First time going here on 3/17 I had a ballll, also met gabby and she’s so humble, SO nice love the vibe will def be back!
Service: 5
Valeria Pena
I pay for my entrance and your staff gave me a purple bracelet I was on the floor and your security was coming around and I didn’t appreciate him grabbing my hand and putting a line on my hand without my consent or giving me a reason to why he did it. I showed him my ID to prove him that I was over 21 and he still went and grabbed my hand I talked to your ViP manager but I just didn’t appreciate your staff/security grabbing me for no reason.
Service: 1
Blanca Chvz Rodriguez
Way too expensive the drinks and also have the audacity to charge tips themselves I paid almost 42 for an x-rayed with pineapple juice drink. Because she thought it was ok to add her own tip without even asking and it was at the bar
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Clarisa
I am submitting this review to formally raise serious concerns regarding an employee named Jonissa and the impact her conduct has had on customer trust and the reputation of this establishment. There appears to be an ongoing pattern of unprofessional behavior, boundary issues, and involvement in matters far outside the scope of her role. As a result of this, multiple people have been affected and unnecessary problems have been created, leaving guests uncomfortable and hesitant to return. Personally, this experience has made me avoid this venue altogether, and I would not recommend it to others as long as this behavior continues unchecked. A club relies heavily on discretion, professionalism, and a clean reputation, and employing someone who consistently brings drama and conflict reflects poorly on management and the business as a whole. Allowing this pattern to continue sends the message that these standards are not being enforced. I strongly urge leadership to address this situation seriously, as retaining an employee who repeatedly creates issues undermines customer confidence and damages the brand. photos related to purchases were taken in a way that made me uncomfortable and raised concerns about guest privacy.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Basma Al-lami
They are pretty cool shout out the promoters
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
Gerardo
Got charged extra upon entry.. wish I could’ve said no and walked to another establishment but I was very limited in my ability to do that. 1 star
umang mishra
Decent latin club. Not much to say. Expensive drinks people not very friendly but I cant blame the club for that
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Alvaro Vega guevara
Amazing place whit the great music
Julie Catalan
It has good vibes. Good music and good drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Selena Valdez
I will never return to Mala Vida after what I witnessed here. The security staff is the main problem…they are essentially corrupt, on power trips, and do the exact opposite of keeping guests safe. I have personally seen them accept cash to let underage people into the club and 21+ sections. This is not only illegal but shameful to watch happen so openly. I understand wanting to have fun, but it’s very clear what is going on here, and it is absolutely not right + extremely unsafe.
It makes this even more heartbreaking because I used to support this club wholeheartedly. I felt genuinely proud to support Gabriela, a Latina woman like me, building something special in Austin nightlife. Mala Vida was one of my favorite spots, and I was happy to see her succeed and grow her clubs. I don’t know if she is fully aware of what is happening inside this one, but the current situation is ridiculous, disheartening, and shameful. Who knows what else might be happening in her other clubs if this is allowed here?
It’s impossible to believe management is unaware. With the wristband system, it’s obvious when people under 21 are in restricted sections, yet this continues. The problem is systemic, centered on the security staff, and it’s being allowed to happen.
Additionally, the new security guards are aggressive and intimidating, particularly toward women. Instead of creating safety, they make guests feel uncomfortable and threatened.
Mala Vida once had a reputation for being fun, welcoming, and worth coming back to. Now it has become unsafe, reckless, and shamefully run. Until serious changes are made, I would strongly warn anyone against going here.
I'm over 21 and the bouncers working today told me I have to be born in 1999 or before to go in. I asked why because im over 21 and they said they dont accept anyone born 2000 or later. They let all of my friends in who were born in 1999 or earlier, but wouldn't let me in. Then when my friends stopped to see what was going on, the bouncers got super aggressive and said none of us could go in. Super unprofessional! Don't recommend.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Joshua Garcia
I should’ve paid attention to the other reviews before coming to this place. I flew in from Jersey and decided to go out with my siblings. My younger sister who is under 21 was allowed in (they mark your hands and give you a different wristband to differentiate you from the older crowd) anyways I got myself a drink and had my sister hold the cup(she doesn’t even drink) so I could retrieve something and security sweeps in and essentially manhandles my sister by taking away the drink and damn near digging his nails into her wrist. I asked what’s the problem and he said she can’t be drinking and to stop acting dumb. Mind you my sister is 5’3 120 lbs the security guard who’s a grown ass man and well over 6 foot had a power trip and was completely unprofessional. Do not recommend to anyone who’s visiting Austin. Never In my life have I had these encounters in NJ/NYC
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Francisco Arce
Fun night. Great crowd. No mean mugging. Everyone in the club just seemed happy to be out n about.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
kimmy caldera
Very nasty club/bar , every single staff member there is rude, security guards sprained my ankle and never been back since.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Juan Cid
PLEASE DO NOT GO HERE — Worst Bottle Service Experience in Austin
We’ve been doing bottle service at clubs in Austin and Houston for over 8 years, and Mala Vida was by far the worst experience we’ve ever had.
Our group of 14 flew in from out of state, as we do twice a year, and we had reserved two sections a week in advance. We were told buying two bottles would be enough to secure our sections, and we arrived early, before 11 PM, just like they asked. Then, about an hour into our night, management told us we had to either buy an additional upcharged bottle per section or give up one — something that was never mentioned at booking.
They claimed another group was coming in to buy four bottles, but we watched that group show up and buy just one. It was obvious we were bumped so they could try to squeeze more money out of someone else. When we asked for a discount on a third bottle just to keep the experience going, they said no.
From there, it only got worse. We were crammed into one section, and the service was terrible. Bottles took over 30 minutes, ice was never refilled even after multiple requests, and basic things like cups took forever. The manager was rude, dishonest, and clearly didn’t care how we were treated — no matter how much we spent or how far we traveled.
This place is disorganized, greedy, and unsanitary. It’s all hype and zero hospitality. They completely ruined what should have been a great night.
SAVE YOUR MONEY AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. We definitely will.
First time going here on 3/17 I had a ballll, also met gabby and she’s so humble, SO nice love the vibe will def be back!
Service: 5
I pay for my entrance and your staff gave me a purple bracelet I was on the floor and your security was coming around and I didn’t appreciate him grabbing my hand and putting a line on my hand without my consent or giving me a reason to why he did it. I showed him my ID to prove him that I was over 21 and he still went and grabbed my hand I talked to your ViP manager but I just didn’t appreciate your staff/security grabbing me for no reason.
Service: 1
Way too expensive the drinks and also have the audacity to charge tips themselves I paid almost 42 for an x-rayed with pineapple juice drink. Because she thought it was ok to add her own tip without even asking and it was at the bar
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
I am submitting this review to formally raise serious concerns regarding an employee named Jonissa and the impact her conduct has had on customer trust and the reputation of this establishment. There appears to be an ongoing pattern of unprofessional behavior, boundary issues, and involvement in matters far outside the scope of her role. As a result of this, multiple people have been affected and unnecessary problems have been created, leaving guests uncomfortable and hesitant to return. Personally, this experience has made me avoid this venue altogether, and I would not recommend it to others as long as this behavior continues unchecked. A club relies heavily on discretion, professionalism, and a clean reputation, and employing someone who consistently brings drama and conflict reflects poorly on management and the business as a whole. Allowing this pattern to continue sends the message that these standards are not being enforced. I strongly urge leadership to address this situation seriously, as retaining an employee who repeatedly creates issues undermines customer confidence and damages the brand.
photos related to purchases were taken in a way that made me uncomfortable and raised concerns about guest privacy.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
They are pretty cool shout out the promoters
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
Got charged extra upon entry.. wish I could’ve said no and walked to another establishment but I was very limited in my ability to do that. 1 star
Decent latin club. Not much to say. Expensive drinks people not very friendly but I cant blame the club for that
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Amazing place whit the great music
It has good vibes. Good music and good drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
I will never return to Mala Vida after what I witnessed here. The security staff is the main problem…they are essentially corrupt, on power trips, and do the exact opposite of keeping guests safe. I have personally seen them accept cash to let underage people into the club and 21+ sections. This is not only illegal but shameful to watch happen so openly. I understand wanting to have fun, but it’s very clear what is going on here, and it is absolutely not right + extremely unsafe.
It makes this even more heartbreaking because I used to support this club wholeheartedly. I felt genuinely proud to support Gabriela, a Latina woman like me, building something special in Austin nightlife. Mala Vida was one of my favorite spots, and I was happy to see her succeed and grow her clubs. I don’t know if she is fully aware of what is happening inside this one, but the current situation is ridiculous, disheartening, and shameful. Who knows what else might be happening in her other clubs if this is allowed here?
It’s impossible to believe management is unaware. With the wristband system, it’s obvious when people under 21 are in restricted sections, yet this continues. The problem is systemic, centered on the security staff, and it’s being allowed to happen.
Additionally, the new security guards are aggressive and intimidating, particularly toward women. Instead of creating safety, they make guests feel uncomfortable and threatened.
Mala Vida once had a reputation for being fun, welcoming, and worth coming back to. Now it has become unsafe, reckless, and shamefully run. Until serious changes are made, I would strongly warn anyone against going here.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
I'm over 21 and the bouncers working today told me I have to be born in 1999 or before to go in. I asked why because im over 21 and they said they dont accept anyone born 2000 or later. They let all of my friends in who were born in 1999 or earlier, but wouldn't let me in. Then when my friends stopped to see what was going on, the bouncers got super aggressive and said none of us could go in. Super unprofessional! Don't recommend.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I should’ve paid attention to the other reviews before coming to this place. I flew in from Jersey and decided to go out with my siblings. My younger sister who is under 21 was allowed in (they mark your hands and give you a different wristband to differentiate you from the older crowd) anyways I got myself a drink and had my sister hold the cup(she doesn’t even drink) so I could retrieve something and security sweeps in and essentially manhandles my sister by taking away the drink and damn near digging his nails into her wrist. I asked what’s the problem and he said she can’t be drinking and to stop acting dumb. Mind you my sister is 5’3 120 lbs the security guard who’s a grown ass man and well over 6 foot had a power trip and was completely unprofessional. Do not recommend to anyone who’s visiting Austin. Never In my life have I had these encounters in NJ/NYC
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Fun night. Great crowd. No mean mugging. Everyone in the club just seemed happy to be out n about.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Very nasty club/bar , every single staff member there is rude, security guards sprained my ankle and never been back since.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
PLEASE DO NOT GO HERE — Worst Bottle Service Experience in Austin
We’ve been doing bottle service at clubs in Austin and Houston for over 8 years, and Mala Vida was by far the worst experience we’ve ever had.
Our group of 14 flew in from out of state, as we do twice a year, and we had reserved two sections a week in advance. We were told buying two bottles would be enough to secure our sections, and we arrived early, before 11 PM, just like they asked. Then, about an hour into our night, management told us we had to either buy an additional upcharged bottle per section or give up one — something that was never mentioned at booking.
They claimed another group was coming in to buy four bottles, but we watched that group show up and buy just one. It was obvious we were bumped so they could try to squeeze more money out of someone else. When we asked for a discount on a third bottle just to keep the experience going, they said no.
From there, it only got worse. We were crammed into one section, and the service was terrible. Bottles took over 30 minutes, ice was never refilled even after multiple requests, and basic things like cups took forever. The manager was rude, dishonest, and clearly didn’t care how we were treated — no matter how much we spent or how far we traveled.
This place is disorganized, greedy, and unsanitary. It’s all hype and zero hospitality. They completely ruined what should have been a great night.
SAVE YOUR MONEY AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. We definitely will.
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