I want to give a big shout out to Fatima and the entire team at Vera for such an amazing brunch experience today. My sister booked the reservation, but didn't verify she had it for the right date so to our surprise we showed up and we're not promised the seat. Fatima and her team didn't want to see us, disappointed, especially on Mother's Day, so they rearrange things and made it work so that our party of four could enjoy Mother's Day brunch. I was pleasantly surprised at how affordable the drinks and food was, but it doesn't sacrifice flavor or thoughtfulness. The food was amazing as well as the welcome shooters. And the entertainment! I had no idea what to expect but it blew me out of the water. It was a 10 out of 10 experience and we danced and danced and danced. I often believe the DC food scene falls flat, but that was not the case with Vera at all! I am so excited that I went, and I am excited to come back one day. read more

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First time there last night. Quick, efficient and polite service. The food was absolutely delicious We ordered lamb chops, Shawarma tostadas and the dou dou shots. The guacamole was truly impeccable. The decor is amazing! We can't wait to go back and spend the evening there and maybe see the DJ next time! Will definitely be returning!! We had such a good time, and we forgot to take good pics! read more

Vera Cocina & بار - emptied plates! - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Ambiance is what makes this place special. The hired talent really makes the experience fun! We saw sword belly dancers, drum players, Latin dancers, and a live DJ. We danced in a conga line and was wowed by the acrobatics. The food is good and the drinks are creative, nothing you won't find at some of the better restaurants in DC for the price but at least you'll get an amazing show for your money. I can't wait to take my out of town visitors here, they are going to have a fun time! read more

Really good food but taking one star off for the crazy prices and the weird behavior of some staff! The restaurant is very cute inside but be warned when you order a drink they will automatically upgrade you to top shelf and slap a very high service charge onto it on top. The bouncers in the very small "VIP" area were also weird but the club was fun and got packed once the music started. I would never get a table here for the club portion. My favorite dish here was the hummus with the corn - soooo good! The shawarma tostadas were also delicious and full of flavor. I did also like the rice, broccoli, branzino and steak. The branzino was a little plain and the rice was a bit hard but the food was still solid. Not sure if I would comeback though. read more

I came for brunch and had a mixed experience. I ordered the burger, which was good, but not amazing definitely fine, just not memorable. The space itself is beautiful, and the dancing portion of brunch was fun and energetic, which added to the experience. Service was okay, nothing standout but not bad either. Overall, while the atmosphere is nice and it's a good spot if you're looking for a lively vibe, I do think it's very overpriced for what you get. You're paying more for the scene than the food quality. I'm glad I tried it, but it's not somewhere I'd rush back to for brunch. read more

Vera Cocina & بار - Burger - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We came back here for restaurant week and tried a bunch of new items on the menu. The food did not disappoint and the service was excellent. I would prefer to come back outside if restaurant week - it's more expensive but the portions are also much bigger. read more

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Went to Vera Cocina on a date and really enjoyed the experience. The vibe is chic, upbeat, and social, with beautiful aesthetics. Service was excellent, attentive and well paced. The food was delicious. It was my first time trying Lebanese-Mexican fusion and I was genuinely impressed. The tomahawk cut was cooked perfectly and full of flavor! Our salad had the best dressing and rice pilaf was a hit. All the flavors blended perfectly. Only minor downside was our small corner table, which felt a bit cramped. Overall though, great food, great service, and a solid spot I'd happily return to. read more

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This was a super fun place to go with my friends. We came for the dj Saturday brunch and we had so much fun! Shots and dancing are a part of the first experience and you will enjoy it! We shared a few apps (labneh, batata), and both were great. I ordered the halloumi sandwich and it was just okay. I wouldn't order it again. The real star of the show though is the decor, belly dancing, and music. It is lively and energetic. Our server was so great as well, she frequently brought us fun shots, and we went often encouraged to get up and go dance. Our meal ended in a big dance party. It was awesome! This is a great spot for a group of friends to have a good cocktail brunch with apps. read more

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This restaurant has awesome food and amazing cocktails! Loved everything we ordered, particularly the tomahawk steak, reides fritters, and wide selection of cocktails. The overall ambiance of the place is cool and sexy. The service is very good as well. The booth seating is not very deep, so you may need to move some of the pillows to actually sit comfortably. read more

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Came here for the Brunch Hafla experience. Bottom line up front: gimmicky thing not worth the $30 bucks. The whole event was sooooo much longer than it needed to be. I'm convinced that they stretch it out to get you to buy extra drinks - which btw, the cosmos we were drinking started as normal glasses at the bar and then basically turned into shots (same price btw). The first 2/3 of the "show" was a couple of the employees doing "entertainment" ... it got to the point where we were all done w apps and entrees and ready to leave but still no belly dancing. It was frustrating and boring. They were also woefully understaffed. We had a few drinks at the bar because we arrived early but then it took close to an hour to get a drink at the table. Overall, while the 15 min of belly dancing was great, the whole experience was a waste of time and money. The food was actually delightful, so I'd highly recommend just a normal meal here. read more

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Baby listen, vera was 10's across I cane, I drank, I ate, I danced, and I was very merry after this brunch. I loooove a spot the portals me to another place, time, or vibe, a s you quite literally will forget you are in ivy city and think you are somewhere between Morocco and Tulum. The food would make leave your man for the chef. And the shooooow was a timmmmmmeee. Worth every penny. I will list my eats below. There is a parking garage near by, and there is street parking, ur if you can Id ride-share because because there can be some interesting folks outside. But a time was HAD. I had the lamb burger and it was sooo juicy and flavorful. The service was fun and attentive. It is a must do in DC. read more

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I had the pleasure of visiting Vera Cocina on Sept 30th for the Premier of the Real Housewives of Potomac Season 10. This restaurant is a hidden gem if I must say. It's such a beautiful restaurant. I mean the ambiance was just beautiful. As soon as I walked in I was greeted and escorted to my seat. Let's talk about the food. Different types of Odourves were served from Tacos, Shrimp balls, burger sliders, empanadas and a few others. Every single Odourve served was delicious. As for the drinks the bar had signature drinks that was served throughout the night. I tired the Shady drink. It was a mocktail and was sooo good! I highly recommend this restaurant all day, any day!!! read more

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I had an incredible dinner at Vera Cocina & Bar! The Lebanese-Mexican fusion is such a creative concept, and it truly delivers on flavor. The (roasted chicken) was a standout--perfectly juicy and smothered in a rich, herb-filled glaze. The steak was cooked to a flawless medium-rare and paired beautifully with a unique large-bean salad. The atmosphere in Ivy City is chic and vibrant, making it the perfect spot for a date or a night out with friends. Service was attentive and well-paced throughout the night. Can't wait to come back and try more of their unique cocktail menu! The Pistachio Tres Leches was a dream--perfectly moist, rich, and topped with a generous layer of crushed pistachios that added the perfect crunch. It's easily one of the best versions of tres leches I've ever had. We also couldn't resist the Churros. They arrived hot, crispy, and perfectly golden, served with two delicious dipping sauces that complemented them perfectly. The blend of Lebanese and Mexican influences even extends to the sweets, and it works beautifully. read more

Vera Cocina & بار - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Went for Sunday brunch and just...wow Truly do not how to fully describe the experience but just know it is incredible. The food is good, price are very fair, and then for the main part, the vibes, absolutely immaculate. From the building, decor, layout, and every detail, to the staff, dancers/instructors, and all the other folk, just absolutely top notch vibes making everybody comfortable and allowing for an incredibly fun time. You start with your food, and then the show begins melding into an all inclusive fun daytime party, but one that is refreshing and energizing for the rest of the day rather than draining. If you ever have the opportunity, take it, you will have a great time. Would highly recommend and will try my best to return. read more

I'm not a big brunch guy, but the hafla brunch that they host on Saturdays is an absolute blast, a 10/10 experience for sure. It is perfect as a birthday celebration, group outing, or just for a good time. There were many groups of all types of sizes and all ages, too. They do charge $30 per person on top of your meal as an entertainment fee for the dancers, and 20% automatic gratuity on the whole bill, so keep that in mind (I think they actually call it a 2% service fee and 18% gratuity, but c'mon). I do think charging 20% fee on the entertainment fee is a bit ridiculous, so the entertainment fee is actually $36 per person, but that is the only gripe I have about the experience. Let's start with the food. We shared the smash burger with pickled turnips and the fried chicken sandwich with mexican zaatar fries. Both were excellent. Portions were very reasonable, and the flavors were top notch. The fries were seasoned so much, they are great. It all hit. Since we came for a birthday, they brought us a free order of the mini churros, which was so nice! They offer seatings at 12:00 and 12:30, and we opted for 12:30. They handle drink and food orders first, including a complimentary tequila and curacao shot that got the fun flowing. Dancing starts around 1:30 and lasted until nearly 3:00, though you don't need to stay the entire time. Once the dancing starts, the whole place turns into a party. There was one man and two women dancers, one of whom did a belly dance routine, and they regularly invited guests up to join in the fun. At one point, the guy grabbed a bottle of margaritas and started pouring it in everyone's mouth. No one was spared. They do a great job making the whole thing feel special. The decor is dramatic. When you enter they take your coats and umbrellas for free. They said happy birthday up front and brought a free dessert. These little things go a long way to making it feel worthwhile for a special occasion, so while it is quite pricey, we felt it was worth it. read more

This spot had been on my list for a while, and when we couldn't quite decide what we were craving, the blend of Mexican and Lebanese flavors immediately stood out. Tucked away in Ivy City, it's a bit hidden in plain sight but stepping inside felt like being transported to a trendy restaurant in Miami, Cali, or even Vegas. The vibe is stylish yet cozy, perfect for a lively brunch with friends or a more intimate meal with a partner. The staff was warm and welcoming, which really enhanced our overall experience. The menu reflects a beautiful fusion of both cultures, and the wagyu burgers were hands-down my favorite absolutely packed with flavor. Every dish was vibrant, creative, and introduced me to flavor combinations I hadn't tried before. I'm already looking forward to coming back for brunch to see what the daytime experience is like. Definitely a hidden gem worth exploring read more

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The security team is unprofessional and aggressive towards their paterons. When leaving an event recently, they physically assaulted my friends and I by tossing us out of the venue when we did nothing but simply ask to wait for our uber. Highly disappointed as I attend several events there. I will no longer be spending my money here and advise women (especially black women) to be careful interacting with them and giving this business any service. read more

Literally THE BEST and I have NEVER experienced a brunch experience like this one before. I was aware it was family style, I was aware there was going to be belly dancer, but what I was not prepared for was the night life and vacation environment like I was teleported somewhere exotic and magical! It reminded me of an episode of white lotus. In real. The restaurant was beautifully decorated, clean, and bright. The server was so suave and attentive, and the food... oh man! SO DELICIOUS! EVERYTHING was amazing. The humus I would order again and again. The feta dip had an amazing zing. The Wagu was so clean, and the dessert tasted good enough for me to want to throw my diet out the window! Everyone has to experience this magical place at least once. RUN! read more

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This was my first time coming here and I had saw cute photos of the place online, so I was really only expecting a chill vibe with good food - I was completely wrong the moment I got there but it was still so amazing! We went for brunch during their "party" with the dancers where the staff came to dance and engage with the audience before the belly dancer came too; all of them were great at performing and interacting with people. The staff even gave us another complimentary shot and went around giving us more drinks. We were seated right in front of the DJ, so the music was extremely loud for us but it was still enjoyable. People were dancing and there were conga lines, so it was fun but we really weren't expecting it at all - everyone was dressed very baddie with their dresses while I was there with my jeans. I'll know for next time lol. The food itself was fantastic alongside the drinks! What we ordered... Food: - Hummus con Esquiles - the hummus was delicious with the grilled corn and oil. The bread that came with too were tasty. - Halloumi - it looked like a normal grilled cheese sandwich at first, but SO tasty. The cheese is so flavourful and even the bread was buttered/toasted well. - Wagyu Kafta - was like a regular good burger, nothing jawdropping. I liked the batata harra with its sauce. - Pistachio tres leches - not too sweet and was nice and moist. - Churros - complimentary! I liked the caramel sauce with it. Drinks: - Welcome shot - one welcome shot, and got a complimentary second for just chilling and not dancing lol. I could taste the tequila but it wasn't overpowering, tasted like juice! - Nutella carajillo - a perfect mix of coffee and alcohol! I didn't really the nutella taste as much from the drink, compared to the wafer on it. For a place that has fun party vibes, the food and drinks were amazing and I felt like my experience was totally worth all the food and drinks ordered, complimentary items, and performances with the entry fee! My only compliant is that it's not really near a metro station, so I had to walk 30 min in the heat to get there, which I regretted fast. Don't think I'll do that again and just get a ride there! read more

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Remember big chief? Well, Vera came through and transformed the space to an amazing multi space restaurant! Where do I start? The decor is so fabulous, so many textures and floral arrangements. The first floor boasts ample lounge space and a bar. Upstairs, quite the same with turntables for a DJ that rocks the houses after 1130 on some nights! Also! They have a private dining room and of course, are available for private events. We were sat promptly without any reservations on this here Saturday around 7 or so. Once seated, we were quickly provided with an amazing chip and labneh cream dip. We weren't greeted by a server tho for a little over 10 minutes but Kevin saved the day and turned everything around very quickly! He did a fantastic job answering our questions, being attentive, making suggestions and giving feedback. Because we had to run off to catch a playoff watch party, we shared our entree and kept our appetizers light. The broccolini and wagyu kefta mini tortas were a 10/10. First of all, the tortas were so juicy and flavorful... just beyond exceptional! We then shared the lamb shank with the marble potatoes. Baby! The lamb shank fell right off the bone, and omg the pickled onions and sauce with every bite? I could eat that every darn day. The marble potatoes were some of the best potatoes we've eaten in a very long time, and the garlic sauce? Man, someone put their foot in there bc it was fantastic! Their cocktail menu is full of goodies, I helped myself to the Nutella as a proud espresso martini girlie pop. And was I disappointed? Noooooooo! Order it, neowwww. I can't wait to return! They have brunch on the weekends with salsa and belly dancing entertainment--$25 tickets but im quite sure worth the experience! read more

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Vera Cocina plays tug of war with my heart. On one end, you have a beautifully decorated space that transports you to Mexico's Veracruz. On the same side, you have a genius concept honoring the Lebanese community in Mexico. (After all, it's the Lebanese community in Mexico we have to thank for al pastor tacos.) On the other side of tug of war is a mediocre menu with small portions and large price tags. Celebrating a friend's birthday, our group of six dined here on a Friday evening at 6:30pm in May. Here's our experience. 1) Reservations: We booked two weeks in advance and the reservation system was a little odd. One minute it showed many openings and the next minute, it said all tables were reserved. After hitting refresh a few times, a table opened it up in their lounge area. A day before our reservation, someone called asking if we wanted to move into the main dining room. We did. When we arrived at 6:30pm on a Friday, the space was almost empty. After two hours of dining, more people came, but there's no way all their tables were reserved for the evening. 2) Service: This is where they scored. Even though our server wasn't very friendly, she was attentive. Our glasses were always filled with water and the timing of the food was spot on. 3) Food: If portions were bigger, the food would score higher, but the portions are very, very small, especially considering the fact that they recommend sharing everything. The prices wouldn't seem as shocking if the portions were bigger, but they aren't. We ordered over ten different dishes and very few stood out. Every vegetable dish was underwhelming and lacking flavor, especially the potatoes. The two dishes that were excellent were the Hamachi Crudo and the Wagyu Kefta Mini Tortas. 4) Drinks: I'd save your money and order cocktails somewhere else nearby like Cotton & Reed. All six of us ordered a different drink and no one thought theirs was superb. Each one lacked flavor, tasted watered down, and not very unique. 5) Space: It's beautifully designed and spacious across two floors making it a great spot for groups. read more

Vera Cocina & بار - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Wasn't a big fan of this place, the location still a bit sketch, especially having to walk to my car past City Winery. The service was okay -- our server was super awkward, not sure if it was just me catching those vibes. And the food was hit or miss. Interesting fusion concept but it didn't do it for me... Ended up being not Mexican enough nor Lebanese enough. Batata Barra Potatoes--these were the winner for the night. Cooked and flavored well with a bit of a kick. Zaatar Cordero -- the lamb shank had good flavor and the bulgur was good. But I think it needed to be cooked a little longer. Didn't quite fall off the bone Branzino -- says it serves 4-6 but it definitely doesn't serve 6. It looks nice, had good flavor. Overcooked a bit, kind of dry-- my friends said they got a lot of bones but my piece was fine. Arroz -- tumeric rice. Very small dish. Not memorable. Espinaca -- terrible. It was like semi cooked spinach. Thought it would be like creamed spinach but it definitely wasn't that. Also small portion. We got the giant disco ball tequila drink. Very sweet, but there was a decent amount of alcohol in there. Was supposed to be tequila, but when we asked the server which tequila, he named a mezcal so that was weird. Anyway ... The place turns into a club scene I think? After 11, with a live DJ. If friends want to do their birthday/ celebrations here I'd come back... Otherwise I wouldn't choose to. read more

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NEVER trust the waitress at the "club" upstairs, she tried to take advantage of us when we paid for two tables bringing and trying to open a new bottle 10 minutes before closing knowing perfectly well that there was no way we could finish it before they closed and asked us to leave. She proceeded to leave the unopened bottle at the table claiming it was already charged and non refundable once they bring it out. Absolutely ridiculous and an abuse of power because the birthday girl was drinking and in charge of the payment card. DON'T go to this place, they WILL take advantage of you! read more

NEVER trust the waitress at the "club" upstairs, she tried to take advantage of us when we paid for two tables bringing and trying to open a new bottle 10 minutes before closing knowing perfectly well that there was no way we could finish it before they closed and asked us to leave. She proceeded to leave the unopened bottle at the table claiming it was already charged and non refundable once they bring it out. Absolutely ridiculous and an abuse of power because the birthday girl was drinking and in charge of the payment card. DON'T go to this place, they WILL take advantage of you! read more

This Mexican/Lebanese fusion spot was a whole experience!! I saw their food, on my timeline, & I had to pull up. Great date night spot, it's aesthetically pleasing inside, and you ain't never had this kind of fusion food before!! Let's GO!! . Where I am: @veraivycity . Location Reviewed: 2002 Fenwick St., N.E. Washington D.C. . Items Reviewed: STAMP!! Their Tut Gin & Tonic ($18 with elderberry syrup, gin, tonic, & blueberry citrus). Sweet, & strong. Take your time with this!! STAMP!! Their Arando Mocktail ($13 with blueberry, hazelnut, citrus, & agave flower). Refreshing, & tasty!! STAMP!! Their Hummus Con Esquites ($15 creamy chickpea hummus topped with grilled corn, Aleppo pepper, & Cotija cheese). This is the only way I want to eat hummus now!! STAMP!! STAMP!! Their Kefla Mini Tortas($17 two mini Wagyu kefta burgers with Serrano labneh, pickled sweet peppers, & arugula on a toasted brioche bun). Tender, flavorful, & hearty!! STAMP!! Their Reides Fritters ($19 crispy filo-a thin dough-wrapped shrimp with poblano corn quinoa salad, labneh crema). Crispy, flavorful, airy, but meaty!! LIKE THAT!! Their Falafel ($13 fries chickpeas with cotija cheese, tahini poblano, & labneh crema). STAMP!! Their Broccolini ($15 grilled broccolini with crema). Well seasoned, garlicky deliciousness!! STAMP!! Their Asparagus ($14 with a jalapeno crema). Again well seasoned, & mildly spicy!! STAMP!! Their Batata Harra ($11 spicy roasted potatoes with garlic, cilantro, & Aleppo peppers). Perfect spicy potatoes!! Get these! STAMP!! Their D'jaj Al Pastor ($36 half marinated chicken with Lebanese, & Mexican spices, chiles, & corn). An acquired taste!! Curry'ish & sweet'ish...tasty!! DELICIOUS. Their Pistachio Tres Leches ($17 pistachio sponge cake soaked in milk, with white chocolate ganache, & pistachio dust). It wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be...just good. STAMP!! Their Churros ($15 fried pastries dusted with pistachio sugar, with chocolate & caramel dip). The BEST churros I've ever had!! . Customer Service: On Point . Parking: Rough, but they have valet. . Recommendations: Try what I STAMPED!! . Accessibility: It's wheelchair friendly, & it's differently abled persons friendly. 5 Stars=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews read more

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Great experience and a cool place. Just went for a drink at the bar but will definitely go back. Telequila its tequila and mezcal drink served in custom made wooden cup. Was super fresh tasting and cool looking. Well balanced but still smokey balanced with the fruit in the drink. Service was friendly and nice. Gave me a good overview of all the drinks. Has a really cool interior and 3 levels. Was at the bar on the second floor. read more

Vera Cocina & بار - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Such a wonderful brunch spot with so many unique and delicious dishes! The best part? The show! The dancers brought incredible energy, lighting up the room and even getting the crowd up and dancing--it turned brunch into a full-on party. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, which made the whole experience feel even more special. Just know there's a $25 fee for the show and a 22% automatic gratuity, but honestly, the lively atmosphere and entertainment made it totally worth it! read more

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The service here was absolutely phenomenal and they were really on top of things and always checked in from time to time to make sure we were having a great time. Although I will say the chicken was dry and probably would not order it again. I would still come back and try something else read more

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The food is among the tastiest and most interesting in the District. The cocktails are also fun and well put together. Superb all around. One comment: it was way too cold inside the restaurant. We saw one woman putting napkins on her shoulders trying to stay warm. Everyone around us was shivering. read more

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Washington, DC, Vera Cocina sets a standard that few restaurants can even approach. From the moment you walk in, the interior commands attention. The design is intentional, immersive, and effortlessly elegant without feeling forced. Every detail feels curated, creating an atmosphere that immediately signals you're somewhere special. The private dining area takes this to another level. It feels exclusive, refined, and perfectly suited for intimate gatherings or elevated celebrations. What truly separates Vera, however, is the culinary experience. The special event menus are in a league of their own. Thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented, and layered with flavor, they offer combinations that feel both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Many of the dishes are genuinely one of one. You won't find these recipes replicated anywhere else, and that alone makes the experience worth returning for. The ambiance is unmatched. The music selection complements the space perfectly, striking a balance between vibrant and relaxed, creating a flow that enhances the entire evening without overpowering it. It's the kind of place where time slows down and you actually enjoy being present. Service is also worth noting. The staff is attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without being pretentious, and clearly invested in making sure each guest has a seamless experience from start to finish. Vera Cocina doesn't just serve food, it delivers an experience. Whether you're going for a special occasion, hosting an event, or simply looking for something elevated, this is a place that exceeds expectations on every level. Easily one of the most unique and refined dining experiences I've had in DC. read more

If you are looking to celebrate a birthday or a friend is in town visiting, you absolutely need to take them to Vera for their brunch experience. I came in on a Sunday morning to celebrate my friends birthday recently. Upon entering the restaurant you instantly notice that the space is really aesthetic with flowers and candles everywhere. Downstairs is where they have their bar, a couple of seating areas and a space where they host parties. When you head upstairs you will find their dining room, DJ area and sections. Our server who I believe her name was Blake was phenomenal. She constantly checked in on our group of 9 and she also helped us take photos and get us up dancing. The live entertainment and dancing was honestly the best part of this experience. You can tell that the entire team enjoys coming into work because everyone is always smiling. They had a belly dancer and a hype man roaming around during the brunch. I didn't try any of their alcoholic drinks but I did have the horchata espresso. It's typically served cold but they were happy to warm it up for me and put it into a really cool handmade mug. It was delicious. Some of the other menu items that I enjoyed was the feta, the hummus and the kebab. The small bites are a good portion and their plates are enough to split between 2 people if you wanted. Overall, I will absolutely be back. This place is a gem! read more

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Beautiful restaurant! There is a bar area on the downstairs level and a large dining room upstairs. I had dinner with a group of people and each dish we tried was phenomenal. read more

Vera Cocina & بار - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I was so excited to try Vera, because I've only had Lebanese Mexican food once (at a Lebanese Mexican restaurant in Mérida, Mexico) and was really blown away. Lebanese immigrants to Mexico (and they emigrated in signifiant numbers in the late 19th/early 20th centuries) have had a significant influence on Mexican culture, especially the country's food (al pastor, for example, is based on shawarma, brought by Lebanese immigrants to the region). But restaurants with a specific Lebanese-Mexican focus are rare! So that was longwinded, but my point was I was excited to try it for dinner last night with two friends. The restaurant is beautiful. The upstairs dining room has large windows (great for sunset skies), breeze blocks, concrete, color, cactus, and great vibes. The service was also excellent - friendly, helpful, and definitely added to the experience. Unfortunately, the food was a little underwhelming. We shared five dishes between three of us. The Calabasin (charred zucchini, tahini foam, and Guajillo oil) was a disappointments. The zucchini was so watery and limp and underwhelming, not the right vegetable for this dish, in my opinion. The tahini foam it was served with was baffling. We had forgotten was the menu had said came with the zucchini, and we debated what this white foam on the plate could be. It was underseasoned and lacked salt, so we knew it wasn't whipped labneh. It had so little flavor, we didn't think it could be whipped feta. When we asked the server and he reminded us it was tahini foam, I was so surprised. It had no tahini flavor at all, which was surprising, since tahini is such a strong flavor. The dish also needed way more of the Guajillo oil. The foam was a pretty unpleasant texture, like whipped egg whites. Overall, the dish was just a big miss for me. The pita was also a miss for me. It was so flat (no air bubbles, no pocket) that we suspected it was storebought and then just grilled for a minute to get a little char at the edges. The other dishes were better. The halloumi and fig salad was interesting. It was mostly arugula, but I enjoyed the dressing and thought it was interesting to have shaved halloumi (I'm so used to a seared slice of halloumi). I also liked the Malfouf Asado (charred cabbage, crema, date puree, and pickled onions). The best things we ate were the labneh they served with chips when we sat (although we didn't get enough chips to finish it and when we asked for me, we received three tostadas, which was strange - why not just more chips? - but fine). The labneh was classic and delicious and the chips were well seasoned with za'atar (the top tostada was seasoned but dry so the seasoning fell off when we picked it up and the bottom two didn't get seasoning except what fell off from the first). Another highlight was the falafel. They were so flavorful and herbaceous and not the least bit dry. I'd have eaten more of these and they were easily the best thing I tried. I really enjoyed the Lebanese wine I tried (they had a great wine and cocktail menu), and the experience was lovely. I did love the decor and the space. I was just pretty underwhelmed by the food unfortunately. read more

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Loved it! It's so cute inside my meat was so tender, the rice was so delicious and my friend enjoyed the chicken dish as well! The bartender that served us at the bar on the second floor also made great drink recommendations and was very professional! Great atmosphere, perfect for date night or groups! read more

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So fun! when I say I want fusion this is what I'm talking about! Lebanese and Mexican, who would have thought!? It works, really good! Everything we tried was so good! I was actually sad when each app was done, I could have easily eaten a whole serving of those shrimp fritters by myself, just delicious! Street corn hummus, yes please! My entree was the poblano rellenos which is a stuffed pepper, covered with a creamy sauce sprinkled with pomegranate seeds, adding lil pops of sweetness, yum! Ended with Churros, with a Dulce du leche, so good, really enjoyed! By the end of dinner they were taking the tables away to turn it into a club? read more

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I had the pleasure of being a guest at Vera this month and only have wonderful things to say about my experience. My guests and I were warmly greeted by staff and the inviting environment continued throughout the evening with our server. Everything from the drinks (especially the Salma), to the food (I can't even call out a dish because they were all A+) was superb. I'm looking forward to going back and trying their brunch ASAP! read more

Vera Cocina & بار - Speciality cocktails - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We came here to celebrate a friends birthday for dinner. The ambiance is beautiful, vibes are 100 and the food is very good. We got to order a bunch of plates and share amongst 5 people. The drinks and mocktails were beautiful and tasted amazing. We sat in the lounge area behind the dj booth on the second floor. You do have to make reservations. The churros were amazing! So fluffy and not too sweet. The location of this restaurant is a little sketchy but there is valet right in front or around the corner. read more

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We went here for my friends bday for their brunch experience and absolutely loved it! They charge a standard fee of 35 dollars per person for their shot, appetizer and entertainment, which is all worth it. Because we went at 2pm, the appetizer was enough for us since some of us had lunch beforehand. The pita in particular was wonderful along with their hummus with corn in the middle and labneh with tomatoes. The salad looked okay. Once the entertainment started, the atmosphere because even more better where they have a fusion of Arabic and Latin music. They even had a belly dancer come out. Overall, if you're looking for a fun brunch time, definitely come here!! read more

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The sustainable ambiance has to be mentioned first and foremost. I appreciate the upcycled materials being repurposed for a great esthetic. Now the food... I have no notes. It was amazing. I went there to celebrate my birthday with two close friends after visiting Beat the Bomb. They were reluctant on my choice because it was unfamiliar but the praise I received for referring this spot has granted me authority to pick all future spots. From the pita chips to the sliders to the steak and shrimp fritters... oh and don't get me started on the churros, 10/10! The cherry on top was the fact that they surprised me with a complimentary slice of pistachio très leches cake. That's what I call great hospitality. I can't wait to go back for more. If I would make any suggestion, it would be for the music. It seemed to cater to a certain demographic that you would see in Vegas. Fun for a minutes then it's exhausting. That's just a preference though. read more

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The food is solid, the service is great, but every design choice feels like it was made by a man. You can absolutely wear stilettos, if you don't mind them slipping straight through the floorboards. And the industrial bathroom sink? It sprays water onto your clothes. Somehow the metal table even pulled my the magnet out of my clutch. Oh wait, the floorboards my stilettos falls through updates into the dance floor -_- read more