“I've been meaning to check this place out as it's right down the street from our house. I didn't have high expectations but I was pleasantly surprised! We tried a few cocktails, a couple of the specials and 2 apps off their regular menu. Generous portions, fresh ingredients, layered flavors... honestly so impressed. And friendly service. We will be back!“
“Always fantastic! I work at the high school around the corner from here. Exceptional food! I eat here at least once a week. Usually get a breakfast sandwich. Let me tell you, they make the best bacon, egg, and cheese I've ever had. Toasted perfectly, bacon cooked perfectly, and hot. They are very friendly and fun to talk to. Let me say to the locals that this nicely fills the void between Nico's and the market on Whalley.“
“I have been an avid fan of Vivas for thr last 30yrs. I started going there in college, and I fell in love w the food, the owners, and the ambience. Kathy and Bruce sold the place, and I hadn't gone to check it out until this passed week... still amazing! The new owner commands the helm and demands perfection; he is ready to please. My wife had a fantastic monitor, fresh and delicious ?. We shared churros and I took some empanadas home; both were spot on. The crowd was fun, the place filled... soccer adorned the screens, and pleasant music filled our ears. Nothing has changed with the decor,, and that's a good thing; if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Vivas is a must do if you are in New Haven, CT and looking for a cool place to eat and socialize. 5 stars ?“
“Exceptional! Seriously, the owners and the staff wonderful and very kind. The food was surprisingly good, and I would have to say the best fried dough in an empanada I ever had. I tried the sugar emapanada and it was wonderful! All the food is home made, it is absolutely delicious! The best emapanada anywhere! And the prices are unbelievable, usually I pay $5 per empanada, but here it's only $3, wow, Plus their combos are amazing, and amazingly priced. 5 stars. Well deserved.“
“Came here for some drinks which were excellent! Happened to be happy hour so that was also a bonus. Ambiance of the whole place is super chill and cozy and not too loud for how busy it was which was great, didn't have to tell for the person sitting next to me to hear me. Didn't order any food but I watched a bunch of food come out and it looked amazing so I will definitely be back!“
“Great vibe and environment. Off street parking, indoors or out doirs eatting. They host special occasion parties they were catering an event when we got there . The set up was beautiful. Posting video n planners info. I highly recomend fit Date night, just sit eat and drink, fir relaxation. Great place to have a party. The food is delicious. There is a bar you can also eat at the bar. I recommend try everything on the menue its all great eatting . What ever you choose you wont go wrong.“
“The atmosphere is intimate, the empanada's are so amazing, with a very creative variety!! It is clear that this is a labor of love, and your palette will benefit in a big way. I also, happen to catch a couple of event nights there that were really enjoyable. One, displayed a artists paintings, and the other was an open mic night, anyone was welcome. That was most enjoyable.. Put this on your "must" list!!“
“Good spot if your in the mood for latin cuisine. Service always good. Can be tough to find parking close by, but that's New Haven. Highly recommend the Pina crema along with the chipotle if you like the sweet and spicy combo. Also the pickeled onions is a MUST!“
“This place now is my favorite Spanish food spot in East Haven. I know me some tacos and they got the whole situation correct. 4 was too many. THE SAUCES my goodness.... I felt refreshed and clean after eating 4 chicken tacos and my chocolate milkshake (highly recommended) I also get the spinach empanadas which are phenomenal.You will be greeted by lovely ladies that make you feel welcomed. Your food is ready quickly (I will only come here for my lunch bc they don't make you wait after you call in, plus the sweetness and respect from the employees go a long way for me)They deserve recognition and I wish I had something close to this in my town.Thank you ladies :):“
“Always a great place for an easy satisfying meal. The chicken and pork are especially delicious paired with rice and beans! Save room for their wonderful pastries especially the guava filled, as they are delectable and freshly made! Food is prepared in advance and dished out at counter by gloved staff behind glass dividers. Eat inside or outside or take away. Also a great place to practice your Spanish.“
“This is my first time trying Columbian food and I am hooked!!!!! The AL Pastor Columbian style Arepas is by far one of the most delicious things I have had in a long time. The cornbread base was sweet without being cloying and mixed with the pork and pineapple, OH MY GOD! My dish came with a side of some of the most flavorful rice I have ever had and it was topped with some sweet plantains. The serving is more than generous. I'm a big girl and I am easily getting 2 meals out of my order. The prices are very reasonable! Do yourself a favor and find this hidden gem while you are in town. You will not be disappointed!“
“I’ve been going to this place since I was a kid in 1987 whenever they operated only on the left side of the building and it was a to go spot. I knew the owner JJ & wife. The new owners seem to have kept the authenticity going that keeps me coming back. Service is just as friendly. And I’ll patron as I did today. As I did 37 years ago as 11 year old kid with an appetite for a variety of good cuisine that has inspired me to cook and create my own dishes.“
“I love preparing breakfast for my family from here. It is very convenient. They have a delicious variety of food from a traditional Hispanic breakfast to simple bread or sandwiches with a variety of lunches like rice and beans with any type of meat like chicken, pork, steak and seafood. But what I love about this place is their delicious variety of soups. It's worth a try. Special for this winter weather. The recommendation will be “green banana ball soup.” “Encebollado de Pescado” “noodle soup with potatoes and cheese” and the delicious chicken soupEnjoy it!“
“Overall we had a good experience, Food was very good, some very unique, wife loved the flight os salsas! Two things that need some work to get 5 stars, one is staffing, on the Wednesday we visited only two waitresses were working the floor, including the bar and hosting. I've never waited so long to be seated when there was no line and tables were ready! Once seated waitresses was awesome but she was clearly overworked that night. Also we were surprised on how small menu was, not a fan of overly large menus but this did not provide lots of options. Also first choice of beers we ordered off menu were out. So cooks great, waitresses great, management, not so great.“