Vida Margarita. The initial salsa we were served for the complimentary chips was a bit sus because it was more of a tomato base sauce one would find in a "Mexican" restaurant that caters to the palate of people who can't handle spice (which is fine but not authentic) but the salsa that came with the food was perfect. Highly recommend! read more

Some of the best Mexican food! Food: DELICIOUS Fajita Vida - comes w/beans, rice, salad & tortillas Chicken Chipotle - comes w/beans, rice & tortillas Carne Asada - comes w/beans, rice, salsa & tortillas Chicken Enchiladas Service: No complaints. Very good service Atmosphere: It was a nice setting with plenty of seating. I love the decor inside and out. It made me feel that I am really in a Mexican restaurant. They also play Mexican music. They have one of the best, full color with photos menu. LOVE IT! Definitely recommend this restaurant! read more

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Waiter from Croatia was impeccable...back of the house slow and unorganized...items missing and dinners arrived 2 at a time to party of 12! S swelled packet of ketchup exploded the length of the table, and mostly hit me in the face, hair and chest. I had just flown in for my brother's wedding and spent $110 to have hair done, then in your bathroom washing it out! Server was told and relayed to manager...I was told he was not coming to talk to me! $100 for 2 veggie dinners and a drink , and a manager who doesn't speak to patrons...you will never see me in there again! read more

Service: Fab. Super friendly and responsive. Ambiance: Cute! Wish we had sat outside because the patio looks gorgeous. But there was a super windy thunderstorm so we stayed inside. The gray tables are kind of drab but the music is fun and I love the kids library. Food. Mehhhh. I got the fajitas and it included one plate with the tortillas and fixings and a separate cast iron with the "sizzling" veggies and meat. The plate with fixings was hot, and I think what they do is put the rice and refried beans on the plate and then just let the plate sit under the hot lamp until it's needed. The refried beans had practically crusted over they were so stiff. The "sizzling" pan was I'm pretty sure just heated up and they tossed in veggies and chicken that had been sitting around for a while. They get it to sizzle by putting some water in the pan last minute. The chicken was dry, not shiny like it had just been sautéed. And they did not include any sour cream???? Or salsa or guac? Guac I understand because it's expensive but bro. Sour cream is a minimum. The fajitas were so dry because of the lack of sauces. Flavor was mild. Drinks: HUGE. Strong. Tasty. Would def come back for a margarita at the bar, but not much else. read more

Everything is delicious, I had the fajita vida and it was huge!!! I tried the passion fruit mojito it was so refreshing. My family and I love this place. Staff is very nice and welcoming. They have a lovely patio as well that's enjoyable. read more

Vida Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Laconia, New Hampshire

Mexican night! Nicely decorated space with a great staff! Food was tasty. We got chicken fajitas and chimichangas. The standout was the queso dip! Delish. Coke products always a plus! read more

Vida Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Laconia, New Hampshire

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This is what I would call Americanized Mexican food. Everything is covered in heavy amounts of cheese..to the point you can't taste much else. The fajitas were pretty good though a little too oily. It wasn't bad at all but I love authentic Mexican food and this is definitely a typical chain restaurant though I don't know if it is actually a chain. It's just way too overdone and the authentic flavors and spices are not there. read more

PLEASE read this is you have children or no patience - and please read the other reviews! We just left Vida and what an unfortunately disappointing experience. In short - we were a party of 8 adults with 7 children that waited for well over an hour and 15 minutes for our food (drinks came quickly) but there was zero apology or acknowledgement of the inconvenience as our children finally lost their patience waiting and our food still had not arrived. And it wasn't just our experience. After we paid - again - with not even a complimentary appetizer or side, another family with children went out of their way to drive by in the parking lot and sarcastically asked if we were leaving a 5 star review. We were the 6th table of guests in the entire restaurant at 6pm and had reservations. I add that for context in case there was sympathy for the restaurant had they been slammed for business - which I would factor in myself as well. Please know that unless you are willing to wait a very long time, not be apologized to for the inconvenience of your time and especially if you have kids - this is not the place for you. A disappointing spend of $600. Had multiple people in our group not been previously in the service industry - the server (who also never even apologized for the long wait time) would probably not have received a 20% tip. I encourage you to spend your hard earned money and earned family time at a different establishment. read more

We have 2 Vida's within easy driving- one in downtown Meredith and the other in Weirs Beach- Laconia. The menu in Laconia is much bigger but the food is tasty and fresh in both. We shared Vida Burrito and it was adequate for 2 and delicious. Service is always friendly and prompt. read more

Vida Mexican Restaurant - people sitting at the bar - Mexican Near Me - Laconia, New Hampshire

I planned on dining here to get some good Mexican food. However, after reading some of the reviews (including a comment about $11 beer), I asked the hostess for a menu. It was priceless! Literally - the menu had no prices listed! That was enough for me, and I headed to El Jimador, located at 171 DW Highway in Belmont, where the menu had prices, and the food and service were excellent. read more

This is raucous Mexican joint with big portions, an extensive menu, and a menu exclusively for the wide variety of margaritas they serve. What more could you want? I thought the food was tasty and fresh, and our server kept the Mexican ethanolic refreshments plentiful. Only real negative, as I said in the beginning: this place is LOUD. They could use some sound-dampening panels. read more

We went on a Saturday afternoon and got seated immediately on their patio. The service was super friendly & nice. The food on the menus looked amazing so we hoped our food would look similar and it definitely did! It looked exactly how it was shown in the menu which is not something you always find at places. The chicken chimi was great as were the rice & beans. I also got one of their coconut creme mixed drinks which was so refreshing on a beautiful summer day. We will definitely be back. read more

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This place had a great atmosphere, really attentive wait staff but the small portions on their huge plates are definitely a thing (as other reviews have said). The food was pretty decent though. I started off with a coconut rum punch which was very tasty but didn't have much alcohol in it. And you can't beat the complimentary chips and salsa! I got a fajita quesadilla which was one large flour tortilla with chicken, peppers, onions and cheese. It came with maybe 1/4 of rice and a small serving of refried beans and salad (which was really good). My hubby got the combo platter with a burrito and enchilada. It was a joke of how small the portion was compared to the plate size. He enjoyed the meal though and my little one got a plain chicken soft taco which went over well! Beware-- a small credit fee is applied like so many other restaurants so I'm glad we had cash. read more

Vida Mexican Restaurant - 2 item and 2 sides combo on a humongous plate - Mexican Near Me - Laconia, New Hampshire

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Eh. Not the best, not the worst. Small portions as you can see. Massive plate but not filled. Nickel and dimed us for the basics like cheese and sour cream. I would look elsewhere. read more

Vida Mexican Restaurant - Combo plate - Mexican Near Me - Laconia, New Hampshire

I'm single again because I asked way too many questions while going to go eat $5 Nachos. How do I redeem being single again, just go eat more Nachos again, but with people who love you more than money or nachos.....I love Nachos too! When did you enter the restaurant and youbwere the only one in there. This is a prime location near a touristy spot in Laconia, NH. However, the town is seasonal with everyone visiting when the weather is warmer and not freezing like when I visited. The service throughout was great with friendly staff. The restaurant looked clean and well maintained with good ambience. The food was good with my son loving the hot wings,he says the hot sauce had the best flavor ever. I believe he was way too hungry that anything he ate would have tasted great. We ordered another setbof Ranchero flavored wings, which were a little sweeter but I liked them better. The main entrees were crema pillows and vegetable fajita. I liked the sauteed veggies that came with the vegetable fajita. The only thing that I would say was missing for me in the fajita would be hot sauce or something that induced some flavor or increased the spice level.....may be even a jalapeño. read more

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Such delicious food and drinks. We had an amazing dinner there on Sunday and I can't wait to go back! read more

Delicious food! Fast and friendly service. Portion sizes were huge! Burrito was so flavorful! Comfortable outdoor seating. You won't regret coming! read more

Vida Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Laconia, New Hampshire

This is our family's favorite Mexican restaurant in NH. The staff is super friendly and attentive. The food is absolutely delicious. Best guacamole! read more

First time there. Heard from friends it was worth a try. Nachos and drinks were great. Bartender was great and attentive. We will go back for sure. read more

Solid food. Nice outside area to eat. Inside was a bit strange as some of the walls were damaged. Service was generally good.

food was good but we felt very uncomfortable. As we were eating the servers would stare at us from upstairs. decent place though

Wanted to try this New Mexican restaurant in Weirs Beach and we were not disappointed. We chose to sit outside and enjoy a beautiful day, seats were comfy. Waiter brought our drinks over quickly along with free chips & salsa. We started with the Queso dip and we both ordered the Combo Specials. Everything was very tasty and portions were plentiful. Will definitely be visiting again next summer. read more

Vida Mexican Restaurant - a table with drinks and snacks - Mexican Near Me - Laconia, New Hampshire

Someone recommended this restaurant to us and we were so disappointed. It took over 45 min to be seated and then we were just left at the table with no server and nothing to drink. After finally getting up to get someone we eventually got waters and chips. Tried to put in an appetizer about 4 times without any recognition. It was like we were invisible. After taking 3 hours to actually get our food it was flavorless and not worth eating. Had to send back 2 margaritas because they were absolutely awful. No apologies for the horrible service. They also turned the music up so loud no one at our booth could hear each other talk. It was like we were in a club. It was a total waste of our time. read more

Vida was very good.... It would stand up in Houston where I'm from. Service was outstanding and my skinny margarita was perfectly made - best one I've had in a while.. read more

I really wanted to love this newer Mexican restaurant in the lakes area, but it was kind of a fail on all levels. First no drink menu with the food menu, so the waitress had a handwritten list of margaritas taped to her order pad. Our waitress was "working her first night" so I'll give her latitude, however no one was with her training her and she was Rough with the capital R. She couldn't answer any questions on vegetarian options on the menu, went back to ask someone else and came back with misinformation. We ordered table side guacamole and it didn't come before the entrees, so the entrees showed up on gigantic plates and I asked about the guacamole and she was like oh I thought you wanted it with the meal and brought us over a "cup" of guacamole, to which I pointed to the table in the corner with "table side guacamole" and said that's what we had wanted. She had another server come over and tell us that due to covid they make the guacamole in the morning for the day, no table side available.....hmmmm but what about that other table??? Anyways the guacamole was awful, slimy and not full of fresh chunks of avocado. My blackberry margarita was good, I was never offered a second drink however. My husband and I both ordered chimichangas which said they had cheese sauce and both came covered in spicy mole sauce, I've never had that come on a chimi... It was not expected and not a good addition. read more

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Huge portions! Kind people! Dog friendly. Marg flight was okay, chips were great and sunset view as well! read more

Vida Mexican Restaurant - Nice sunset spot outside - Mexican Near Me - Laconia, New Hampshire

The food was SO GOOD. Fresh, authentic, so yummy! We loved the margarita flight, and crazy margarita. The chicken and rice soup was perfect and the nachos were delicious! The cheese sauce was lick the plate good. Thanks for the great service, Pete! The ambiance fun read more

Vida Mexican Restaurant - Margarita Flight - Mexican Near Me - Laconia, New Hampshire

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Good service, huge portions! The molcajete is big enough to share and still take home leftovers. But it only has meat and no veggies. The queso is good. The outdoor seating is nice in the afternoon with comfy cushioned chairs and plenty of space. It's under a new structure they built over the winter to make shade. Inside gets really crowded upstairs around the bar. Downstairs feels a little too open with the high ceilings. It's not a cozy feeling in the winter so we go upstairs. read more

Excellent food, service, and drinks. We're here at least monthly since they opened. I have never been sick or disappointed and I am a vegetarian with a very sensitive stomach. Anyone comparing it to Taco Bell has never had authentic food and should maybe just stay over in VT. read more

Overpriced, overcooked, expensive bar. Poor service, long waits for food after seated because no kitchen help. You would think they wouldn't seat more than they could serve. Don't wait to tell a customer they don't have the plate when you're serving the rest of the table. Place isn't all that clean, railings are so sticky you can't slide your hand along, bar staff drags garbage alone the floor as customers are dinning, your shoes stick to the floor. Need to say anymore? No returns here read more

The food was incredibly fresh, the portions were very large and the staff was quick and efficient. A hidden gem in the lakes region. read more

Vida Mexican Restaurant - Margarita flight - yummy - Mexican Near Me - Laconia, New Hampshire

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Still sitting here waiting for the food it's been over 1.5 hours now. Never warned us nothing. Atleast 4 other tables are complaining also. Never again. read more

Best Mexican in NH. This place is the bomb! We love good Mexican food, and having lived for many years a stones-throw from the border. read more

All I can say is The Fajita Vida is OUTSTANDING!!! Be prepared to take some home. The seasoning of the food is the BEST!!! If you want authentic Mexican, GO THERE!!! The staff is friendly and treats everyone like family. Mike and Katie Delaney, from Boston (STOUGHTON, MA) read more

Enjoyed this Mexican restaurant during our stay in NH on vacation. Nice staff and good food.

Food was delicious. My husband and I had dinner Enchilada Supreme and I had 3 taco dinner. Serving size was enough to fill you up and have leftovers for lunch the next day. The rice was a pleasing surprise of a mild rice with peas and other tasty beans. It was something I had never ad prepared that way and was very good. Our wait staff Julia was very attentive to our needs and she worked hard to meet our requests. My husband enjoyed his meal because when he spoke all that came out was mmmmm. Excellent and pleasing bang for your buck. Forgot to mention salsa and fresh nacho chips were brought to the table immediately when we were seated. May 5 is Cinco D' Mayo. This is the place to be! The atmosphere was perfect. read more

Surprisingly good for a chain. Also surprisingly good for an area that generally is a Mexican food wasteland. Strong portions (burritos won't disappoint!). Server was a fun dude. Cheesy corporate Mexican ambiance but that's no big deal. Best Mexican in the Lakes Region. read more

This nearly empty restaurant has good bones. The staff is friendly and the building is perfect. We arrived in late September and that means nearly everything in the town was closed for the year. (That's a whole different problem). The very best part of the meal was the drinks. They were perfectly crafted but the most expensive I've ever seen and I've eaten at famous restaurants. This place needs to have drink prices that lure in locals and those passing through so they will eat tons of food. The huachango frito was a nicely fried red napper. It was on the small side but it was nice to find the few hole fish dish available. It was served with a decent portion of sides on a large platter. The presentation was perfect. The rice was fluffy but the beans were awful. The beans literally tasted like a cigarette. I'm not sure how that could happen as beans are pretty easy to cook. The camarones tapatios is a shrimp dish that had a sauce over shrimp with cheese. It also came with the same sides on a giant platter. The shrimp were perfectly cooked. The beans were still yuck but my biggest question was the cheese. They really needed to just put some Monterey Jack or cheddar on the dish. The mystery queso dip didn't add anything good. Overall, I didn't go hungry. There was a good ambiance and the staff was nice. With a few tweaks this place could be really successful. read more

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