Viva La Taco

Let’s get right to the point, Viva La Taco does just about everything right. We went there the other day for the first time after keeping our distance for several years. We’d assumed all the hype came with a hefty price tag, and we were wrong. I mean, it wasn’t cheap, but it wasn’t bad either.

I ordered the grilled steak with cilantro and chimichurri sauce tacos. They came as a pair on soft flour tortillas they make by hand in the kitchen. The little skewer holding them together was a nice presentation touch, especially all set on top of reusable, reclaimed wood serving boards. It was truly a lovely little meal.

Now, as expected, let’s get to the REAL reason you’re here for this review, the Men’s room. It all came together the minute I reached the end of the hall. Why was the food so spectacular? This bathroom. Wow!

It starts with the impressively restored wooden entry door, complete with genuine original art, hand made by the head chef herself.

The washing station was something to behold. The tiling work was on point, and I actually asked the hostess about it before we left. Apparently, over a decade ago the building Viva la Taco is in now had been a craft tile production facility started by an artist in the warehouse district here in town. The owner of Viva found an abandoned crate of these tiles when they began the buildout and since the tile company was no more, they just went ahead and used them to make this backsplash. So impressive. I also found the hand-stitched safety signage next to the dryer to be another nice touch. The standard plastic signage is so boring, and Viva has proven to be anything but at every step of the way.

Now,. for the highlight of the experience. A real first class experience awaits directly past the washing station. Another reclaimed vintage door repurposed for those who require a more “seated” experience. But for those of us who choose to remain upright, even more delights await in the details. I immediately noticed the sturdy dividers, and my first thought was “what an impressive choice.” On further inspection, I was even MORE impressed to see they were created from the classic metal toilet stall doors we’re all intimately familiar with. The lock and (almost always broken) coat hanger bolts were still in tact. It was a genuinely giddy at the discovery.

All said and done, this was one review I was genuinely excited to write. In fact, I started drafting it on my phone while I was still in there marveling over the details. I hate to be the guy who can’t find anything wrong, but I can’t. Five stars all the way! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️