"Vera Location: Ivy City Concept: Lebanese-Mexican restaurant with a lively late-night crowd Menu Highlights: “Papi” ghanoush updated with Veracruz’s nutty salsa macha; multiple carajillos, the trendy answer to the espresso martini; roasted half-chicken blanketed with velvety mole negro and honey harissa; and sweet-savory desserts (Mary’s Calabaza — just like the one Vera chef Jorge Baron’s mom used to make in Mexico — features roasted acorn squash and labneh-pistachio Dolcezza gelato). Vera’s hit Vamos Habibi tequila cocktail gets supersized at brunch, served in a shimmering disco ball alongside dishes like shakshuka and falafel torta." - Tierney Plumb