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Mi Vida Penn Quarter, Washington, DC

Mi Vida Penn Quarter

4.5
4.5
115 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
“Mi Vida” translates to “My Life.” However, in Mexico, “Mi Vida” means much more. “Mi Vida” is a term of endearment bestowed on close family and friends to signify love, care and importance. When one says, “Mi Vida,” they are telling someone special how much they mean to them. MI VIDA describes how we feel about our team and our guests. It is our expression of Mexican culture and cuisine as interpreted through the lens of Chef Roberto Santibañez. Our menu is rooted in the history and culinary tradition of Mexico while exploring the ever-changing boundaries of this vibrant and evolving cuisine.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 44 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 3:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 516-5470
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+
  • Executive chef
    Angel Araya
  • Catering
    Please contact our Events Team at Events@kneadhd.com, for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact our Events Team at Events@kneadhd.com, for more information.
  • Neighborhood
    Penn Quarter
  • Cross street
    7th & F St NW
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    On the corner of 7th & F streets, directly across the street from Capital One Arena & Gallery Place Metro Station
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 115 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
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • District of Columbia

    Mexican

115 Reviews
  1. JonathanS

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food was really good but service a little slow. I'd eat there again.

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  2. Craig

    Washington DC

    971 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    971 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding! Great food. Great service! Can’t wait to get back there.

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  3. HollyL

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Incredibly slow service made it difficult to be here with kids

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  4. chip

    Washington DC

    40 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food - especially the mole and the skewers (borchetas?)! Our server was wonderful

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  5. rachelt

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic guacamole & fish tacos. Delicious margaritas. Friendly and helpful service.

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  6. Yummy

    Portland

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience3
    Delicious choice for a pretty quick dinner before. Show. The guacamole is spicy-at least to me!

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    Food was well-prepared . Noise level was way too high. Conversation was nearly impossible. Trip to the bathrooms was dangerous – dark and hilly, with a surprise step down.We found it objectionable that while two of our party arrived just ahead of the other two, we were not seated until the other two arrived, even though we assured the staff that the other two, who were moving slowly, were right behind.

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  8. MYSC

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    My friend and I enjoyed the guac -- it's a lot for 2 but we took home the extra -- tacos (fish and carnitas), along with margaritas and palomas. All really good, and the service was attentive but not overbearing. The interior has a fun vibe but would be nicer if it was a tiny bit less noisy. Felt like I was yelling at times. It won't keep me from going back but might cause me to choose non-peak times.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Music was way too loud for a Wednesday night dinner. Couldn’t hear each other talk. Service was average at best. Tables were so close together drinks were spilled by people trying to sit down. Food was average, tasty by not well balanced or seasoned.

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  10. FoodFiend

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Great and authentic MEXICAN food (not TEX MEX) - yum.

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  11. Susan

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    I spoke to a very nice manager about a concern I had when I called the restaurant that our party was running a few minutes late. I was placed on hold by a person and remained on hold and purposefully stayed on the call in the event there would be an issue with the table due to our tardiness. As it turned out, wen I walked in the restaurant, still on hold, the three hosts at the stand seemed to be speaking amongst themselves. It caught me off guard since there was no one waiting for tables. Not sure if they forgot that I (or any other caller) was on hold but it seemed very unprofessional. Fortunately, that experience didn't hinder the delicious food and good service we received at our table.

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  12. luv2eat

    Washington DC

    88 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    88 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    A fun space but extremely loud - nothing to absorb the sound. I’ve been to the other branches and they were much better. Here, the food came out extremely fast, as if it was prepared earlier and reheated, and it tasted like it, especially the fried fish tacos. Overall, not a pleasant experience and will not return.

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  13. HalG

    Washington DC

    57 reviews

    4.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    The food was generally good and much what was expected for this type of restaurant. I had ceviche was good BUT it was poor cut of fish with two unchewable pieces. This should have been monitored by the chef. One major complaint: When we arrived, we notice about 20 or so empty tables outside. We asked to be seated there but told they were all booked. When we left about an hour or so later, there were about 20 or so empty tables. Either they lied or us old folds were not entitled to them. I was not pleased.

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  14. BrendaC

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great staff and food. Such a cute place and very close to National Portrait Gallery, just a quick walk from there. Suggest reservations. A lot of people had to wait 45 minutes for a table.

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  15. LinetteK

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent evening before we headed over to watch Andre Rieu at the arena. Everything was just perfect! It is pricey for sure, but it was, in my opinion, worth every dollar! We hope to be back some day!

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  16. Mary

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Had prix fixed menu at $43-- good deal, tho a bit too much of tacos. Excellent guac!! Great service.

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  17. VJDo

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Food choices are limited and there's no room for modifications. Food was good once we decided, but pricey. Long walk to the restrooms is really dark and floor is uneven.

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  18. MAXL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The salad was flavorful but a bit spicy for my taste. The Coctel de Camarones had the flavor and heat I prefer. The mole was delicious and not bitter. The pork shank was a bit dry on the outside but tender closer to the bone. The creamed spinach was amazing! Homemade tortillas were the best! Looking forward to returning and will recommend to friends.

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  19. TooLoud

    Washington DC

    39 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience1
    The food is very good but the noise level is insane. Unless you are in your own loud group you might want to skip this restaurant.

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  20. Marseilles

    Washington DC

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a great spot near Shakespeare Theatre and Capital One Arena.

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  21. WSK2513

    Baltimore

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    This was one of the best Mexican Meals I have ever had. My friend and I had lunch there and we ordered off the brunch menu. He had Huevos Rancheros and I had the Burrito Tejano. He commented that this was the first time he had ever had a crispy taco in that dish. My dish was wonderful, very spicy and burnt at first, but the sauce was wonderful. I picked this dish because of its name and it was the best Tex-Mex I've had since leaving Houston, TX. Funny thing was that we tried each other's dishes and once I tried those Huevos, my own meal no longer seemed spicy or hot. Oh, well, another excuse to go back. I did not have dessert but did have coffee and their coffee is fine. Our server made some excellent recommendations as well.

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  22. LFL18

    Dallas

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time & it didn’t disappoint! Food was great & server(Victor) was very accommodating and attentive. Would definitely go back!

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  23. John

    Washington DC

    53 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    We asked for a modification to a dish and were told it could be done. Server never brought it to us. We paid $16 for a beef appetizer that included only 2 small skewers of beef. We paid $88 for food and service worth $50. Toy used to be a great restaurant. With all the Mexican style restaurants in the DMV, we'll rethink returning next time.

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  24. Bernie

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved our dinner. However, the noise level was too high to carry on a couples' conversation even though Mi Vida was not crowded.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience overall. The service was great and food choices and taste were magnificent. We recommend and will be visiting again soon.

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  26. Eatwell

    Washington DC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Our waiter was not very hospitable and was borderline snarky. We canceled our chips and salsa because we did not get it before our food. No heads up on how spicy the cocktail sauce was for the Coctel De Camarones and almost strangled myself. No recommendations for drinks or nonalcoholic beverages. After we got our food, the waiter did not come back to check on our meal. And try to reach the bathroom was like going into an endless dungeon with minimal light. A disappointing experience as we went there with out of town guests. The best thing was the water and the water glasses, and we did not have to wait to be seated. Will not be returning to this or the other 2 locations.

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  27. Craig

    Washington DC

    971 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    971 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mi Vida is a fantastic gem in Penn Quarter. So happy to have it up and running. Fantastic food and even better service.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Allison was exceptional, attentive, professional, and friendly! The food was delicious!

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  29. Craig

    Washington DC

    971 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    971 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice decor, great service and excellent food.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great for a lunch meeting, food came quickly, not very noisy and great service.

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  31. Dave

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    Food was okay and overpriced for what you get. The server was excellent. The music too loud. The menu selections were limited. The margarita de casa was mostly ice and very little liquid. We probably won’t return.

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  32. RichardW

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    Was loud... had requested a booth for a birthday celebration a week in advance - received a table... drinks inconsistent (ordered 2 La Medicina's one had a slice of sugared ginger the other didn't... the guacamole bowl was ridiculously small - basically one small mashed avocado for $14.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Waitress was great but the kitchen and bar were slow. Also, we ordered the chips and guacamole (with blue cheese, almonds and grapes). It was $17 for approximately an 8 ounce serving. Previously we ordered the same item at Mi Vida a few years ago and the serving size was 2-3 times the size. It was not enough for 4 people to share.

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  34. Dancemomcooks2

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Very commercialized restaurant with mediocre food.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an outstanding family-style meal at Mi Vida! Spectacular food in a beautiful environment!

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  36. DCrowny

    Chicago

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience4
    Our server was fantastic but the food left something to be desired. The meat in my enchiladas and my wife’s tacos were very dry. The only saving grace for my dish was it was smothered in sauce.

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  37. garrettet

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience4
    I expected the dishes to be much higher quality. They lacked seasoning and freshness.

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  38. PerfectoP

    Fort Lauderdale

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Excellent ribeye dinner and mole was delicious albeit pricey In general food was at the right temperature and texture.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and drinks. Would highly recommend. Everyone in our party thought the food was amazing. Don’t forget a spicy marg.

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  40. LeighM

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistent service and delicious food. Highly recommend.

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FAQs

Mi Vida Penn Quarter offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 516-5470.

Mi Vida Penn Quarter is rated 4.5 stars by 115 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 44 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Mi Vida Penn Quarter

575 7th St NW Washington District of Columbia, 20004 United States, Washington, DC 20004

Additional information

  • Cross street
    7th & F St NW
  • Neighborhood
    Penn Quarter
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 3:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    On the corner of 7th & F streets, directly across the street from Capital One Arena & Gallery Place Metro Station
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+
  • Executive chef
    Angel Araya
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (202) 516-5470
  • Catering
    Please contact our Events Team at Events@kneadhd.com, for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact our Events Team at Events@kneadhd.com, for more information.
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