Since opening about six years ago, Vivo’s been one of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin. But Tex-Mex doesn’t seem the right category, as it’s such a hip, unique place that it’s perfect for either a romantic date or celebrating good times with friends. Shannon and I went there on our second date back in November, and we returned again in May to celebrate her birthday (in a private room that’s adorned with provocative photographic artwork). On Friday, we met our friends, Thomas and Jamie Lee, there for a fun double-date night.
Vivo’s always packed on a Friday night, but the dimly lit interior creates a lounge-like feel as patrons sip margaritas in the bar area. Artwork lines the walls, but Vivo strives to avoid being too “serious,” as one of the paintings features a longhorn’s face, with actual horns coming out either side of the picture frame. The Austin vibe truly melds with Mexican culture to form one the most vibrant atmospheres in the city.
I began with my favorite margarita, the Patron, which the waitress assured me is still available despite disappearing from the regular menu. It comes in a tall, skinny glass and features the perfect combination of tequila, cointreau, and lime juice. There’s no sweetness to this margarita, and it’s smooth, tart flavor represents perfection. In fact, the drink used to be aptly named “The Perfect Margarita.” Because I wanted a larger drink (and didn’t know if I’d taste the difference after already consuming one margarita), I ordered the regular margarita on the rocks for my next round. Compared to the Patron, it’s far inferior, with the sweet-and-sour mixture being a predominant, sugary flavor.
Meanwhile, Shannon was having one of her monthly cravings for a Mexican Martini, so despite her initial misgivings about losing an opportunity to have the perfect Patron margarita, she opted for the martini. The concoction turned out to be just right for her tastes on this night, as she immensely enjoyed the mixture of olive and lime flavors. Plus, there’s just something fun about having the metal shaker and straining it into a martini glass.
Thomas and Jamie Lee were both enjoying frozen, prickly pear margaritas when we arrived. Vivo adds the romantic touch of a flower in these beverages.
In terms of food, Vivo starts off with an excellent, tangy salsa that has just the right touch of spice. We also enjoyed a large order of guacamole. On Fridays, Vivo always features a special of shrimp tacos, which I believe are the best in 
Austin. I ordered these, and they were delicious, as usual. The dish comes with two tacos, each containing three to four plump shrimp that are topped with a creamy, zesty sauce. The tortillas are also lightly fried, so that they’re somewhere between crispy and soft. The result is a fantastic flavor combination.
Shannon, Jamie Lee, and Thomas all chose enchiladas, which they reported were very good. Shannon’s vegetarian enchiladas were filled with cheese and topped with a tasty sauce. Thomas ordered the verde chicken enchiladas, which came with a mild, green tomatillo sauce. Jamie Lee also enjoyed her chicken enchiladas, which were topped with a red, ancho chile sauce.
By the time we were done eating, we had caught up with each others’ lives and the margaritas had helped create quite a festive mood. Legal topics even surfaced, with each of us musing on some fun, philosophical twists on normally dry matters. As we got up to leave, our waitress brought out two long-stemmed red roses for Shannon and Jamie Lee, which is the perfect touch to end the meal at this romantic, vibrant restaurant.
