Viva Taqueria and Cantina

Delicious! The basic choices are what you'd expect: classic components (rice, beans, guacamole, salsa) served in different styles (rolled into a burrito, on a plate with enchiladas or as nacho toppings...). I think the default filling is grilled veggies, but you could choose instead beans or tofu. Tables were packed on a Friday night during university semester, but a wait at the bar goes quickly while sipping a cocktail or picking from the long tequila list! Attentive, welcoming staff.

The food is very bland, and the vegetables often seem as if they are nearing their rotting stage. I prefer Chipotle.

We've been here several times and have never been disappointed. We always get the vegan nachos and chips with guacamole. Their guac is amazing. My kids had enchiladas, my husband and I had vegan burritos. The portions are more than enough and we always leave stuffed. The last time we were there however, my 9 year old ordered vegan fajitas and loved them. We went back the next night because Pizza Aroma was closed, and we had a different server. He ordered the fajitas and she said they weren't vegan. Turns out they use the same grill for their meat and veggies so she said they can't be vegan and the other server misinformed us. My son was so upset because he couldn't get them again. He got the enchiladas and it all turned out fine, but he was really disappointed. I would still definitely go back though!
Updated from previous review on Friday October 25, 2013

October 2014 update...still awesome! We all ordered the vegan burrito and nachos. Definitely one of our favorite spots!!

Several vegan options, all very clearly labeled on the menu! I had the vegan enchiladas with mole sauce, refried beans, black beans, guac, and pickled vegetables... delicious! Lots of food for a good price.

More inventive and interesting than the food at your typical Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant. Huge selection of house-made sauces, almost all of them vegan.

Quick service and very friendly wait staff, willing to answer questions and even provided a sample of the mole sauce so we could judge its level of spiciness.

Outdoor seating was very nice on a lovely day! Perfect downtown location despite the lack of free parking.

Not only does Viva have the some of the best and tastiest vegan selections in Ithaca, but almost any menu item can be made vegan -- and the waitstaff will do it happily and eagerly! Also: inexpensive. Also: great drinks. Also: fast, efficient, friendly service. The only downside is that it can be crowded and loud -- so loud it's hard to have a conversation with more than one person.

Good drinks and food. They have vegan options right on their menu and their staff is well-informed.

They have a wonderful tofu option for burrito filling, and the beans are vegan. Lots of vegan options for condiments.