In 2011, when Bajio Mexican Grill revamped its 16 units and metamorphosed into Costa Vida, little did I know the impact it would have on my food-exploring excursions. Turning into one of the fastest-growing franchises in North America, Costa Vida persistently upheld the authenticity of the Baja experience, attributing its growth to it. The 'do it right' approach toward food didn't fail to impress.
As a food lover and a gluten-free diet follower, Costa Vida was pure bliss for me. Their diverse offerings like Baja-style burritos, tacos, healthy salads, and most importantly, gluten-free delights made my culinary experience unforgettable.
Where can I find Costa Vida?
They currently boast 12 locations on the West Coast, including a few spots in Canada and Alberta. My friend Fred in Alberta can't stop raving about their food! He jokingly claims it to be the best Mexican in Canada. Their rapid growth and expansion don't limit the locations; new partners are always on the cards. With such tenacity for growth, opening branches in other countries wouldn't be a surprise.
How does Costa Vida stand out?
Costa Vida takes the tough route when it comes to food styling. Each day, they whip up fresh meals from scratch using top-notch ingredients. The absence of freezers, preservatives, and microwaves underlines their commitment to a healthy lifestyle, which struck a chord with me.
Having tasted their signature dishes, I was left lively and content. Being a crusader for freshly prepared meals, I thoroughly appreciated their stand against factory-made tortillas. Their pork, seasoned perfectly and slowly cooked, carries the essence of Costa Vida and had me hooked on the first bite.
The fresh green chilies I caught sight of during my visit, straight from the abundant farms of Hatch, New Mexico, corroborated their claims of diverse menu offerings.
Fun fact - the surfboard-themed interior and flat-screen televisions streaming surfing videos caught my eye and brought back memories from my summer trip to Venice Beach. A truly whimsical touch!
Does Costa Vida drill a hole in the wallet?
My bank account would say otherwise. Costa Vida offers affordable family pack options, making it an alluring spot for family gatherings. It's competitive pricing, especially for Mexican foods, makes it stand toe to toe with other casual eateries. Pardon my pun! Not to forget, kids chow down for free every Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm!
What's cooking at Costa Vida?
Their corporate chef, Geoff Alter, oversees their extensive menu. What stole my heart was the Chipotle Chicken, their signature dish. Do challenge your taste buds with the Cilantro-Lime Rice, a harmonious blend of tomatillo-Cilantro sauce, veggie broth, and fresh lime juice!
Vegetarians, Costa Vida has got you covered with their beautifully simmered magic beans. Watch out for the green bell peppers, garlic, and a secret spice! The list goes on: Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, salads... Just name it, and they will serve it!
After a hearty meal, do indulge in their desserts. I couldn't resist the lime pie made from house-made custard, whole milk whip cream, and freshly-squeezed lime juice. Snacky drinkers, try their signature blend drinks! I loved the traditional Mexican rice milk with hints of cinnamon and rice named Horchata.
Kids, are you ready to feast?
Surprise your kids with a quesadilla, taco, or enchilada at Costa Vida. Each meal comes with a tortilla, sweet cinnamon, beans, rice, and a small drink. The "Beans Plus," their special healthy choice of beans, is a hit with every kid I've seen there. They even have a unique taco topped with fresh lettuce and their healthy beans. Can't get better, right?
Craving Costa Vida? Here's how you can satisfy it
Their to-go catering options and the drive-through service got me hooked. I just had to enter the zip code on their website, select my cravings, put them in the cart and voila! It also helped me track my order. Plus, they come handy when you are planning a Costa fiesta. Let Costa Vida handle the food while you groove to the Fiesta music.
Does Costa Vida care about my eating hours?
Absolutely! They are open on weekdays, weekends, and even most federal holidays. Their timing flexibility beats many competitors. So whether it's an early lunch or a late dinner, Costa Vida is always an option on my list.
Does Costa Vida offer delivery?
Yes, they do. As an Uber Eats user, I've enjoyed trouble-free delivery from Costa Vida. You just need to enter your address on the Uber Eats app. For first timers, Doordash offers free delivery. Fitting for those day-when you just want to curl up on your couch and binge on Mexican fun-with-foods.
My Experience at Costa Vida
Pros
- Extensive menu with fresh ingredients.
- Vegetarian and Kid-friendly options.
- Affordable pricing.
- Excellent customer service.
- Appealing Baja-themed ambience.
- Flexible operation hours.
- Delivery service available.
Cons
- Can be crowded during peak hours.
- Tastes may vary across locations.
- Delivery fee based on location.