The last time I went there, the food was very greasy and didn't taste very good but around 10 to 14 years ago this place was rocking. It was my favorite place to eat at. I saw that they had a grand opening up returning back one more time just to see what that's all about. I noticed there's barely any cars in the parking lot. Maybe you might wanna have a grand opening federal way party and invite the public to your new store maybe giving them a free appetizer with a meal or something like that to bring people in. Just a suggestion, but I'll be coming through there one more time just to make sure that you're still not my favorite place to eat. the parking is wonderful read more

I always drove by after leaving in the area for years, I finally decided to try it. Location isn't bad with decent parking. I think the layout on the inside looks comfortable. As I sat in a booth I was presented by a dead ant... I decided not to say anything. Then my water came and it looked like there were things floating my water. I definitely said something. My "new" cup arrives n it looks better but I was definitely wary. I order taquitos and a blackberry iced margarita.. and it was unbearable. They don't have any other kind of sauce besides this nasty salsa. I couldn't finish my food at all and my drink was alright. I just got my check and left after that. Food was under $25. I won't be back. This place is for old ppl who eat bland food. read more

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Stopped by Viva Mexico for dinner and honestly was pleasantly surprised. The tacos were super flavorful and didn't feel skimpy, and the guac tasted really fresh. I also tried a margarita and it was strong (in a good way). Service was friendly and pretty quick, even though it was a little busy. Prices felt fair for the portion sizes. Not the fanciest spot, but solid food and good vibes. I'd definitely come back. read more

I don't usually write long Yelp reviews, but this place deserves one. I've been coming here for nearly 30 years. My first human food was eaten here when I was about six months old, and my mom and I still come every single week. Same booth. Same comfort. Same feeling when you walk in. This isn't flashy, rebranded, or chasing trends--and that's exactly why it matters. It's a true neighborhood Mexican restaurant, the kind that quietly serves generations and becomes part of your life without asking for attention. Over the years, I've tried most of the menu, and these are my consistent favorites: * Carne asada - classic, flavorful, always dependable * Chicken fajitas - sizzling, generous, and comforting * Chile verde burrito, enchilada style - absolute comfort food * Enchiladas & chile relleno - old-school in the best way * Jalapeño poppers / fried jalapeños-underrated and excellent * Tortilla soup - especially perfect on a cold Seattle day My mom always orders the house margarita, and I've been ordering Shirley Temples here for as long as I can remember--which feels fitting given how long this place has been part of our lives. I noticed the rating and was honestly surprised. If you're looking for a loud, Instagram-first dining experience, this may not be your spot. But if you value consistency, familiarity, comfort, and genuine community, this place delivers something that's becoming rare. Some restaurants chase trends. Others quietly serve their neighborhood for decades. This is the latter--and I hope it's here for decades more. read more

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Got the tortilla soup and it lacked much flavor and quality. Would be willing to come and give this place another chance. Has the great service and 90s restaurant fun style. read more

We've been coming here for nearly 40 years and still love it. The service is always great and we love the food. The cheese crispy is my favorite thing, never had one like it anywhere else. It's clean with a nice ambiance. Definitely recommend this spot! read more

I have been here on 2 separate occasions now, and both times my meal was excellent! Friendly staff, quick service, and nice, festive decor, as well. The only negative, is that it is located right on Pacific Highway, which isn't the nicest area, but once you are inside, you kind of forget about that, and are more distracted by the tasty food and warm atmosphere. Gracias! read more

Many years ago there was this great little Mexican restaurant in Aurora California. Sadly it closed and we were left traveling the country trying to find a place as good as they were. We just found it!!! Yay, Viva Mexico!!!! We have found our new favorite place. I highly recommend their Deluxe Burrito. read more

Food okay way too much salt on my prawns and carrots couldn't eat them. Carne asada was good tender. Pork carnitas bland. But the worst thing was the smell. The entire place smelled like febreeze spray or a laundry mat. The smell was so strong you could taste it. My clothes smelled and I had to change them when I got home. The food was ruined by the smell of the restaurant. Maybe clean the carpets and stop spraying odor hiding sprays in a food establishment. I am allergic to febreeze and tried to stay but had to get my food to go, but now I don't feel like eating because my throat is hurting and my nose is having problems from the stench of the restaurant. Won't be back. Sad because I used to love this place, I will try going back to the white center location hopefully they smell better. The service was good. read more

Absolutely love Viva. This little gem has been in Des Moines for over 2 decades. Its in a small building on busy Pacific Highway. Not as busy as it used to be. The food is delicious. Fresh veggies. My favorite dish is the Camarones Mojo De Ajo. No other restaurant has managed to get it just right. The shrimp are always clean and fresh. They make a mean White Russian and serve it in a huge glass. Another thing that I love about this place is that our server is the same server from atleast 20 years ago. The down side to this place is that there really isnt seating for large parties. Also, the vibe is kind of dated. Doesnt really have a hip modern feel to it. Which is why I gave 3 stars instead of 4. read more

Viva Mexico - Camarones Mojo De Ajo - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

My first time eating here. The parking lot was fairly full, right off Pacific Highway. Walked in, greeted and seated quickly. Chips, dip and water brought out very quickly and menus. Our server did not share any specials or offer any drink ideas. She did take our orders quickly and brought my beverage out promptly. Food was delivered in record time, my chicken enchilada was delicious and very filling. My daughter ordered two tamales and she was pleased with her meal. The server forgot one tamale as she ordered two but remembered as she brought it out that she wanted two. My husband ordered a beef burrito, he was satisfied with his meal as well. Ample food, great taste! Better than Azteca, cheaper and closer to where we live. Service was polite and quick. We will definitely be returning. They do appear to have daily specials that are posted at the table in case server forgets to mention them. Adios and happy eats read more

Viva Mexico - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

I have been a customer of Viva Mexico since the 80's, and my family and friends have kept coming back over the decades because of the great food, and service has been good. Well, that is until this afternoon. This is my last visit after being a customer for 3 decades... I came in for lunch and ordered off the dinner menu, and the food was good. Service was slow, and I had to repeat requests during a non busy time, but I didn't pay too much attention to that because there may have been reasons for it that wasn't obvious to a customer. I did notice that they don't fill their little complimentary salsa dishes up all the way (only half way) like other Mexican restaurants do, so I had asked for a couple refills. One of my favorite reasons for going to Viva, is because I have always enjoyed their chips and salsa (one of the best salsas that I've had over the years). While I was browsing the menu, I had run out of salsa fairly quickly, being that the little cup was filled only half way (and I was famished), so I asked for a refill. I realized it was taking a long time, while noticing my wait person was going from table to table, checking on people, so I gestured that I needed her, and she ended up coming over a few minutes later, I asked her again for that refill of Salsa, and a few minutes later she brought the refill. After I ate, I asked to order a large container of salsa to go like I have many times, as my husband and I both enjoy it. When the wait person brought the container of salsa to the table, I thought she got the size wrong, so I said I ordered the large, and she said that was the large. I told her that the containers I've ordered to go in the past are tall, and she argued and said, that was the same size the large has always come in. I just shook my head, and she looked at me like she wasn't about to let me make her wrong. I just told her at that point (feeling a bit irritated) to take it off my bill then, that I didn't want to pay for a large salsa that came in such a tiny container, but she refused, and replied, "I can't just take it off the bill, and I gave you salsas with your food" This would be the complimentary chips and salsas, like all Mexican restaurants hand out with endless refills, and theirs cups are filled full, so requests for more salsa with long waits to get it isn't a problem. Today the Des Moines Viva Mexico restaurant lost a customer of 30 years. I was treated terribly, this wait person (the name on my receipt says Marta) was extremely rude and unprofessional, did not represent the establishment well at all. I will be passing on my experience to my friends and family as well. If you want to go and get good Mexican food, amazing salsa, and most importantly be treated well, go to the other Viva locations, but stay away from the Des Moines location, as long is this Marta is working there.. Sadly she does not have the people skills and what it takes to keep loyal customers like me coming back decade after decade. See photo below, of what she considered a large salsa container, and what she says has always been the size of a large salsa to go. Again, I've ordered to go many times in the past, and the containers were much taller before. It's really insulting that this person had the audacity to basically call me liar. Update: I measured the ounces of salsa, because there is no way it looked like there was 12 oz like I was supposed to receive. Of course the container wasn't filled all the way. See photo below. 8 oz I called and confronted the manager about this, who happened to Marta, to my my surprise. I told her about this 4 oz shortage, and she replied "Oh." She also denied saying that she said that container has always been their largest size, like she told me at the restaurant. Just WOW! Just BAD business... read more

Viva Mexico - a bottle of water and a bowl of salsa - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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By far The BEST Mexican food ever. The staff is fantastic. The food is amazing and they are super fast. 20plus years we have been coming here and we will never stop. read more

The service phenomenal, the atmosphere perfect. But when you walk in the smell is horrible. The food is bland and lacking in visual appeal.

Chips are solid. Salsa is less salsa and more sauce, though. Still.... not bad. Soft taco is decent. It's not street style, but IS in a corn tortilla. But refrain from ordering the bean dip, as your order will likely have more beans on the side than comes with the dip itself. GO for the MARGARITAS. OMG, they are strong. Consider the food ALL as side dishes for the booze. Seriously. OMG, maaaarrrgggaahaarritaaaaaaaasssss. read more

Decided to swing in here for dinner since I like the White Center location and wanted something other than a large chain restaurant. I was surprised how crowded it was but thankfully there was no wait to be seated. Right away we were served chips and salsa and the waitress soon took our order. I went with the pork fajitas and I was really happy with it. There was a good serving size and tasted fresh. I thought this is pretty good restaurant and I would for sure come back again. read more

The service was good, we got our food quickly and the chips were fresh made. Unfortunately the food was bland, the guacamole didn't have any lime or cilantro, the mole was okay. I'd describe it more as 'Washington Mexican' than authentic. read more

Love this place. Everyone who works there is very nice. The food is great. The best part is, it's just down the street from my house. read more

This is my go-to spot for Mexican food. I can get a huge order of nachos, made with fresh food, no fake anything... chicken is delicious... it's a meal! I get jalapenos baked in. Less than $10! Best salsa in town. The staff are super friendly and it's just the best Mexican food that I've found in the area... and I have tried many places. read more

Eaten here several times over the last few years. It was inexpensive and good Recent trip prices have gone up. Quality has gone down. This will be our last trip here. I ordered the steak fajitas. Minimal meat in the veggies. Food was unseasoned. Best to avoid this place imo read more

We ordered through Uber Eats. Order arrived quickly and the food was still very warm. All the food we ordered was delicious. We especially liked the pinto beans. We had chimichangas, burritos, and chili relleno. We will be ordering from them again. read more

It used to be great. It's a bit of a drive but we would bypass the Federal Way restaurants to go there for the last 30 years. Last visit shows that they no longer care. Old burnt oil's they use to cook fried foods. Bland food and the original decor with original dust. I guess it's a normal transition for restaurants. Ride it in until the crash! read more

This place made a HUGE MISTAKE closing during this lockdown, for they would have me ordering here weekly at least and their Chicken A la Crema is DELICIOUS...I hope this place survives read more

Service was good, fast, friendly on top of refills, attentive to other things we need extra napkins to go box etc. Drinks are good. Food was not. Very bland. Rubbery, Watery. I would compare to Azteca with less options. Want good authentic Mexican food try La Central across the street before the Fred Meyer. read more

Okay, now that I am experiencing Texas Mexican, I will gladly take Viva Mexico over all of these places so far! First, our chips have always been warm. And while the salsa needs to be just a tad bit thicker it is good. I continue to order the cheese enchiladas. They are decent. Also, they have a day where the deluxe enchilada with guacamole, sour cream and some veg is a deal. The staff is friendly, the booths are comfy and it is always a good mix of people. Yes, it is not California Mexican. And if you want more authentic tacos, go across the street to El Riconsito. read more

Ordered Carne A Sada with rice and beans... It was one little slice of meat, pretty disappointing. My friend ordered chicken fajitas, very small portion. The rice was not good and beans were old. I had a 1/2 one meal coupon and the lady only gave me $5.50 off. I tried explaining to her and she got extremely defensive telling me I was wrong... I was so irritated and just ended up leaving it. I will not be coming back to this restaurant. read more

This restaurant is wonderful. I come here with my parents and it's my father's favorite restaurant and that's saying something because he doesn't like most of them. They have a big menu, big portions and the service is always lovely. They remember were you usually sit even when you only come in once a month and every single one of the servers are friendly. Did I tell you that the chips and salsa is excellent? Well it is, and I'm a tough critic of salsa.. The location being just a mile away is convenient as well and they have ample parking. I'd recommend a certain dish but honestly I've never had anything bad, only good food at the right price. read more

I'm sad writing this review because viva Mexico has always been my go to Mexican restaurant, I can't count the number of times I have ordered to go for lunch and dinners, that doesn't include the times we have ate there. Today I was craving Mexican food so I decided to get my son ready and us to eat lunch. I checked the website for opening times and it said 11 so when we arrived at 11:15 ready to eat I was amazed to see it locked. I don't know what time they open but it's not 11! Since I still wanted Mexican food I'm at Circo circo right down the road by Fred Meyers getting my Mexican food fix! I guess this will now be my new go to Mexican food restaurant. read more

Fast flavorful food. I got the #10 chicken with green sauce. Sauce with good, basic rice, basic beans. It was a solid average Mexican food. Nothing bad & nothing outstanding. Good place to stop if you are in the area. read more

This is about as close to a sit down Taco Bell that you can get. They don't use the entire Resturant so some of the spaces are a bit dusty and dirty, and it looks like the decor hasn't been maintained since they opened... The waitress was average to poor, and the ground beef in my taco was okay, they didn't make their own tortilla shells... Or if they did. mission is better. The food was just very average. For paying to go out, this was not worth it. read more

Great Mexican food at reasonable prices with excellent service. I've been coming here for years with my family and it's our defacto spot in Auburn. The food is your standard Mexican fare but it's of excellent quality and well made. I've had a lot of the dishes here. Love the arroz con pollo, the taco salad, burritos and fajitas. We've gotten to know most of the staff here. Everyone is extremely nice and competent. Also cool little rumor. My Mom tells me the building Viva Mexico and the adjoining 7/11 are in was the original Spanish Magic Castle that Jimi Hendrix used to play in and wrote a song. That's why the building looks like a Spanish castle haha. How cool is that? No idea if that's true but eating the Arroz Con Pollo there while thinking about Jimi is a good experience. read more

I'VE HAD better but, very adequate for Late lunch. I like to eat when the traffic is wizzing by. I had Chorizo & Huevos (eggs). The meat was a little overdone. The beans were a little runny. The portion was very good. The eggs were a little chinch. Their salsa was suprisingly good. Usually they doctor up boughten salsa but, very good not hot like everybody else. Nobody has the right to burn your mouth. Buy the ghost chili sauce @ the store. Glad I don;'t have to hope taco bell is decent. They need foil 4 your tortillas. read more

Food was gross. Premade, then fried to heat up. Definitely no authentic Mexican food. The Mexican pizza was good however. The chalupa looked like a taco and the chimichanga looked like a taquito. Lol. Not recommended. read more

This place is, really, just average at best. The food was hot and it tasted okay, but the sauces - especially the salsa, which was more like tomato sauce with some onions in it - are really bland and boring. VERY good service, despite the so-so food. The staff was friendly and helpful. It's a pity the food isn't anything worth mentioning, however, because it's a great location with lots of parking. Some legit menu tweaks would do this place wonders, but as-is, it's probably perfect for families with kids that can't handle anything that resembles spicy food. read more

Yes. Salsa is great for me. Just a bit of heat. Guac and sour cream are not extra on my chimichanga. Nice flavors for my palette.

The chips and salsa were ok. The chips were warm and good but the salsa was very cilantro and oniony. Not for me but some really like that. The soft shredded chicken tacos were good. But the cheese enchilada was loaded with cheddar cheese and the rice tasted like microwave rice. Over all nothing to get excited about this meal. read more

I think the chips were good, not really sure, the kids demolished them! I ordered the Sunday special, Grande enchilada, wife ordered quesadilla. Kids got kids meals. Everything was just ok. Nothing great, nothing bad. The not so friendly waitress was about like the food, not great, not bad. The price was a little steep for the food quality, portions and overall value. The less than average waitress left us blah. read more

Best service I've had in Federal Way if any restaurant and in May 5th at that! Food was delicious as well.

My wife and I have been visiting this restaurant for close to 20 years. Excellent service, prices, food. We were hoping they would survive the corona virus with take out(excellent takeout) but it seems like they are gone, which is so sad read more

Used to be our family's fav Mexican restaurant near us! But now.. No. Definitely no. It's been years since we had been here so my husband and I decided to try it again a few weeks ago.. The regular entrees look like KIDS MEALS! I literally could've eaten 2 or probably 3 of them lol, soooo small. Definitely not worth the $8 or whatever it is. Also the waitresses clearly aren't interested in their customer's satisfaction (or their business' Yelp reviews ;) hah) because they're lazy and inattentive and never even walked past our table, I swear on purpose, so we could ask for more water.. Do yourself a favor and go to Circo Circo down the street and get great service and delish Mexican food!!! Or maybe even McDonald's for a happy meal since it'll fill you up more than the food from Viva Mexico!! read more