Buena Vida Tapas Bar Reviews

They r tried to overcharge —major amount —twice. Order a margarita, they charge double. Later they charged for a bottle of champagne we did not order. Eat there? Better order a bill for every order. Then pay cash. They are liars and thieves. The food…edible. Advice? Stay home

Having been to Spain twice, I had high expectations of this place, and it met or exceeded them all. From the location - Old 4tjh Ward, right on the beltway, to the ambiance, Spanish flair with local influence, to the service - world class, to the delicious and authentic food. Seriously outstanding. we will be back!

My wife, son and I enjoyed the Mother’s brunch on the patio. Sydney took great care of us and the steak & eggs were delicious! We brought our Golden Retriever along too and he was well received to join us outside along the patio perimeter. The food and service were terrific. We will go back.

Best tapas and vibe in ATL! Coming from Europe and having visited Spain multiple times, I know what good tapas are, and Buena Vida is beyond exceptional with great vibes and superior service! Definitely stop by and try their gin tonic and pork belly tapas, you’ll be blown away!

Went here to celebrate my birthday. The night started off on a bad foot. We ordered margaritas and they were awful- not even the liquor could save it. we asked for new ones to be made and I guess our server just took it upon herself to ignore us and do little for our table after that. Or option number 2: invite her friends to come hang out. Her and her friends were cracking up the entire night so loud we could hardly hear each other. Before we placed our food order she spent 15-20 minutes howling up a storm with them. So when she finally came to our table with an attitude mind you-we decided that we were going to order 7-8 plates because we didn’t know when she would come back to our table. Sure enough we were right. After we finished those plates I was still hungry but she once again went back to her friends and cared more about the conversations with them then serving the other patrons and I know she had other tables because when we left she was on the other side of the restaurant tending to another table. She never checked on us. Never refilled our water. Never sought to see if we wanted additional food. She didn’t come back to our table for another 20-30 minutes. Mind you this is a Spanish restaurant serving tapas (small plates) so these plates go quickly. This completely turned our experience here sour. Was there no manager on duty to check and make sure employees were doing their job? Maybe going on a different day with different employees you’ll have a better experience.

I immediately loved the vibe in the space - colorful ceramics, patterned tiling, large-scale murals, etc. I appreciate that the menu has a balance of rich, filling dishes and wholesome, lighter options. The wrinkly potatoes sounded so simple, but they blew us away. The brined artichoke and perfect soft boiled eggs were so good in the artichoke salad. Great croquetas de jamon. Tons of vegetarian options, and they were very accommodating of our friend's fish/shellfish allergy. Portion sizes are also surprisingly generous for tapas.

This is a wonderful addition to the Atlanta Beltline. It's brand new and it's awesome. The whole restaurant has a great atmosphere and a ton of charm. I came for dinner but could easily see it being a go-to spot for lunch and drinks on the Beltline. The food really delivered. I couldn't believe how good it was. The charcuterie board was phenomenal. My personal favorite was the fried chicken and I could see myself going back specifically for that. I only had one drink while I was there and it was good. It was a Spanish style gin and tonic and I enjoyed it. I would like to try more of the cocktail menu in the future. I'll definitely go back. The food and vibes were just really good. It would be a great place for a birthday party. Looking forward to the patio in the spring. A cool spot that I would personally recommend trying.

Buena Vida Tapas and Sol. Serving up Spanish tapas between Beltline and Historic O4W. Loving the full bar, and patio and will be back for weekend brunch. A must-try is that chargrilled octopus

Buena Vida is indeed the good life. This place is amaze balls literally they have them on the menu. The iberico croquetas which I believe aside from my own are the best balls ever. The pork belly was incredible. I even loved all of the vegetarian and vegan dishes. I can honestly say that this restaurant for being so new has blown my mind. The service, the food and all drinks was perfect. I will for sure be coming back and I think this might be my new favorite spot.

First, the food review. We sampled cocktails and food. The sangria could have used some edible fruit pieces to punch it up. Usually, a sangria will have some apple bits or orange that has been soaked in the mix. That would have made it more enjoyable. The menu has a great variety of vegan, vegetarian, seafood and meat selections. The mushroom croquetas had a nice blend of mushrooms with a crispy coating that was not too heavy. The mahi mahi was not what we were expecting. It was like popcorn chicken with a twist. Delicious! Now, the COVID issues. When we arrived for our reservation, there was a party on the patio with no fewer than 30 guests, all of whom were mingling without masks. We were offered a table directly next to the large group. I declined. Then, we were offered a table at a healthy distance but were told that we would need to vacate that table within the hour. We did our best but the kitchen slowed down substantially during our dinner so we could not help but overstay our welcome. Just a little frustrating that the management is not being more vigilant with the distancing and group guidelines that have been issued by the Georgia Department of Health. Also, important to note that this restaurant has not implemented single use menus. This was only our second time dining out in Atlanta since reopening and unfortunately, it will be our last for a long time. We thought that a patio would be a "safe" place for dinner but we were sadly mistaken.

Absolutely Amazing Ken and will were great, but amen was absolutely fantastic, amazing service attitude, and his skills were fantastic. Bottomless guava mimosas are amazing and passion fruit. Absolutely an amazing restaurant.

I had an amazing dinner here with friends! When I first walked in, I immediately loved the fun colors and design of the bar and restaurant. You can eat inside or outside on a covered patio. There’s a great variety of tapas to choose from. We each ordered 2-3 and everything was delicious. It’s like comfort food tapas! Margaritas were great as well. You can add flavors like peach, mango and passion fruit which I always appreciate. Our waiter was attentive and friendly. He paced out each dish so we didn’t have everything all at once! He also recommended the salmon dish which was my favorite. They are conveniently located by the beltline and a short walk from Ponce City Market. Plus they have parking! They are attached to a deck with signs telling you where to go and they validate. Overall, 10/10 recommend. This will be my new go-to spot.

You won't find another experience like this in ATL! Lively atmosphere great for a date or a group! I love that this place sits right off the Beltline and a short walk from Ponce City Market. They even have PARKING in their deck convenient to the entrance. And yes, they validate! Right when we walked in we received a warm welcome and our server could not have been more knowledgeable and hospitable. The tapas are exceptional, it is hard to pick a favorite! I couldn't believe how good the cauliflower was and the pork belly- outstanding! Lots of veg and vegan options to accommodate everyone! Excellent wine list and awesome cocktail list! My personal fav is the "Sherry Cola". There are a lot of options on the Beltline but after dinner we grabbed a seat at the bar because it is such a great vibe you and your friends won't want to leave!

Restaurant was amazing!!!! Food was delicious! Drinks were great! Service was amazing!!!! Awesome environment! Right off the belt line! I can't wait to go back!

I worked in Spanish Tapas restaurants for many years, I can say that Buena Vida got it right. Plenty of meat fish vegetarian AND VEGAN OPTIONS. My wife and I are vegan and had maybe 8 dishes. Check out the menu - this place has something for everyone. The Beyondigas (Beyond meat meatballs), the Canary Island Wrinkly Potatoes, Mushroom Croquetas, to name a few. Everything we had was amazing. Beautiful design all throughout, you can tell they payed attention to the small things. Gives off a very Ibiza vibe. Great date night spot, or great spot to get together with friends. Being on the Belitline, this place is a MUST TRY

A group of us had dinner here on the patio. Great service, excellent cocktails and food, no problem for gluten-free for the celiacs in the group. Very nice patio and felt totally safe COVID-wise.

Dillon is an AMAZING Bartender and representative! If I was a Bar Owner, I would offer her more money!

We attended the restaurant this past weekend and will definitely be back! Location is fantastic for enjoying the belt line. Our waitress had really awesome recommendations and the margarita was perfectly made. Really, really well done.

We loved everything. Drink the margaritas AND the mojitos. You must try the Pan Con Tomato, it was beyond delicious. So many choices. Great for vegetarians and meat eaters. Loved it and can’t wait to go back.

Booked for 9.15…arrived dead on time to be told their would probably be another 20 minute wait. The most chaotic and poorly run front of house I’ve seen in years. Gave up waiting at 9.45 and left…then got a text at 9.55 saying table was ready. Either have reservations or don’t, but don’t mess people around like this.

We loved the vibe at Buena Vida! It’s clear they have real Spanish influences and authentic tastes. The Spanish born Chef shared with us that he uses several of his Grandmother’s recipes and they are truly amazing. Great food, fun servers, beautiful ambiance and the CBD cocktail is so relaxing!

Great dinner. Beautiful ambiance. Mushroom croquetas were divine. Had the artichoke salad too which was great. The red snapper whole fish was just superb! Came with artichokes, celeriac puree, blistered tomatoes, and a mojo verde sauce. Just divine!

Business dinner with colleagues, we were in town for a conference and wanted to get away from the Georgia Center. Only a couple of miles away our server Ali was spectacular! Every recommendation was a winner from tapas to the cocktails.

Met my cousin here visiting from NJ and we both really enjoyed the ambience and our tapas. The wine menu has good options of Spanish wines and we enjoyed our bottle of Garnacha. Practicing no meat on Fridays during Lent, we were happy to find great options. We ordered the mushroom croquetas and they were delicious! Next time I will order the ham croquetas To compare. The gambas al aljillo, aka shrimp cooked in garlic, was amazing and I will order it again when I go back. The papas bravas were crisped just right and the sauce was on point. We also had tortilla, an omelet, and it was good, but next time I’d try something else. The churros with thick hot chocolate was good, too, if you are craving them. I can’t wait to go back and terry some of the meats on the menu, too!

We ordered six tapas plates and the only one very tasty was the mojo steak. Service was great. Prices high. Overall, I don’t recommend it.

This place is awesome! The beltline really needed a new restaurant with great cocktails and authentic spanish tapas. They also have a huge outdoor pet friendly bar and seating that will be great in the warmer months. I have been twice since they have opened, and have not been disappointed. The service is great, sizeable food portions, affordable and fun environment. I would highly recommend!

We had dinner reservations and was promptly seated at the time we reserved. There are couple rooms you can sit in. It was rather loud inside as opposed outside seating. We had brussell sprouts, empanadas, manchego mini burgers, gambas al ajillo, grilled broccolini. Everything was delicious! Our waiter was super busy. It is a fun, trendy, busy restaurant with great drinks and food. It is loud so any quiet conversations sit outside. The food came out quickly which always great. Bartenders and servers not very friendly but most likely due to being over whelmed with short staffed. We had drinks outside after dinner. Outside tables had piles of plates and cups sitting on small tables from when we got there to when we left. (Won’t hold against them as we sat inside) But again I’m sure they were short staffed. We will definitely visit again next time we are near Ponce Market. Tip: park in garage and leads right to restaurant on 2 level. They will validate ticket for 2 hours. Easy and quick.

THERE IS SO MUCH FLAVOR IN EVERY DISH. The decor is also bright and fun, exactly what you want from a restaurant right off of the Beltline. The chef is from Spain so the dishes are executed with the details necessary to make them unique and authentic simultaneously. They have GF and Vegan options in spades as well.

Food was great and service quick. Our server Preston had great recommendations! Try the Brisket tacos, and don't forget the sangria.

Food was pretty good, artichoke salad with jamón won the night. Specialty cocktails were interesting. Co-owner came by our table and chatted a while- very nice gesture. Can’t wait for warmer weather to sit outside and try other dishes.

First time visit. Entrance from off of street. On right side from parking lot. Parking - Paid parking deck Order & Price (Check pics 📸) - $92.56 Pros Calamari: seasoned but a little overcooked Brussel Sprouts: delicious...crispy but not dry. Savory Potatoes: crunchy outside soft inside. Inside is soft and melts in to your mouth Short Ribs: very tender. Sweet meat. Carrot puree very smooth Mojo steak: steak temperature was good and cooked well but it needed more seasoning on the steak itself. Most flavor came from the chimcurri sauce. Chimichurri sauce reminds me more of a salsa. Cons If sitting outside. There is a pond next door so there was a algae smell Would I Recommend: Yes Follow me at @jessreviewss on Instagram for more. ✍️🏽

amazing food, amazing vibe, and an absolute must try! authentic Spanish tapas with something for everyone. A great variety on the menu with delicious specialty cocktails. We had amazing service and felt like our server was educated on the dishes/cocktails and led us in the right direction based on our pallet. We really enjoyed our experience and will absolutely be back!