Vera - Permanently Closed

Sort by

Filters

1. MG

   MGauguin

   Chicago

   18 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   18 reviews

   Dined on July 25, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   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.

   Report
2. JJ

   JJJJJJ

   Chicago

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on July 22, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   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.

   Report
3. CL

   ChicagoLisa

   Chicago

   22 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   22 reviews

   Dined on July 20, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We will miss Vera's!

   Report
4. M

   Mamajoansie

   Chicago

   19 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   19 reviews

   Dined on July 13, 2017

   overall4food4service3ambience3

   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.

   Report
5. NS

   NorShoreGourmand

   Seattle

   47 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   47 reviews

   Dined on July 5, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Very low key on a week night but service, food and Vino were fantastic. Will definitely be back.

   Report
6. MR

   MelissaR

   Chicago

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on June 29, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   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!

   Report
7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on June 22, 2017

   overall4food3service5ambience5

   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.

   Report
8. n

   nrs4ya

   Chicago

   23 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   23 reviews

   Dined on June 2, 2017

   overall2food3service2ambience3

   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.

   Report
9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 26, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Well thought out restaurant with great food and a wonderful staff. Jordan is the best!

   Report
10. LW

    LoftyWong

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2017

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    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.

    Report
11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What amazing food an location. Ok will go back for a afternoon lunch.

    Report
12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2017

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    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.

    Report
13. BG

    BryanG

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent first experience. Good food, especially the mushrooms. Splendid garnache. Friendly service

    Report
14. k

    kmo9791

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    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.

    Report
15. SJ

    SJLIII

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2017

    overall3food2service5ambience4

    Wine selection was great and service exceptional. Food, however, was average at best.

    Report
16. MP

    MP7699

    Chicago

    166 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    166 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    It was great, but service was a problem. They were short a server, but worked hard to keep on top of everyone.

    Report
17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Good but more expensive than it should have been

    Report
18. EC

    EllenC

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    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.

    Report
19. PH

    PeaceHappinessLove

    Chicago

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    I meet friends at Vera's often. It is a gem of a neighborhood place.

    Report
20. MD

    MauraD

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    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.

    Report
21. d

    dcfoodie

    Washington DC

    63 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    63 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2017

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    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.

    Report
22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 7, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    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!

    Report
23. M

    Mark

    Detroit

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great place. Small plate style food to share. Friendly and attentive service. And the food is very good. A great selection of Sherries.

    Report
24. CM

    CarolynM

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2017

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    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.

    Report
25. R

    Richard

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    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.

    Report
26. N

    Nick

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Easily the best overall restaurant experience I've had. Staff was impeccable, food was thoughtfully executed to perfection.

    Report
27. MG

    MollyG

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2017

    overall3food3service3ambience5

    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!

    Report
28. RW

    RobbieW

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    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.

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2017

    overall3food2service5ambience4

    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.

    Report
30. J

    Joel

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    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.

    Report
31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 7, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    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!

    Report
32. A

    Anonymous

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2017

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    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!

    Report
33. C

    Cheeky

    Chicago

    54 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2017

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    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.

    Report
34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Extraordinary. Delicious. This is where I go when I want a perfect meal -- and it's always extraordinary. Tomato bread. Do it.

    Report
35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2017

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    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.

    Report
36. j

    jujumucc

    Chicago

    98 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    98 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    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!

    Report
37. DL

    DiningLocal

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    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.

    Report
38. P

    Pucci

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    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.

    Report
39. B

    Brix4str

    San Francisco

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Great ambiance and good food. Would definitely visit again.

    Report
40. MP

    MP7699

    Chicago

    166 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    166 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Menu has changed --very good. We enjoyed food and interesting wine. We always love it.

    Report