Costa Vida in Colorado Springs Review - Short Order Mexican Food

Quick, simple, and just the thing when you need a break from Chipotle. Costa Vida is a delight for a quick meal in Colorado Springs. I can't say for sure when Costa Vida came to the Springs, maybe 2017, but it's been one of our favorites ever since.

The restaurant has much more of a California theme also, which I will never say no to. It's hard to find good Mexican food that we like, authentic or not.

Enchiladas and Burritos When You Need It

Costa Vida's menu is simple. There are a few chips and salsa/bean/guac apps, and salads, enchiladas, burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, or items a la carte. You can have flour or corn tortillas. There is also a kid's menu (smaller portions), and a few prepackaged desserts, except the cinnamon tortillas which are made in house.

Also, horchata is tasty!

While you order, there is a large, color-changing water tank that blows bubbles. I would say it's distracting for the kids, but I'm more enchanted by it than my son is. I want one for my house.

Seating is plentiful, and I have always been able to get a seat for at least two, though there is some outdoor seating as well, if the weather is nice. There are booths, tables, and high-tops next to the large windows.

It's a Sweet Pork Day

We went on a Tuesday, which is the sweet pork special day. It's also their signature taste which sets them apart from any other Mexican fast food restaurant. We both got the sweet pork enchiladas.

They make their flour tortillas with a pressing machine, in house, though I don't know if the dough is made there or not. It's fun to watch, they do it right in front of you at the ordering window!

Topping options seem less here than at Chipotle, though I wouldn't necessarily call it a detriment. I usually go for the green chili smother on top with shredded cheese. Comes with a side of rice and either black or pinto bean.

We got horchata for our drinks. While not the best horchata in town, it's still delicious!

The sweet pork enchiladas, or burrito, or anything with sweet pork...it's sweet. Not overly so, just it's a fall in love with kind of marinade.

They also have a rewards app, like Chipotle does, where you get points for scanning your receipts, and you make your way toward redeeming dollars. I redeemed $8 today, so today was a cheap meal, if it wasn't already. I'm sure you can guess that I go here often enough to make it worth it.

Overall, I don't call this an out of this world restaurant, but it doesn't have to be. It's not fine dining. I go there for that taste I can only find at Costa Vida, and that taste is what makes it worth it.

Does Costa Vida in Colorado Springs serve beer?

Unfortunately, no, they do not serve beer. Their non-alcoholic drinks include: limonada (like lemonade, but with limes), horchata (cinnamon rice milk, very sweet), Jarritos (artificially flavored fruit drinks in glass bottles), Coke, and watermelon aqua fresca.

How many locations are there?

Costa Vida has 52 locations as of 08/2019.

Where is Costa Vida from?

Layton, Utah. It was founded in 2003 by husband and wife JD and Sarah Gardner after vacationing in Cabo San Lucas.

Does Costa Vida have shredded chicken?

No, but they do have grilled chicken strips.

When do kids eat free at Costa Vida?

Some Costa Vida locations offer this. The Colorado Springs Costa Vida does not have any "kids eat free" promotions, unfortunately.

Costa Vida in Colorado Springs is located at 122 Tracker Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80921, in Northgate.