Coming soon to Daniel Island: Viva Tacos & Tequila

Local residents will soon have the opportunity to indulge in a new, authentic restaurant that will transform a typical Taco Tuesday into a day worthy of celebration. 

 

Viva Tacos & Tequila, located at 864 Island Park Drive, Suite 105, plans to launch mid-October. The restaurant will offer a range of tequilas and mezcal from Jalisco, paired with a menu of regional dishes and a twist on Mexican classics. 

 

“We’re opening Viva to give people on Daniel Island a new take on traditional Mexican food, in a beautiful and elevated atmosphere, where they can discover something new multiple times a week,” Yesenia Leon, owner and seasoned restaurateur, said. “All our margaritas will be handmade with fresh juices and 100% blue agave tequila. We are working on selecting our own private barrels of tequila from Patron and Herradura for our special margaritas.” 

 

Weekends at Viva will include a brunch menu with traditional dishes, mimosas and Mexican hot chocolate, coffees and pastries.

 

Special events will range from tequila tastings to ticketed dinners where guests can learn about the Jalisco culture while sampling dishes from the region. There will be an area available for private parties on the second-floor mezzanine. A unique bar will flow among indoor and outdoor spaces and will include tables for dining on a well-appointed patio.  

 

The vibrant atmosphere at Viva is a feast for all senses. Leon explained, “We commissioned Atlanta artist Xolar to paint our murals. We love how they turned out. They are colorful and create a really nice energy in the space ... The three large hand-painted murals are replicas of three murals done by three prominent contemporary Mexican artists commissioned by Milagro Tequila. These murals show modern Mexican art with traditional tequila making. We added some hand-painted barrels showcasing our premium choice

tequilas Herradura, Don Julio, and Patron.

 

“Our portraits, select plates and china, calavera wall tiles, our Dia de los Muertos masks hanging on the walls, and our large light fixtures were all brought back from Tonalá, a city in Jalisco with a famous outdoor artisan market known for its pottery and handicrafts.”

 

Leon has worked in the restaurant business her entire life. Her parents were restaurant owners and he grew up helping in the restaurants and learning the business. Every summer, Leon travels back to Mexico for three months to immerse herself in its food culture; she strives to learn more about the authentic dishes, Tequilas and Mezcal. “This restaurant has been inspired by us wanting our clients to experience a little bit of what we experience on our summer trips to Mexico at our favorite restaurants,” she remarked. 

 

When asked about the location for the restaurant, Leon replied, “Daniel Island has a special place in my heart. My eldest daughter graduated from Bishop England and my youngest daughter and niece are students at BE currently. I love the parents and community where everyone looks out for each other and is always willing to help one another. We felt Daniel Island would be a great spot for the families to have a local place to go and have a great meal, drink and experience without having to leave the island.”