New Mexican restaurant opens in Citrus Heights

Sentinel staff report–
Those looking to try some new flavors in Citrus Heights this holiday season will find a new Mexican restaurant with ties to the popular Casa Ramos restaurant chain is now open on Sunrise Boulevard.

R Vida Cantina, located in the Copperwood Shopping Plaza at 7040 Sunrise Blvd., occupies a building formerly home to Cattle Rustler’s restaurant, which closed in early 2018.

Since opening on Dec. 20, the restaurant has earned a half-dozen reviews on Yelp, all of which are five-out-of-five stars. Reviewers highlight friendly staff, large portions and noteworthy margaritas, but comment that a bar has not yet opened inside.

Carlos Ramos Rodriguez, who owns the restaurant along with Kevin Miles, Jr., told The Sentinel a 2,000-square-foot bar area is still being remodeled, with plans to open in time for the Super Bowl. He said the bar will feature 12 TV’s and will offer patrons a chance to “come relax, have a drink, catch a game.”

The 6,500-square-foot restaurant also has a separate area for private events, with seating for about 40-50 people. The main dining area of the restaurant has been refreshed, offering a lighter interior, re-upholstered seating and bright murals painted by a family member.

Ramos Rodriguez said a popular dish is Tacos Alambre, which he said has been on a secret menu at his family’s Casa Ramos restaurants, but is now officially on the menu at his new restaurant. He said the tacos include grilled chicken, steak and bacon, mixed with jalapenos, melted cheese and cabbage, with a house dressing on top.

A menu listed on the restaurant’s website includes various lunch options, ranging from $9 to $13. Dinner entrees range from about $13 to $22. Five options for kids are listed at $5.50.

Current hours listed online are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

In a prior interview, Ramos Rodriguez said the “R” in his new restaurant’s name is for Ramos, paired with the Spanish word “Vida,” which means life.

Ramos said he is glad to make a return to Citrus Heights after a prolonged 10-year absence. His family’s former Casa Ramos restaurant in Citrus Heights was once located in Birdcage Plaza, where the former Sports Authority and Old Navy are now.

The Ramos family owns Casa Ramos-branded restaurants in Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Lincoln, Placerville and Sacramento.

To view a full menu for R Vida Cantina, visit www.rvidacantina.com.