Proof that good food + great service + ambiance still exists. We loved our night at Mi Buena Vida in Sugarhouse. When we arrived the restaurant was half full and the server blessedly did not seat us right next to everyone else but in our own little corner – a small gesture that makes a difference.
The jalapeño margarita with muddled jalapeños, cilantro, and fresh lime juice was delicious and beautiful. They have a nice selection of margaritas of both the spicy and sweet varieties as well as a full liquor menu and all the Mexican beers.
I ordered the crispy cauliflower tacos in a flour tortilla with Mexican tempura, chipotle mayo & cilantro and choice of rice (Mexican or lime) and beans (black or pinto). It had lovely layers of robust and bright flavors. The spicy camarones a la Diabla (grilled shrimp in a spicy Arbol sauce) were full of heat and both dishes arrived with beautiful presentation and felt elevated for the price.
The salsa bar up front keeps things chill with delicious house salsas of all heat levels and smokiness, lime wedges, and escabeche (pickled veg). (Watch out: The cilantro cream sauce is dangerous.)
Their top-notch service proves dining can still be fun and not disappointing. Every person helped us with a smile and attentiveness that wasn’t overbearing. Timing of service was well-paced and not too fast or delayed. We received our check and reassured that there was no rush even though the restaurant had filled up.
Lately dining out has felt like an enormous burden. There is low-quality service and sky-high pricing that leaves patrons longing for what dining-out used to be: fun. Our trip to Mi Vida Buena revived our confidence that there are still establishments who believe in the dining experience. Maybe I’ll see you next time at the salsa bar helping myself to more cilantro cream sauce.
– Kelsey
