Viva Taquería is easy to miss. Located on a discreet corner next to a little market, Viva doesn’t look like much from the outside. And let me warn you, you will come here for the food and not the ambiance. But, Viva’s cuisine will make you forget about the fluorescent lights and questionable décor.

Photo by Sarina Jwo

Photo by Sarina Jwo

Viva Taquería is a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant offering an extensive menu with all the classics – think all kinds of loaded tacos, nachos, and burritos with any kind of meat you can imagine (carnitas, shrimp, chicken mole…)

But the menu also boasts some more out-of-the-box items like the piping hot fajitas plate with a mountain of veggies and meat, and coctel de camarón, a light and refreshing Mexican version of a shrimp cocktail with lime, avocado, and corn.

Mexican

Photo by Sarina Jwo

My go-to is the super burrito. It comes with all the toppings (guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and lettuce) and you can choose from a variety of meats (carnitas, shrimp, or chicken mole) The pork al pastor is especially delicious.

The tacos, with the option to make it a ‘super taco,’ are what Viva is known for. A homemade tortilla is piled high with meat, onions, cilantro, and salsas. They’re tricky to eat so be prepared to use a napkin or six.

Mexican

Photo by Sarina Jwo

Viva is also super affordable. My massive shrimp burrito was less than $7 – beat that Chipotle. Bonus: every order comes with chips and little containers that you can fill with your choice of salsas from the salsa bar.

Viva Taquería may well become your go-to spot for authentic Mexican. Not too far from campus, it’s perfect for a casual and quick dinner. So, head to Viva for tasty tacos, great guacamole, and scrumptious salsas.

Mexican

Photo by Sarina Jwo