About
Welcome to Pura Vida Cocina, a vibrant gem located in the heart of McMinnville, Oregon, at 313 NE 3rd St. This Latin American haven, with a focus on Mexican flavors, offers a delightful culinary journey filled with authenticity and warmth.
Pura Vida Cocina excels in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for groups, families, or date nights. The friendly and informative staff ensures every guest feels welcome, adding to the overall experience. With the option to dine indoors or enjoy the fresh air on their heated outdoor patio, the ambiance is just as enticing as the food.
Happy hour specials and a full bar, including exquisite cocktails and a fabulous selection of wines, provide the perfect complement to your meal. Additionally, the presence of free Wi-Fi ensures that both locals and travelers can enjoy their meal while staying connected.
The ambiance strikes a balance with moderate noise and is ideal for group gatherings or family dinners. Let’s not forget about the reuse of tableware, showing their commitment to sustainability.
With a chorus of satisfied customers like Charlie M. declaring it a "10 out of 10," and Melanie W. reminiscing about her memorable dining experience, it's clear that Pura Vida Cocina is a must-visit destination. If you’re in McMinnville, prepare for a delicious adventure that promises not just a meal but an experience filled with joy and flavor. Enjoy!
“ 10 out of 10. Unique Cozy space Friendly & informative staff Deep menu to explore Really good vibe Check it out. ”
“ Pura Vida is absolutely fantastic! Every single thing I've tried has been crave worthy. All around fantastic place for a date, family, or group. ”
“ We stopped by for an early dinner to start our weekend. We are glad We came early because by the time we left it was nearly full. I ordered the chille rellano. It is not your typical rellano though! It came topped with salad and perfectly cooked veggies that included diced carrots, broccoli, zucchini and pickled onions as well as greens. The chille was not stuffed like traditional rellanos but had some cotija cheese sprinkled throughout. It also came with seasoned rice. I enjoyed it a lot. I came away without that gluggy feeling that often comes with too much cheese. The veggies were a nice surprise. The others in our party ordered the chicken enchilada, barbacoa tacos and arepas. They enjoyed their selections too. The service was a bit neglectful. We never got the Lime Fresco we ordered and the waiter didn't check in with us. We also thought the guacamole needed salt and the chips, which seemed house made, were quite thick. I would have like some salsa served with my chille rellano. All in all though, we enjoyed our meal and I would definitely go back! ”
“ Here's a positively enthusiastic review for Pura Vida Cocina: Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my amazing experience at Pura Vida Cocina! From the moment we walked in, it was like stepping into a culinary paradise right in the heart of town! First things first, let's talk about the food - oh mama mia, it was out of this world! Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor and authenticity, making our taste buds dance with joy! From the crispy Totopoes served with fresh chips, salsa, beans, and guacamole to the tantalizing Croquetas and mouthwatering Platano Maduro, every bite was a delicious adventure! And let's not forget about the wonderful staff! Despite our little mishap of accidentally coming in through the back door without a reservation, they couldn't have been more accommodating! They welcomed us with open arms and made us feel right at home, ensuring that our dining experience was nothing short of perfection. But wait, there's more! The menu at Pura Vida Cocina is a culinary delight, offering a wide array of delectable options from Enchiladas to Arepas to tantalize your taste buds! And don't even get me started on their incredible Pura Vida Tacos - three hand-made tortillas filled with your choice of filling, topped with shaved cabbage, cotija cheese, cilantro, radish, and chipotle aioli. It's a fiesta in every bite! And for dessert? Well, let's just say the Churros were the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal! So, if you're looking for a dining experience that's not only delicious but also filled with warmth and hospitality, look no further than Pura Vida Cocina. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! ”
“ While on our visit to McMinnville, my partner and I popped in for a late lunch on a Saturday. I got the Cuban sandwich, my partner got the vegetable empanadas. Cuban sandwich: came with papa bravas (fried potatoes with a sauce on the side), a bit salty, but otherwise no complaints - a solid Cuban sandwich. Vegetable empanadas: very good - we thought it was gonna be a small snack portion but it was a good, hearty meal - the corn pastry skin isn't thin like at some places, but it was flavorful, not heavy, and loaded with vegetables. The salad was light and refreshing and provided a nice contrast with the earthy beans, and the aioli was flavorful without being too salty. We were surprised by how much we liked it and finished it for the lunch together and packed half the Cuban sandwich and some of the papas bravas to go. Price: $13 for the Cuban sandwich and $11 for the empanadas, good prices for good portion sizes. Worth a revisit? Yes, next time we are in McMinnville, we'll drop by again (especially for the empanadas!). ”
“ Absolutely delicious food and outstanding service! Try the Salmon Salad, truly outstanding!! ”
“ This place is fantastic. The staff is charming and inviting, and they are quick. While the food is a little more on the expensive side, it makes up for it with the quality of food. From the first bite, you can tell it is handmade and has incredible flavors. Even though the portion sizes are not the biggest, I still got very full. A fantastic place to go out if you want some authentic food in a cute little place. Overall, I would most definitely go here! ”
“ The decor and set up is standard. We were there at a very busy time and even though it took a while for service the server was super nice and did not make us feel rushed or unimportant. The food was really good. We got the Mole which was a special. My niece said it was the best she has had. Tacos for me and plantains to share. Over all we will put this on our rotating list for the area. Took off one star for the 5$ price for one can of soda. I don't mind that price if it is bottomless, however for one can it's a bit much. ”
“ Have you ever sat there staring at a menu of a new place feeling overwhelmed all the amazing looking options, place your order, get it, take your first bite and get an exciting rush from not only tasting something amazing but knowing you made the right choice? That was here for me. The crispy pork belly taco might be the perfect taco. Now you're thinking "dude, you gave them 4 stars." Yes, food is 5 stars hands down but the service was lacking. I assume they had something going on because it wasn't a busy night and the young table busser is the person who helped us. We only saw our server when he brought us our check and took our payment. I appreciate the busser stepping up and helping us though. I'm positive our next experience will be 5 stars. ”