I've had good experiences at Vera Maes in the past few years but my most recent experience made me question if I'll go back. The owners are great- really take good care of you but one wait person in particular ruined our most recent visit with her attitude. Too many details to go into about the ins and outs of what happened, but she seemed downright hostile and condescending for no reason. Had been so looking forward to this time with friends and it was such a negative experience.
(2)
Jason S.
Very nice atmosphere, but one that I wouldn't recommend for children. We did not order any drinks (alcohol) but did enjoy a full meal with dessert. The food was above average, and only slightly overpriced, for what we had. My wife's cod was very nice, and well seasoned. She didn't care for the tarter sauce, and I agreed. Her roasted potatoes and broccoli were perfect. I was disappointed with the risotto; it was dry and had too much oil as a finisher. I won't be ordering it again. It seemed consistent with a reheated dish, and sub-par when compared to everything else. I only ate about a third of it. The highlight of our meal was my French Onion Soup, although it was mostly cheese (gimmick?) and broth, and had very little actual braised onion, which are my favorite. It was, however, overall, the best version of this soup I have found in Muncie. Our dessert was wonderful. My wife had Bananas Foster, Table side, and I thoroughly enjoyed the bread pudding. Would we recommend? Absolutely. Will we return soon? Absolutely. Would I take my kids there? Absolutely not. This is a place for adults, plain and simple, and harkens back to a day when the kids stayed at home, and the adults stepped out for a monthly fine dining experience.
(4)
RM W.
I was born and raised in Muncie. Since 1978 we have lived in the Southwest...currently in the Houston TX area. We have top chief's restaurants in Houston and we eat out 3-4 times a week. So, when we returned to Muncie for a family wedding, we celebrated my birthday in Muncie instead of Houston. I had a guest list of 10 people and most places in Muncie could not seat us all together. But Vera Mae's could. So we reserved the Boardroom and had my birthday party the day before the wedding. I guess I'm a bit of a snob because I didn't think Muncie could have a top chief meal like we have in Houston...boy was I wrong. The food is as good as any 5 star restaurant we have in Houston. The special of the evening was flown in Alaskan Salmon with a crab topping...it was excellent, flavorful and prepared perfectly.We had one finicky eater...he (a10 yr old) loved the Chicken Brie Raspberry and ate the whole thing...amazing his mother. My husband had the Apple Stuffed Pork Chops...OMG, I sampled a bite and it was fantastic. The appetizers of Green Tomatoes, Cajun Crab Cakes, and Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip were excellent. And the desserts were to die for...everyone enjoyed their choice. I have had the original Brennan's Banana Foster in New Orleans and Houston...and Vera Mae's Banana Foster is an equal to Brennan's. It has been posted by others that the service is somewhat cold or detached. But, I found our server Spanky professional and warm, and on occasion humorous, especially when our 2 and a half year old diner didn't want to give up his plate of food for the next course...it was funny. Vera Mae's is a gem. We wish they would open one in Houston...we would be frequent diners. Next time we are in Muncie, it is another must on our list...Concannon's, Pizza King, Lowery's Candy, and now Vera Mae's.
(5)
Jasmin C.
The meal started out well with their soup of the night, cream of potato bacon, seasoning was well balanced and the bread served with it worked. The staff was friendly and attentive and there was a musician who played piano, giving the place a good vibe. Unfortunately the entrees which followed were not what we were expecting. Both the NY strip and the chicken brie raspberry were cooked perfectly (well close enough), which is what saved them...the sauce used on the steak tasted like A1, which totally ruined it and the meat was too salty for our taste, and for the chicken i feel like the raspberry brie combination on top just didnt work. The sides served with them were mashed potatoes and a green bean casserole, the mashed potatoes were dry and felt like they had been sitting out for a while and the casserole was lacking in flavor, but wasnt bad. I don't know...maybe we chose the wrong things, or maybe eating in Chicago for the last year has ruined me, but for ~25.00 a person I expect the chefs to at least know what they are serving tastes like, because if it was me those dishes would never of made it to the table.
(3)
Ann R.
Fabulous! That says it all! This is one of the best dining experiences in the area, although it IS pricey. The food is amazing and the bar well-stocked. The service is attentive without hovering, and the owners are always there to make sure everything is well above par. We will be back again and again and again!
(5)
Shanna H.
Love to sit outside in a nice afternoon
(4)
Aaron M.
Just got back from Vera Mae's and had a great experience. The food was fantastic. Had the Chicken Brie Raspberry, very good. Dessert was great as well. Great atmosphere inside, and just an overall good time.
(5)
Reid G.
Vera's is worth coming to simply because of the decor. Historic and vintage without feeling old and dirty. The woodwork around the bar is gorgeous and the ceilings are nicely redone tin. With the classic music from yesterday softly playing you don't even have to close your eyes to go back in tme. It is also clear that Vera Mae's has been instrumental in holding up or invigorating downtown Muncie. There is still a dearth of activity for a college town, but at least Vera's brings a bit of life to the area. This could be a gorgeous old downtown with the river and college nearby. I only give Vera's a 4 star rating because my Cajun Pecan Tuna was not quite what I was hoping for. That is, the flavor was excellent, but the cut of fish was a bit tough for tuna. In addition, it came out medium instead of rare (but somehow it was still cold on the inside...odd). Everything else was spectacular though - salad, red skin potatoes, green beans, etc. Just work on the tuna and I will go with 5 stars next time. Also, with the lack of fine dining choices in the area, I am quite sure that the other reviewers are correct...that this is the premier restaurant in Munie. A pleasant surprise for a one night stay such as mine.
(4)
Garietta F.
I am in Muncie on business and happened to stumble across this gem whilst running around. I came in and was really impressed by the menu. Everything looked awesome. Everything was reasonably priced. I settled on the angus burger with a house salad. OMG, this was honestly the best burger I had in awhile. Juicy, thick, and messy....the combination of the meat, the sweetness of the shallots, tanginess of the cheese worked perfectly. I like my burgers medium well and it was cooked perfectly. There are at least three or four more dishes on the menu that I will have to try before I leave town....
Vera Mae's is wonderful! I've been there several times, and each time, I have had wonderful service and quality food. The first time I went, I enjoyed the turkey tomato focaccia sandwhich. It was delish. This latest visit was exquisite. We enjoyed french onion soup with a thick layer of delicious cheese on top. The server even brought us scissors to cut through the thick yummy goodness of the torched cheese. My main entre was the Lamb Burger. It was served on a square pita "bun" and covered in a chunky tzatziki sauce and crumbled feta. We were planning on sampling one of their decadent desserts, but by the end, we were stuffed! The option I was eyeing included cheesecake wontons. Next time, I'll definitely have to save room for dessert. The servers were courteous and prompt. They attended our needs well but without hovering obnoxiously. The atmosphere is quite high-end for the Muncie area, but the prices are very reasonable. This establishment is a must for anyone who gets the chance to sample it.
(5)
Pamela P.
The ambience is warm with a touch of elegance, The meals are absolutely wonderful. Best gourmet meals in Muncie! Perfect for a romantic night out or a fun evening with friends. The barkeep is friendly but not intrusive if you're there to share or for a intimate late night drink before going home. Love
(5)
Jennifer N.
We were coming from a wedding and thought lets try this place, it did NOT disappoint. Service was young and may have been new but that was ok. Food was spot on and the drinks, well my friends this bartender is GOOD! Anyone can sling drinks but not everyone can make a great cocktail. Atmosphere was perfect, small intimate dining, great for date night or a small group, but the inside did appear to be able to accommodate large groups. They have large wine selection, wish our waiter would have had more knowledge. Pretty good beer selection as well. Started with a key-lime martini that was really good, not overly sweet. The french onion soup came which a pair of scissors and I was quickly told to "cut the cheese" :D, was the best french onion soup I have ever had. Filet for Matt and Strip for me, both wonderful. I liked Matt's filet better but it does not mean the strip wasn't good. For dessert, salted caramel creme brulee, perfect. Wonderful food, beautiful night, Fabulous experience. Absolutely worth the price.
(5)
Jen D.
First visit - found on Open Table, the only restaurant in Muncie listed. Our evening was wonderful. Table was waiting on us upon our arrival. Decor fit the renovated downtown area with a a nice elegant feel. Piano music playing in the adjoining dinning room was a wonderful touch. My first pleasant surprise was the selection of white wines from Verona Italy - one of my personal favorites. We started with the Apple Bacon Fritters and Spinach and Feta Wontons. Both good and large portions. - should have only ordered one. I had the soup du jour - a delicious oyster and crawfish stew (which I would call more of bisque) and husband had the French onion soup. The only odd thing about the meal was the scissors served with the French onion soup to cut through the melted cheese. For dinner we selected the stuffed quail and the Filet of Beef Tourteau, both served with broccolini. The meals were well prepared and delicious. I did not particularly like the Choron sauce but the steak was better than the filet I recently ate at Morton's - in flavor, preparation and overall cut of beef. The stuffed quail is served with two quail amply stuffed with a rice based jambalaya, both prepared well and very tasty. For dessert we had the bread pudding and the bananas foster with French Press coffee. All delicious. The owners / managers stopped by several times making us feel quite at home and welcome. They showed a true interest in carrying on a conversation with their patrons and not just that quick run by "hi how was your meal - thanks for coming in". We plan on coming back as there were so many yummy options that we want to try next time.
(5)
Bill S.
Great atmosphere and great food. I had the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich and it was really good.
(5)
Natalie N.
We love the atmosphere, the food, the drinks, and the owners. We were able to find a seat on a Friday night without a reservation, but I would recommend a reservation to make sure that you are not disappointed. The seasonal decorations were unique and well done.
(5)
Chad R.
Fantastic atmosphere, the staff is very friendly, the food delicious. A Muncie must!
(5)
Richard B.
Great place to have a private party. Went their for Uncle Jim & Aunt Rita's 50 Wedding Anniversary and Uncle Jim's Birthday Surprise Party. The staff was really attentive. I do not drink but I had cranberry juice and the glass was always filled. Plenty of room, well lite and very clean. Would highly recommend it for anyone's event. My cousin ( Jim & Rita's daughter planned the entire evnt and did a great job )
(5)
cheri e.
The ambiance and atmosphere is relaxing, chic, and pricey (for Muncie) but worth it. Great service, unique drinks and wonderful food. Try the baked Brie or French onion soup then the pork chops or fish special, and definitely, definitely, finish off with the bread pudding. I've traveled the country and tried bread pudding anytime it's offered on the menu, and none have compared!
(5)
Dfros T.
This place is way overrated! It's the kind of place that wants to be something it's not, but because there is little competition for the space they are trying to be in, they can get away with not producing. Decor - Needs a good cleaning. Don't look at the mirrors, floor, or walls, or you might not stay. It does have white table cloths, but they cover them with glass like at your grandmother's house. So it's pseudo high class. Trying to go for the mismatch decor (chairs, mirror, dinnerware) is just not working for them either, it just comes off as old and sloppy. Food - We had the french onion soup, which wasn't too bad. On the other hand, the wild mushroom risotto was horrible! It was piled on the plate in a big dome shape. Not only was the consistency all wrong, the flavor was bland at best, though weird would be a better description. And, it was luke warm, probably due to the 45 minute wait for the food to come out. Yes, I said 45. We also had the grouper special. That was also luke warm with a hard crust forming on the outside of the fish, which suggesting it have been sitting back there for quite a while. Service - Our waiter was good. He seemed knowledgeable and had the presentation of a nice restaurant. The food took way too long to come out for its quality. If you are going to have to wait that long, the food needs to be much better.
(2)
Linda S.
I took my daughter here for her graduation dinner, It was amazing, wonderful atmosphere, great French martinis, the best crab artichoke dip I've ever came across! the filet with crab meat was out of this world, and our waiter, Chad was the best server I've ever had! Thanks for a memorable evening! We'll be back!
(5)
Joel S.
I Had dinner at Vera Mae's last night and every single thing about the trip was perfect. We sat at a table close to the fireplace in a beautifully decorated room near the bar. Our waiter was professional yet not stuffy with a good knowledge of the standard menu plus specialty and feature items. I ordered a bottle of craft beer that was priced very reasonably for such a high end establishment and my date said her cocktail was spot on. Starter items were spinach feta wontons that tasted homemade rather than the frozen wholesale variety and a salad with very fresh greens and bleu cheese dressing. For the main course my mid-rare filet mignon was probably the best I've ever had, which hurt my pride because I typically feel that no one can make a steak better suited to my taste than myself. It came with a rice side topped by asparagus that were great because of the petite size of the vegetable rather than the large kind with thick crunchy stalks you get many other places that I personally don't enjoy. The gingham salad that she ordered was a deceivingly large size with toasted nuts and awesome strawberries that tasted great despite being out of season. I was too full for dessert but I hear very good things. After our meal we headed to the bar for a few more drinks and talked with a very nice couple as well as the owners of the restaurant who were quite entertaining which added to the whole experience. A very intuitive bartender suggested a few drinks I had never tried based on the little information I gave him about my preferences in liquor and I now know that I really like rye whiskey. After all was said and done our bill was very reasonable for such great meal in the finest dining restaurant in Muncie. Anyone interested in trying Vera Mae's should go as soon as possible. Yes you will pay a little more than the chain restaurants of Muncie but the atmosphere, service, and supporting local business make it worth every penny. Thank you Vera's for a lovely evening.
(5)
Albertro F.
Muncie's only fine dining option, VM's claims to emulate quaint European bistros. I don't know about that, but expect fresh fish, fillet mignon, and veal. The menu changes several times a year, but holdovers like chicken brie w/ raspberry, classic French onion soup, and delish crab cakes remain constant. Lunches tend to be sandwich driven. The high water mark of VM's is the fact that the cook staff is Muncie's young culinary talent. There's ambition in the back of the house, and that's reflected in the creative daily "Feature" dishes. Soups and sides also are created anew daily. Veg options are on the slim side, but the pros can whip up some amazing stuff when requested. Beyond the food, the restaurant is beautifully decorated. The space had been two older storefronts (one, a shoe store, I believe). Patio dining and a full bar round the experience out. Prices are higher than other local eateries, but the quality of ingredients, service, and overall class make a celebratory meal here memorable.
(4)
Raina R.
If you are looking for quality food, quality service, and quality atmosphere for your dinner in Muncie, look no further than Vera Mae's. Located in a beautifully restored building in downtown Muncie, the cuisine at Vera Mae's is a nice change from the scarce non-chain food selection available in Muncie. The quiche is excellent - the quiche of the day is always inventive and excellent as well.
(5)
RM W.
I was born and raised in Muncie. Since 1978 we have lived in the Southwest...currently in the Houston TX area. We have top chief's restaurants in Houston and we eat out 3-4 times a week. So, when we returned to Muncie for a family wedding, we celebrated my birthday in Muncie instead of Houston. I had a guest list of 10 people and most places in Muncie could not seat us all together. But Vera Mae's could. So we reserved the Boardroom and had my birthday party the day before the wedding. I guess I'm a bit of a snob because I didn't think Muncie could have a top chief meal like we have in Houston...boy was I wrong. The food is as good as any 5 star restaurant we have in Houston. The special of the evening was flown in Alaskan Salmon with a crab topping...it was excellent, flavorful and prepared perfectly.We had one finicky eater...he (a10 yr old) loved the Chicken Brie Raspberry and ate the whole thing...amazing his mother. My husband had the Apple Stuffed Pork Chops...OMG, I sampled a bite and it was fantastic. The appetizers of Green Tomatoes, Cajun Crab Cakes, and Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip were excellent. And the desserts were to die for...everyone enjoyed their choice. I have had the original Brennan's Banana Foster in New Orleans and Houston...and Vera Mae's Banana Foster is an equal to Brennan's. It has been posted by others that the service is somewhat cold or detached. But, I found our server Spanky professional and warm, and on occasion humorous, especially when our 2 and a half year old diner didn't want to give up his plate of food for the next course...it was funny. Vera Mae's is a gem. We wish they would open one in Houston...we would be frequent diners. Next time we are in Muncie, it is another must on our list...Concannon's, Pizza King, Lowery's Candy, and now Vera Mae's.
(5)
Jasmin C.
The meal started out well with their soup of the night, cream of potato bacon, seasoning was well balanced and the bread served with it worked. The staff was friendly and attentive and there was a musician who played piano, giving the place a good vibe. Unfortunately the entrees which followed were not what we were expecting. Both the NY strip and the chicken brie raspberry were cooked perfectly (well close enough), which is what saved them...the sauce used on the steak tasted like A1, which totally ruined it and the meat was too salty for our taste, and for the chicken i feel like the raspberry brie combination on top just didnt work. The sides served with them were mashed potatoes and a green bean casserole, the mashed potatoes were dry and felt like they had been sitting out for a while and the casserole was lacking in flavor, but wasnt bad. I don't know...maybe we chose the wrong things, or maybe eating in Chicago for the last year has ruined me, but for ~25.00 a person I expect the chefs to at least know what they are serving tastes like, because if it was me those dishes would never of made it to the table.
(3)
Aaron M.
Just got back from Vera Mae's and had a great experience. The food was fantastic. Had the Chicken Brie Raspberry, very good. Dessert was great as well. Great atmosphere inside, and just an overall good time.
(5)
Reid G.
Vera's is worth coming to simply because of the decor. Historic and vintage without feeling old and dirty. The woodwork around the bar is gorgeous and the ceilings are nicely redone tin. With the classic music from yesterday softly playing you don't even have to close your eyes to go back in tme. It is also clear that Vera Mae's has been instrumental in holding up or invigorating downtown Muncie. There is still a dearth of activity for a college town, but at least Vera's brings a bit of life to the area. This could be a gorgeous old downtown with the river and college nearby. I only give Vera's a 4 star rating because my Cajun Pecan Tuna was not quite what I was hoping for. That is, the flavor was excellent, but the cut of fish was a bit tough for tuna. In addition, it came out medium instead of rare (but somehow it was still cold on the inside...odd). Everything else was spectacular though - salad, red skin potatoes, green beans, etc. Just work on the tuna and I will go with 5 stars next time. Also, with the lack of fine dining choices in the area, I am quite sure that the other reviewers are correct...that this is the premier restaurant in Munie. A pleasant surprise for a one night stay such as mine.
(4)
Garietta F.
I am in Muncie on business and happened to stumble across this gem whilst running around. I came in and was really impressed by the menu. Everything looked awesome. Everything was reasonably priced. I settled on the angus burger with a house salad. OMG, this was honestly the best burger I had in awhile. Juicy, thick, and messy....the combination of the meat, the sweetness of the shallots, tanginess of the cheese worked perfectly. I like my burgers medium well and it was cooked perfectly. There are at least three or four more dishes on the menu that I will have to try before I leave town....
Vera Mae's is wonderful! I've been there several times, and each time, I have had wonderful service and quality food. The first time I went, I enjoyed the turkey tomato focaccia sandwhich. It was delish. This latest visit was exquisite. We enjoyed french onion soup with a thick layer of delicious cheese on top. The server even brought us scissors to cut through the thick yummy goodness of the torched cheese. My main entre was the Lamb Burger. It was served on a square pita "bun" and covered in a chunky tzatziki sauce and crumbled feta. We were planning on sampling one of their decadent desserts, but by the end, we were stuffed! The option I was eyeing included cheesecake wontons. Next time, I'll definitely have to save room for dessert. The servers were courteous and prompt. They attended our needs well but without hovering obnoxiously. The atmosphere is quite high-end for the Muncie area, but the prices are very reasonable. This establishment is a must for anyone who gets the chance to sample it.
(5)
Joel S.
I Had dinner at Vera Mae's last night and every single thing about the trip was perfect. We sat at a table close to the fireplace in a beautifully decorated room near the bar. Our waiter was professional yet not stuffy with a good knowledge of the standard menu plus specialty and feature items. I ordered a bottle of craft beer that was priced very reasonably for such a high end establishment and my date said her cocktail was spot on. Starter items were spinach feta wontons that tasted homemade rather than the frozen wholesale variety and a salad with very fresh greens and bleu cheese dressing. For the main course my mid-rare filet mignon was probably the best I've ever had, which hurt my pride because I typically feel that no one can make a steak better suited to my taste than myself. It came with a rice side topped by asparagus that were great because of the petite size of the vegetable rather than the large kind with thick crunchy stalks you get many other places that I personally don't enjoy. The gingham salad that she ordered was a deceivingly large size with toasted nuts and awesome strawberries that tasted great despite being out of season. I was too full for dessert but I hear very good things. After our meal we headed to the bar for a few more drinks and talked with a very nice couple as well as the owners of the restaurant who were quite entertaining which added to the whole experience. A very intuitive bartender suggested a few drinks I had never tried based on the little information I gave him about my preferences in liquor and I now know that I really like rye whiskey. After all was said and done our bill was very reasonable for such great meal in the finest dining restaurant in Muncie. Anyone interested in trying Vera Mae's should go as soon as possible. Yes you will pay a little more than the chain restaurants of Muncie but the atmosphere, service, and supporting local business make it worth every penny. Thank you Vera's for a lovely evening.
(5)
Albertro F.
Muncie's only fine dining option, VM's claims to emulate quaint European bistros. I don't know about that, but expect fresh fish, fillet mignon, and veal. The menu changes several times a year, but holdovers like chicken brie w/ raspberry, classic French onion soup, and delish crab cakes remain constant. Lunches tend to be sandwich driven. The high water mark of VM's is the fact that the cook staff is Muncie's young culinary talent. There's ambition in the back of the house, and that's reflected in the creative daily "Feature" dishes. Soups and sides also are created anew daily. Veg options are on the slim side, but the pros can whip up some amazing stuff when requested. Beyond the food, the restaurant is beautifully decorated. The space had been two older storefronts (one, a shoe store, I believe). Patio dining and a full bar round the experience out. Prices are higher than other local eateries, but the quality of ingredients, service, and overall class make a celebratory meal here memorable.
(4)
Raina R.
If you are looking for quality food, quality service, and quality atmosphere for your dinner in Muncie, look no further than Vera Mae's. Located in a beautifully restored building in downtown Muncie, the cuisine at Vera Mae's is a nice change from the scarce non-chain food selection available in Muncie. The quiche is excellent - the quiche of the day is always inventive and excellent as well.
(5)
Richard B.
Great place to have a private party. Went their for Uncle Jim & Aunt Rita's 50 Wedding Anniversary and Uncle Jim's Birthday Surprise Party. The staff was really attentive. I do not drink but I had cranberry juice and the glass was always filled. Plenty of room, well lite and very clean. Would highly recommend it for anyone's event. My cousin ( Jim & Rita's daughter planned the entire evnt and did a great job )
(5)
cheri e.
The ambiance and atmosphere is relaxing, chic, and pricey (for Muncie) but worth it. Great service, unique drinks and wonderful food. Try the baked Brie or French onion soup then the pork chops or fish special, and definitely, definitely, finish off with the bread pudding. I've traveled the country and tried bread pudding anytime it's offered on the menu, and none have compared!
(5)
Ann R.
Fabulous! That says it all! This is one of the best dining experiences in the area, although it IS pricey. The food is amazing and the bar well-stocked. The service is attentive without hovering, and the owners are always there to make sure everything is well above par. We will be back again and again and again!
(5)
Pamela P.
The ambience is warm with a touch of elegance, The meals are absolutely wonderful. Best gourmet meals in Muncie! Perfect for a romantic night out or a fun evening with friends. The barkeep is friendly but not intrusive if you're there to share or for a intimate late night drink before going home. Love
(5)
Jennifer N.
We were coming from a wedding and thought lets try this place, it did NOT disappoint. Service was young and may have been new but that was ok. Food was spot on and the drinks, well my friends this bartender is GOOD! Anyone can sling drinks but not everyone can make a great cocktail. Atmosphere was perfect, small intimate dining, great for date night or a small group, but the inside did appear to be able to accommodate large groups. They have large wine selection, wish our waiter would have had more knowledge. Pretty good beer selection as well. Started with a key-lime martini that was really good, not overly sweet. The french onion soup came which a pair of scissors and I was quickly told to "cut the cheese" :D, was the best french onion soup I have ever had. Filet for Matt and Strip for me, both wonderful. I liked Matt's filet better but it does not mean the strip wasn't good. For dessert, salted caramel creme brulee, perfect. Wonderful food, beautiful night, Fabulous experience. Absolutely worth the price.
(5)
Jen D.
First visit - found on Open Table, the only restaurant in Muncie listed. Our evening was wonderful. Table was waiting on us upon our arrival. Decor fit the renovated downtown area with a a nice elegant feel. Piano music playing in the adjoining dinning room was a wonderful touch. My first pleasant surprise was the selection of white wines from Verona Italy - one of my personal favorites. We started with the Apple Bacon Fritters and Spinach and Feta Wontons. Both good and large portions. - should have only ordered one. I had the soup du jour - a delicious oyster and crawfish stew (which I would call more of bisque) and husband had the French onion soup. The only odd thing about the meal was the scissors served with the French onion soup to cut through the melted cheese. For dinner we selected the stuffed quail and the Filet of Beef Tourteau, both served with broccolini. The meals were well prepared and delicious. I did not particularly like the Choron sauce but the steak was better than the filet I recently ate at Morton's - in flavor, preparation and overall cut of beef. The stuffed quail is served with two quail amply stuffed with a rice based jambalaya, both prepared well and very tasty. For dessert we had the bread pudding and the bananas foster with French Press coffee. All delicious. The owners / managers stopped by several times making us feel quite at home and welcome. They showed a true interest in carrying on a conversation with their patrons and not just that quick run by "hi how was your meal - thanks for coming in". We plan on coming back as there were so many yummy options that we want to try next time.
(5)
Bill S.
Great atmosphere and great food. I had the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich and it was really good.
(5)
Natalie N.
We love the atmosphere, the food, the drinks, and the owners. We were able to find a seat on a Friday night without a reservation, but I would recommend a reservation to make sure that you are not disappointed. The seasonal decorations were unique and well done.
(5)
Chad R.
Fantastic atmosphere, the staff is very friendly, the food delicious. A Muncie must!
(5)
Dfros T.
This place is way overrated! It's the kind of place that wants to be something it's not, but because there is little competition for the space they are trying to be in, they can get away with not producing. Decor - Needs a good cleaning. Don't look at the mirrors, floor, or walls, or you might not stay. It does have white table cloths, but they cover them with glass like at your grandmother's house. So it's pseudo high class. Trying to go for the mismatch decor (chairs, mirror, dinnerware) is just not working for them either, it just comes off as old and sloppy. Food - We had the french onion soup, which wasn't too bad. On the other hand, the wild mushroom risotto was horrible! It was piled on the plate in a big dome shape. Not only was the consistency all wrong, the flavor was bland at best, though weird would be a better description. And, it was luke warm, probably due to the 45 minute wait for the food to come out. Yes, I said 45. We also had the grouper special. That was also luke warm with a hard crust forming on the outside of the fish, which suggesting it have been sitting back there for quite a while. Service - Our waiter was good. He seemed knowledgeable and had the presentation of a nice restaurant. The food took way too long to come out for its quality. If you are going to have to wait that long, the food needs to be much better.
(2)
Linda S.
I took my daughter here for her graduation dinner, It was amazing, wonderful atmosphere, great French martinis, the best crab artichoke dip I've ever came across! the filet with crab meat was out of this world, and our waiter, Chad was the best server I've ever had! Thanks for a memorable evening! We'll be back!
(5)
Sarah G.
I have had only good visits to Vera Mae's over the years. The staff and owners are wonderful, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the bar is super fun to sit at and have a drink or two. That being said, even though my experiences are good, I still feel a bit unsatisfied with the establishment. My problem with Vera Mae's? In all the years they have been open, their menu has never changed. EVER. It's the same every time, except for a dinner special or two not on the staple menu. They have only one vegetarian option, Pasta Primavera, and it gets really old really quick. Seasonal vegetables in the dish are always zucchini and yellow squash. No matter the time of year, it never changes, and for this they charge $16, plus 75 cents extra if you want it with marinara sauce. The restaurant is one of the nicer ones in Muncie; the prices are on the higher side, but that is expected of fine dining. Vera Mae's is in serious need of a more varied menu. Again, service is great, the bar is fun, and the owners are fantastic. I just have to think the kitchen staff and chefs are bored to death making the same few things night after night, year after year.
(3)
Charles J.
A special family occasion called for a special dinner out and when in Muncie Indiana, there is only one place to go. Vera Mae's! I've previously written about VM's so I won't go on but suffice to say our party of 7 had a wonderful evening, tremendous food and even live piano music adjacent to our table to add a special touch to an already great night. I thoroughly enjoyed the NY Strip steak, perfectly cooked, juicy and tender. The majority of our party went with the Lobster Stuffed Ravioli and they all raved about it. From start to finish, it's a 5 star gem in the heart of downtown Muncie. It's a can't miss!
(5)
Mary T.
We were so excited to try Vera Mae's in downtown Muncie. For 5 long years we've been looking for a decent place to eat dinner and finally found this place. Unfortunately, it did not live up to our expectations. Wait staff was very casual, dining room was VERY loud. Appetizers were ok, a bit sparse on the toast points. Serving French Onion soup with a tiny pair of scissors to cut the cheese was clever. Their poppy seed dressing was very good. But the thing that put us off were the entrees. I had the salmon, totally over cooked and hard. NY strip steak was very fatty and not prepared as asked--simply not worth the money. And the veal chop was tough which is unfortunate given the cost. The one decent thing in Vera Mae's was the drink prices. So often the booze is waaaay over priced (yes, I know this is how they make their money) but here it was reasonable. I think they try but it just was not the rave place to go that the reviews here led us to believe. We were disappointed and won't go back. Fortunately we won't need to as our child has graduated from BSU.
(2)
kevin m.
What took us so long to try out the most elegant dining experience in Muncie? We celebrated our wedding anniversary here a few weeks ago and there was nothing but top quality service and food that night! I sent over flowers earlier in the day and the Vera Mae's had the flowers on our table and greeted us with a very nice happy anniversary greeting! The waiter was great, the wine fabulous, the food was out of this world, and then to top it off the dessert was out of bounds!! We will now make Vera Mae's a pat of our list of places to go and suggest if you have never been.........get there tonight!
(5)
Catherine P.
I've had good experiences at Vera Maes in the past few years but my most recent experience made me question if I'll go back. The owners are great- really take good care of you but one wait person in particular ruined our most recent visit with her attitude. Too many details to go into about the ins and outs of what happened, but she seemed downright hostile and condescending for no reason. Had been so looking forward to this time with friends and it was such a negative experience.
(2)
Jason S.
Very nice atmosphere, but one that I wouldn't recommend for children. We did not order any drinks (alcohol) but did enjoy a full meal with dessert. The food was above average, and only slightly overpriced, for what we had. My wife's cod was very nice, and well seasoned. She didn't care for the tarter sauce, and I agreed. Her roasted potatoes and broccoli were perfect. I was disappointed with the risotto; it was dry and had too much oil as a finisher. I won't be ordering it again. It seemed consistent with a reheated dish, and sub-par when compared to everything else. I only ate about a third of it. The highlight of our meal was my French Onion Soup, although it was mostly cheese (gimmick?) and broth, and had very little actual braised onion, which are my favorite. It was, however, overall, the best version of this soup I have found in Muncie. Our dessert was wonderful. My wife had Bananas Foster, Table side, and I thoroughly enjoyed the bread pudding. Would we recommend? Absolutely. Will we return soon? Absolutely. Would I take my kids there? Absolutely not. This is a place for adults, plain and simple, and harkens back to a day when the kids stayed at home, and the adults stepped out for a monthly fine dining experience.
(4)
Sarah G.
I have had only good visits to Vera Mae's over the years. The staff and owners are wonderful, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the bar is super fun to sit at and have a drink or two. That being said, even though my experiences are good, I still feel a bit unsatisfied with the establishment. My problem with Vera Mae's? In all the years they have been open, their menu has never changed. EVER. It's the same every time, except for a dinner special or two not on the staple menu. They have only one vegetarian option, Pasta Primavera, and it gets really old really quick. Seasonal vegetables in the dish are always zucchini and yellow squash. No matter the time of year, it never changes, and for this they charge $16, plus 75 cents extra if you want it with marinara sauce. The restaurant is one of the nicer ones in Muncie; the prices are on the higher side, but that is expected of fine dining. Vera Mae's is in serious need of a more varied menu. Again, service is great, the bar is fun, and the owners are fantastic. I just have to think the kitchen staff and chefs are bored to death making the same few things night after night, year after year.
(3)
Charles J.
A special family occasion called for a special dinner out and when in Muncie Indiana, there is only one place to go. Vera Mae's! I've previously written about VM's so I won't go on but suffice to say our party of 7 had a wonderful evening, tremendous food and even live piano music adjacent to our table to add a special touch to an already great night. I thoroughly enjoyed the NY Strip steak, perfectly cooked, juicy and tender. The majority of our party went with the Lobster Stuffed Ravioli and they all raved about it. From start to finish, it's a 5 star gem in the heart of downtown Muncie. It's a can't miss!
(5)
Mary T.
We were so excited to try Vera Mae's in downtown Muncie. For 5 long years we've been looking for a decent place to eat dinner and finally found this place. Unfortunately, it did not live up to our expectations. Wait staff was very casual, dining room was VERY loud. Appetizers were ok, a bit sparse on the toast points. Serving French Onion soup with a tiny pair of scissors to cut the cheese was clever. Their poppy seed dressing was very good. But the thing that put us off were the entrees. I had the salmon, totally over cooked and hard. NY strip steak was very fatty and not prepared as asked--simply not worth the money. And the veal chop was tough which is unfortunate given the cost. The one decent thing in Vera Mae's was the drink prices. So often the booze is waaaay over priced (yes, I know this is how they make their money) but here it was reasonable. I think they try but it just was not the rave place to go that the reviews here led us to believe. We were disappointed and won't go back. Fortunately we won't need to as our child has graduated from BSU.
(2)
kevin m.
What took us so long to try out the most elegant dining experience in Muncie? We celebrated our wedding anniversary here a few weeks ago and there was nothing but top quality service and food that night! I sent over flowers earlier in the day and the Vera Mae's had the flowers on our table and greeted us with a very nice happy anniversary greeting! The waiter was great, the wine fabulous, the food was out of this world, and then to top it off the dessert was out of bounds!! We will now make Vera Mae's a pat of our list of places to go and suggest if you have never been.........get there tonight!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Shanna H.
Love to sit outside in a nice afternoon
(4)Catherine P.
I've had good experiences at Vera Maes in the past few years but my most recent experience made me question if I'll go back. The owners are great- really take good care of you but one wait person in particular ruined our most recent visit with her attitude. Too many details to go into about the ins and outs of what happened, but she seemed downright hostile and condescending for no reason. Had been so looking forward to this time with friends and it was such a negative experience.
(2)Jason S.
Very nice atmosphere, but one that I wouldn't recommend for children. We did not order any drinks (alcohol) but did enjoy a full meal with dessert. The food was above average, and only slightly overpriced, for what we had. My wife's cod was very nice, and well seasoned. She didn't care for the tarter sauce, and I agreed. Her roasted potatoes and broccoli were perfect. I was disappointed with the risotto; it was dry and had too much oil as a finisher. I won't be ordering it again. It seemed consistent with a reheated dish, and sub-par when compared to everything else. I only ate about a third of it. The highlight of our meal was my French Onion Soup, although it was mostly cheese (gimmick?) and broth, and had very little actual braised onion, which are my favorite. It was, however, overall, the best version of this soup I have found in Muncie. Our dessert was wonderful. My wife had Bananas Foster, Table side, and I thoroughly enjoyed the bread pudding. Would we recommend? Absolutely. Will we return soon? Absolutely. Would I take my kids there? Absolutely not. This is a place for adults, plain and simple, and harkens back to a day when the kids stayed at home, and the adults stepped out for a monthly fine dining experience.
(4)RM W.
I was born and raised in Muncie. Since 1978 we have lived in the Southwest...currently in the Houston TX area. We have top chief's restaurants in Houston and we eat out 3-4 times a week. So, when we returned to Muncie for a family wedding, we celebrated my birthday in Muncie instead of Houston. I had a guest list of 10 people and most places in Muncie could not seat us all together. But Vera Mae's could. So we reserved the Boardroom and had my birthday party the day before the wedding. I guess I'm a bit of a snob because I didn't think Muncie could have a top chief meal like we have in Houston...boy was I wrong. The food is as good as any 5 star restaurant we have in Houston. The special of the evening was flown in Alaskan Salmon with a crab topping...it was excellent, flavorful and prepared perfectly.We had one finicky eater...he (a10 yr old) loved the Chicken Brie Raspberry and ate the whole thing...amazing his mother. My husband had the Apple Stuffed Pork Chops...OMG, I sampled a bite and it was fantastic. The appetizers of Green Tomatoes, Cajun Crab Cakes, and Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip were excellent. And the desserts were to die for...everyone enjoyed their choice. I have had the original Brennan's Banana Foster in New Orleans and Houston...and Vera Mae's Banana Foster is an equal to Brennan's. It has been posted by others that the service is somewhat cold or detached. But, I found our server Spanky professional and warm, and on occasion humorous, especially when our 2 and a half year old diner didn't want to give up his plate of food for the next course...it was funny. Vera Mae's is a gem. We wish they would open one in Houston...we would be frequent diners. Next time we are in Muncie, it is another must on our list...Concannon's, Pizza King, Lowery's Candy, and now Vera Mae's.
(5)Jasmin C.
The meal started out well with their soup of the night, cream of potato bacon, seasoning was well balanced and the bread served with it worked. The staff was friendly and attentive and there was a musician who played piano, giving the place a good vibe. Unfortunately the entrees which followed were not what we were expecting. Both the NY strip and the chicken brie raspberry were cooked perfectly (well close enough), which is what saved them...the sauce used on the steak tasted like A1, which totally ruined it and the meat was too salty for our taste, and for the chicken i feel like the raspberry brie combination on top just didnt work. The sides served with them were mashed potatoes and a green bean casserole, the mashed potatoes were dry and felt like they had been sitting out for a while and the casserole was lacking in flavor, but wasnt bad. I don't know...maybe we chose the wrong things, or maybe eating in Chicago for the last year has ruined me, but for ~25.00 a person I expect the chefs to at least know what they are serving tastes like, because if it was me those dishes would never of made it to the table.
(3)Ann R.
Fabulous! That says it all! This is one of the best dining experiences in the area, although it IS pricey. The food is amazing and the bar well-stocked. The service is attentive without hovering, and the owners are always there to make sure everything is well above par. We will be back again and again and again!
(5)Shanna H.
Love to sit outside in a nice afternoon
(4)Aaron M.
Just got back from Vera Mae's and had a great experience. The food was fantastic. Had the Chicken Brie Raspberry, very good. Dessert was great as well. Great atmosphere inside, and just an overall good time.
(5)Reid G.
Vera's is worth coming to simply because of the decor. Historic and vintage without feeling old and dirty. The woodwork around the bar is gorgeous and the ceilings are nicely redone tin. With the classic music from yesterday softly playing you don't even have to close your eyes to go back in tme. It is also clear that Vera Mae's has been instrumental in holding up or invigorating downtown Muncie. There is still a dearth of activity for a college town, but at least Vera's brings a bit of life to the area. This could be a gorgeous old downtown with the river and college nearby. I only give Vera's a 4 star rating because my Cajun Pecan Tuna was not quite what I was hoping for. That is, the flavor was excellent, but the cut of fish was a bit tough for tuna. In addition, it came out medium instead of rare (but somehow it was still cold on the inside...odd). Everything else was spectacular though - salad, red skin potatoes, green beans, etc. Just work on the tuna and I will go with 5 stars next time. Also, with the lack of fine dining choices in the area, I am quite sure that the other reviewers are correct...that this is the premier restaurant in Munie. A pleasant surprise for a one night stay such as mine.
(4)Garietta F.
I am in Muncie on business and happened to stumble across this gem whilst running around. I came in and was really impressed by the menu. Everything looked awesome. Everything was reasonably priced. I settled on the angus burger with a house salad. OMG, this was honestly the best burger I had in awhile. Juicy, thick, and messy....the combination of the meat, the sweetness of the shallots, tanginess of the cheese worked perfectly. I like my burgers medium well and it was cooked perfectly. There are at least three or four more dishes on the menu that I will have to try before I leave town....
(4)Dmitry K.
I was torn apart about Vera Mae's. On one hand, it deserves "A" for an effort and cool European lounge interiors, on another hand there are plethora of delinquencies. If you've end up in Muncie, IN you have been doing something wrong/right (pick one). I know that for many travelling professional picking right place to eat, while on the road, is a hobby of a sorts. It is certainly an entertaining activity for me. Here is my feedback: Positives: Let me start with positives. Decor of the place is nice. Old Europe atmosphere, cozy chairs, linen tablecloth, surplus of silverware on the table, uniformed and well-trained/behaved waiting staff. As a result, "the form" of a proper restaurant is there. After all, we do eat with our eyes as much as with our taste buds. I also have to say that the house wine (one of the Californian's cabernet that I have ordered) was a decent selection. It had robust taste with delicate nose, powerful middle, and nearly non-existing end. For the price, it was good pairing for my meal. Now let's get to a constructive criticism: Price! I am sure that a professor of neighboring Ball State University could afford a meal or two in Vera Mae's, however an average of $60/person for a full meal is a bit excessive for a casual diner, IMHO. This review would turn sour very fast if I'd have to pay my own $60 for a meal I didn't _fully_ enjoy. Did I clean my plate? Yes. Could I have better meal of a same type in Muncie, probably not... so in other words, I was forced to pay $60, because I didn't have an alternative. Perhaps it's good business model for some, since I can't imagine that rent in Muncie is too high and therefore less customers equals less work for the kitchen. However 90%-empty dining room @ 7 PM of ANY day of week is telling, especially that neighboring restaurants were reasonably full(er). Word of advice to the owner - drop your prices a bit. You might have mere mortals visiting your establishment on occasion and spending cash to subsidize your next educational-gastronomical trip to France. Paying attention to actual French cuisine, to its ingredients and traditional pairings, to cooking techniques and sauces, to real bred (that is not Costco quality) and not just to how pretty it happen to look, might help. I would suggest thinking about taking long long trip, and concentrating on food preparation and techniques. I am sure you can figure out how to expense it as "market research."Plan B" is to order Julia Child's book on amazon. So what about the food? Food itself was all right. I would give it C+. I really wanted it to be French inspired but instead it was "Faux French". Kind of like Japanese deserts that are pretty and intriguing looking with utterly disappointing weak delivery in the department that matters the most - the taste itself. Can you eat it? Sure! Is it good, it's all right. Is it $29/per entrée worthy - absolutely not! Price tag sets up an expectation that a bit too high and then fails to deliver. No amount of forks on the white linen and French names on the menu or generous portion sizes will compensate for an average taste. Food decoration also lacked fineness. Again, if you call yourself French(ish) and you ARE one the most expensive establishments in the town I'd expect better attention to delivery/details of every meal. Not bad, but not excellent either. Overall taste of the food was flat and underwhelming, and mainly because of high expectations and anticipation which are set/implied by an atmosphere/interior and prices on the menu. The seared tuna appetizer, that I had, was lacking proper sauce, and had excessive amount of weak-tasking vegetable relish. Salad that accompanied the main course was cafeteria quality. Literally, the spring mix from the grocery store with two cherry tomatoes thrown in. The dressing was all right, but nothing special to off-set cafeteria look of the salad itself. Lamb kebob lacked any kind of spice, and that "seared" quality that one would expect form a dish called kebab. It also lacked well-paired garnish. Rice that it came with, was fine by itself, it just didn't play well with the meat, in my opinion. However I did like the au jue, which saved that meal for me. The beautiful layered chocolate mousse was flat on the taste, no expected caressing delicate flavor, no texture variations, just the look. It reminded me grocery store deserts more than a French desert... and it was over-decorated. Less is more, in this case, as far as I see it. I have absolutely nothing good to say about coffee. Couple of button clicks on the Starbucks machine in my office can produce better cup of coffee than whatever I had. So, if you are all about form and not so much into intricacies of food itself - Vera Mae's is your friend. If you have corporate per diem to burn and tired of Midwestern fried food - Vera Mae's is your friend. However, leave your expectations of foodie-quality restaurant behind, it looks better than it tastes or costs.
(3)Rachael B.
Vera Mae's is wonderful! I've been there several times, and each time, I have had wonderful service and quality food. The first time I went, I enjoyed the turkey tomato focaccia sandwhich. It was delish. This latest visit was exquisite. We enjoyed french onion soup with a thick layer of delicious cheese on top. The server even brought us scissors to cut through the thick yummy goodness of the torched cheese. My main entre was the Lamb Burger. It was served on a square pita "bun" and covered in a chunky tzatziki sauce and crumbled feta. We were planning on sampling one of their decadent desserts, but by the end, we were stuffed! The option I was eyeing included cheesecake wontons. Next time, I'll definitely have to save room for dessert. The servers were courteous and prompt. They attended our needs well but without hovering obnoxiously. The atmosphere is quite high-end for the Muncie area, but the prices are very reasonable. This establishment is a must for anyone who gets the chance to sample it.
(5)Pamela P.
The ambience is warm with a touch of elegance, The meals are absolutely wonderful. Best gourmet meals in Muncie! Perfect for a romantic night out or a fun evening with friends. The barkeep is friendly but not intrusive if you're there to share or for a intimate late night drink before going home. Love
(5)Jennifer N.
We were coming from a wedding and thought lets try this place, it did NOT disappoint. Service was young and may have been new but that was ok. Food was spot on and the drinks, well my friends this bartender is GOOD! Anyone can sling drinks but not everyone can make a great cocktail. Atmosphere was perfect, small intimate dining, great for date night or a small group, but the inside did appear to be able to accommodate large groups. They have large wine selection, wish our waiter would have had more knowledge. Pretty good beer selection as well. Started with a key-lime martini that was really good, not overly sweet. The french onion soup came which a pair of scissors and I was quickly told to "cut the cheese" :D, was the best french onion soup I have ever had. Filet for Matt and Strip for me, both wonderful. I liked Matt's filet better but it does not mean the strip wasn't good. For dessert, salted caramel creme brulee, perfect. Wonderful food, beautiful night, Fabulous experience. Absolutely worth the price.
(5)Jen D.
First visit - found on Open Table, the only restaurant in Muncie listed. Our evening was wonderful. Table was waiting on us upon our arrival. Decor fit the renovated downtown area with a a nice elegant feel. Piano music playing in the adjoining dinning room was a wonderful touch. My first pleasant surprise was the selection of white wines from Verona Italy - one of my personal favorites. We started with the Apple Bacon Fritters and Spinach and Feta Wontons. Both good and large portions. - should have only ordered one. I had the soup du jour - a delicious oyster and crawfish stew (which I would call more of bisque) and husband had the French onion soup. The only odd thing about the meal was the scissors served with the French onion soup to cut through the melted cheese. For dinner we selected the stuffed quail and the Filet of Beef Tourteau, both served with broccolini. The meals were well prepared and delicious. I did not particularly like the Choron sauce but the steak was better than the filet I recently ate at Morton's - in flavor, preparation and overall cut of beef. The stuffed quail is served with two quail amply stuffed with a rice based jambalaya, both prepared well and very tasty. For dessert we had the bread pudding and the bananas foster with French Press coffee. All delicious. The owners / managers stopped by several times making us feel quite at home and welcome. They showed a true interest in carrying on a conversation with their patrons and not just that quick run by "hi how was your meal - thanks for coming in". We plan on coming back as there were so many yummy options that we want to try next time.
(5)Bill S.
Great atmosphere and great food. I had the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich and it was really good.
(5)Natalie N.
We love the atmosphere, the food, the drinks, and the owners. We were able to find a seat on a Friday night without a reservation, but I would recommend a reservation to make sure that you are not disappointed. The seasonal decorations were unique and well done.
(5)Chad R.
Fantastic atmosphere, the staff is very friendly, the food delicious. A Muncie must!
(5)Richard B.
Great place to have a private party. Went their for Uncle Jim & Aunt Rita's 50 Wedding Anniversary and Uncle Jim's Birthday Surprise Party. The staff was really attentive. I do not drink but I had cranberry juice and the glass was always filled. Plenty of room, well lite and very clean. Would highly recommend it for anyone's event. My cousin ( Jim & Rita's daughter planned the entire evnt and did a great job )
(5)cheri e.
The ambiance and atmosphere is relaxing, chic, and pricey (for Muncie) but worth it. Great service, unique drinks and wonderful food. Try the baked Brie or French onion soup then the pork chops or fish special, and definitely, definitely, finish off with the bread pudding. I've traveled the country and tried bread pudding anytime it's offered on the menu, and none have compared!
(5)Dfros T.
This place is way overrated! It's the kind of place that wants to be something it's not, but because there is little competition for the space they are trying to be in, they can get away with not producing. Decor - Needs a good cleaning. Don't look at the mirrors, floor, or walls, or you might not stay. It does have white table cloths, but they cover them with glass like at your grandmother's house. So it's pseudo high class. Trying to go for the mismatch decor (chairs, mirror, dinnerware) is just not working for them either, it just comes off as old and sloppy. Food - We had the french onion soup, which wasn't too bad. On the other hand, the wild mushroom risotto was horrible! It was piled on the plate in a big dome shape. Not only was the consistency all wrong, the flavor was bland at best, though weird would be a better description. And, it was luke warm, probably due to the 45 minute wait for the food to come out. Yes, I said 45. We also had the grouper special. That was also luke warm with a hard crust forming on the outside of the fish, which suggesting it have been sitting back there for quite a while. Service - Our waiter was good. He seemed knowledgeable and had the presentation of a nice restaurant. The food took way too long to come out for its quality. If you are going to have to wait that long, the food needs to be much better.
(2)Linda S.
I took my daughter here for her graduation dinner, It was amazing, wonderful atmosphere, great French martinis, the best crab artichoke dip I've ever came across! the filet with crab meat was out of this world, and our waiter, Chad was the best server I've ever had! Thanks for a memorable evening! We'll be back!
(5)Joel S.
I Had dinner at Vera Mae's last night and every single thing about the trip was perfect. We sat at a table close to the fireplace in a beautifully decorated room near the bar. Our waiter was professional yet not stuffy with a good knowledge of the standard menu plus specialty and feature items. I ordered a bottle of craft beer that was priced very reasonably for such a high end establishment and my date said her cocktail was spot on. Starter items were spinach feta wontons that tasted homemade rather than the frozen wholesale variety and a salad with very fresh greens and bleu cheese dressing. For the main course my mid-rare filet mignon was probably the best I've ever had, which hurt my pride because I typically feel that no one can make a steak better suited to my taste than myself. It came with a rice side topped by asparagus that were great because of the petite size of the vegetable rather than the large kind with thick crunchy stalks you get many other places that I personally don't enjoy. The gingham salad that she ordered was a deceivingly large size with toasted nuts and awesome strawberries that tasted great despite being out of season. I was too full for dessert but I hear very good things. After our meal we headed to the bar for a few more drinks and talked with a very nice couple as well as the owners of the restaurant who were quite entertaining which added to the whole experience. A very intuitive bartender suggested a few drinks I had never tried based on the little information I gave him about my preferences in liquor and I now know that I really like rye whiskey. After all was said and done our bill was very reasonable for such great meal in the finest dining restaurant in Muncie. Anyone interested in trying Vera Mae's should go as soon as possible. Yes you will pay a little more than the chain restaurants of Muncie but the atmosphere, service, and supporting local business make it worth every penny. Thank you Vera's for a lovely evening.
(5)Albertro F.
Muncie's only fine dining option, VM's claims to emulate quaint European bistros. I don't know about that, but expect fresh fish, fillet mignon, and veal. The menu changes several times a year, but holdovers like chicken brie w/ raspberry, classic French onion soup, and delish crab cakes remain constant. Lunches tend to be sandwich driven. The high water mark of VM's is the fact that the cook staff is Muncie's young culinary talent. There's ambition in the back of the house, and that's reflected in the creative daily "Feature" dishes. Soups and sides also are created anew daily. Veg options are on the slim side, but the pros can whip up some amazing stuff when requested. Beyond the food, the restaurant is beautifully decorated. The space had been two older storefronts (one, a shoe store, I believe). Patio dining and a full bar round the experience out. Prices are higher than other local eateries, but the quality of ingredients, service, and overall class make a celebratory meal here memorable.
(4)Raina R.
If you are looking for quality food, quality service, and quality atmosphere for your dinner in Muncie, look no further than Vera Mae's. Located in a beautifully restored building in downtown Muncie, the cuisine at Vera Mae's is a nice change from the scarce non-chain food selection available in Muncie. The quiche is excellent - the quiche of the day is always inventive and excellent as well.
(5)RM W.
I was born and raised in Muncie. Since 1978 we have lived in the Southwest...currently in the Houston TX area. We have top chief's restaurants in Houston and we eat out 3-4 times a week. So, when we returned to Muncie for a family wedding, we celebrated my birthday in Muncie instead of Houston. I had a guest list of 10 people and most places in Muncie could not seat us all together. But Vera Mae's could. So we reserved the Boardroom and had my birthday party the day before the wedding. I guess I'm a bit of a snob because I didn't think Muncie could have a top chief meal like we have in Houston...boy was I wrong. The food is as good as any 5 star restaurant we have in Houston. The special of the evening was flown in Alaskan Salmon with a crab topping...it was excellent, flavorful and prepared perfectly.We had one finicky eater...he (a10 yr old) loved the Chicken Brie Raspberry and ate the whole thing...amazing his mother. My husband had the Apple Stuffed Pork Chops...OMG, I sampled a bite and it was fantastic. The appetizers of Green Tomatoes, Cajun Crab Cakes, and Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip were excellent. And the desserts were to die for...everyone enjoyed their choice. I have had the original Brennan's Banana Foster in New Orleans and Houston...and Vera Mae's Banana Foster is an equal to Brennan's. It has been posted by others that the service is somewhat cold or detached. But, I found our server Spanky professional and warm, and on occasion humorous, especially when our 2 and a half year old diner didn't want to give up his plate of food for the next course...it was funny. Vera Mae's is a gem. We wish they would open one in Houston...we would be frequent diners. Next time we are in Muncie, it is another must on our list...Concannon's, Pizza King, Lowery's Candy, and now Vera Mae's.
(5)Jasmin C.
The meal started out well with their soup of the night, cream of potato bacon, seasoning was well balanced and the bread served with it worked. The staff was friendly and attentive and there was a musician who played piano, giving the place a good vibe. Unfortunately the entrees which followed were not what we were expecting. Both the NY strip and the chicken brie raspberry were cooked perfectly (well close enough), which is what saved them...the sauce used on the steak tasted like A1, which totally ruined it and the meat was too salty for our taste, and for the chicken i feel like the raspberry brie combination on top just didnt work. The sides served with them were mashed potatoes and a green bean casserole, the mashed potatoes were dry and felt like they had been sitting out for a while and the casserole was lacking in flavor, but wasnt bad. I don't know...maybe we chose the wrong things, or maybe eating in Chicago for the last year has ruined me, but for ~25.00 a person I expect the chefs to at least know what they are serving tastes like, because if it was me those dishes would never of made it to the table.
(3)Aaron M.
Just got back from Vera Mae's and had a great experience. The food was fantastic. Had the Chicken Brie Raspberry, very good. Dessert was great as well. Great atmosphere inside, and just an overall good time.
(5)Reid G.
Vera's is worth coming to simply because of the decor. Historic and vintage without feeling old and dirty. The woodwork around the bar is gorgeous and the ceilings are nicely redone tin. With the classic music from yesterday softly playing you don't even have to close your eyes to go back in tme. It is also clear that Vera Mae's has been instrumental in holding up or invigorating downtown Muncie. There is still a dearth of activity for a college town, but at least Vera's brings a bit of life to the area. This could be a gorgeous old downtown with the river and college nearby. I only give Vera's a 4 star rating because my Cajun Pecan Tuna was not quite what I was hoping for. That is, the flavor was excellent, but the cut of fish was a bit tough for tuna. In addition, it came out medium instead of rare (but somehow it was still cold on the inside...odd). Everything else was spectacular though - salad, red skin potatoes, green beans, etc. Just work on the tuna and I will go with 5 stars next time. Also, with the lack of fine dining choices in the area, I am quite sure that the other reviewers are correct...that this is the premier restaurant in Munie. A pleasant surprise for a one night stay such as mine.
(4)Garietta F.
I am in Muncie on business and happened to stumble across this gem whilst running around. I came in and was really impressed by the menu. Everything looked awesome. Everything was reasonably priced. I settled on the angus burger with a house salad. OMG, this was honestly the best burger I had in awhile. Juicy, thick, and messy....the combination of the meat, the sweetness of the shallots, tanginess of the cheese worked perfectly. I like my burgers medium well and it was cooked perfectly. There are at least three or four more dishes on the menu that I will have to try before I leave town....
(4)Dmitry K.
I was torn apart about Vera Mae's. On one hand, it deserves "A" for an effort and cool European lounge interiors, on another hand there are plethora of delinquencies. If you've end up in Muncie, IN you have been doing something wrong/right (pick one). I know that for many travelling professional picking right place to eat, while on the road, is a hobby of a sorts. It is certainly an entertaining activity for me. Here is my feedback: Positives: Let me start with positives. Decor of the place is nice. Old Europe atmosphere, cozy chairs, linen tablecloth, surplus of silverware on the table, uniformed and well-trained/behaved waiting staff. As a result, "the form" of a proper restaurant is there. After all, we do eat with our eyes as much as with our taste buds. I also have to say that the house wine (one of the Californian's cabernet that I have ordered) was a decent selection. It had robust taste with delicate nose, powerful middle, and nearly non-existing end. For the price, it was good pairing for my meal. Now let's get to a constructive criticism: Price! I am sure that a professor of neighboring Ball State University could afford a meal or two in Vera Mae's, however an average of $60/person for a full meal is a bit excessive for a casual diner, IMHO. This review would turn sour very fast if I'd have to pay my own $60 for a meal I didn't _fully_ enjoy. Did I clean my plate? Yes. Could I have better meal of a same type in Muncie, probably not... so in other words, I was forced to pay $60, because I didn't have an alternative. Perhaps it's good business model for some, since I can't imagine that rent in Muncie is too high and therefore less customers equals less work for the kitchen. However 90%-empty dining room @ 7 PM of ANY day of week is telling, especially that neighboring restaurants were reasonably full(er). Word of advice to the owner - drop your prices a bit. You might have mere mortals visiting your establishment on occasion and spending cash to subsidize your next educational-gastronomical trip to France. Paying attention to actual French cuisine, to its ingredients and traditional pairings, to cooking techniques and sauces, to real bred (that is not Costco quality) and not just to how pretty it happen to look, might help. I would suggest thinking about taking long long trip, and concentrating on food preparation and techniques. I am sure you can figure out how to expense it as "market research."Plan B" is to order Julia Child's book on amazon. So what about the food? Food itself was all right. I would give it C+. I really wanted it to be French inspired but instead it was "Faux French". Kind of like Japanese deserts that are pretty and intriguing looking with utterly disappointing weak delivery in the department that matters the most - the taste itself. Can you eat it? Sure! Is it good, it's all right. Is it $29/per entrée worthy - absolutely not! Price tag sets up an expectation that a bit too high and then fails to deliver. No amount of forks on the white linen and French names on the menu or generous portion sizes will compensate for an average taste. Food decoration also lacked fineness. Again, if you call yourself French(ish) and you ARE one the most expensive establishments in the town I'd expect better attention to delivery/details of every meal. Not bad, but not excellent either. Overall taste of the food was flat and underwhelming, and mainly because of high expectations and anticipation which are set/implied by an atmosphere/interior and prices on the menu. The seared tuna appetizer, that I had, was lacking proper sauce, and had excessive amount of weak-tasking vegetable relish. Salad that accompanied the main course was cafeteria quality. Literally, the spring mix from the grocery store with two cherry tomatoes thrown in. The dressing was all right, but nothing special to off-set cafeteria look of the salad itself. Lamb kebob lacked any kind of spice, and that "seared" quality that one would expect form a dish called kebab. It also lacked well-paired garnish. Rice that it came with, was fine by itself, it just didn't play well with the meat, in my opinion. However I did like the au jue, which saved that meal for me. The beautiful layered chocolate mousse was flat on the taste, no expected caressing delicate flavor, no texture variations, just the look. It reminded me grocery store deserts more than a French desert... and it was over-decorated. Less is more, in this case, as far as I see it. I have absolutely nothing good to say about coffee. Couple of button clicks on the Starbucks machine in my office can produce better cup of coffee than whatever I had. So, if you are all about form and not so much into intricacies of food itself - Vera Mae's is your friend. If you have corporate per diem to burn and tired of Midwestern fried food - Vera Mae's is your friend. However, leave your expectations of foodie-quality restaurant behind, it looks better than it tastes or costs.
(3)Rachael B.
Vera Mae's is wonderful! I've been there several times, and each time, I have had wonderful service and quality food. The first time I went, I enjoyed the turkey tomato focaccia sandwhich. It was delish. This latest visit was exquisite. We enjoyed french onion soup with a thick layer of delicious cheese on top. The server even brought us scissors to cut through the thick yummy goodness of the torched cheese. My main entre was the Lamb Burger. It was served on a square pita "bun" and covered in a chunky tzatziki sauce and crumbled feta. We were planning on sampling one of their decadent desserts, but by the end, we were stuffed! The option I was eyeing included cheesecake wontons. Next time, I'll definitely have to save room for dessert. The servers were courteous and prompt. They attended our needs well but without hovering obnoxiously. The atmosphere is quite high-end for the Muncie area, but the prices are very reasonable. This establishment is a must for anyone who gets the chance to sample it.
(5)Joel S.
I Had dinner at Vera Mae's last night and every single thing about the trip was perfect. We sat at a table close to the fireplace in a beautifully decorated room near the bar. Our waiter was professional yet not stuffy with a good knowledge of the standard menu plus specialty and feature items. I ordered a bottle of craft beer that was priced very reasonably for such a high end establishment and my date said her cocktail was spot on. Starter items were spinach feta wontons that tasted homemade rather than the frozen wholesale variety and a salad with very fresh greens and bleu cheese dressing. For the main course my mid-rare filet mignon was probably the best I've ever had, which hurt my pride because I typically feel that no one can make a steak better suited to my taste than myself. It came with a rice side topped by asparagus that were great because of the petite size of the vegetable rather than the large kind with thick crunchy stalks you get many other places that I personally don't enjoy. The gingham salad that she ordered was a deceivingly large size with toasted nuts and awesome strawberries that tasted great despite being out of season. I was too full for dessert but I hear very good things. After our meal we headed to the bar for a few more drinks and talked with a very nice couple as well as the owners of the restaurant who were quite entertaining which added to the whole experience. A very intuitive bartender suggested a few drinks I had never tried based on the little information I gave him about my preferences in liquor and I now know that I really like rye whiskey. After all was said and done our bill was very reasonable for such great meal in the finest dining restaurant in Muncie. Anyone interested in trying Vera Mae's should go as soon as possible. Yes you will pay a little more than the chain restaurants of Muncie but the atmosphere, service, and supporting local business make it worth every penny. Thank you Vera's for a lovely evening.
(5)Albertro F.
Muncie's only fine dining option, VM's claims to emulate quaint European bistros. I don't know about that, but expect fresh fish, fillet mignon, and veal. The menu changes several times a year, but holdovers like chicken brie w/ raspberry, classic French onion soup, and delish crab cakes remain constant. Lunches tend to be sandwich driven. The high water mark of VM's is the fact that the cook staff is Muncie's young culinary talent. There's ambition in the back of the house, and that's reflected in the creative daily "Feature" dishes. Soups and sides also are created anew daily. Veg options are on the slim side, but the pros can whip up some amazing stuff when requested. Beyond the food, the restaurant is beautifully decorated. The space had been two older storefronts (one, a shoe store, I believe). Patio dining and a full bar round the experience out. Prices are higher than other local eateries, but the quality of ingredients, service, and overall class make a celebratory meal here memorable.
(4)Raina R.
If you are looking for quality food, quality service, and quality atmosphere for your dinner in Muncie, look no further than Vera Mae's. Located in a beautifully restored building in downtown Muncie, the cuisine at Vera Mae's is a nice change from the scarce non-chain food selection available in Muncie. The quiche is excellent - the quiche of the day is always inventive and excellent as well.
(5)Richard B.
Great place to have a private party. Went their for Uncle Jim & Aunt Rita's 50 Wedding Anniversary and Uncle Jim's Birthday Surprise Party. The staff was really attentive. I do not drink but I had cranberry juice and the glass was always filled. Plenty of room, well lite and very clean. Would highly recommend it for anyone's event. My cousin ( Jim & Rita's daughter planned the entire evnt and did a great job )
(5)cheri e.
The ambiance and atmosphere is relaxing, chic, and pricey (for Muncie) but worth it. Great service, unique drinks and wonderful food. Try the baked Brie or French onion soup then the pork chops or fish special, and definitely, definitely, finish off with the bread pudding. I've traveled the country and tried bread pudding anytime it's offered on the menu, and none have compared!
(5)Ann R.
Fabulous! That says it all! This is one of the best dining experiences in the area, although it IS pricey. The food is amazing and the bar well-stocked. The service is attentive without hovering, and the owners are always there to make sure everything is well above par. We will be back again and again and again!
(5)Pamela P.
The ambience is warm with a touch of elegance, The meals are absolutely wonderful. Best gourmet meals in Muncie! Perfect for a romantic night out or a fun evening with friends. The barkeep is friendly but not intrusive if you're there to share or for a intimate late night drink before going home. Love
(5)Jennifer N.
We were coming from a wedding and thought lets try this place, it did NOT disappoint. Service was young and may have been new but that was ok. Food was spot on and the drinks, well my friends this bartender is GOOD! Anyone can sling drinks but not everyone can make a great cocktail. Atmosphere was perfect, small intimate dining, great for date night or a small group, but the inside did appear to be able to accommodate large groups. They have large wine selection, wish our waiter would have had more knowledge. Pretty good beer selection as well. Started with a key-lime martini that was really good, not overly sweet. The french onion soup came which a pair of scissors and I was quickly told to "cut the cheese" :D, was the best french onion soup I have ever had. Filet for Matt and Strip for me, both wonderful. I liked Matt's filet better but it does not mean the strip wasn't good. For dessert, salted caramel creme brulee, perfect. Wonderful food, beautiful night, Fabulous experience. Absolutely worth the price.
(5)Jen D.
First visit - found on Open Table, the only restaurant in Muncie listed. Our evening was wonderful. Table was waiting on us upon our arrival. Decor fit the renovated downtown area with a a nice elegant feel. Piano music playing in the adjoining dinning room was a wonderful touch. My first pleasant surprise was the selection of white wines from Verona Italy - one of my personal favorites. We started with the Apple Bacon Fritters and Spinach and Feta Wontons. Both good and large portions. - should have only ordered one. I had the soup du jour - a delicious oyster and crawfish stew (which I would call more of bisque) and husband had the French onion soup. The only odd thing about the meal was the scissors served with the French onion soup to cut through the melted cheese. For dinner we selected the stuffed quail and the Filet of Beef Tourteau, both served with broccolini. The meals were well prepared and delicious. I did not particularly like the Choron sauce but the steak was better than the filet I recently ate at Morton's - in flavor, preparation and overall cut of beef. The stuffed quail is served with two quail amply stuffed with a rice based jambalaya, both prepared well and very tasty. For dessert we had the bread pudding and the bananas foster with French Press coffee. All delicious. The owners / managers stopped by several times making us feel quite at home and welcome. They showed a true interest in carrying on a conversation with their patrons and not just that quick run by "hi how was your meal - thanks for coming in". We plan on coming back as there were so many yummy options that we want to try next time.
(5)Bill S.
Great atmosphere and great food. I had the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich and it was really good.
(5)Natalie N.
We love the atmosphere, the food, the drinks, and the owners. We were able to find a seat on a Friday night without a reservation, but I would recommend a reservation to make sure that you are not disappointed. The seasonal decorations were unique and well done.
(5)Chad R.
Fantastic atmosphere, the staff is very friendly, the food delicious. A Muncie must!
(5)Dfros T.
This place is way overrated! It's the kind of place that wants to be something it's not, but because there is little competition for the space they are trying to be in, they can get away with not producing. Decor - Needs a good cleaning. Don't look at the mirrors, floor, or walls, or you might not stay. It does have white table cloths, but they cover them with glass like at your grandmother's house. So it's pseudo high class. Trying to go for the mismatch decor (chairs, mirror, dinnerware) is just not working for them either, it just comes off as old and sloppy. Food - We had the french onion soup, which wasn't too bad. On the other hand, the wild mushroom risotto was horrible! It was piled on the plate in a big dome shape. Not only was the consistency all wrong, the flavor was bland at best, though weird would be a better description. And, it was luke warm, probably due to the 45 minute wait for the food to come out. Yes, I said 45. We also had the grouper special. That was also luke warm with a hard crust forming on the outside of the fish, which suggesting it have been sitting back there for quite a while. Service - Our waiter was good. He seemed knowledgeable and had the presentation of a nice restaurant. The food took way too long to come out for its quality. If you are going to have to wait that long, the food needs to be much better.
(2)Linda S.
I took my daughter here for her graduation dinner, It was amazing, wonderful atmosphere, great French martinis, the best crab artichoke dip I've ever came across! the filet with crab meat was out of this world, and our waiter, Chad was the best server I've ever had! Thanks for a memorable evening! We'll be back!
(5)Sarah G.
I have had only good visits to Vera Mae's over the years. The staff and owners are wonderful, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the bar is super fun to sit at and have a drink or two. That being said, even though my experiences are good, I still feel a bit unsatisfied with the establishment. My problem with Vera Mae's? In all the years they have been open, their menu has never changed. EVER. It's the same every time, except for a dinner special or two not on the staple menu. They have only one vegetarian option, Pasta Primavera, and it gets really old really quick. Seasonal vegetables in the dish are always zucchini and yellow squash. No matter the time of year, it never changes, and for this they charge $16, plus 75 cents extra if you want it with marinara sauce. The restaurant is one of the nicer ones in Muncie; the prices are on the higher side, but that is expected of fine dining. Vera Mae's is in serious need of a more varied menu. Again, service is great, the bar is fun, and the owners are fantastic. I just have to think the kitchen staff and chefs are bored to death making the same few things night after night, year after year.
(3)Charles J.
A special family occasion called for a special dinner out and when in Muncie Indiana, there is only one place to go. Vera Mae's! I've previously written about VM's so I won't go on but suffice to say our party of 7 had a wonderful evening, tremendous food and even live piano music adjacent to our table to add a special touch to an already great night. I thoroughly enjoyed the NY Strip steak, perfectly cooked, juicy and tender. The majority of our party went with the Lobster Stuffed Ravioli and they all raved about it. From start to finish, it's a 5 star gem in the heart of downtown Muncie. It's a can't miss!
(5)Mary T.
We were so excited to try Vera Mae's in downtown Muncie. For 5 long years we've been looking for a decent place to eat dinner and finally found this place. Unfortunately, it did not live up to our expectations. Wait staff was very casual, dining room was VERY loud. Appetizers were ok, a bit sparse on the toast points. Serving French Onion soup with a tiny pair of scissors to cut the cheese was clever. Their poppy seed dressing was very good. But the thing that put us off were the entrees. I had the salmon, totally over cooked and hard. NY strip steak was very fatty and not prepared as asked--simply not worth the money. And the veal chop was tough which is unfortunate given the cost. The one decent thing in Vera Mae's was the drink prices. So often the booze is waaaay over priced (yes, I know this is how they make their money) but here it was reasonable. I think they try but it just was not the rave place to go that the reviews here led us to believe. We were disappointed and won't go back. Fortunately we won't need to as our child has graduated from BSU.
(2)kevin m.
What took us so long to try out the most elegant dining experience in Muncie? We celebrated our wedding anniversary here a few weeks ago and there was nothing but top quality service and food that night! I sent over flowers earlier in the day and the Vera Mae's had the flowers on our table and greeted us with a very nice happy anniversary greeting! The waiter was great, the wine fabulous, the food was out of this world, and then to top it off the dessert was out of bounds!! We will now make Vera Mae's a pat of our list of places to go and suggest if you have never been.........get there tonight!
(5)Catherine P.
I've had good experiences at Vera Maes in the past few years but my most recent experience made me question if I'll go back. The owners are great- really take good care of you but one wait person in particular ruined our most recent visit with her attitude. Too many details to go into about the ins and outs of what happened, but she seemed downright hostile and condescending for no reason. Had been so looking forward to this time with friends and it was such a negative experience.
(2)Jason S.
Very nice atmosphere, but one that I wouldn't recommend for children. We did not order any drinks (alcohol) but did enjoy a full meal with dessert. The food was above average, and only slightly overpriced, for what we had. My wife's cod was very nice, and well seasoned. She didn't care for the tarter sauce, and I agreed. Her roasted potatoes and broccoli were perfect. I was disappointed with the risotto; it was dry and had too much oil as a finisher. I won't be ordering it again. It seemed consistent with a reheated dish, and sub-par when compared to everything else. I only ate about a third of it. The highlight of our meal was my French Onion Soup, although it was mostly cheese (gimmick?) and broth, and had very little actual braised onion, which are my favorite. It was, however, overall, the best version of this soup I have found in Muncie. Our dessert was wonderful. My wife had Bananas Foster, Table side, and I thoroughly enjoyed the bread pudding. Would we recommend? Absolutely. Will we return soon? Absolutely. Would I take my kids there? Absolutely not. This is a place for adults, plain and simple, and harkens back to a day when the kids stayed at home, and the adults stepped out for a monthly fine dining experience.
(4)Sarah G.
I have had only good visits to Vera Mae's over the years. The staff and owners are wonderful, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the bar is super fun to sit at and have a drink or two. That being said, even though my experiences are good, I still feel a bit unsatisfied with the establishment. My problem with Vera Mae's? In all the years they have been open, their menu has never changed. EVER. It's the same every time, except for a dinner special or two not on the staple menu. They have only one vegetarian option, Pasta Primavera, and it gets really old really quick. Seasonal vegetables in the dish are always zucchini and yellow squash. No matter the time of year, it never changes, and for this they charge $16, plus 75 cents extra if you want it with marinara sauce. The restaurant is one of the nicer ones in Muncie; the prices are on the higher side, but that is expected of fine dining. Vera Mae's is in serious need of a more varied menu. Again, service is great, the bar is fun, and the owners are fantastic. I just have to think the kitchen staff and chefs are bored to death making the same few things night after night, year after year.
(3)Charles J.
A special family occasion called for a special dinner out and when in Muncie Indiana, there is only one place to go. Vera Mae's! I've previously written about VM's so I won't go on but suffice to say our party of 7 had a wonderful evening, tremendous food and even live piano music adjacent to our table to add a special touch to an already great night. I thoroughly enjoyed the NY Strip steak, perfectly cooked, juicy and tender. The majority of our party went with the Lobster Stuffed Ravioli and they all raved about it. From start to finish, it's a 5 star gem in the heart of downtown Muncie. It's a can't miss!
(5)Mary T.
We were so excited to try Vera Mae's in downtown Muncie. For 5 long years we've been looking for a decent place to eat dinner and finally found this place. Unfortunately, it did not live up to our expectations. Wait staff was very casual, dining room was VERY loud. Appetizers were ok, a bit sparse on the toast points. Serving French Onion soup with a tiny pair of scissors to cut the cheese was clever. Their poppy seed dressing was very good. But the thing that put us off were the entrees. I had the salmon, totally over cooked and hard. NY strip steak was very fatty and not prepared as asked--simply not worth the money. And the veal chop was tough which is unfortunate given the cost. The one decent thing in Vera Mae's was the drink prices. So often the booze is waaaay over priced (yes, I know this is how they make their money) but here it was reasonable. I think they try but it just was not the rave place to go that the reviews here led us to believe. We were disappointed and won't go back. Fortunately we won't need to as our child has graduated from BSU.
(2)kevin m.
What took us so long to try out the most elegant dining experience in Muncie? We celebrated our wedding anniversary here a few weeks ago and there was nothing but top quality service and food that night! I sent over flowers earlier in the day and the Vera Mae's had the flowers on our table and greeted us with a very nice happy anniversary greeting! The waiter was great, the wine fabulous, the food was out of this world, and then to top it off the dessert was out of bounds!! We will now make Vera Mae's a pat of our list of places to go and suggest if you have never been.........get there tonight!
(5)