Mi Vida Penn Quarter

Mi Vida Penn Quarter reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. D

   Daniel

   San Francisco4 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on April 16, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   Way overpriced for the quality of the food. I asked for some salsa for my tacos and the manager told me I’d have to buy chips to get the salsa.
   

   Mi Vida Penn QuarterResponded on April 17, 2025

   Dear Daniel,   Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Our apologies if you did not 100% enjoy your experience, as we pride ourselves on providing the best service, cuisine, and atmosphere for our guests and always welcome constructive criticism so that we may continue to provide the best hospitality available. Details about what you may or may not have enjoyed are so informative that we can continue to provide the proper service and dining experience. Please feel free to contact me directly if and when you would like reservations at any of our KNEAD Hospitality + Design restaurants, and I will ensure your happiness! Best wishes, Joe-Jo Jennings Guest Relations Manager Knead Hospitality+ Design
   

   Is this helpful?

2. S

   Scott VIP

   Washington DC47 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 15, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   We have season tickets to the Shakespeare theater and regularly come before performances and other events at Capitol one arena. The food is great and the service is usually good. This time one of our friends (fellow season ticket holders and regular Capitol One attendees) meal was given to another customer and he had to wait a good while. I requested a comp meal which the manager agrees. As commented before, the background music is too loud with a grating beat. As also commented before, the walkway to the restrooms needs more lighting. Its way to dim including the little ramp. Its hard for older people. We shall be hack.
   

   Is this helpful?

3. s

   susan

   Washington DC25 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 13, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Very good food, generous portions. Service was excellent. Could t be more convenient to the Shakespeare Theater
   

   Is this helpful?

4. M

   Marianne

   Baltimore26 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 12, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had to make it a quick dinner but fast didn't mean mediocre. EVERYTHING was delicious- guacamole and chips, Casa margaritas, pescado tacos, and carne tacos. Our server was terrific!
   

   Is this helpful?

5. S

   Susan

   Unspecified1 review

   4.0

   Dined on April 11, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We ordered two Palomas (grapefruit soda, lime, and tequila) which were freshing and not overly sweet. For starters we ordered the Naranjas Enchiladas (chile rubbed oranges) which were excellent - the oranges ripe and juicy and the chile rub not too spicy, and Guacamole which was fresh and a generous serving. The accompanying tortilla chips were crisp and fresh. Though it's not a main, I ordered the Zarape de Pato (Slow-Braised Duck, Layered Corn Tortillas, Spicy Roasted Habanero Cream). It came out smothered in a bright orange habanero cream which was very spicy (beware), but then it's easy to scrape some off the tortilla it covered to reduce the heat level. The duck below both was delicious and tender. My companion got the Camarones (Crispy Popcorn Shrimp, Habanero Slaw, Chipotle Mayo, Pico De Gallo) tacos and said they were pretty good but a little too salty. We ended the evening sharing Churos - which though tasty, were a bit dense and soggy but tasty.I'm guessing the oil wasn't hot enough. The dipping sauces were underwhelming. Overall a very nice dinner before a show. Service was EXCELLENT! The decor was beautiful, and the noise level was loud, but we were seated by a window and were able to hear each other without having to raise our voices too much.
   

   Is this helpful?

6. G

   Grant

   Washington DC34 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on April 8, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Very very noisy. For this native of the Southwest, the food was just OK. It wouldn’t last 12 months in Albuquerque. Probably won’t return. Service fast - though server forgot coffee we ordered - but it was clear they didn’t want us to linger.
   

   Is this helpful?

7. L

   Linda VIP

   Washington DC4 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 5, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   We all (3of us) enjoyed our meals, the food was flavorful and nicely presented. However, it was difficult to get the wait staff's attention to get the check or get carry-out containers. The dining room is very attractive but the music and ambient noise was so loud it was difficult to have a conversation. If I sound like an old curmudgeon, maybe I am, but the environment at Mi Vida detracted from the good food.
   

   Is this helpful?

8. R

   Ronda VIP

   Washington DC53 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on March 30, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   We love Mi Vida but the service was a little “off” this trip. Brought chips but took 15 minutes to get salsa. Food was fabulous as usual but things were slow today.
   

   Is this helpful?

9. M

   Marissa

   Washington DC12 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on March 30, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   This was the second time I’ve dined at this restaurant. It was worse than the first time. The service was super sub par. And the food was a massive disappointment. Took forever to get and took my brother and I all of 5 minutes to eat it. He got Enchiladas Mole and I got the Burrito. We dined at brunch time. His enchiladas were way better than my burrito. My burrito was legit all egg and the size of an enchilada\taquito. Guacamole was fine. It was a tad salty, but the best thing i ate. I think this is my sign to not dine here again. Sorry.
   

   Is this helpful?

10. J

    Joel VIP

    Washington DC4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on March 30, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4

    They ran lot of salsa in the middle of a Sunday afternoon. Not great for a Mexican restaurant. The service was slow — pleasant but slow.
    

    Is this helpful?