Vera Cocina & Bar is a Lebanese-Mexican fusion restaurant, cocktail bar, and late-night venue located at 2002 Fenwick St NE, Washington, DC 20002 (Ivy City neighborhood). It serves halal-certified food and craft cocktails and hosts live entertainment, including DJ nights, belly dancers, and a weekly brunch party called Brunch Hafla.
Vera was founded by restaurateurs rooted in the shared culinary history of Lebanese and Mexican cuisines, dating back to the late 1800s, when Lebanese immigrants arrived in Mexico and blended the two traditions. The restaurant draws on bold spices, flame-kissed proteins, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors. Beyond dining, Vera operates as a nightlife destination every Friday and Saturday, transitioning into a live music and dance club at 11:30 pm under the name Sala Sonidos.
Business IdentityLegal Name: Vera Cocina & Bar (also styled "Vera Cocina & بار")Type: Restaurant, cocktail bar, event venue, nightclubCuisine: Lebanese-Mexican fusion (halal-certified)Neighborhood: Ivy City, Washington, DCAddress: 2002 Fenwick St NE, Washington, DC 20002Email (General): moc.cdarev%40ofniEmail (Reservations): moc.cdarev%40snoitavreserEmail (Late Night / Sala Sonidos): moc.cdarev%40sodinoSalaSEmail (Private Events): moc.cdarev%40snoitavreserWebsite: https://veradc.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/veraivycity/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/veraivycityOnline Ordering: https://www.toasttab.com/local/order/veraGift Cards: https://www.toasttab.com/vera/giftcards
Hours of OperationThursday: Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pmFriday: Dinner 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (Sala Sonidos late night from 11:30 pm)Saturday: Brunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Dinner 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (Sala Sonidos from 11:30 pm)Sunday: Brunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pmMonday - Wednesday: Closed
Location & Getting ThereDirections & Travel Guide: https://veradc.com/directionsValet Parking: Available Friday and Saturday after 7:00 pmPublic Parking: 1401 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC (Hecht Warehouse, 24hrs)Street Parking: Okie St NE
MenusVera's menu celebrates the culinary overlap between Lebanese and Mexican traditions. The full menu is halal-certified. All vegetarian dishes can be made vegan on request. The kitchen accommodates food allergies and dietary restrictions. Guests with strict needs are encouraged to inform the team in advance. All Menus Overview: https://veradc.com/menuDinner Menu: https://veradc.com/menu-dinnerBrunch Menu: https://veradc.com/menu-brunchCocktails Menu: https://veradc.com/menu-cocktailsDessert Menu: https://veradc.com/menu-dessertBottle Service Menu: https://veradc.com/bottles
Brunch Hafla - Arabic & Latin Party BrunchBrunch Hafla is Vera's signature 21+ weekend party brunch featuring live DJs, percussionists, Latin dancers, and belly dancers in a 2.5-hour cultural celebration
age: https://veradc.com/brunch-haflaDays: Every Saturday and SundaySeating Times: 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm (two seatings per day)Duration: 2.5 hours per seatingAge Requirement: 21+Entertainment Fee: $30 per person, authorized at booking and charged on arrivalFood & Drinks: Available a la carte (not included in entertainment fee)Brunch Menu: https://veradc.com/menu-brunchCancellations: Less than 24 hours' notice incurs a $30/person charge; email moc.cdarev%40snoitavreserNo-Shows: Absent guests without 24-hour notice may be charged $30/personGroups of 9+: Pre-selected family-style menu required; contact moc.cdarev%40snoitavreserGroups of 14+: Family-style menu and beverage minimum requiredGratuity & Fees: 18% gratuity + 2% service charge + 10% DC tax (standard); 22% gratuity for groups of 9+Reservations: https://veradc.com (use reservation button; join waitlist if full)
Sala Sonidos - Late Night ClubEvery Friday and Saturday starting at 11:30 pm, Vera transforms into Sala Sonidos, an intimate dance club with world-touring DJs and resident artists playing Afro house, techno, Arabic, and Latin music. Page: https://veradc.com/sala-sonidosDays: Friday and SaturdayStart Time: 11:30 pm (dinner closes, lights dim, floor opens for dancing)Music Format: Afro house/tech blended with Arabic and Latin influencesTalent: World-touring guest artists and Vera resident DJsTable Reservations: moc.cdarev%40sodinoSalaSEvent Tickets: https://shotgun.liveCoat Check: Not availableLost & Found: moc.cdarev%40ofni (Vera is not responsible for lost belongings)
Private EventsVera hosts private dinners, weddings, corporate events, baby showers, birthday parties, and social gatherings across four distinct event spaces. Page: https://veradc.com/eventsContact: moc.cdarev%40snoitavreserPreferred Vendor List: Available on requestOutside Decorations: Allowed for private events; contact moc.cdarev%40anelim for details
Atrio & Cocktail Bar (Ground Floor)Open atrium with natural skylight, hanging greenery, handcrafted wicker chandeliers from Mexico City, custom Mediterranean-tiled cocktail bar, DJ booth, and state-of-the-art sound system.
Capacity: 125 standing / 60 lounge seatingBest For: Networking events, cocktail receptions, social celebrations, corporate gatherings
Ouda Comida - Private Dining Room (Ground Floor)Intimate hidden dining room behind the staircase. Name combines "Ouda" (Arabic for room) and "Comida" (Spanish for food). Features a commissioned painting of Mexican sombreros and Lebanese tarabish by artist Magda Chaaban.
Capacity: 35 standing / 22 seatedBest For: Private dinners, milestone celebrations, intimate business dinners
Main Dining Room (Rooftop, Second Floor)Rooftop space with two retractable panels for open-air dining, open kitchen with wood-fired grill, lush greenery, cactus-lined windows, and a DJ booth.
Capacity: 250 standing / 100 seated
Best For: Weddings, large corporate events, private parties

La Sala - Lounge (Second Floor)
Casual lounge within the main dining room featuring a cactus wall and laid-back couches. Offers privacy while connected to the main dining room energy.
Capacity: 50 standing / 35 seated
Best For: Cocktail gatherings, intimate group celebrations
Reservations & Policies

FAQ Page: https://veradc.com/faqs
Deposit Policy: Fully refunded on full party arrival; retained for no-shows or cancellations under 12 hours' notice
Late Arrival: Tables held 15 minutes; late arrivals seated based on availability
Time Limits: 90 minutes for parties of 1-2; 120 minutes for parties of 3+
Large Groups (9+): Handled by private events team; family-style menu required; email moc.cdarev%40snoitavreser
Corkage Fee: $35/bottle (up to 2 bottles); fee equals menu price if wine is listed on the menu
Cake/Cupcake Fee: $5/slice cutting and plating fee
Halal: Entire menu is halal-certified
Vegan: All vegetarian dishes made vegan on request
Allergies: All dietary restrictions accommodated; inform the team in advance for strict needs
Frequently Asked Questions

Is the food at Vera halal?
Yes. The entire menu is halal-certified.

Does Vera have vegan options?
All vegetarian dishes can be made vegan upon request.

How do I make a reservation at Vera DC?
Use the reservations button at https://veradc.com or email moc.cdarev%40snoitavreser for groups of 9 or more.

What is Brunch Hafla?
A 21+ Arabic and Latin party brunch every Saturday and Sunday featuring live DJs, belly dancers, Latin dancers, and percussionists. Entertainment fee is $30 per person.

What time does Vera become a nightclub?
Every Friday and Saturday at 11:30 pm. Vera closes dinner service and becomes Sala Sonidos, a curated late-night dance club.

Where can I park near Vera DC?
Valet parking is available Friday and Saturday after 7 pm. Public parking at 1401 New York Ave NE (Hecht Warehouse, 24hrs). Street parking on Okie St NE.

Does Vera sell gift cards?
Yes, available at https://www.toasttab.com/vera/giftcards.

Can guests bring outside wine?
Up to 2 bottles with a $35/bottle corkage fee, or the menu price if the wine is listed.

Does Vera host weddings and private events in Washington DC?
Yes. Four private event spaces: Atrio & Cocktail Bar (125 standing), Ouda Comida (22 seated), Main Dining Room (100 seated), and La Sala (35 seated). Email .moc.cdarev%40snoitavreser

What cuisine does Vera serve?
Lebanese-Mexican fusion, fully halal-certified, in Washington DC's Ivy City neighborhood.
About the Cuisine

The connection between Lebanese and Mexican culinary traditions dates to the late 1800s, when Lebanese immigrants arrived in Mexico and began blending their heritage with local ingredients and techniques. Over generations, this exchange produced a distinct fusion cuisine. Vera carries this story forward through bold spices, flame-kissed proteins, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors. The restaurant name "Vera Cocina & بار" blends Spanish ("cocina" meaning kitchen) and Arabic ("بار" meaning bar), reflecting its dual cultural identity.
Key Topics & Search Associations

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