"Pura Vida Cocina is a perennial Third Street favorite, McMinnville’s home for fresh, creative takes on Latin American flavors. Chef and owner Ricardo Antúnez calls the menu a combination of Central American, Peruvian, and Mexican cuisine, thanks to dishes like tacos, vegetable empanadas stuffed with peanut romesco, and chiles rellenos smothered in aji amarillo cream sauce. The touches of Spain on the menu — like a paella mixta with bay scallops and clams — are a fun diversion, as well. In January 2024, the restaurant owners closed temporarily to renovate and redecorate the space; when it reopened, they added fun breakfast options including chilaquiles and chorizo empanadas." - Emily Teel, Rebecca Roland
