Pura Vida
527 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19176
Pura Vida Menu
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Coctels Cevichs & Seafood
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Veggies
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Carbs
Healthy Meal suggestions for Pura Vida
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Coctels Cevichs & Seafood
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Veggies
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Carbs
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Address :
527 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA, 19176 - Phone (215) 922-6433
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Jimbo N.
"Drool" people? Really? Low brow
(4)Chess K.
can't wait to go back. super tasty tacos, great service, good lighting/music, and amazing price.
(5)Jennifer T.
I would pass this place every once in a while and recently decided to stop in on a whim. I'm glad I did. Their tacos may be some of my favorites in the city and, like someone else mentioned, you can bring your own tequila and have margaritas. We usually try to sit at the same table when we go, because there's a checkerboard on it, so you can play checkers while you wait! The only reason I'm giving Pura Vida four stars is because it isn't open every day and I'm selfish about my Mexican food needs.
(4)Adam F.
Pura Vida is a tucked-away Mexican / Guatemalan BYOB in Northern Libs. Lots of great margarita options and you can add your own tequila. Ilachitas (Guatemalan shredded beef) and Veggie Chorizo are both great options. Try the Guatemalan tamales and tacos. Cash only, BYOB
(4)Rebecca M.
Pura vida is so delicious. I had the chorizo quesadilla. It was so flavorful. I can't remember what my husband had, but we both enjoyed our meals. If the portions were bigger, I'd definitely give 5 stars.
(4)K C.
This place was excellent. I had a steak burrito that was enormous and delicious. The chips and guac are tasty too. Bring some tequila for margaritas!
(5)Kevin S.
I LOVE this place. The owners are so friendly and make you feel so welcome. This is an excellent romantic BYOB. The prices are more than fair for the exscellent food. Best Burrito in town in my humble opinion. Try the Diablo sauce if you can handle it.
(5)Erin F.
Don't be fooled by the exterior. Once inside, it is a fun yet cozy place. Great central american food at cheap prices! I can't believe that most of the dishes are $7-10. Cash only, byo. We shared the chicken quesedilla as an appetizer (per yelp reviews) and it was really good. Very big too - this could be your entree. Then I got the chorizo tacos and hubby got the black bean tostada. Both were great. I was so full I could hardly finish my tacos. The chorizo had just enough spice to be spicy! We really enjoyed it. Parking in that area is no problem. Will be back!
(4)DanaJoy88 ..
Great mix on the menu and I loved their ceviche and sandwiches. What an unexpected gem we found while out getting lunch.
(4)Kathleen K.
We've been to Pura Vida a couple times and had good solid latin food. The restaurant is not elegant by any means, but it is inexpensive and really hits the spot when you're craving fajitas or similar fare. Being a BYOB is a plus!
(4)Stephanie K.
Food was bland and dry. However their tortillas are tasty but that's about it. We had a chicken quesadilla, which had a bone in it, pork tacos, and steak fajitas. We ordered guac but they ran out. All the meat was cubed and a bit tough. Wouldn't return.
(2)Elana S.
Love this place. Came before an EgoPo show which is 3 blocks from the restaurant. It was a great choice. The Pura Vida app was delish. Zucchini was fresh and the cheese had a tasty spice on it. The pupisitas were only ok but the slaw was really good. The veggie chorizo tosta was spicy and crispy. The Plata was good. The shredded beef was a hit but the veggies were a disappointment. They were only on I ns and peppers. We'll be back.
(4)Justina B.
If I could separate ratings for food and service, I would. The food is 4-5 stars but the quality of service is not on the same level. So I ordered take out, arrived at the restaurant and decided I wanted to sit inside the restaurant to eat. The owner told me I couldn't change my mind but offered me a seat outside! It was a Friday afternoon, completely empty! Was he serious?! I won't be going back!
(2)Jose F.
A hidden gem in Northern Liberties. Amazing atmosphere inside and out, amazing food, and great prices! This place is a must! The staff is friendly and it's a byob.
(5)Cassandra C.
My friends are big fans of this place, they visit it really often. I tried it about a week ago, and i could not say that this place was for me. i mean service was good and food was ok, but i did not like it that much, it was something lacking in their taco i suppose....
(3)Josh G.
Super nice service and delicious food. Fun musical atmosphere. Extremely fair prices. And a pretty great flavor pallette. Note it's a byo that will make you margaritas from their homemade mix. We brought beers, but that option seemed fun too. You walk in an the open kitchen is on your right. The chef greets you as you wait a moment for the waitress. You can sit inside or outside with different Latin music channels playing in each. We had the Pura Vida app and it does the namesake justice. The cheese had grill marks and flavor that are so unique. And the curry sauce is a great touch. The waitress had a great smile and was playful and had great suggestions for the menu. The entrees sound like classic Mexican fare, and they are in style but not always in execution. There's chimichurry sauce. And vegetarian chorizo. But everything is served in one giant plate with rice and beans! And the entrees are all around 10/15 dollars. I found the place delicious and impressive
(5)Leanne C.
Well, if you're on a time budget, don't come here. If you're a vegetarian/vegan, get ready to be disappointed. This place is also BYO, so, bring extra for the 45 minutes you will have to wait before your meal. The music was obnoxiously loud, and I usually don't mind noise but I do mind having to yell to have a conversation. My tacos were bland. I asked for soy chorizo with grilled veggies and they didn't bother with the veggies. Also that hot salsa? Not actually hot. No sign of any other vegetables (or even fresh cilantro). This was time number two of consistent disappointment coming in here in just over a year. Very disappointing.
(2)Steve V.
Food awesome, service not so good. What I despised is that they served the fajitas with NO tortillas and I had my plate of food for 20 minutes before I could actually eat it. How hard is it to warm up tortillas? I would have been happy if they were cold! Due to this both shrimp and steak got rubbery and not hot like fajitas should be. With that being said, the food was absolutely incredible. We got taquitos to start (also chips and guac) and I got steak and shrimp fajitas while others in my group got burritos, enchiladas, tacos and quesadillas. All food was fantastic. In their defense we were quite a large party and they have a really small kitchen but still... I'd go back but not with a group larger than 4 people.
(3)Gloria S.
Drove by this place a few times and decided to check it out. The inside was a little toasty but the patio sitting was great.... Although there is an occupied apartment that has a window that looks out to the patio. The service was great. I ordered the Pupusitas, enchiladas, and steak burritos. They were all good and came out fast. The food looked and tasted homemade so I like it.
(4)Nicole M.
Went to eat here on a Saturday at 1pm and the place is closed. Hours on yelp say 10am. Heard the food is good but hoped the rumors that they open and close whenever they desire weren't true..... Oh well.
(1)Kelsey S.
Came here with friends for HH on cinco de mayo. Armed with our wine and spirits- purchased tequila, we were able to sit on the back patio and get some sun. They carry a few different types of margarita mixers and will add your tequila right in. 64 oz of mix ran about $15 and I believe there was a fee of $2-3 for bringing your own tequila. They have the option to add cinnamon and sugar to your glass run, which I had never had before (tasted amazing). We ordered chips and salsa to share which tasted pretty standard. All 3 of us ordered tacos with a side of refried beans; we ended up being served regular black beans but that didn't make or break our dishes. Overall, there was a great selection, including vegetarian options. If you're feeling margaritas but don't want to go to some of the other busy NoLibs spots, I highly suggest giving Pura Vida a try! FYI it's cash only, but there's an ATM there if you forget.
(4)Garrison B.
Best chicken burrito I've had in Philadelphia hands down and I've tried A LOT of places. Cool atmosphere and friendly service. BYOB is nice, will make you some dank margaritas. I highly recommend this joint
(5)Jonny R.
Went here for a birthday dinner. Reservation for six at a relatively empty restaurant. Don't be ten minutes late, or your spot will be taken. If you take too long to eat, as well, you'll be rushed along. A little frustrating. Starters were decent: shrimp ceviche was on the sweet side, empanadas left something to be desired despite a multitude of sauces, but ships and salsa and guacamole were great. My grilled tilapia? Small, but well done. Lobster ravioli on the dish was out of place, but the bed of greens and pickled cabbage were refreshing. For $16? I don't think so. The servers were nice, but the whole place was a little anxious. May not return.
(2)Larissa G.
Something about this place just spoke to me. Having biked past it numerous times, I have been wanting to stop in for a long time. I had almost forgotten about it when my boyfriend suggested we grab dinner there on valentines day. I called in the afternoon and got a reservation for that night, which was great. This place is a little bit trashy and a lot a bit awesome. Some of the decor is questionable and they mix in a trance song every couple songs, which was quirky and didn't really bother me. I was bummed they were out of guacamole, but we got some chips and salsa and the "pura vida" appetizer to start. Everything was fresh and good! The taco entree with pork was definitely the star of the meal, but we also got the special, which was salmon with a ginger crust served with some potatoes and squash, which was also quite delicious. The place just has an honest, genuine feel about it, and it was an ideal place for us to go on a date. If you're into stereotypical fancy places, spend your valentines dinner at Maggiano's instead, but I think Pura Vida was perfect. The prices are also very reasonable for what you get and they gave me a rose with the check, which was a really heartwarming touch. Oh, and if you didn't read any other reviews, they're BYOB, so come prepared!
(4)Samantha K.
Love this place. I used to come here for lunch with my girlfriend before she moved. I just realized how much I missed this place when I went back last night for dinner. One of the best places to get Mexican food. I always order the fried tacos; they are out of this world. I had the shrimp plato; it was awesome, and the shrimps were sweet in the right way. I will continue to come here again to try all of their other dishes. They also have an enclosed back patio. It's a plus because I hate seeing/ smelling cars when I'm dining outside. It is BYO. Bring your own tequila or rum and they will hook you up with margaritas or mojitos. I will have to try that soon with my girls. Truly a hidden gem!
(5)Constance D.
Best local spot. Hands down. The food is heartfelt and delicious and the service is always warm. My go to is the Chicken and Ginger soup. Perfect after a long, cold day or when you're starting to feel under the weather. Im so happy to be back in the neighborhood and so close to Pura Vida!
(5)Courtney B.
I've only had great experiences here. Taking advantage of the margarita mixers were a perfect idea, the mango was so fresh, and it was a great deal! The Ginger Chicken Soup & the Ilachitas Plato are my favorite dishes so far. Can't wait to go back and try more, especially in the back patio!
(5)Michael W.
Great local mom and pop restaurant. This place has never disappointed me or any friends I've brought here. All of the special entrees are delicious. My favorites are the playero and gaucho. Their guacamole is great. BYOB, being your own tequila and they'll mix you a great pitcher of margarita.
(5)Tara M.
This place is awesome. Walked in, FIFA was on and ordered some chicken tacos. Great food and good drinks. Real Mexican food here. Ate here for lunch and I'll be going back for dinner ;) They even have a hookah out back. YUM! I give this place an A++
(5)Steve S.
So we got in the mood for Cuban food tonight after watching Guy Fieri eat some on TV. So I searched in Yelp for Cuban restaurants. This one came up on the list, and the wife picked it out. Well, I saw in the reviews that it's not really Cuban per say. Oh well, we decided to give it a shot anyway. So this place is rather small. I counted 8 tables. We got there shortly after 5 and were seated right away at a table you could play checkers on. Literally, they gave you the checker pieces and everything. Oh, I couldn't pass that up. But anyway, on to the food. The name escapes me because it is long, but basically we went for the appetizer that has black beans, chorizo, and chips. We ate it all happily, although I didn't think it had enough chorizo flavor. I went for three different tacos, the pork, chicken, and the Guatemalan beef, again the name escapes me. The wife got one of the entree plates that had chicken, shrimp, roasted potatoes, and chimichurri sauce. Again, the name escapes me (boy, my memory sucks tonight). For me, the tacos were pretty good. Flavor-wise they were as good as any. Size-wise I've had bigger. The side of rice and beans I ordered was as good as any i've had. But the wife, man she raved about her plate. In fact, this place just became one of her new favorites based on her meal. The samples of it I tried were certainly worthy of praise. A little ice cream and fried banana dish finished things off nicely. But it is true, service here leaves something to be desired. it's not that they are not nice. In fact our servers were very sweet. It's just that they seem to be understaffed. After we got there, the place filled up and the service started running like crazy. With a total of two servers, two cooks, and one dishwasher as the entire staff, they can get hectic. As a result, you will wait for things, and they might get your order slightly wrong which they did for me. They were apologetic several times through the night. I'll give a slight pass because they were working hard. It's worth the trip. Just don't go there if you have to make it in time for a show.
(4)Harry E.
Pura Vida was an amazing plan B since Sazon was booked up. I was pleasantly surprised by this place. The wait staff was in no hurry, which fit our time schedule well but be mindful if you are in a rush. It was BYOB so we causally sat and had a few beers. I was a little shocked to see a "corking" fee for wine AND 6 pack of beer. We weren't provided with glasses or bottle opener which is fine, since when the bill came it was missing the 3 dollar fee. Chips and salsa was great, we asked for medium but it was hardly mild. If you are a heat seeker, ask for the hot or special hot (got that on my Burrito and it was AWESOME!) Speaking of the Burrito, it was chalk full of chicken, beans, and rice. So filling and so flavorful, only for 7 bucks... a great dinner. My girl had Playero which was cheese and shrimp ravioli with a cilantro lime sauce. She was pleased with her meal and even suggested coming back soon. I took one star away because as I sat in a 1/2 full restaurant (most patrons had already ate) I was told that the chef would not be doing dessert that evening. How upsetting, I saved room! I never save room!
(4)Vivian T.
Awesome hole in the wall BYOB amazing latin/spanish/mexican mixture including: pupusa/quesadilla/cerviche/tacos/burritos, etc. Totally authentic spanish speaking, cheap, fast delicious joint. all great things! Their quesadilla with chorizo was awesome.
(4)Lauren S.
3 Reasons I Hate Pura Vida 1. Vegetarian Chorizo.... One bite and I was in love. I put it on a burrito with their delicious guacamole. I hate this because just thinking about it makes me drool. Really, I've ruined a few outfits by salivating on them. 2. It is two blocks from my house. It is easy access for me....TOO easy. Upon going to Pura Vida for the first time, I was back at least 6 times that month. I cook at home a lot, so thats really a LOT for me. 3. It is closed Sunday and Monday. Which is ALWAYS when I crave it. WHY!? In all seriousness, I love this place. The food is scrumptious, service is fast. And you get a lot of food for you money. My one tip is don't sit under the air conditioning unit. I have this really bad habit of sitting at the same table every time I go somewhere, and I always sit at this table. I always end up eating my hair because of this air conditioner.... learn from my mistakes, and remind me to re-read my own review before I venture back again.
(5)M F.
Loved it. Got roast pork enchiladas-- fantastic, all around--rice to beans to guac (that doesn't cost extra like all the other "mexican" places around), and well-cooked and seasoned pork. Also got the fish (tilapia?) which was good, but the grilled shrimp were great, and the pickled and grilled vegetables were awesome. Our server was cute and nice, though I think she forgot about us (outside) once they got full inside-- we were just waiting for our check. I don't suggest sitting on the 6th street outdoor tables, that corner there sucks, with the cars at the light blasting their Q102... but other than that, I was happy. And full. And I wish I had brought some beer. Dos Segundos it isn't-- I thought the food was way better. I didn't miss free chips and salsa at all.
(4)Dave C.
I am considering two stars for this place. Yelp has some pretty positive reviews for this place. For starters, the night we ate there they were out of shredded beef, ham, and guacamole. Seriously? It's a Guatemalan restaurant! That's like half the menu! The food was tasty. The tortillas were excellent. I ate there with three friends. I had the roast pork 'plato', M had the steak plato, S had a deconstructed shrimp fajita, and L had a shrimp plato. The steak was the clear winner. The pork was OK but the shrimps were tiny, sparse on the plate, and most likely caught by the Gorton Fisherman a long time ago. I also took umbrage with the $5 charge for a small basket of chips and salsa. Final verdict, I would try this place again but I hardly walked away thinking this was the best Guatemalan food in Philadelphia. One last tip - don't sit in the corner by the air conditioner. It's going to be louder than your conversation.
(3)Danit H.
I use to live couple doors from Pura Vida and this place use to makes me drool almost every day of the week (they are close on Mondays..). I eat in, take out/ dinner or lunch/ large groups or just with a friend - always good times. The entire staff is friendly and nice, the food is great and the price is very reasonable. Everything on the menu is good and they have great vegetarian dishes (Their vegetarian chorizo is awesome).
(5)Thad S.
Seriously Yelpers? I came here expecting a cross between Dos Segundos and La Cazuelas, and it was one of my biggest disappointments in a while. I read that the chips and salsa were a rip off. I ordered the guac/salsa/chips combo anyway ($5.5) and it was a sad attempt indeed. The salsa was bland (it was the medium) and there were giant chunks of white (unripe) tomatoes in the attempt at salsa verde. The chips were bland and not especially fresh, and the guac was missing any and all seasoning. Even salt. Not to mention the serving size was "one chip scoop." The margarita mixer (hibiscus) was decent, but they put about 10 ice cubes in the giant pitcher. It was like drinking in Mexico, for real. Entrees were another lesson in mediocrity, with the special "mole style" enchilada sauce tasting more like re-fried beans than anything resembling mole. The soy-rizo was tasty in the burrito, but the burrito lacked any flavor. The atmosphere was okay, but the food was not. I will not be back. Also, I was told on the phone that if I was more than 10 minutes late for my reservation, they would give it away. Well luckily for me I was on time. But that aside, at least half of the tables were empty at 7:30 on a Saturday anyway. Not worth the trouble for the level of food they are putting out.
(2)Karen Y.
they charge over $5 for chips and salsa, and it's not worth it. charging for chips and salsa is like a korean restaurant charing for the kim chee or a chinese restaurant charging for the fortune cookies. salsa is good, but it's not $5 good. for $5 i expect the chips to be fresh out of the fryer and more than a 4 Tbs of salsa that i can make at home. tacos are a little bland. the best thing they have going for them is that the corn tortillas are fresh made to order. otherwise it comes with a plethora of options to add to it and none of them add much flavor. three tacos for an order at $7 is a good deal, but they charge $2 more to order with different fillings. kinda lame, is it really that much of an inconvenience to the kitchen? the guacho platter was a better order than the tacos. the chimchurri sauce with the steak was flavorful and delicious. the shrimp are small and much more bland tasting than the description on the menu, but it was a nice addition to the salad it's serve with. the other plus for this place is that they have mexico coke that is reasonably priced. the service is attentive and sweet, though i think the food comes of the kitchen a little on the slow side. the food is much like dos segundos, but i think the food at dos segundos is better. however, pura vida is definitely far cheaper and quieter than dos segundos, which has it's advantages too.
(3)Desiree K.
This place is a great find!! The food is always fresh and delicious! The burritos are huge, flavorful and everything you would want a burrito to be! My favorite is the ilachitas tostadas...mmmmmm yum! I ordered lunch from there at least once a week! The fish though...I feel it had a bad after taste. It's tilapia and we know all tilapia is not created equal.
(4)Walter K.
I've pasted Pura Vida dozens of times on my bike, and for some reason, I've always been interested in eating here. I stopped in with Emily on Saturday night for dinner. Right off the bat, I was surprised by how empty this place was. At 7:30 on a Saturday night, there were only two other tables. The decor here is awful; kitschy tropical themed pieces around the room outlined by Christmas lights. To top it if, terrible trance music was playing the entire time we were there. Seriously, who can take that much trance music?? Luckily, as if some kind of make up call, our servers were attentive and friendly. The service is as good as the atmosphere is bad. Our appetizer was a grilled zucchini and cheese dish. It tasted good, nothing amazing, and was pathetically small for $7. We both ordered enchilada dishes for entrees. Orders can with rice, beans, a dollop of guacamole and three enchiladas. I mixed and got three different kinds of meat. The chorizo was pretty good, and the chicken was okay. I wish I would have gone with the shredded beef for all three because it was the only thing I ate that came close to impressing my palate. Emily was quite happy with her order of vegetarian chorizo however. I like that this spot is a BYO, but there's not much to say about eating here. My experience was incredibly average. It looks like they have some outdoor seating, but not any when we visited. Bottom Line: It's cheaper than most areas in the neighborhood, and also not as nice. I could provide several better recommendations, even if you're in the mood for cheap BYOB Mexican. They have Cuban sandwiches on the menu which may be the only thing that could entice me to return.
(3)Julie G.
I went to Pura Vida just to check it out, and there are definite pros and cons. The pros: - I had the chicken quesadilla and it was very good. Not greasy, the chicken was not fatty, and there was a good proportion of cheese to chicken, etc..the salsa was great and you have a choice of mild, medium or hot. I had the green one, and it was very good. - They seem to use decent quality ingredients, and decent cuts of meat. They also taste fresh. Someone said the guacamole wasn't as 'tasty,' but to me it was because it wasn't salty or overly done...it was more pure. - Service is very nice. I was there on an off-time, so maybe when it's busy it's different, but the woman was quite nice. - It's a cheap BYOB - so you don't have to go somewhere fancy to have a few drinks with friends and some solid food. Cons: - You have to pay for chips and salsa. Even though it's not much, I was a bit taken aback...isn't that free? ...and the amount of salsa you get is small. - It's in kind of a sketchy area. They call it Northern Liberties, but it isn't the more developed area. I wouldn't be strolling around there late at night or at dark, and I go to a lot of places. - It's pretty small...so I wouldn't bring more than a couple of other people with us, or it would seem congested if we all wanted to sit together.
(3)Melissa O.
I absolutely love this place! I think between people I have gone with and myself I have tried almost everything. There has never been anything i didn't love. I remember a friend getting some kind of ravioli and I was thinking it wouldn't be that great, but it was DELISH!....they are BYOB and have yummy mixers that are all natural. The only downfall is that you have to pay for chips. I think they should be complimentary :)
(4)Monica O.
I truly appreciate BYOBs and this is an awesome one. They even provided limes and a bottle opener for our Coronas--glad we were starting off on the right foot :) I had the roast pork burrito and it was very good, not the best I've ever had but solid nonetheless. The pork could've used a little more seasoning and the rest of the burrito's filling needing to be a little more jazzed up (like some onions, peppers, etc.). Nevertheless, you get a huge burrito though for $7...but next time I'd put my $7 towards getting my friend's dish. I hate when I order wrong and like someone else's food better :-/ My friend had the "el playero", which consists of nice big shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, cilantro, and ricotta cheese stuffed raviolis. Mmm, mmm, mmm...instant foodgasm. I will def be back for this! I also loved the decor and the music--made me wanna get up and start salsa dancing :-P The A/C was on so the restaurant was nice and comfortable on a somewhat muggy summer night and they also had the TV on so I could stay abreast of the World Cup soccer game. Last but not least, service was impeccable! The young lady who was our server was so nice and made our dining experience one worth repeating.
(4)A L.
I live a few houses down from this place and have been going there for six years. I have never had a bad experience! The employees are wonderful, the food is mind-blowing. Try the shrimp ceviche, sit outside if you can and bring some tequila so that they can make you margaritas, the Pura Vida is a wonderful appetizer, their quesadillas are mouth water, huge burritos, etc. Their ingredients are super fresh. I'm moving to another neighborhood in a week or so, but will definitely return for this restaurant. Probably my favorite in Philadelphia!
(5)Ritu K.
The lack of decent mexican food joints in philly is more than disappointing, so I was thrilled when a few friends suggested pura vida. What and where I wondered?? Its a bit off the beaten path in nolib, but totally worth it! Btw- its byob so armed with enough beer to satiate us for 2 hours we descended on this hidden gem. For starters we had the shrimp ceviche and guac. Both were absolutely delic and paired perfectly with our beer, which always seems to taste better when its byo.. For dinner I had the chicken enchiladas. You're given the choice of three different meats to choose from and can mix and match to your heart's content. They're accompanied with beans and rice (surprise surprise) and are an amazing deal for something like $14. The enchiladas themselves were in a delic verde sauce. Soo good! My only complaint would be that the dish would have tasted better with shredded chicken, rather than chunks of chicken, but really I would order them again in a heartbeat. Service was excellent! Music a bit loud, but after a few beers the thumping dance beats faded into the background. Yeah!!! Finally a decent mexican joint in nolibs..
(4)Ramon F.
I had a great meal here and thought the ambience was good. They had relaxing latin music playing and the service was good, considering how busy they were. I had the shredded beef platter, which was great! My sister had the enchiladas with flour tortillas and said they were very good. The chips & salsa were good, but very small for the price, so not really worth it to me. I didn't BYO, but I did have the lemonade which was also very tasty. Overall, I had a very good experience and will definitely return. If you go, bring cash, no cards accepted.
(4)Samantha D.
The saddest part about leaving Philadelphia, might be that I wont live around the corner from this restaurant anymore. Pura Vida has become my staple comfort food. I travel a lot and when I get home from the airport/train station, all I want is a veggie burrito from Pura Vida. I keep my order really simple - veg burrito with black beans, medium salsa, no dairy, add guac. I generally get chips and guacamole on the side as well. It is delicious! I've also eaten at the restaurant and gotten more adventurous. They have great appetizers and some really unique entrees. In the summer (and fall/spring) they have outdoor seating. It's byo and they have some fun mixers if you want to byo-t.
(5)Marny B.
Live in No. Libs right around the corner from this place and always forget what a great gem it is! The chicken soup was probably the best of its kind that we have had in a long time. I highly recommend trying it, and I am not really a soup person. Everything else was simple, cooked perfectly and very flavorful. Prices are decent for a good amount of food. Its one of those places that when you leave you say to yourself "We have to stop forgetting about this place because its just a really good meal without any fuss" And you can bring your own tequila and wine for their house made margaritas or sangria since it is BYOB. Only downside is the service. Every time I have gone the service is slow. Its not horrible, but they usually don't have enough wait staff. Happy and cheerful, but slow. Thats the only reason I didn't give 5 stars.
(4)Bekah D.
There's nothing like coming home from work on a Friday night with a craving for Mexican and 10 minutes later walking one block away to be pleasantly surprised by the Latin restaurant on your block! I read other Yelp reviews- I knew not to sit back in the corner because of a loud a/c compressor; I knew people bitched about the $5.00 "small" guac & chips; I knew some people were offended by the $15 charge for Marg mix; I know people thought the decor was "kitchy," but I don't have those complaints. Sure we took the table in the front rather than the other one they offered us back in "that corner," and we didn't get the margs (2 people don't need an entire pitcher!) but the $3.00 Mojito mix was delicious (it's a BYO, fyi!) and we were too starved to say no to chips/salsa/guac, even though it was $5. So what!? It was delicious. The guac was REALLY good! And Kitschy decor? I felt like I was at a street vendor in Guatemala- which I think was the point- so it was PERFECT I got the vegetarian burrito- YUM- it was big and I couldn't finish it all. Husband got the shredded beef tacos & said they were good. I don't know how that's possible seeing as it's dead cow, but whatever- my issue not his :) I HIGHLY recommend this place for a cheap, Latin food!!
(4)K F.
Came here on a Friday evening with two friends. There were plenty of open tables yet we were made to wait for an extenuated amount of time. Finally seated, we ordered our food. It took at least 35 minutes for our appetizer to come out and again, it was not busy. The food was nothing special, the same with the entrees that followed. No liquor license, bad service, will not be returning.
(1)Hayley Sara B.
I'm torn - for everything I like about this restaurant there's something I dislike; hence, I land at 3 stars. I went here for a good friend/fellow yelper's birthday last night. Five of the eight of us arrived on time, but the chef/owner(?) refused to seat us until all of our party was there. I don't really get this one...there was no one else waiting to be seated, and we had made a reservation. After persuading him with promises that the rest of our party would show up, and that we wouldn't order until they got there, he grumblingly obliged. I was then distracted from the chef's grouchiness by the great decor. It's outside deck-comes-inside with Christmas ligths, plants galore, and a thatch roof hanging over one of the tables. My inner flower child was very pleased.* Ah, time to order! The menu was SO reasonably priced . . . aside from the chips and salsa. $5 for some unsalted tortilla chips (NOT bottomless) and barely enough salsa to dunk half of them? How is a burrito the size of my head stuffed with goodies only $7, and this sad excuse for an appetizer $5? Avoid. Not worth it (even though our waitress told us it "totally was."). I was much happier with my entree. $7 for a fresh and clean chicken & veggie quesadilla with oh-so-smooth sour cream for dipping. I was munching away happily when one of our dining companions recieved her side of rice and pinto beans, but had to send it back because there was cheese on it. She had specifically told the waitress she was allergic to cheese, and the waitress just made a mistake and owned up to it. NBD, right? WRONG. Crazy chef/owner came over to our table, asked the girl if she really was, in fact, allergic to cheese, and then stormed back to the open kitchen, where he proceeded to glare at us for 5 minutes until the waitress got back so he could yell at her, too. I swear this man had smoke coming out of his ears. If I came across him in a dark alley, I would run the other away. However, this incident was all but forgotten when we got the check and realized that it came to only $18 per person, INCLUDING tip. My lord, I love BYOs (esp. when they make you mojitos). And thus, my review of Pura Vida comes to end...I am still conflicted. It's a fun place, but beware the chef. * NB: The fact that they were showing Avatar on a flatscreen and playing techno clashed a bit with the chill theme, but neither was glaringly loud.
(3)Scott H.
I waited a long time to try this place. I was not let down. enchilladas were amazing. so much food! Horchata was a little too sweet. service is great. ambiance is really cool. i was surprised this place was not packed when i got there ( a nice surprise though) cant wait to go back and try some more of their dishes
(4)Patti F.
I have been to Pura Vida for lunch a few times and the service has always been great. The food is delicious - no tough mystery meat here! In fact, most of it is slow roasted for 6 hours. YUM. The prices are very reasonable. You can get a loaded burrito for $8 (including guacamole.) Bring cash with you b/c they do not accept credit cards. (My only con for this lovely restaurant.) So head on over with your tequila of choice and chow down. Andele!
(4)Ali J.
My boyfriend and I just discovered this place and it is AMAZING. It's a wonderful alternative to Dos Segundos if you want good Mexican in the same area but don't feel like dealing with bar hopping yuppies. The food is fresh and I highly suggest the Rosa de Jamaica (hibiscus iced tea). Its potent yet sweet flavor is perfect in this hot weather. They have great vegetarian options including vegetarian chorizo. I'm not sure, but its possible they get it from Trader Joe's which in that case it is both vegan and gluten free. They seem to be very knowledgeable about the difference between vegetarian and vegan which is helpful. If they get the idea that you don't eat meat, they usually clarify if you would like dairy products (cheese/sour cream) or not. We brought his brother, gf, and their mom and they loved just as much as we did. His mom order a salad with seasoned, sautéed shrimp on top. I don't eat fish, but it looked amazing and she confirmed it was fresh and delicious. His brother had the vegetable tacos which had a very light and refreshing taste. The prices are reasonably and the ingredients are fresh. I highly suggest giving this place a try. It's BYOB, too, don't forget your brew!
(5)Melissa D.
It's been awhile since I went, but something made me think of this place today... The first time I went, I was on a first date. We brought our own jack and mixed it with some Mexican soda and I remember an amazing burrito special that involved red sauce, sunflower seeds, and avocado. We sat outside and flirted for hours and it was lovely. Even though that relationship failed to flourish, I have found myself back at Pura Vida several times and have had excellent experiences with friends and with food each time. I hope to go back soon.
(4)Alyssa M.
This place is very small and therefore the staff is small and the kitchen works slowly. It's BYOB. You can bring tequila or whatever and they'll mix up margaritas for you. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was good. I just felt like it took forever to get served and was a few dollars too expensive. If you want to dine with more than one person, I'd recommend calling ahead.
(3)Teresa D.
I was surprised by this place. To be honest, I was not expecting much, we ordered chips and guacamole, the chips were good, but the guac was a little bland, and it was a tiny portion. I was expecting a little more for $5. I ordered tacos, one shredded beef, one roast pork and one vegetarian. They were all good, but the seasoning of the vegetables was fantastic. When you order, they ask "hot. medium, or mild?" I asked for one of each on the side. The medium, or verde salsa, was my favorite. It was tangy and cilantro-y, just the way I like it. I will try this place again, it was good.
(3)Jessica S.
Had a great meal with friends. The Guatemalan family that owns and operates this open kitchen BYOB is delightful. inviting atmosphere and very good food. If you just want a small bite or a full entree, the menu provides. Pura Vida is a hidden gem.
(4)Stephanie S.
I ate here last night and was really looking forward to it due to all the excellent reviews. However, I was sorely let down. For $8 I got 3 tacos. I chose shredded beef, chorizo, and fish. They had a bit of lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, and a dollop of guacamole as toppings. It was pretty scarce. The meal came with NO sides. The fish taco was SOOOO terrible. It tasted super fishy and in a very abnormal, inedible way. I took 1 bite and knew there was no way I was eating it. I told the waitress, and she didn't care nor do anything. I would have thought she'd at least offer to get me a replacement taco with a different protein. Instead she said the cook must have put too much salt on the fish....uhhh...duhhh, yeah, no. My friend got fajitas, which was pretty much the same thing except $7 more. The only difference was hers came w rice and beans, but I really don't think that's worth an extra $7. My friend insisted on tasting my yucky taco. Too bad for her. As soon as we got back to my house she puked up everything!! About 45 minutes later I also met with a nasty demise, except in ahem, another type of way. Followed by heartburn. Never ever going back to this one.
(1)Lynda F.
We like it here - the food is consistent, but the service can be hit or miss. Once, I arrived ten minutes earlier than the friend I was meeting. I was told that I needed to wait for my entire party to arrive before being seated. I understand this rule during busy times and with large parties; however, this was an early Wednesday afternoon in a completely empty restaurant. I stood around until my buddy showed up and then we were seated. We remained the only diners throughout our meal and no one came in during the twenty minutes that we chatted outside afterward. That kind of put me off of this place for a while, but we've started going there again. Their chicken ginger soup is great, but I wish that the chips and salsa were complimentary or at least cheaper!
(3)Christina H.
I remember when Pura Vida opened years ago around the corner from our apartment in Nor Libs. It was like heaven. I remember worrying that this place was going to close down because it was in a weird corner and some great places were shutting down in that area because people didn't know about it. Thank heavens they're still there! I haven't found steak tacos and guac that I like more anywhere else in Philly. We always get the usual - chorizo burrito and my steak tacos. If we're starving, we get taquitos. I personally take my tacos in "mild' and hubs takes his "hot.' I've once ordered a burrito in "diablo" for him because it made me giggle but I got in trouble for that one. We've only eaten inside a few times, and usually try to sit outside if weather permits. Now that we're in Mt. Airy, if I'm in the city for anything, I try to swing by and pick up our burrito and tacos to go. After a 20 minute drive, they're still delicious and my corn tacos are not falling apart. Cash only place, and I believe closed on Mondays.
(5)Lindsey G.
Wonderfully pleasant little BYOB. The server was friendly and attentive, the restaurant is nicely decorated, and they played good music. While I really enjoyed the fresh corn tortillas made for my fish taco, the fish itself (tilapia) was a bit bland. Can I get a little seasoning or marinade on that pretty please? I sampled my friends' huge shredded beef burrito and that was MUCH better than my tacos. Still, I ate for less than $10 and I'll definitely return with a bottle of tequila!
(4)Ryan E.
I'm pretty sure this is a Guatemalan restaurant and not Mexican. Whatever though, it still pretty much tastes like Mexican and it's not bad. I wouldn't say anything is over the top amazing but it's certainly a good quick dinner or lunch option. The burritos are probably my standard go to option. Honestly, there's not much else to say because it's kind of a boring place and I don't want to bore you with boring details about how average the food is. All in all, if you are local and need a quick fix, check out Pura Vida. Please don't go out of your way for it though.
(3)Vincent F.
We've been wanting to try this place since I moved in to my new aparment a block away. Finally we gave it a shot and we are really glad we did! The food was really really good, especially considering how reasonable it was priced. One of the best dishes was the namesake appetizer which we devoured in about 2 seconds. I hesitate to give this a good review since that could mean I won't be able to walk in and get a table with no wait (think honeys before it got popular). But I can't help myself. This place was really good.
(4)Amanda E.
Fantastic everything...drinks, food, service. Nicest people working there and really helpful suggestions on what to order.
(4)Jim B.
A great little corner place that you would never find if you didn't already know about it. I went in with a friend one late Saturday afternoon and it was empty, so we got the best seat in the house: a table that doubles as a checkers board, with a small container off to the side filled with checkers. Odd, but pretty cool. I don't remember the name of my entree, but it was shrimp over salad with rice and peppers and onions, and it was damn good. I finished off my meal, as I do whenever it is an option, with a horchata. It was treated properly like a dessert and not like quick drink to go, and it was the best horchata I've ever had. My one gripe is the $5 charge for chips and salsa. Any place that offers tacos on the menu has no right to charge for their chips when so many places offer them for free. Yet I was a sucker and paid the 5 bucks, and they weren't even that good. I've had way better.
(4)C K.
Pretty ok. Do not come here if you don't like to be hot while eating. They have AC, but not one powerful enough to really keep the place really cold. That being said, The guacamole was tasty and fresh. The steak (gaucho platter) was nice, but the sauce was a bit peppery for my taste and the shrimp weren't as fresh as I was expecting after reading the rave reviews of this place. $3 mojitos were definitely a plus and very good (byo so bring your own rum). Yummy, but probably will not be back. Also, cash only establishment so be sure to hit the ATM beforehand.
(3)Warren D.
Small neighborhood Guatemalan-style nook, friendly staff, very reasonable prices, authentic food, in an unassuming decor. Often uncrowded, even empty (much of the business is take-out). The food is consistently delicious. Can't beat the ginger chicken soup!
(4)Samantha T.
Love this place, I have been going on and off for 5 years. Ceviche is as good as always. The AC is a little loud which takes away from how sweet the place is, but the food is good, the price is good, staff is friendly and it's BYOB- what more could you ask for?
(4)Bill C.
This place is great. Great food. Simple atmosphere, menu and service but executed perfectly. Pura Vida kicks Dos Segundo's ass. Great place to bring a bottle of wine and a date or your mom. Delicious and healthy food at very reasonable prices and portions.
(4)Dum L.
Reasonably priced and tasty food, great atmosphere, and byob make for a great time!
(4)Jamie R.
I was biking against traffic on 6th st today and found this place totally by accident. Wow. great food, cute atmosphere and really genuine service. I ordered the Pupusas - My first since San Fran! They came nice and toasty hot with some kind of white creamy cheese on top surrounding a bowl of marinated veggie salad i think the veggies had sage leaves mixed in for an unusual twist. Tangy, creamy, chewy and satisfying. So happy i brought my leftovers home! I also ordered a salad with grilled shrimp, they arrived on a very large bed of shredded lettuce, with some hard cheese. the dressing was a balsamic vinagrette with a punch and all around the edge of the plate was a fresh salsa cruda. tasty. For only two appetizers this was a LOT of food for one person. I was going to skip dessert but then the server told me about a rice pudding made with ginger and coconut. I could not resist. You should not either. The rice pudding was warm and dusted with cinnamon in the middle was a dollop of coconut and ginger ice cream. The texture was superior to any ive had in a restaraunt, Like a warm porrage, creamy, smooth gently spiced , just sweet enough with a touch of spice to intrigue and beguile. I know i will find myself craving this on a cool winter night sometime soon. now im plotting my next visit to N libs
(4)Z J.
fun little byob. great food and service, and shockingly inexpensive. try the chicken ginger soup, its the perfect way to start your meal on a bitterly cold night.
(4)Kim H.
Gross. Prices were too high for what they actually gave you, the waitress was unattentive and totally unwilling to help out or please her customers when we complained about the GROSSEST fish taco I've ever tasted in my life. I'm sorry but I was a waitress for a very long time, and it's pretty much a rule of thumb to always make sure the customer is happy, not just say "oh they must have put too much salt on it!" and then walk away, not even OFFERING anything to rectify the situation. I got the chicken fajitas, which weren't bad but they weren't good. A little dry and very plain, and extremely short of a true fajita. Shortly after my little mexican adventure here, I was puking my brains out. I would definitely NOT go back here.
(1)KC M.
I seriously love this place...the food is amazing and the people are friendly. It's also BYOB which makes it even better. My Boyfriend and I love coming here with a bottle of wine and filling up on the awesome guacamole. I recommend getting the shrimp plato..very delicious!
(5)Rachel D.
I was just here last night! I had the most breath taking enchiladas. I am definitely a fan and will have to come back with friends!
(4)Jim M.
I finally managed to make it over to Pura Vida and I was mostly glad I did. I had a feeling I was going to like it the minute I entered the door, since the delicious smell of latin food hit my nostrils. The service was very good. Like one of the other reviewers said, one waitress covered multiple tables, and very well. They had horchata, which put me in a mood to like the place from the get go, since most of the crappy places won't even know what horchata is. As far as the food goes, I had an argentinian steak and shrimp(there is no s in multiple shrimp folks) dish called Playo Gaucho. The steak was just right and had a seasoning/sauce on it that was really tasty. The shrimp were layered over a colorful salad with a different dressing/sauce. Rounding out the dish were halved small potatoes baked with nice crispy skins and very good flavor. Overall a very nice meal. The decor was eh. A weird mix of Latin and what looked like part of an old Hawaiian bar. Kind of odd. That drop down ceiling needed some new tiles in it too, looked a little old. But overall it was nice. Probably a good place to take a date, as every table but mine had at least one couple if not two. My main gripe was that they didn't offer free chips and salsa. One of my rules of thumb to judge latin/mexican places is the freshness and richness of flavor present in their salsa. But I refuse to pay 5 bucks to find out. A little steep guys.
(3)Leah G.
Pura Vida has lost a star for me . . . sad day . . . the food is still delish, but had a not so great dining experience there last night and will be walk walk walking there in the future.
(4)Veronica L.
Cute little place. I got take-out so I can't really comment on that. The food was good but nothing really amazing. The guacamole was inedible. There was way to much lime or lemon. You would think that they would taste things before serving them... The service was good and the food was ready before the estimated time.
(3)Lori H.
This place is a solid four star, maybe even a little higher. The waitress is wonderful and so is the food. The tamales were a bit too moist - to the point of being mushy. They have a very noisy cooling unit which sits towards the ceiling in the back corner and on the night we were in they didn't really need to have it on - I actually asked to have our table moved, which the fantasic server was incredible about accomodate. Will definitely go back. Oh, and the rice pudding with ice cream is the bomb!
(4)pracheta t.
when we walked in I was like "how good can this place be?" it was tiny and I was def over dressed. but, it was BYOB and they make the BEST mojitos i think I've ever had. the food was SO good!!! the place itself, though small, was relaxed and just really fun. the service was perfect and they have good vegetarian options.
(4)Gary S.
Great spot for what it is. Good, straightforward authentic cheap Mexican and Guatamalan food. Since being introduced to Pura Vida by some friends, gotta stop in regularly for some Latino comfort food. Not fancy. Very friendly service. NoLib location maybe not the most convenient, but doesn't matter if you drive. Its BYO which is great on the wallet. Also, they have VEGGIE chorizo sausage, so for vegetarians there are lots of great menu choices.
(4)Valerie T.
*Droooooooooool* Pura Vida makes enchiladas to die for!! Seriously, on a frigid January afternoon, this place is the perfect remedy for winter blues. The chef/owner fuses guatemalan cuisine like a champ. I inquired about throwing a party there and our server mentioned that they could make a special menu for us!! Woohoo!!
(5)Jake V.
While not one the best places I've ever eaten at, this place is surprisingly great! The sandwich I had was really a cut above the rest and reasonably priced. The menu wasn't too elaborate but offered a good selection in what you can put into each offering. For instance, there is a burrito but there are six different meats you can put into it ranging from steak to fish. That's cool. The service? Even though it was one girl, she could handle the three other parties as well as mine easily and did so with a friendly attitude. Way to go! My only beef, and it's a small one, is the side. If I'm going to get a sandwich, I'd like something to accompany it. Here, I got a tiny little salad that rivals Philly Falafel in how small it is. Beans, rice, anything! But this was a moot point by the time I finished the delicious sandwich. It's funny because one of the best meals I've had in NoLibs doesn't come from the 2nd street strip but instead from an unassuming little restaurant on the corner of Fairmont and 6th. Go figure...
(4)Andrea R.
Cute little BYOB with tasty food. Reasonable prices and nice portion sizes.. Plan on going back for a second try.
(4)bernie v.
Went there last night with a group of 7 friends. First ..the good. The food was excellent. Everyone was very happy with what they ordered and nobody went home hungry. Most of the prices were very reasonable for the portion sizes (i think people on yelp need to remember youre at a restaurant and not taco bell) Now..the bad. As others have stated, 5 dollars for a small plate of chips and salsa is beyond ridiculous (the salsa and guacamole were excellent though). Also, the place is byob so we brought some tequila as we heard they will mix up margarita pitchers for you. We were unaware though that they charge 15 dollars to do that though!! That seems a little high considering that we are providing the most expensive part (the tequila). All in all, we had a very enjoyable time.
(4)scooter l.
Amazingly good food! The atmosphere is the perfect combination of chill-out and fun. The energy in this place is catching and you will also have a good time while being fed healthy food, drinking what you bring, and tipping heavily to offset the crazy cheap meal you will have. Trust me you will be back. Thank me later.
(5)Koko D.
The location is right! Its so easy to park....its byob whatever u want & thats alright with me......there is out door seating when warm & thats what i like while dining.....the staff is super nice......its worth the wait for the food if u come while its super busy because the food is delectable!!!....the cost per entree is reasonable and the portions are perfect.....the atmosphere is tropical & sexy, its a must try out and i hope u become a fan too!!!! Cheers!!!!
(5)jessica g.
Yummy! Just walking by and smelling the wonderful aromas of this restaurant will make you want to go in. Everything I've ever ordered here has been delicious. Beyond typical Mex food, they have entree dishes, like Tilapia, that are great. The inside is adorable, and everyone who works there is very nice. If you live in the area it's definitely worth a try.
(4)Kelly V.
I love this place, I go there all the time. Its a great little BYOB that serves a mix of creative latin dishes. Being a pescatarian I love the abundance of options available, the tamales, pupusitas, quesofritos, and all of the main dishes can be sured vegetarian with no worry of chicken stock added. They also recently added a great vegetarian chorizo. The playero is awesome, its shrimp and ravioli in a rich buttery cilantro garlic sauce. Oh, and its always easy to park and I love being able to sit outside when the weather is nice.
(5)Leo V.
The price/food/ambiance combination is way better than any other latin food place in Philadelphia. Sure there may be more authentic and somewhat better tasting options in South Philly. However the ubiquitous harsh lighting and/or television blaring does not a nice dinner make. We've been going here since it opened, and my favorite options are: In the winter splitting the delicious soup to warm you up. The Illachita(slow cooked shredded beef) tacos or quesadillas are just amazing and pared with another appetizer (chips and guac or ceviche) are usually enough for dinner. The shrimp or fish tacos are also excellent light fare. Finally if you're hungry try one of the big platter entrees. Also the banana & ice cream desert is a really nice way to finish off the meal. All in all, whether you eat in or pick up, I highly recommend this NL gem.
(5)micah s.
this place is fantastic and consistent. I've been frequenting Pura vida for a few years and it always delivers. The shrimp burrrito is delicious and a great deal. Its comfortable and friendly but they dont have high chairs for little ones. That could be a plus or minus depending on your situation. BYOB (bring your own booster)
(4)Jason W.
I was a little disappointed that I could not get any alcohol here. You have to bring your own. The ambiance is pretty chill They have some upbeat music on the radio. Food is good. MY whole meal set me back ten dollars. I bought a lot of stuff too. I had four different types of soda plus a hearty "Cuban" sandwich...chicken ham...etc.
(4)deb b.
On a cold rainy evening, I duck into Pura Vida for some takeaway. It's not the first time I've had their food but the soy chorizo enchiladas? YES. My only complaint is more guacamole on my plate, please. The staff couldn't be lovelier, it's warm and cozy and my god it smells heavenly in there. Get yourself to 6th and Fairmount and enjoy the Guatemalan goodness.
(4)Nancy B.
I love this place. I always feel happy when I am there and happy when I walk out the door. If you are reading reviews just get up and go eat here instead.
(5)Sarina K.
Loved it! I went with a group of people and everyone loved their dishes. I got the vegetarian chorizo enchiladas and would never know they were vegetarian if I wasn't the one that ordered them. Really cute, fun decor also. The only thing that wasn't amazing were the mojitos that we ordered. They were good, just not great, but at $3/person, who can argue with that? Service was also great -- we always give the server a run for their money, peppering them with tons of questions about the menu - our server fielded all of them and pointed us in the right direction for what to order. We'll definitely be back again.
(5)Jen R.
Great tacos, good prices, BYO -- they'll even serve you "fresh" margarita mix if you BYOT (not sure exactly what fresh means, cause I didn't try it, but I'll assume that means "not from a bottle.") Friendly staff and cozy atmosphere. Pura Vida is a great place to have in the 'hood.
(4)Seth A.
We used to goto a mexican joint nearbye called Jose's, now we goto Pura Vida. Charlie is one of the cooks, he split off from Jose's to make some of the best mexican food I've ever had. I highly recommend one of the sandwiches, (pollo al sado I think), its sloppy, but its one of the most delicious sandwiches I've tasted. The location is a little shady, but the restaurant is pretty well decorated and the staff is friendly too. Highly recommended if you only want authentic mexican on your plate.
(5)