How is Vera - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Vera - Permanently Closed

4.4

212 Reviews

$30 and under

Spanish

Top Tags:

Vera is an intimate, chef-driven restaurant and wine bar which is an evolving vision from the culinary and sommelier teams, in Chicago's red hot West Loop. Vera pioneered the modern Spanish eatery in Chicago, celebrating Midwest ingredients along side Spanish inspiration, presented simply yet elegantly. The warm and inviting décor reflects the essence of Spanish hospitality, including a deep commitment to food and family. Run by restaurant industry veterans Elizabeth and Mark Mendez, this ‘old meets new world’ restaurant and wine bar welcomes guests to enjoy a piece of Spain by plate and the globe by glass.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Spanish, Mediterranean, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner: Monday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Phone number
(312) 243-9770
Website
http://www.verachicago.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Mark Mendez
Private party facilities
Vera's intimate dining room and bar offer a perfect setting for your next event, with availability to host up to 50 guests for a seated dinner and 75 for a cocktail and tapas party. Whether hosting a wine class, client dinner, bridal shower or wedding reception, Vera is available for private lunch, brunch and dinner bookings.
Private party contact
Elizabeth Mendez: (312) 243-9770

Location
1023 W Lake, Chicago, IL 60607
Neighborhood
West Loop
Cross street
Carpenter
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Green Line: Morgan St. Station
Additional
Bar Dining, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Wine

Grilled Octopus, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pimenton$12.00
River Valley Ranch Mushrooms, Thyme, Garlic Jus$8.00
Shrimp a La Plancha, Chile Vinaigrette$12.00
Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Serrano Ham, Sherry Cream$9.00
Lamb Meatballs, Harissa, Yogurt, Dill$9.00
Burrata, Roasted Beets, Arugula, Marcona Almonds$14.00
Cauliflower, Green Romesco, Raisin, Pine Nuts$10.00
Kale Salad, Manchego Cheese, Breadcrumbs, Lemon$9.00
Chicken Thigh, Sofrito, Capers, Braised Greens and Bacon$11.00
Jefferson Township Strip Steak, Chimichurri$30.00

Platos Del Dia

Monday$6.00
Half dozen oysters
Tuesday$15.00
Blood sausage
Wednesday$18.00
Chicken and chorizo paella
Thursday
Ceviche
- Market Price
Friday$22.00
Brick chicken
Saturday$15.00
Cocido madrileno
Sunday$32.00
Lobster paella

Coffee & Tea Bar

Chemex
Pour Over Coffee
Loose Leaf Tea$4.00
Espresso Drinks$2.00

Sherry

Colosia, Sangre Y Trabajadero Oloroso$10.00
Cesar Florido Dorado Moscatel$14.00
Toro Albala 'Don Px' Pedro Ximenez$13.00

Madeira

The Rare Wine Co. 'Charleston' Sercial$12.00
D'oliveira 1988 Terrantez$20.00
The Rare Wine Co. 'Boston' Bual$12.00

Etc.

Susana Balbo Late Harvest Malbec$9.00
Les Pins Monbazillac Semillon$12.00

What 212 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

210 Reviews

MG
MGauguin
Chicago
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I lived in Spain (Madrid and San Sebastian) and Vera is the closest to being at an actual wine bar in Spain that I've experienced in the U.S. Sad to see it go, but wish them success and happiness in whatever they choose to do next.
Is this helpful?
JJ
JJJJJJ
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Thanks for having us. Vera is closing soon and has been a restaurant we've enjoyed for many years. We wish everyone from Vera the best of luck in their next chapters.
Is this helpful?
CL
ChicagoLisa
Chicago
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We will miss Vera's!
Is this helpful?
M
Mamajoansie
Chicago
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Vera is one of my favorite restaurants, and the food never disappoints. I was very sad not to have the kale salad which is no longer on the menu. I realize the chef is probably tired of making it, but you know how that goes. Tony Bennett is still singing "I Lost My Heart in San Francisco" because the fans expect it LOL. They used to have jazz playing, now it was not so classy music. I have to be honest and say the waiter is not my favorite. His vibe is a little condescending and I like wait staff who are more helpful and informative when choosing food and wine.
Is this helpful?
NS
NorShoreGourmand
Seattle
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very low key on a week night but service, food and Vino were fantastic. Will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
MR
MelissaR
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We were so impressed with the delicious food and excellent service. A last minute decision to eat downtown and what a treat. We would definitely return!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food has been better in the past. The service is fantastic as well as the wine. We have been more impressed with the food in the past than we have this visit. I wonder what happened.
Is this helpful?
n
nrs4ya
Chicago
23 reviews
vip
2.0
23 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2017
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
I was looking forward to going to Vera as I spent a few months in Spain previously and I was excited to get a reminder of the taste of the food I had there. However, Vera's service was a little too true to form for Spanish dining. My boyfriend and I sat down around 8:20 p.m. and didn't leave until around 10:15 p.m. The service was very slow and it would have been different had the dishes been elaborate or filling, but it took 1.5 hours for a simple dish of bread and manchego cheese, a plate of serrano ham and an order of burrata to get to the table. The ham and manchego were tasty, but there was no reason to wait on them for an hour. The burrata was overly salty and had a strange flavor. The other dishes we ordered came out close together: Spanish tortilla (a simple egg and potato dish) and pork meatballs (we received 2). Overall, the food was fine, but nothing spectacular. The service is as slow as others warn and I left feeling too hungry for ordering over $100.00 of food and drink.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Well thought out restaurant with great food and a wonderful staff. Jordan is the best!
Is this helpful?
LW
LoftyWong
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A great neighborhood joint where they remember you and you can grab a few nibbles or get your fill. And Liz knows her wine, which means the wine list is nicely curated. And Jordan makes lovely cocktails.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What amazing food an location. Ok will go back for a afternoon lunch.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The ambiance was wonderful. The soft lighting and feel of the place sends you back in time. The wine menu is vast and diverse - the staff is more than willing to offer suggestions based on your preferences. Small plates really means small plates here. The good news is that they are affordable and there are plenty of enticing choices.
Is this helpful?
BG
BryanG
Chicago
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent first experience. Good food, especially the mushrooms. Splendid garnache. Friendly service
Is this helpful?
k
kmo9791
Chicago
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent tapas! We went on a Thursday night and it was mostly full but not jam-packed, which was nice (so that you could hear yourself talk). Laid back, has a neighborhood feel. A pricey but extensive wine list.
Is this helpful?
SJ
SJLIII
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wine selection was great and service exceptional. Food, however, was average at best.
Is this helpful?
MP
MP7699
Chicago
170 reviews
vip
5.0
170 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
It was great, but service was a problem. They were short a server, but worked hard to keep on top of everyone.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Good but more expensive than it should have been
Is this helpful?
EC
EllenC
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Vera was recommended by a friend who lives in the neighborhood as a non-touristy spot. I went with a friend from out of town. It was great for getting together since we could take our time and had no trouble hearing each other. I would definitely go again and recommend it to friends.
Is this helpful?
PH
PeaceHappinessLove
Chicago
26 reviews
vip
4.0
26 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I meet friends at Vera's often. It is a gem of a neighborhood place.
Is this helpful?
MD
MauraD
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place is fantastic. Food is good, service is very friendly, and wine choices are on-point. The tomato bread is something I crave. Can't say enough about this place.
1 person found this helpful
d
dcfoodie
Washington DC
64 reviews
vip
3.0
64 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We dined on a quiet Monday; there must have been maybe four tables in the small restaurant. It is a cozy environment, so it being quiet made it easy to catch up with my colleague. The menu items have appealing descriptions, and include a variety of proteins suitable for those that do not eat red meat or poultry (my colleague) and satisfying those that eat all. There were many options left to order should I revisit. Our server, Jake, was very good. He has a knowledge of the food and wine menus, and was friendly, accommodating, and provided recommendations on quantity and quality. The food was hit and miss. I think they use excellent purveyors, but the execution on some of the dishes was poor. For example, the piri piri sardines were excellent, but the seafood arroz was poor. The sardines were an excellent grade with simple preparation. The rice, which was described as a mix between risotto and paella, was under cooked and lacked flavor. What I imagined and wanted to be a filling entree to share, was no more than a little rice that failed to soak in the broth or achieve a crispy, paella crust. However, to credit the rice, the mussels and shrimp were nicely cooked. Still, the seafood could not save the overall dish. The crab stuffed piquillo pepper was very good, but the octopus and potatoes were fair. The octopus itself I felt was great, but i would prefer more than just nickle-sized slices. The potatoes, sliced similarly, lacked seasoning and due to the preparation size may have added to much crisp and not enough cream. The tomato of the tomato bread needed some flaky sea salt, but the anchovies adorning it were mild and excellent. I note the anchovies could have added that salt I desired to the tomato, but they did not. Overall it was good, and because of the service I received would return.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This place is worth going to just for the bread and butter! I have been many times and I always have a great experience! The owners are also lovely people. I never hesitate recommending Vera. Enjoy!
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
Detroit
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place. Small plate style food to share. Friendly and attentive service. And the food is very good. A great selection of Sherries.
1 person found this helpful
CM
CarolynM
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love VERA for the location, service and the ambiance. I enjoy their wine list very much however their menu is not very veggie friendly. The beet salad really was disappointing and I expected something much more interesting from a great neighborhood place like Vera.
Is this helpful?
R
Richard
Chicago
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 29, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had a lovely time at Vera. This was my second time there. The staff was knowledgeable on Spanish cuisine - on an upscale level. Their interpretations in Spanish tapas was lovely.
Is this helpful?
N
Nick
Chicago
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Easily the best overall restaurant experience I've had. Staff was impeccable, food was thoughtfully executed to perfection.
1 person found this helpful
MG
MollyG
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Waiter wasn't attentive and rolled his eyes at us as we were chatting and laughing. Food portions were tiny (even for tapas) and over priced. Good wine though!
Is this helpful?
RW
RobbieW
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great wine and food. I am a big fan of tapas and Tera did not disappoint. Definitely try the tomato bread with ham - I don't even like tomatoes at all and it was great. Nice atmosphere - felt alive and busy but not crowded.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Way to expensive for food that was mediocre at best. Terrible expensive piaya. Special wine by the glass $25 per pour? Really? Super service and pleasant atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
J
Joel
Chicago
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Vera is good for two or four people. Spanish tapas- sharing plates. Menu is small, which I prefer. Do a few things well and leave it at that. It is usually busy, but not impossible to get a reservation. And the atmosphere is not so loud that you can't have a nice discussion at dinner. Always a good west loop option.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was fantastic and everything we had was delicious. From the cocktails Jordan picked for us to the rose matched with the pepper stuffed with crabmeat in bechamel from to the killer coffee concoction served with the salted caramel pudding - everything was exceptional. +This was one of my top dining experiences of all time!
1 person found this helpful
A
Anonymous
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 4, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was fine, nothing spectacular. For the price, each plate had very small portions. The wine list was not extensive but everything we had was very good!
Is this helpful?
C
Cheeky
Chicago
54 reviews
vip
3.0
54 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Really romantic atmosphere and great wine list. Food was ok. Octopus was good, but pretty salty. Patata bravas and kale were really tasty. Skip the mushrooms.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 29, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Extraordinary. Delicious. This is where I go when I want a perfect meal -- and it's always extraordinary. Tomato bread. Do it.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 29, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
We had a really great evening at Vera. Our waiter was a bit overbearing. But basically friendly and helpful, just needed to tone his unsolicited advice giving down a notch. Food was delicious and wines very nice albeit a bit pricey at $ 12-13 a glass. Great place to go with friends and it's quiet enough you can talk comfortably.
1 person found this helpful
j
jujumucc
Chicago
100 reviews
vip
5.0
100 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful wine selections - it's like your favorite wine bar meets a great menu! Good amount of vegetarian options, and very relaxing, inviting vibe. Love this place!
1 person found this helpful
DL
DiningLocal
Chicago
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Love Vera. Interesting twist on Spanish food. It is small and comfortable. Good wine selection and friendly staff. Not too loud and a very comfortable ambience.
Is this helpful?
P
Pucci
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very good authentic tapas. Value for money could be better, portions are quite small for the prices. Wine list is small, but good - special wines that you usually do not get somewhere else.
Is this helpful?
B
Brix4str
San Francisco
25 reviews
vip
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great ambiance and good food. Would definitely visit again.
Is this helpful?
MP
MP7699
Chicago
170 reviews
vip
5.0
170 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Menu has changed --very good. We enjoyed food and interesting wine. We always love it.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Vera - Permanently Closed is rated 4.4 stars by 212 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

1023 W Lake, Chicago, IL 60607

Additional information

Cross street
Carpenter
Neighborhood
West Loop
Hours of operation
Dinner: Monday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Spanish, Mediterranean, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Green Line: Morgan St. Station
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
Executive chef
Mark Mendez
Additional
Bar Dining, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Wine

Website
http://www.verachicago.com/
Phone number
(312) 243-9770
Private party facilities
Vera's intimate dining room and bar offer a perfect setting for your next event, with availability to host up to 50 guests for a seated dinner and 75 for a cocktail and tapas party. Whether hosting a wine class, client dinner, bridal shower or wedding reception, Vera is available for private lunch, brunch and dinner bookings.
Private party contact
Elizabeth Mendez: (312) 243-9770

Vera - Permanently Closed

Permanently Closed

Additional information

Para Picar

Marinated Olives$6.00

Salt Cod Croquettes, Garlic Aioli$4.00

Boquerone Toast, Chive Butter, Trout Roe$9.00

Tomato Bread$5.00

Pan

Extra Virgin Olive Oil$4.00

Queso

Aged Manchego, La Mancha, Spain

Queso Iberico, Valladolid, Spain

Hook's 7 Year Cheddar, Mineral Point, Wi

Embutido

Serrano Ham$14.00

Salchichon$6.00

Chorizo Navarre$6.00

Plato De Vera

Chef's Selection of Three Cheeses, Three Charcuterie and Accompaniments$35.00

Raciones

Grilled Octopus, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pimenton$12.00

River Valley Ranch Mushrooms, Thyme, Garlic Jus$8.00

Shrimp a La Plancha, Chile Vinaigrette$12.00

Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Serrano Ham, Sherry Cream$9.00

Lamb Meatballs, Harissa, Yogurt, Dill$9.00

Burrata, Roasted Beets, Arugula, Marcona Almonds$14.00

Cauliflower, Green Romesco, Raisin, Pine Nuts$10.00

Kale Salad, Manchego Cheese, Breadcrumbs, Lemon$9.00

Chicken Thigh, Sofrito, Capers, Braised Greens and Bacon$11.00

Jefferson Township Strip Steak, Chimichurri$30.00

Platos Del Dia

Monday$6.00

Tuesday$15.00

Wednesday$18.00

Thursday

Friday$22.00

Saturday$15.00

Sunday$32.00

Coffee & Tea Bar

Chemex

Pour Over Coffee

Loose Leaf Tea$4.00

Espresso Drinks$2.00

Sherry

Colosia, Sangre Y Trabajadero Oloroso$10.00

Cesar Florido Dorado Moscatel$14.00

Toro Albala 'Don Px' Pedro Ximenez$13.00

Madeira

The Rare Wine Co. 'Charleston' Sercial$12.00

D'oliveira 1988 Terrantez$20.00

The Rare Wine Co. 'Boston' Bual$12.00

Etc.

Susana Balbo Late Harvest Malbec$9.00

Les Pins Monbazillac Semillon$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Vera - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Additional information