Prior to Covid I would patronize the restaurant. The waiter that did the back room towards the stage was always rude as if we were disturbing him for ordering. If I joined a group he hated separate checks and I would be forced to pay in one check with the group. Good thing I carry $40 with me n various denominations. I had to switch stations, this waiter was much more accommodating. I hope the other was dismissed. My rating is for the rude waiter, the food gets a 3.5
David P.
First off, I haven't been to Vivas in a couple of years or so. The 5 stars comes from the great memories from hanging out there. The food was good enough, the servers were never in a hurry but neither was I. It was my Cheers, cowboy style. I could come off the trail in boots with my jingle Bob spurs in a cowboy hat with trail dirt all over me and I would be treated like royalty and look for my favorite bartender. They knew my drink and always called me by name. Coming from Circle K barn, I had several riding buddies that would all hang out there day and night. I could always find good friends at our favorite saloon. All of us loved the place. But sadly it all died with a couple of things. New ownership made some good changes but it wasn't what we were used to. But it mainly died when we lost one of my closest buddies in Gerry. I tear up just thinking of him. We all went there for him. He made all of us feel right at home, serving our favorite drink (without even asking). Gerry was also into horses so all of us had a lot to share and gab about. Gerry turned many of us on to Pioneertown. I ended up building a horse ranch up there with one thing in mind, to share the ranch with all my horse friends with Gerry making us all our favorite drinks. When we lost him, my visions of great times passed too, so I sold the place. I could go on and on with stories of all the good times we had with him. I live right down the street from Vivas and drive by it everyday, and everyday I think of Gerry. I truly miss him as well as my other pals that I hung with, and when I'm stuck at the light at Main & Riverside, I'm going to look over at Vivas and shed more tears for Gerry. RIP my Scottish friend, you'll always be loved and thought of.
Bob Fox
The music, the friendly atmosphere, the drinks and now ... the food too. Music is varied and there are two rooms. From big band to country, jazz combos to Johnny Angel. Grab a stool at the bar for friendly conversation, or sit at family style long tables, or a tete a tete at one of the tables for two. The new owner has revitalized the decor and the kitchen without losing that neighborhood feel. We miss Jerry, the Scottish bartender who held sway for many years, but the new guys are personable and pour a great margarita.
Krystal Smith
Fun place with good food and drinks. The jazz band at a Mexican restaurant was a fun twist
Quincy Farrell
Great atmosphere and very amiable service. The menu was fresh and yummy. Will easily recommend this place to my friends. Convenient rates and big portions. Keep up the great work.
Anne V.
Overpriced Food & drinks but the music is good most nights. Not a place for real Mexican cuisine though. Review your bill for overcharges. Some of the servers are older who are quite seasoned in attitude. Ok for hanging out for a drink, chips & music.
Jon D.
I love it here! Great staff, delicious food & awesome margaritas! Live Jazz music on Wednesday nights are my favorite. Go blowing across the street after your meal. It's always a good time at Viva Rancho Cantina!
Gilbert Balderrama
We had lots of fun enjoying the weekly live jam on Sunday "3pm-6pm" hosted by Pete Anderson. Pete is the original lead guitarist for Dwight Yoakam "Guitars and Cadillacs." There is no cover charge and the food is good. A great place to hear some live music.
V V
This cantina is a throwback to yesteryear, located right next to the entrance of an equestrian center. The service, food, drinks and entertainment were great. I stepped in around 6 pm on a Wednesday night to meet a friend who lives nearby. I was treated to a 5-piece jazz ensamble when I first arrived, followed by a 20-oiece swing band that was outrageously good. The swing band performed at the back of the restaurant... I had the feeling of stepping into a warm, nostalgic era. An unexpectedly great evening! I will be back. Prices were very reasonable.
Gina Estrada
Food was great! There's a big selection for margarita flavors, which make the drink tasty. The vibe is very cozy, especially when there's a band singing.
I enjoy listening to Debra Lee but I don't like the front room on Sunday nights. Too crowded and there is no room to dance. The food is declining in taste and quality.
J Wetton
Big band Music on Wednesday is great food is also. See you often
Randy J
Food was extremely underwhelming on the Wednesday I was there. Chips and salsa was only thing worthy. Maybe their main chef was sick or day off? The live music was a treat and I enjoyed my 1st time at the place but they need overhaul the food ingredients and quality standards. My low rating is for bland, less than par Mexican food that other reviews have mentioned. A decent cook with a reasonable freshness savy can completely turn everything around. If done, they could announce a new improved menu and likely increase food sales and maybe get repeat food customers other than thier regulars. I hope they overhaul and I'll gladly return. Its a great spot with live music with tons of tasty food potential. Ill stick to drinks and chips if I return. Cheers.
Lynn L.
We've ridden our horses in Griffith Park for at least 30 years on a Tuesday in January and then had lunch at Vivas after. Where else can you ho on a great ride, tie up your horse, and be able to watch them while eating in a comfortible dining room? We were so sad to find out that they are now open later on Tuesdays. We contacted the owner and she opened early just for us. The food and service was great!
Prior to Covid I would patronize the restaurant. The waiter that did the back room towards the stage was always rude as if we were disturbing him for ordering. If I joined a group he hated separate checks and I would be forced to pay in one check with the group. Good thing I carry $40 with me n various denominations. I had to switch stations, this waiter was much more accommodating. I hope the other was dismissed. My rating is for the rude waiter, the food gets a 3.5
First off, I haven't been to Vivas in a couple of years or so. The 5 stars comes from the great memories from hanging out there. The food was good enough, the servers were never in a hurry but neither was I. It was my Cheers, cowboy style. I could come off the trail in boots with my jingle Bob spurs in a cowboy hat with trail dirt all over me and I would be treated like royalty and look for my favorite bartender. They knew my drink and always called me by name. Coming from Circle K barn, I had several riding buddies that would all hang out there day and night. I could always find good friends at our favorite saloon. All of us loved the place. But sadly it all died with a couple of things. New ownership made some good changes but it wasn't what we were used to. But it mainly died when we lost one of my closest buddies in Gerry. I tear up just thinking of him. We all went there for him. He made all of us feel right at home, serving our favorite drink (without even asking). Gerry was also into horses so all of us had a lot to share and gab about. Gerry turned many of us on to Pioneertown. I ended up building a horse ranch up there with one thing in mind, to share the ranch with all my horse friends with Gerry making us all our favorite drinks. When we lost him, my visions of great times passed too, so I sold the place. I could go on and on with stories of all the good times we had with him. I live right down the street from Vivas and drive by it everyday, and everyday I think of Gerry. I truly miss him as well as my other pals that I hung with, and when I'm stuck at the light at Main & Riverside, I'm going to look over at Vivas and shed more tears for Gerry. RIP my Scottish friend, you'll always be loved and thought of.
The music, the friendly atmosphere, the drinks and now ... the food too. Music is varied and there are two rooms. From big band to country, jazz combos to Johnny Angel. Grab a stool at the bar for friendly conversation, or sit at family style long tables, or a tete a tete at one of the tables for two. The new owner has revitalized the decor and the kitchen without losing that neighborhood feel. We miss Jerry, the Scottish bartender who held sway for many years, but the new guys are personable and pour a great margarita.
Fun place with good food and drinks. The jazz band at a Mexican restaurant was a fun twist
Great atmosphere and very amiable service. The menu was fresh and yummy. Will easily recommend this place to my friends. Convenient rates and big portions. Keep up the great work.
Overpriced Food & drinks but the music is good most nights. Not a place for real Mexican cuisine though. Review your bill for overcharges. Some of the servers are older who are quite seasoned in attitude. Ok for hanging out for a drink, chips & music.
I love it here! Great staff, delicious food & awesome margaritas! Live Jazz music on Wednesday nights are my favorite. Go blowing across the street after your meal. It's always a good time at Viva Rancho Cantina!
We had lots of fun enjoying the weekly live jam on Sunday "3pm-6pm" hosted by Pete Anderson. Pete is the original lead guitarist for Dwight Yoakam "Guitars and Cadillacs." There is no cover charge and the food is good. A great place to hear some live music.
This cantina is a throwback to yesteryear, located right next to the entrance of an equestrian center. The service, food, drinks and entertainment were great. I stepped in around 6 pm on a Wednesday night to meet a friend who lives nearby. I was treated to a 5-piece jazz ensamble when I first arrived, followed by a 20-oiece swing band that was outrageously good. The swing band performed at the back of the restaurant... I had the feeling of stepping into a warm, nostalgic era. An unexpectedly great evening! I will be back. Prices were very reasonable.
Food was great! There's a big selection for margarita flavors, which make the drink tasty. The vibe is very cozy, especially when there's a band singing.
Restaurantji Recommends
Good food and really Nice staff!
I enjoy listening to Debra Lee but I don't like the front room on Sunday nights. Too crowded and there is no room to dance. The food is declining in taste and quality.
Big band Music on Wednesday is great food is also. See you often
Food was extremely underwhelming on the Wednesday I was there. Chips and salsa was only thing worthy. Maybe their main chef was sick or day off? The live music was a treat and I enjoyed my 1st time at the place but they need overhaul the food ingredients and quality standards. My low rating is for bland, less than par Mexican food that other reviews have mentioned. A decent cook with a reasonable freshness savy can completely turn everything around. If done, they could announce a new improved menu and likely increase food sales and maybe get repeat food customers other than thier regulars. I hope they overhaul and I'll gladly return. Its a great spot with live music with tons of tasty food potential. Ill stick to drinks and chips if I return. Cheers.
We've ridden our horses in Griffith Park for at least 30 years on a Tuesday in January and then had lunch at Vivas after. Where else can you ho on a great ride, tie up your horse, and be able to watch them while eating in a comfortible dining room? We were so sad to find out that they are now open later on Tuesdays. We contacted the owner and she opened early just for us. The food and service was great!