Mi Vida Penn Quarter

Name: Mi Vida Penn Quarter
Address: 575 7th St NW Washington District of Columbia, 20004 United States, Washington, DC, United States, 20004
Telephone: (202) 516-5470
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

115 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

“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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

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
Website
https://www.mividamexico.com/
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.

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

Featured in

LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Washington D.C.

Popular dishes

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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

District of Columbia
Mexican

115 Reviews

JS
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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C
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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HL
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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c
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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r
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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Y
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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OT
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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MY
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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OT
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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FF
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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S
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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l
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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HG
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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BC
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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LK
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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M
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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VJ
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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MA
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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TL
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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M
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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WS
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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LF
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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J
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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B
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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OT
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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E
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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C
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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OT
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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C
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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OT
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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D
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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RW
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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OT
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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D
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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OT
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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DC
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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g
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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PP
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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OT
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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LM
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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 44 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Website
https://www.mividamexico.com/
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.

Featured in

LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Washington D.C.

Mi Vida Penn Quarter

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Washington D.C.

Popular dishes

Chips y Salsa

Birria

Quesabirria

Menu

What 115 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Mi Vida Penn Quarter offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Mi Vida Penn Quarter restaurant rated?

Is Mi Vida Penn Quarter currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Washington D.C.