Nice looking place and a cool concept, however the food was simply not good. We got the chicken tinga burrito and the chorizo torta and neither had any spice or flavor. Additionally, after a service fee, tax, and reasonable tip (18% for ordering online and no wait staff other than whoever brings the food) it cost $60 dollars for only 2 people. Very disappointed, and would not recommend unless you’re going strictly for the atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
akshay reddy
My experience at Vivir restaurant left me with mixed feelings, as the dishes showcased both potential and room for improvement.Cemita Sandwich - A Unique Concept Falling Short:The Cemita Sandwich at Vivir caught my attention with its unique concept, but unfortunately, it missed the mark in terms of flavor. While the idea was intriguing, the execution didn't quite deliver the taste I was expecting. There was a peculiar spice or herb that seemed to clash, hitting the palate in a way that didn't quite work for me.Avocado Tostada - A Bright Spot:On a positive note, the Avocado Tostada was a standout dish that I thoroughly enjoyed. It had a good balance of flavors, and the freshness of the avocado shone through. This dish showcased the potential that Vivir has to create tasty and well-executed offerings.Enchilada - Lacking in Distinctiveness:The Enchilada, unfortunately, fell short of expectations. It lacked a distinct flavor profile and didn't leave a lasting impression. I found myself wishing for more complexity and uniqueness in taste.Overall Impression:Vivir has the potential to elevate its culinary offerings by introducing new and exciting flavors. While there were some misses, the Avocado Tostada proves that there's promise in the kitchen. With a bit of refinement and creativity, Vivir could transform into a dining destination known for its distinctive and flavorful dishes.In conclusion, Vivir is a restaurant with ups and downs in the flavor department. While not every dish hit the mark, there's hope for improvement and the creation of a more memorable dining experience in the future.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Del O'Loughlin
We had breakfast here and thought it was good, but could have been a little better. My wife really liked her chilaquiles, but thought it could have used some eggs, more chicken (she had to search to find it) and maybe a few chips on the side so there could be more crunch. I had the mushroom cemitas sandwich and really enjoyed it. There was a good heat to the sandwich and it was very filling. I also had the spicy hot chocolate which was very rich and tasty.The service could have been a little better as we saw our order get finished and had to ask the server if we were supposed to pick it up ourselves after five minutes of waiting, and then he brought it to us.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Chilaquiles Verde with Chicken, Cemita
Luke Johnson
Great brunch, good service, nice location. Loved the chorizo torta with eggs and the lavender latte was tasty. It’s self-seating, self-ordering, attached to Centro.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chorizo Torta with Eggs, Chilaquiles Verde with Chicken
Andrew Sean
What a lovely, welcoming space! We came here for Hot Chocolate and a quick bite before heading to the Northrup King Building for Art Attack, and found ourselves embraced by the warmth and connection of Vivir, remaining for longer than expected to talk, sip our cocoa, and enjoy some delicious and generous nachos!I would definitely stop by Vivir and give the Mexican Hot Chocolate a try, maybe grab a snack, and peruse the goods near the entrance. Worth a visit, by yourself or with good friends ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mario Feola
Awesome little spot - makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of Condesa in Mexico City. Try the Birria tacos and the cinnamon honey latte. Also don’t sleep on the attached market for fun stuff
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mitch
Food was fine. The elote was amazing though. Can’t wait to go back just to order it again.The way to order was not easy or user friendly, or at least in my case because I don’t have a US issued debit/credit card. However, the staff understood and helped me out.The place is a vibe, very nice. It can be quite loud though.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jayson S
We got the Centro Crunch, Chicken Verde Enchilada, and chips and queso. First of all, whoever said this was authentic Mexican and flavorful don't know a damn thing about Mexican food and what flavorful is ?. The food here was overpriced on top of a mandatory service fee of 10% not including tip. I was prepared to pay the cost to see if it was worth it though.The chips and queso was $10. The amount you get is an appetizer size. Something you get for free dining at an average Mexican restaurant. The chips are decent, but the queso was horrible. I would describe it like grated cheese not fully melted and blended well...kinda gritty. Most queso I've had elsewhere are typically sliky smooth or thick. The taste was on the bland side. We had to request some shredded cheese as an attempt to salvage it. It didn't really helpThe Centro Crunch consists of ground beef, diced tomatoes, and lettuce. The naming of this is very odd since there's nothing about this item that would make this "crunch". It was simply lightly seared tortilla. The ground beef texture was similar to taco bell meat, but much drier and lacked flavor and seasoning.The Verde Chicken enchiladas consists of shreded chicken with lettuce, verde sauce, and lightly smeared with sour cream. The only taste signature that presented itself in this item was the chicken, and it's not saying much since it simply tasted like shredded chicken with a squeeze lime juice. The taste of sour cream nonexistent, and the verde sauce very mild in flavor.The service was good and atmosphere good. Water is self served from a water jug. I would not recommend this place for Mexican food. Not even a quick casual bite since it's overpriced
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Ephraim Fields
Vivir was our first stop after landing in Minneapolis with empty stomachs. We were welcomed by the most kind and helpful server who suggested delicious menu items for us to try. We had the chicken tinga taco, the birria tacos, the chorizo torta, a margarita and a guavamosa. Not only was the food great, but the atmosphere was also cozy, well decorated and authentic.
This will be short but sweet - go order the breakfast tacos and delight in what you receive. They are amazingly well done and unlike anything I have ever tasted. Spectacular!!!
Risa Y.
Disclaimer: This review is only for one item from this establishment.I only did take away from here and it was for one bakery item...a scone...which was overly sweet and too soft, like a Danish. Scones should be crunchy or at least on the outside and at $4.00 a scone, the price is double that of Starbucks, Panera, or Caribou and it wasn't even worth it...Maybe their savory items or other bakery items are good... but I was really put off by this scone... so therefore, I don't think I'll be returning. Sorry :-(
Justin Symanietz
Overpriced, especially considering the glut of tasty, inexpensive tacos nearby. Prices have really gone up while the quality of food has declined.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian options available.
Noah Lefebvre
The choriza torta, chilaquiles verdes, salsa cruda and guava roll we’re all 10/10. Great food, nice environment, and fast service! We will be back :)
Joan L
I was excited to try the tacos here, as this has the highest rating of tacos in the area, but was hugely disappointed. The beef empanada lacked flavor and was high in fat content (in meat and in wrapper and on my hands). Fat is delicious, yes, and made the wrapper very flaky. But overall, the only memorable thing about the empanada was the fat, not the flavor. Also, there was a blackened ring on the first bite of the empanada. I opened the other side (check the picture) and not sure how the edge of the beef filling could’ve gotten blackened like this.The birria tacos were also disappointing. Meat was braised and had nice dark color but got lost in the cheese and tortilla. The consommé was S-P-I-C-Y and after 2 sips I couldn’t have any more; my nose was on fire like I ate a spoon of wasabi! The duck carnitas tacos didn’t taste like duck (which may be a positive for some) but I love duck and did not enjoy these tacos. They just tasted like fatty meat in a taco shell. Octopus tacos again had a very strong seasoning, hiding the octopus. Spice and toppings on both tacos were very heavy and dominated the dishes.Server wiped our table when we sat down. She brought our food and removed our finished plates. We served ourselves water.When I left, I read more reviews and noticed many positive comments about the atmosphere and the drinks. Yes, this is a fun place to get together and hang out. Fun cards and hot sauces and snacks to peruse. Be aware that the noise level gets high, even with only 2 other tables being occupied. I did not have any beverages so I cannot comment on this aspect.In summary: Would I bring friends to hang out? Maybe. Would I come again for food? No.
Top notch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice looking place and a cool concept, however the food was simply not good. We got the chicken tinga burrito and the chorizo torta and neither had any spice or flavor. Additionally, after a service fee, tax, and reasonable tip (18% for ordering online and no wait staff other than whoever brings the food) it cost $60 dollars for only 2 people. Very disappointed, and would not recommend unless you’re going strictly for the atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
My experience at Vivir restaurant left me with mixed feelings, as the dishes showcased both potential and room for improvement.Cemita Sandwich - A Unique Concept Falling Short:The Cemita Sandwich at Vivir caught my attention with its unique concept, but unfortunately, it missed the mark in terms of flavor. While the idea was intriguing, the execution didn't quite deliver the taste I was expecting. There was a peculiar spice or herb that seemed to clash, hitting the palate in a way that didn't quite work for me.Avocado Tostada - A Bright Spot:On a positive note, the Avocado Tostada was a standout dish that I thoroughly enjoyed. It had a good balance of flavors, and the freshness of the avocado shone through. This dish showcased the potential that Vivir has to create tasty and well-executed offerings.Enchilada - Lacking in Distinctiveness:The Enchilada, unfortunately, fell short of expectations. It lacked a distinct flavor profile and didn't leave a lasting impression. I found myself wishing for more complexity and uniqueness in taste.Overall Impression:Vivir has the potential to elevate its culinary offerings by introducing new and exciting flavors. While there were some misses, the Avocado Tostada proves that there's promise in the kitchen. With a bit of refinement and creativity, Vivir could transform into a dining destination known for its distinctive and flavorful dishes.In conclusion, Vivir is a restaurant with ups and downs in the flavor department. While not every dish hit the mark, there's hope for improvement and the creation of a more memorable dining experience in the future.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
We had breakfast here and thought it was good, but could have been a little better. My wife really liked her chilaquiles, but thought it could have used some eggs, more chicken (she had to search to find it) and maybe a few chips on the side so there could be more crunch. I had the mushroom cemitas sandwich and really enjoyed it. There was a good heat to the sandwich and it was very filling. I also had the spicy hot chocolate which was very rich and tasty.The service could have been a little better as we saw our order get finished and had to ask the server if we were supposed to pick it up ourselves after five minutes of waiting, and then he brought it to us.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Chilaquiles Verde with Chicken, Cemita
Great brunch, good service, nice location. Loved the chorizo torta with eggs and the lavender latte was tasty. It’s self-seating, self-ordering, attached to Centro.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chorizo Torta with Eggs, Chilaquiles Verde with Chicken
What a lovely, welcoming space! We came here for Hot Chocolate and a quick bite before heading to the Northrup King Building for Art Attack, and found ourselves embraced by the warmth and connection of Vivir, remaining for longer than expected to talk, sip our cocoa, and enjoy some delicious and generous nachos!I would definitely stop by Vivir and give the Mexican Hot Chocolate a try, maybe grab a snack, and peruse the goods near the entrance. Worth a visit, by yourself or with good friends ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome little spot - makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of Condesa in Mexico City. Try the Birria tacos and the cinnamon honey latte. Also don’t sleep on the attached market for fun stuff
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was fine. The elote was amazing though. Can’t wait to go back just to order it again.The way to order was not easy or user friendly, or at least in my case because I don’t have a US issued debit/credit card. However, the staff understood and helped me out.The place is a vibe, very nice. It can be quite loud though.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We got the Centro Crunch, Chicken Verde Enchilada, and chips and queso. First of all, whoever said this was authentic Mexican and flavorful don't know a damn thing about Mexican food and what flavorful is ?. The food here was overpriced on top of a mandatory service fee of 10% not including tip. I was prepared to pay the cost to see if it was worth it though.The chips and queso was $10. The amount you get is an appetizer size. Something you get for free dining at an average Mexican restaurant. The chips are decent, but the queso was horrible. I would describe it like grated cheese not fully melted and blended well...kinda gritty. Most queso I've had elsewhere are typically sliky smooth or thick. The taste was on the bland side. We had to request some shredded cheese as an attempt to salvage it. It didn't really helpThe Centro Crunch consists of ground beef, diced tomatoes, and lettuce. The naming of this is very odd since there's nothing about this item that would make this "crunch". It was simply lightly seared tortilla. The ground beef texture was similar to taco bell meat, but much drier and lacked flavor and seasoning.The Verde Chicken enchiladas consists of shreded chicken with lettuce, verde sauce, and lightly smeared with sour cream. The only taste signature that presented itself in this item was the chicken, and it's not saying much since it simply tasted like shredded chicken with a squeeze lime juice. The taste of sour cream nonexistent, and the verde sauce very mild in flavor.The service was good and atmosphere good. Water is self served from a water jug. I would not recommend this place for Mexican food. Not even a quick casual bite since it's overpriced
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Vivir was our first stop after landing in Minneapolis with empty stomachs. We were welcomed by the most kind and helpful server who suggested delicious menu items for us to try. We had the chicken tinga taco, the birria tacos, the chorizo torta, a margarita and a guavamosa. Not only was the food great, but the atmosphere was also cozy, well decorated and authentic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Torta
Restaurantji Recommends
This will be short but sweet - go order the breakfast tacos and delight in what you receive. They are amazingly well done and unlike anything I have ever tasted. Spectacular!!!
Disclaimer: This review is only for one item from this establishment.I only did take away from here and it was for one bakery item...a scone...which was overly sweet and too soft, like a Danish. Scones should be crunchy or at least on the outside and at $4.00 a scone, the price is double that of Starbucks, Panera, or Caribou and it wasn't even worth it...Maybe their savory items or other bakery items are good... but I was really put off by this scone... so therefore, I don't think I'll be returning. Sorry :-(
Overpriced, especially considering the glut of tasty, inexpensive tacos nearby. Prices have really gone up while the quality of food has declined.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian options available.
The choriza torta, chilaquiles verdes, salsa cruda and guava roll we’re all 10/10. Great food, nice environment, and fast service! We will be back :)
I was excited to try the tacos here, as this has the highest rating of tacos in the area, but was hugely disappointed. The beef empanada lacked flavor and was high in fat content (in meat and in wrapper and on my hands). Fat is delicious, yes, and made the wrapper very flaky. But overall, the only memorable thing about the empanada was the fat, not the flavor. Also, there was a blackened ring on the first bite of the empanada. I opened the other side (check the picture) and not sure how the edge of the beef filling could’ve gotten blackened like this.The birria tacos were also disappointing. Meat was braised and had nice dark color but got lost in the cheese and tortilla. The consommé was S-P-I-C-Y and after 2 sips I couldn’t have any more; my nose was on fire like I ate a spoon of wasabi! The duck carnitas tacos didn’t taste like duck (which may be a positive for some) but I love duck and did not enjoy these tacos. They just tasted like fatty meat in a taco shell. Octopus tacos again had a very strong seasoning, hiding the octopus. Spice and toppings on both tacos were very heavy and dominated the dishes.Server wiped our table when we sat down. She brought our food and removed our finished plates. We served ourselves water.When I left, I read more reviews and noticed many positive comments about the atmosphere and the drinks. Yes, this is a fun place to get together and hang out. Fun cards and hot sauces and snacks to peruse. Be aware that the noise level gets high, even with only 2 other tables being occupied. I did not have any beverages so I cannot comment on this aspect.In summary: Would I bring friends to hang out? Maybe. Would I come again for food? No.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4