Excellent!!! Beautiful restaurant, the food was incredible and the service just as incredible! The seafood paella and the lamb chops are a must try! The lamb chops were so flavorful and tender. I also really enjoyed the tres leches. Highly recommend checking them out. read more

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came to Vera Cocina & Bar for my birthday brunch, and it ended up being one of the most fun brunch experiences I've had! When you first walk in, it seems like it'll be a laid-back brunch, but don't let that fool you. The service was incredibly fast, and the food came out quickly. Everything I tried was delicious! My favorite was a breakfast sandwich served over a hash with an incredible sauce--I was thinking about it long after I left. We also shared an appetizer that was so good we couldn't stop going back for another bite. Just when I thought the great food was the highlight, the entertainment started. The host did an amazing job keeping the entire crowd engaged, the music had everyone singing along, and before I knew it, the whole restaurant had turned into a party. The belly dancer was absolutely mesmerizing and interacted with the crowd so effortlessly, making the experience feel even more special. Between the food, drinks, entertainment, and atmosphere, time flew by. What I thought would be a simple birthday brunch turned into an unforgettable celebration. I'll definitely be back for another brunch--and next time I'll be ready to dance! read more

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Went to Saturday brunch and it absolutely a blast! It's $30 per person just to make a rsvp for the brunch and while it may seem like a hefty fee it's for the entertainers and it gets you a welcome shot (or mocktail shot). So go in knowing that. The food, drinks, service, and ambiance were amazing. We will definitely go back. The belly dancing and entertainers were a blast. read more

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We stopped in for restaurant week for a double date and all of us were so pleasantly surprised with the gem we found! I was recommended this restaurant for their gluten free options and they didn't disappoint! They were so considerate of my boyfriend being celiac and made so many great recommendations for food and drinks, we can't pick our favorites! The vibe is impeccable for dinner and we can't wait to try their brunch! read more

Vera Cocina & بار - Cocktail with edible flower - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Wow I had to get to this review quickly because it was just such a vibe. I went to the Sunday brunch yesterday to celebrate one of my Bestfriend's birthday and I had a great time! The atmosphere was so fun with the dancers and the interaction from the crowd. I had a mocktail that was great and I also appreciated how they brought shooters for the table and still accompanied me with a mocktail shooter as well. The food was delicious and tasted so fresh I did the shrimp fritters and the chicken thigh sandwich were both delicious I had no leftovers which is not normal for me lol . Some other members of my party did the tacos and the burger and everyone enjoyed it all. I will definitely return in the future! read more

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Returning to update my previous review because consistency matters and Vera Cocina's has shifted a bit since my first visit. The tomahawk that won me over the first time? Didn't quite hit the same. The branzino was cooked well technically, but lacked the flavor to back it up but beautiful execution, underwhelming payoff. The lamb chops however were an absolute win! and saved the protein category entirely. Rice was good but arrived cold, which for a large party is understandable but still worth noting. Speaking of large party, we came ten deep, sat together upstairs, and the service genuinely impressed me. Everything came out timely, our server stayed attentive throughout and got orders right across the board. For a table of ten that's no small feat. The upstairs space is a great reminder of why this place draws people in , the decor is lovely from every angle, thoughtfully put together and worth appreciating. The experience wasn't a disappointment, just an adjustment in expectations. I'm still open to returning specifically eyeing the brunch experience to see if that format brings a different energy. Vera Cocina still has potential. Just needs to get back to what made the first impression so strong. read more

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Brunch at Vera was amazing. I enjoyed the food, the service was great and the entertainment was amazing. I really liked the tacos, hummus and burger. It's perfect for a celebration or just a day out with friends. They give out welcome shots and there's a $30 pp entertainment fee but it's definitely well worth it. read more

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

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First things first...let's talk about the decor because WOW. Vera Cocina is absolutely stunning. This Lebanese-Mexican fusion spot is spread across two levels with massive bar areas, lounge seating, and an atrium downstairs that feels completely transformative. It's giving passport stamps without leaving the DMV. Every corner is Instagram-ready and honestly made me feel like I had been transported to another country. What's funny is that the location itself is pretty unassuming, tucked away on a side street. You'd never expect such a gorgeous space from the outside. As with many parts of DC, there are always a few characters around, so keep your head on a swivel, but overall the area felt well-lit, active, and perfectly fine for a night out. Our party of 10 sat upstairs, and I have to give major credit to the service. Managing a large group is not easy, but our waitress handled everything effortlessly. She was attentive, organized, strategic with placing orders, and somehow managed the final bill without confusion or chaos. One of the smoothest large-party dining experiences I've had in a long time. Now for the food. My friends and I always split dishes because we like to sample as much as possible, and overall I enjoyed everything I tried. My ratings: Spice Mocktail - 4/5 Wagyu Sliders - 3/5 Fish Sliders - 4/5 Yellow Rice - 4/5 Lamb Chops & Cauliflower - 5/5 (my favorite) Branzino - 5/5 Tomahawk Steak - 4/5 While I personally enjoyed my selections, there were mixed reviews across our party of 10, which is pretty normal when everyone orders something different. For me, the standouts were definitely the lamb chops and the branzino. Overall, Vera Cocina delivers on atmosphere, service, and presentation. Even if you're just looking for a beautiful night out with friends, date night vibes, or content for the gram, this place checks all the boxes. The food was good, the service was excellent, and the decor alone is worth experiencing at least once. Overall Rating: 4.5/5 read more

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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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I came here this weekend to celebrate my birthday and bachelorette party with my closest friends. I visited because I found them on TikTok and marked it as a place to come and check out. The interior is beautiful and nicely decorated. We ate on the second floor which was very earthy with plants hanging from the ceiling. It was very spacious and the service was pretty decent, although I'd say our waiter wasn't very attentive and didn't seem to be really listening to us. The manager also was a bit harsh when we came in and was not really willing to work with us. Despite that snafu, the experience here was lovely. We were thoroughly entertained by the dancing, music, and energy! I loved every minute of it. Honestly, the food wasn't the highlight for me. It was 100% the atmosphere. read more

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

Fantastic dinner before heading down for a featured DJ show at culture. Lovely Egyptian waitress who had a lot of tables but was super patient. Probably the best cocktail in all of DC right now - a fluffy tamarind mango cloud on top of smooth mezcal - insanely addictive and unreal textures, truly a miraculous combination!!!! Pulparindo! The steak was tasty but $30 it was quite small. The guacamole is a must order and the summer white asparagus delightful. Be sure to specify if you want your dishes coursed out as they bring most things out at the same time. We'll be back! read more

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

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

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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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

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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A perfect 5 stars. The atmosphere, service, and food were fantastic. My friend and I went during their brunch with entertainment and it was an amazing experience. Belly dancers, Arabic drummer, music, dancing on tables and on the bar! It was a beautiful restaurant with great food and presentation. The drinks were delicious. I will always recommend Vera for brunch! read more

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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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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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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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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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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Vera Cocina & Bar is a beautiful Lebanese and Mexican fusion restaurant at 2002 Fenwick St. NE, Washington, DC. The vibrant décor, bold colors, and stylish upstairs dining area created a wonderful setting for an evening out with friends. The atmosphere was lively, welcoming, and full of great energy. Our server was attentive throughout the evening and provided excellent service. At one point, another table was celebrating and as everyone sang, our group joined in. It added to the sense of community, laughter, and fun that filled the restaurant. Now, let's get into the food. The fish sliders had good flavor but were dry. Since the updated menu no longer included rice as shown in the menu on their website, we had to request it separately. Although they accommodated our request, the rice arrived lukewarm instead of hot. I ordered the Branzino, and unfortunately, it was overcooked. For the price, I expected a tender, flaky fish that melted in my mouth, but instead it was cooked hard and dry. The yellow rice was also dry and lacked seasoning. The salad had far too many onions and peppers, and small amounts of greens and there wasn't enough dressing to balance the flavors. The spicy mocktail was absolutely delicious and was easily the highlight of my meal. Overall, our table had mixed reviews. While the ambiance and service earned a 5 out of 5, the food earned only a 2 out of 5. The beautiful atmosphere couldn't make up for food that was consistently overcooked and dry. Would I return? Probably not. I wanted the food to be just as memorable as the ambiance, but for me, it fell short--especially considering the price point. read more

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

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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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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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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Very cute place and cute vibes. The Sunday show was great and the food was too! Our waitress Jasmin was very kind and so patient with our large party- she's truly a gem to this establishment. We were pleased and will be back! read more

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

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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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

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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