From the blog · Viva Mexico Cantina & Grill
Searching “Mexican food near me” in Providence? Here’s why so many choose us
Type “restaurants near me,” “food near me,” or “Mexican food near me” into your phone downtown and you’ll get a long list. Here’s what makes Viva Mexico Cantina & Grill the answer at the top of that list — and what you can expect the moment you walk in at 129 Washington Street.
Family recipes from Puebla — not a chain menu
We’re a couple-owned family restaurant, serving Providence since 2011. Every salsa is made in house, the tortas are pressed to order, and the birria simmers the way it does in Puebla — because those are our family’s recipes. When you search for Mexican restaurants near me, you’re usually hoping to find the real thing, not the same menu you ate last week in another city. This is that.
An authentic full bar in downtown Providence
Fresh-squeezed margaritas, mezcal poured by someone who can tell you its story, and a list built for the food, not against it. Whether you’re Googling a bar near me before a show at PPAC or the Amica Mutual Pavilion, or you want the whole evening in one place, the drinks list is reason enough to pull up a stool.
Steps from everything downtown
“Near me” only counts if near is close. We’re directly across from the Rhode Island Convention Center, a two-minute walk from the Amica Mutual Pavilion, and steps from PPAC and Kennedy Plaza — with parking right at the Civic Center garages. Pre-show dinner, after-work margaritas, or a between-meetings lunch: you’re never more than a few blocks away.
However you want it: sit down, take out, or book the room
Every “food near me” search is really a different craving. So we cover all three:
- Sit down — the full menu in our warm, candlelit dining room; private events for up to 50 guests with a dedicated mezcal pourer.
- Take out — order ahead online and it’s boxed and sealed at the bar when you arrive.
- Feed the group — catering taco bars and family platters delivered anywhere in Rhode Island.
What Providence diners say
Don’t take our word for it — here’s what real 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 reviews page and Google listing.
Come see why “near me” means Viva Mexico
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.