Bar VIDA Delivers Unexpected Dining Inside VIDA Fitness

By Phantom Foodie

Photo by Phantom Foodie

The Reston Letter and its staff do not receive solicitation, compensation, or special endorsement from any restaurant or culinary establishment. Our reviewer dines unannounced to make the experience genuine. Our mission is to provide our readers with an accurate representation of our reviewer's experience so they may make their own informed decisions. Taste, service, and culinary preferences vary.

This month, I’m heading just down the street and around the corner from Reston Town Center to the up-and-coming Reston Row at Wiehle-Reston East. I’ve been keeping an eye on the new VIDA Fitness over the past year, not only as a key anchor in the growing development but also, admittedly, as a foodie quietly sampling the menu.

Bar VIDA may seem like an unexpected choice for a food review, but I’m open to all venues, and I was curious to see if it could hold its own. Located on the first level of VIDA Fitness, BAR VIDA is open to the public—members and non-members alike. Full disclosure: this review is based on multiple visits.

The vibe is anything but typical. Think bar and lounge seating with views of the gym and salon, a mix of fitness fanatics, locals dropping in for a bite, and even folks playing video games in a dedicated nook. You can order via QR code at your table or pull up a stool at the bar. Soft background music creates a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to linger, chat with the bartender, and enjoy some real human interaction.

Beyond the usual lineup of smoothies, protein shakes, Mediterranean and Southwest bowls, and healthy salads, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the other menu choices. The pizza is a standout: crisp crust, gooey cheese, and consistently tasty. The portion is perfect for sharing alongside a salad or another small plate. Want more greens? Order your pizza topped with fresh arugula. Other complimentary toppings include diced red peppers, red onion, tomato, and jalapeños for a little heat. Premium toppings like pepperoni, bacon, and salami are available for an upcharge.

The remarkably tasty smash burger is served with special sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Standard sides include a side salad, potato chips, or tater tots. The wings fly to your seat in traditional and trendy flavors like buffalo, truffle garlic parmesan, and Old Bay for the DMV faithfuls. They’re served with ranch or bleu cheese dressing, plus celery and carrots for dipping.

The Quesa Vida quesadilla with chipotle crema was mediocre, but the chicken salad sandwich delivered. Packed with celery, raisins, and cashews and topped with a flavorful curry aioli, it had a satisfying crunch and balanced flavor. The best-kept secret is the VIDA breakfast served 8 to 11 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends. Highlights include bagels, hearty omelets made to order, and avocado toast on multigrain bread.

Service across my visits has been consistently warm and attentive. However, my group and I have encountered faulty draft taps on multiple occasions. While staff promptly swapped in cold cans and acknowledged the issue, the problem remained unresolved as of my latest visit.

Whether you're a VIDA member, a Metro commuter, or simply curious about a fresh spot in Reston, Bar VIDA is worth checking out. The prices are fair, the vibe is casual, and the food may just surprise you.

Time for this foodie to hit the treadmill.

Bar VIDA

1800 Reston Row Plaza, Reston

(703) 956-9036