Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to Main Content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. SOMA
Buena Vida Cantina, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Buena Vida Cantina

4.5
4.5
94 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary Mexican
Buena Vida Cantina is inspired by our travels to northern mexico and our love for
Mexican comfort food & street cuisine. Featuring unique dishes from Chef Erik Hopfinger and fresh Agave based
cocktails.

Buena Vida is for San Francisco and SOMA where community is ingrained in our
heartbeat. The Good Life.

Join us in The Garden, our outdoor dinning space, and enjoy everything we have to offer. Great food, laughs, good times and The Good Life.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary Mexican, Cocktail Bar, Comfort Food

  • Hours of operation

    Tue–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (415) 287-6561

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Owned/operated by

    Asian and Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Latinx or Hispanic, Women

  • Executive chef

    Erik Hopfinger

  • Catering

    For catering, outdoor parklet buyouts or large party requests please email our events director, Krystal Forrester, Krystal@blockpartysf.com.

  • Private party facilities

    For catering, outdoor parklet buyouts or large party requests please email our events director, Krystal Forrester, Krystal@blockpartysf.com.

  • Neighborhood

    SOMA

  • Cross street

    Between 4th & 5th Street

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Buena Vida: Flight and Flautas

    $47.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy a curated selection of incomparable Sotolaros Sotol paired perfectly with our delicious Chipotle Chicken Flautas. Experience the full range of smoky perfection.
  • Drag Brunch Prix Fixe + VIP seating

    $55.00 per person

    Apr 16, 2023 only
    Join Margo!, Coco Buttah & Bonita Rose at Buena Vida Cantina's DRAG BRUNCH! 3 Course Brunch Prix Fixe (Optional) prepared by Executive Culinary Director (and Top Chef Cheftestant) Erik Hopfinger! Drink Specials All Morning! Reservations Required. The only menu being offered this morning is the Prix Fixe menu, which accommodates most dietary restrictions.

Popular dishes

What 94 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

Filters

  1. dineSF

    San Francisco

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and drinks, give it a try!
  2. Hipster

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    Poor service. Ran out of Guacamole. It’s a Mexican restaurant. Waitress Ariane was not really interested in serving the customers. Never checked again for drinks, dessert or anything else. Instead we were told that the Bar and kitchen were closed. Really disappointed.
  3. Jaume

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Made a reservation 2 weeks in advanced, got an email two days before asking me if I was still attending (to which I replied yes) and when I arrived with my guests I was told that they had my reservation, but refused to seat us. There were several people waiting with the same problem and I noticed a few open tables towards the back. When I asked about one of the open tables they said they were reserved for a party of 4 that was arriving in 10 minutes. I had originally reserved upstairs seating, but they told me it was booked for a private event. My guess is the other guests that were waiting there had also reserved for upstairs but were never notified that it was no longer available. There was a convention in town so finding another place to eat around was next to impossible. Food didn’t look so good either.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The food was delicious we loved the ambiance the service was amazing but we were bummed they didn’t have fish for our tacos and they didn’t have Rum for our mojitos and the chocolate for the churros was cold instead of being warm they should have Mexican Caramel for the churros so I gave this place 4 stars instead of 5
  5. Tyler

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious and great location but the music was a bit too loud. Service was great. A waiter even complimented my fragrance I had on and felt nice to be asked what it was.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    We were seated 15 minutes after our reservation, but it took
  7. TriciaG

    Columbus

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Had a great business team dinner! When we arrived, the restaurant had been overbooked. The manager opened up a dining room they were in the midst of renovating and seated our party. We really appreciated it as we were in town for a conf and all nearby restaurants were booked/in a wait. The salsas were fantastic, and the guac the best I've had in a while. We all enjoyed the birria and al pastor selections (taco, quesadilla) were really good also. Enjoyed several types of margaritas too!
  8. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    DELICIOUS and the Drinks were great. Highly recommend.
  9. sparethemail

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Went for a casual Valentine's day dinner. Pre-fixe menu with very large portion sizes (we only ordered one set of food rather than 2 per person!), the food itself was fine but the fact that 2 of us were able to eat for just one pre-fixe set made it great value.
  10. MichaelR

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Service was exceptional. Attentive and very friendly
  11. JaniceP

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Good food and excellent service. The value was just right.
  12. RyanK

    Charleston

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant, great happy hour, friendly staff.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and priced right. We were seated on time and requested the bar. While COVID has definitely had a labor hit on every restaurant, I found that Alex who manages and works the bar was very good and she kept things right on time from dinner to drinks. Love this place
  14. kemeva

    San Francisco

    103 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    103 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Really good margaritas, chips and guacamole. Tacos were good too! Nice, easy, authentic Mexican food spot in the neighborhood.
  15. NancyH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fresh and delicious - guacamole was really flavorful. The service was wonderful!
  16. ShelleyF

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, good food, very quiet -- a lovely place for lunch. Went with five colleagues. Everyone was happy.
  17. SeanL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a wonderful experience. The service was attentive and the food was a great value for the $$!
  18. DKL75

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    A very good lunch in a rather odd location. Friendly service, very reasonal prices.
  19. TiaS

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The atmosphere was charming and the waitstaff was super helpful with our food allergies. It was a wonderful experience!
  20. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was meeting a group of friends after a few months and we had a lovely experience at this restaurant. Margs were great and all the food was delicious.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Creative, authentic, fresh and very tasty food! Friendly service. A bit noisy inside (loud music), but we sat outside.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My coworkers and I went to dinner here, we are in town for a conference ana we had the best time! Great Mexican food! Great drinks! Would revolved for work dinners - the ambiance was very nice.
  23. HollyG

    Detroit

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was wonderful. We all had the El Jefe tacos, and the esquites appetizer, which were phenomenal. The drinks were creative and generous. The chips and guacamole were fresh and very good.
  24. AlSo

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had an excellent time. We come here regularly and are always impressed by the food and service. Friend waitstaff and half priced margaritas on Tuesdays make this an every week spot.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Chose this restaurant for my step-daughter’s 16th birthday with 6 of her friends. The service was prompt and the girls loved the food, especially the quesabirria tacos. The staff was fun and friendly and provided 2 tres leches cakes for her birthday candle.
  26. JessieB

    San Francisco

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This time, I went for dinner with my husband. Awesome cocktails, great steak and lobster taco, plantains, Yucatan rice and El Jefe taco for my hubby. He was sold on my recc!
  27. LarryK

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Slow service, only ordinary food and drink, at pretty high prices. Bad combo. Disappointing overall. One and done, sadly.
  28. JessieB

    San Francisco

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great for groups Reasonable, delicious options. Attentive service.
  29. TiffanyA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Excellent food! Service was slow, despite it being a relatively quiet night in the restaurant. It seemed there were only two servers for the entire place. Really enjoyed our experience overall.
  30. KimB

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful restaurant and very attentive staff. Great place for a work event.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cool spot with great margaritas and great tacos! Service was attentive and efficient. Would return and would recommend.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, drinks, and service. Good for groups!
  33. Nate

    Palm Springs

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved this place… sit at the bar if you can. Alex was sooo amazing, making amazing drinks and providing the best service. Can’t wait to go back!
  34. LisaO

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic service, great food & drinks. My guests commented that their skinny margaritas are the best that they've tasted so far. It was a perfect ratio and balance of the ingredients. Witch water was extremely beautiful, tasty, and strong; hence the name. Awesome & fresh salsa trio, fish taco, lobster & steak taco, Al Pastor, Campichano, Quesabirria were all at the elevated level. The ambiance of the restaurant is easy going and classy. You can have a businesss meeting here, bring a date, or bring friends to dine indoor or outdoor.
  35. Monique

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a pleasant experience from the moment we arrived. Everyone was welcoming, professional and nice. The service was great, didn’t feel rushed, attentive and accommodating. The food was delicious. The menu had a good assortment. We will return. Thank you
  36. EZEZ

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall4food4service2ambience2
    services are not that great, napkins are dirty. Food are ok.
  37. Antony

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I came for the margaritas, and stayed for the friendly staff, who provided stupendous service.
  38. Oakland1998

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food was very good. We had several tacos and a flautas appetizer and chips and 3 salsas. I had the house margarita and my friend had a nice Malbec. I would recommend this restaurant. I will be back.
  39. AliciaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great gem of a Mexican restaurant! Everything we had was delicious. And we had almost everything on the menu, there were 12 of us. Chips and salsa and quacamole were some of the best ever.
  40. MarkA

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    First time we came for dinner. We had been before for brunch. Dinner was excellent. The food came out hot and quickly. We each had a different taco, plus the guacamole with homemade chips and portions of flautas and shishito peppers to share. All were delicious and more than the 3 of us could finish. The frozen margaritas were also tasty. Service was friendly and efficient. Compared to our brunch experience, we thought the ambiance a bit dark. Overall, excellent place to go for outstanding Mexican cuisine with hearty portions, great service and excellent value.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Diner temperature check required
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Buena Vida Cantina using the Order Online button. Buena Vida Cantina also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 287-6561.

Buena Vida Cantina is rated 4.5 stars by 94 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
Google Map for Buena Vida Cantina

860 Folsom St, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Between 4th & 5th Street

  • Neighborhood

    SOMA

  • Hours of operation

    Tue–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary Mexican, Cocktail Bar, Comfort Food

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    Asian and Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Latinx or Hispanic, Women

  • Executive chef

    Erik Hopfinger

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (415) 287-6561

  • Catering

    For catering, outdoor parklet buyouts or large party requests please email our events director, Krystal Forrester, Krystal@blockpartysf.com.

  • Private party facilities

    For catering, outdoor parklet buyouts or large party requests please email our events director, Krystal Forrester, Krystal@blockpartysf.com.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo