From the blog · Viva Mexico Cantina & Grill
Fast casual Mexican in downtown Providence, without the compromise
Searching for “fast casual near me” in Providence? “Fast casual” usually means choosing between speed and flavor. We don’t think you should have to. Here’s how we run the quick side of our kitchen at 129 Washington Street — and how to get a real lunch (or dinner to go) on a tight schedule.
What fast casual means to us
Same family recipes, same wood fire, same salsas made in house — just paced for people who have somewhere to be. Order at the bar or a table, food lands fast, and nothing sits under a heat lamp. It’s the quickest way to eat like you’re in Puebla while staying on a downtown schedule.
The 30-minute lunch, near the Convention Center
We’re directly across from the Rhode Island Convention Center and a short walk from the offices around Kennedy Plaza. Tell your server you’re on a lunch break and we’ll pace accordingly — tacos, burritos, and tortas come out quickly. Browse the breakfast & lunch menu before you come and you can be in and out in half an hour.
Order ahead, grab & go
Even faster: order takeout online or call 401-369-7974, and we’ll have it boxed and sealed at the bar when you walk in. Street taco packs, birria, and fajitas all travel well — your desk lunch or hotel-room dinner stays hot.
Or stay: the full-bar version of fast casual
Fast doesn’t have to mean leaving. Slide onto a bar stool before a show at PPAC or a game at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, and you can have a fresh-squeezed margarita, a plate of tacos, and be out the door in forty minutes. The drinks list and dinner menu are worth the sit-down.
Fast casual for a crowd
Feeding an office or an event on a schedule? Our catering taco bars and family platters are the fast-casual answer for groups — ordered ahead, delivered or ready for pickup, no buffet line stress.
What Providence diners say
Don’t take our word for it — here’s what real downtown diners have said about eating with us.
“Had reservations here before a show at the former Dunkin Donuts Center. We were the first ones there at 5:30 but by the time we left it was filled. Drinks were great, food was even better.”
“Staff were super friendly and atmosphere was super chill! Food was made to order and delish! Burrito was perfectly sized and the beans were so flavorful.”
“Great food, great service. The wait staff are amazingly kind and helpful — we had a great time. I would definitely recommend the shrimp platter and the carne asada.”
Read hundreds more — and see diners’ own photos of their tacos, margaritas, and birria — on our Google listing.
Plan your visit
Viva Mexico Cantina & Grill
129 Washington Street, Downtown Providence, RI 02903
401-369-7974
- Mon–Wed · 11am–9:30pm
- Thu · 11am–11pm
- Fri–Sat · 11am–1am
- Sun · 11am–9pm
Real flavors, authentic full bar & the best Mexican experience in Rhode Island — family owned since 2011.