La Vida Catrina

This is our favorite Mexican food in town!!! They have the the best margaritas scratch made mixes with great flavor combinations and I used to be a bartender so I am picky. Their food is sooo good, keep trying something new and am never disappointed. Every time we have gone we get the same 2 ladies working there and they are great!

I have driven by this restaurant so many times and never stopped in because honestly I thought it was a tattoo shop. It was some of the most elevated and wonderful Mexican food I have ever had. The chips and salsa were good, the salsa was fresh and full of tomatoes, and the beans, were thick and black, and tasted like pork. The short rib enchilada is on the spicy side and absolutely fantastic. They are covered in some kind of super spicy, but sweet sauce. I had never tasted anything like it before. The chicken flautas were also delicious and beautiful to look at. They take a lot of pride in presenting their food, and it shows… even the plates were lovely. Everything was fresh. The price point was spot on for what you get. The watermelon margarita was possibly the best margarita I’ve ever had in my life, I would definitely recommend this place and plan to bring friends and family here.

This place is very good. They have Modelo negra, which I really appreciate. It’s my favorite. Their halibut tacos were VERY delicious. We even got dessert— which was very impressive to look at. I think the churros were made and refrigerated beforehand which is my only complaint. It would have been better if they were fresh and not cold. Also there’s a parking lot in the back. I will be back and I want to try a margarita next time.

Really excellent food! Complimentary chips , salsa, and a delicious bean dip were brought to our table quickly after we sat down. The chips were fresh and not overly salty or greasy. We ordered some guacamole to start, it was freshly prepared and everyone enjoyed! Our entrees were wonderful. Fresh, perfectly seasoned, thoughtful presentations. The margaritas looked great although we didn’t order one this time, a good reason to return on our next visit to Salem. Service was very fast and friendly. Great spot for delicious Mexican food! They should really bottle their green sauce and salsa. Good stuff!

Some of the best food in Salem and super nice staff. They make everything fresh so it's a little bit of a wait but soooo worth it! Pictured is the halibut tacos with black beans and elote. So incredibly delicious! My daughter and I split the ceviche and it was amazing! I forgot to take a picture. It's high quality food so it's more expensive than your average place but again soooo worth it. We weren't drinking that night but we have had their margaritas in the past and the are also delicious! 10/10

First time eating here. My wife and I really enjoyed it. Was reasonably priced. The food was delicious. Would go back again and tell others about our experience. Very nice staff.

Delicious food & great drinks. Portions are fairly big and filling. Highly recommend the mixteca margarita

UPDATE 9/26/23: Took the significant other's mom here on a weekday afternoon to try. Had our normal staples - Short Rib Enchiladas, Rib Eye Tacos and she got a Burrito alongside several of our favorite margaritas.

Still slaps. Still the best Mexican restaurant in the area, and highly recommend.

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UPDATE 7/22/23 - still just an absolutely amazing experience. Tried brand new dishes available on their new menu which includes Seafood Trio, Pollo Serrano and two margaritas and was not disappointed. Added new photos of the food!

This is the defacto Mexican restaurant in the greater Salem area, period. The front of their building is the truth: this IS the Kitchen of Mexico and we recommend La Vida Catrina to everyone we can. Go here if you haven't!

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Previous review:

Always a great experience here. We've been here a half dozen times during the pandemic and every time the food is always fresh, hot and easily some of the best food Salem has to offer. Short Rib Enchiladas were the sleeper hit, highly recommend as a first time visiting dish. Ribeye Steak Tacos are a staple and consistently great.

If you haven't tried this, go try it! Make sure to try a Margarita too! 🔥🔥🔥

Well this is my first time at this place and I loved it. The service first of all was spot on. We were greeted and seated right away by a nice lady with a smiling face. The chips came with beans and fresh salsa. They were delicious. The food came out fresh and hot. We got our appetizer spaced perfectly before our main meal. It took longer than expected for our main meal but they checked in with us letting us know so we didn't get irritated. My chicken fajita salad was amazing! The chicken breast covered the top and was full of flavor and juicy. It was the best one I have ever had. My boyfriend got steak tacos and they were just as delicious. The steak was tender and full of flavor with just plain rice with corn and black beans. I would highly recommend everyone to try this place!! I will definitely be going back to try everything else on the menu..

Our server was very friendly and the food was delicious! Everything cooked to perfection. We will be back.

Great music and atmosphere. Isabel is super nice and proud to offer an authentic experience with authentic Mexican food. The food was beautiful, delicious and large portioned. The price is a little bit elevated but definitely worth it. The guacamole portion is delicious and huge. Great selection of tequila and fun margaritas; the strawberry jalapeno was great. Up stairs had a cute view and they have a patio for warmer weather. Highly recommended!!!!

Our first time to La Vida Catrina. The drinks AMAZING, chips, beans and salsa all homemade and delicious, the guacamole is my new favorite of any Mexican restaurant in town. I’m a vegan and the spinach enchilada's (minus the cheese and sour cream) was perfect. The other meat dishes my family LOVED. 🔥😋🥰

Our favorite Mexican food in Oregon. And we’ve tried A LOT. Like a lot a lot. An unhealthy amount of tacos from various establishments have been consumed. La Vida Catrina’s golden ticket is flavor. There is so much complexity, care, and attentiveness to the flavors in every component on your dish. From their sauces to their veggies to their salsas, *chefs kiss*! I’ve never had detention in my life but if I had to select my death row meal, it would include their mango pickled peppers and onions (the best thing I have honestly ever put in my mouth ((wink)) which you can find on top of their chicken flautas), habanero salsa, their house table salsa, and any of their marinated meats. The shredded beef, pastor, and short rib are all excellent choices. All of their sauces are flavorful, rich, and authentic. The manager/owner is a saint and a delight as well. As if we needed an additional reason to regularly visit, she is wonderful, welcoming and remembered us after just one visit. We’ve been so excited to see this place busier and busier over the years. The Salem area is definitely catching on to how special this family restaurant is. I promise you, the food is so worth it, even when it is busy and you have to wait a bit. Amazing food takes care and time. Be patient. You will thank me after.

Delicious food, unique dishes, lots of unique margaritas. The side of guacamole was the most beautiful and generous I have ever seen and with sprinkles with cojita cheese. I'd show a picture of it but it was so delicious looking we dove right into it before I could even take a picture LOL
The entire dinner was super yummy!

Hands down the best Mexican food I’ve had.!
Salems best as far as I’m concerned- I’d give it 6 stars if I could , it was THAT good!
Generous portions,authentic flavors and perfectly cooked.I had the elote corn (buttery, cheesy, tangy and freshly cooked) with a tamale( light, flavorful masa and stuffed full of succulent beef) a crispy beef taco( fresh diced tomatoes and lettuce, crisp edged beef, superb sauce and lots of quest Fresca) and a stuffed poblano pepper ( filled with melting cheese and chunks of beef)
The dishes are not region specific but bring the best of Mexican food flavors to your plate in some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating… and trust me … I’ve eaten at Michelin restaurants and across the world. You will not be disappointed by the food at LaVida Catarina!

My husband took me to La Vida Catrina for a date last night and oh my goodness it was SO GOOD! 10/10 recommend! I don’t know what kind of God rewarded lame ol Salem with such fantastic authentic Mexican cooks but hot damn did we get lucky! Everything I ate was heaven in my mouth, I had a Strawberry Jalepeno margarita(pictured), Guac(pictured), Elotes 🤤 and their amazing chips and salsa for appetizers and then for my main dish I had the short rib enchiladas(pictured), I was so full by the time they brought out our entrees but it was so damn good I couldn’t stop eating. My husband had the Chile Verde and ate everything but the plate haha. This place is fantastic and a must try!! Perfect place for a dinner date! 😋

My daughter and I have been here twice. I’ve lived all over the world and been to Mexico several times and this is the BEST Mexican food I have ever had. The steak fajitas have the best flavor and are soooo tender! The chips come out hot and crispy. The shrimp ceviche is top notch and the margaritas are delicious and unique! I tried the Cadilla today and it was the best. Isabel has been our waitress both times and she is very attentive and kind. Could not recommend this restaurant enough!!! I would give it a billion stars if I could.

The drinks are the best! The food is very good also. Authentic Mexican food with its own very unique flavor.

Went for a birthday celebration, first time eating here. Food is next level delicious and beautifully presented. Delicious margaritas and great friendly service!

If I could give more stars I would. This place is amazing. Great service, food (large portions) and cocktails. There are quite a few Mexican restaurants in town, La Vida takes it to another level. Short rib enchiladas were amazing. Will be back!