Vera Mae's Bistro

Vera Mae's Bistro

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+1 765-767-5544+ Add website
Hours
Mon
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tue
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sat
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
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Ratings and reviews
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles

RATINGS
Food
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Value
3.8 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
American
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Drinks
features
Is this an American restaurant?
About
Opening its doors in 1999, Vera Mae’s began its story as a lunch delivery and catering business through its South Walnut street storefront in downtown Muncie. Owner Kent Shuff pioneered the revitalization of Muncie’s historical district and later expanded the restaurant in 2002. Formerly Ballard Hardware, Kent and co-owner and partner, Steve Fennimore created the Ballaird Hall, increasing the original Bistro from 54 seats to 210 seats. Come explore the living history of a Midwestern staple. On our walls you will find part namesake, Vera Yates (Kent's Grandmother) at her restaurant and gas station, along with David Letterman on an evening out. Everything has a story as the modern local art and historic architectural elements combine for an intoxicating evening of hand-crafted cuisine and delectable drinks.
CUISINES
American
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Table Service, Live Music, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles199 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
42
Average
15
Poor
11
Terrible
6

Kathryn F
Hampton15 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • none
My cousins and I went here late December for a girl's night out on a weeknight (it was right between Christmas and New Year's, but not on any holiday). The place was very empty, but the atmosphere was great. The holiday decorations were up, the fireplace was lit, they have lots of awesome old polished wood accents and a super high ceiling with those decorative tiles you find in some older buildings in places like Muncie. The atmosphere gets a five from me: it is cozy but not at all cluttered, warm and friendly while still looking very put-together. Our meal started with a great bottle of Riesling that the waitress recommended. We then had the baked brie and the artichoke crab appetizer, and both of those were great. For an entree I got the duck, and that is where the experience was a bit marred for me. First of all, presentation was very good, at least a 7 out of 10. The sides just didn't have much flavor: the cauliflower puree with horse radish only had the vaguest horse-radish flavor, just enough to be off-putting without having any heat. It also came with roasted Brussels sprouts and there were only three of them! I know it's about pretty plating etc etc but if I only get three Brussels sprouts I want them to be the three most flavorful Brussels sprouts I have had in my life, or at least this month: they weren't either. But the sides weren't what bothered me about the dish. I felt like the fat of the duck breast could have been rendered a bit more. I will readily admit that I do not know how to adequately render the fat off of a duck breast myself, and perhaps there is no way to get the layer thinner or more appealing than what they served. It was extremely crispy on the top and the sauce that went with it was great. Also, I will say, the cook on the breast was a beautiful medium (the waitress advised me to get medium since I generally get steak medium rare, and she was exactly right). We split bread pudding for dessert and that was awesome. It tasted like the most delicious cinnamon roll all diced up and baked in a ramekin. And I *love* that Vera Mae's brings in some sweets from Ghyslain, a wonderful local chocolatier that makes some of the most beautiful desserts I've ever seen anywhere. Our night and our experience were beautiful overall but not flawless: I would recommend appetizers, drinks, and dessert without hesitation. I would have to try more of the entrees before I know how I feel about the rest of the menu.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

psterrell1965
Muncie16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • none
After having intentions to try this dining establishment for literally years, my sister and I finally made a reservation for outdoor seating this evening. My only regret is not going sooner! We arrived a bit early, but were promptly greeted and seated on the patio. The service was truly impeccable, from beginning to end. Overall, the food was excellent. We both agreed that the crawfish nachos could use a bit more seasoning, but everything else was cooked perfectly and well seasoned. Prices were very reasonable for the food quality and caliber of service. Our water glasses were never less than half full. Courses were served at a perfect pace. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had such great service. The owners clearly understand how to serve their customers and they deliver. We will be back and highly recommend that others not wait to give this establishment a try.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentShuff
How very kind of you to take the time to write this review. We hope to see you again soon. And in the mean time.....stay safe and happy!! Cheers!
Written August 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Susan v
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • family
The place we will have dinner next time we are in Muncie. The food was all exceptional starting with the finest, freshest calamari we have ever had and ending with three different desserts, again wonderful. All four of us raved about our main courses. One was basically an exceptional Mac and Cheese with giant chunks of lobster. A charming experienced waitress anticipated our every need in an unobtrusive manner. We ate outside but also viewed the charming interior. Even the restrooms were noteworthy. Use one even if you don’t have to, just to see the decor. If you would like to treat college students - or yourselves - to an outstanding dinner, Vera Mar’s is the place to go.
Written April 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marlene D
101 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • family
We were celebrating our anniversary and looked forward to a good meal after months of quarantine. Four adults and one child were in our party. Unfortunately, two out of four adult meals did not live up to our expectations. The Walleye Ponchetrain was ok, the sauce was disappointing because the shrimp and crawfish were so overcooked they were hard. I think they may have been reheated, to the point that they lost their original texture. My husband's steak was only 1/3 edible since it had large deposits of fat around the ends and a thick streak of gristle in the middle. The waitress was aware of the problem by the amount of waste but avoided inquiring if he was satisfied with the meal. Being advertised as an upscale restaurant, I expect quality, this was not an upscale experience.
Written May 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentShuff
Did the server check the status of your meal(s). I myself was here that evening and absolutely nothing was brought to my attention; either by your server or any observation/contact as I constantly check with each and every table. I am sincerely sorry if we fell short of your expectations.
Written May 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jorahood
Noblesville109 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • couples
We have dined here many times and wanted to reconnect since COVID is mostly behind us. I had lasagna, which is usudd add ky their mainstay, but it was dry and tasteless, perhaps reheated, but not savory. Waiter delivered sharp knives with the chicken; unusual until we found that the chicken was rubbery. In short, they need to buck up the quality of food. The wait staff was great. Darrell made that part of our evening very good. I don’t think we will drive from Indy for a while, to eat at this restaurant.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael J
Muncie41 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • friends
We have been loyal customers since restaurant opened by original owners. It formerly was a great fine dining experience. Under new management it has changed. No manager was available. New menu offered limited selections and removed some original popular items. Our experience with a birthday dinner for 4 friends last night was bad. Food was not great and server was rude. During remodeling only one entry door was available and server would not allow our guest who has limited mobility issues with a cane exit by the back door to parking lot. He had to walk around the building in a downpour risking a fall. Server moved furniture in front of the rear door so no one could exit there. New owners lost business of 4 loyal customers in the future.
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

chicyndy
Columbus5 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • couples
First time eating here. The appetizer and French onion soup were fabulous! Then waited longer than expected for the entree, and it lacked flavor!! The vegetable was cold and tasteless! My butter noodles had no butter! Had fish and chicken that was bland, cook needed to kick it up a notch. Never offered any rolls, which was on the menu. I would go back for the soup but not a meal, sorry.
Written May 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jo G
Muncie2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • friends
My husband and I wanted a unique place to take an out of town friend. We were served very well. Food was delicious n prepared/presented well. Ample amounts. Beautiful Unique setting n interesting. Only thing is we would have liked low background dinner music instead of noisy,echoed chatter from other tables, but that's just us
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentShuff
Thank you so much, Jo. We will be looking forward to your next visit. Cheers!
Written February 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

People who travel all over
Hollister209 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • business
Need some more reviews in 22, everyone was a critic with covid in 21. I have worked in and around restaurants for over 40 years. Were referred by a friend to this place. Ambience is beyond cool with art, antiques, owners input, buildings that they rehabilitated in an old downtown. FOOD WAS FREAKING AWESOME, some of the best I have seen in years and all three of us tried something different! Top place to eat in Muncie or even worth a drive from an hour away. Don’t miss out on this place, especially the scissors for the french onion soup.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentShuff
You are so kind! Thank you!!!
Written June 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

RochesterSicilian
79 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • couples
I really, really wanted to love this restaurant. Unfortunately the food didn't live up to the ambiance. The building is gorgeous but the food was blah. Rice looked like Uncle Ben's. Pork was tough and overcooked. Veggie was three asparagus.
Written October 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katie M
Indianapolis2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • couples
This is the letter I sent them which they responded and apologized and assured us they would make right. They never did. We won’t be back. Our new years dinner was a terrible experience. I have no intention to ever come back again. -received our drinks and exactly one roll and pat of butter each -ordered dinner, knew there was a feature menu but never saw any indication on price or that normal menu was going to be unavailable -disappointed in only one soup option. Frustrated in lack of description of menu as I have multiple food allergies and sensitivities. -each in our party ordered a different selection from the first course option and ALL were cold and hard and had obviously been sitting for hours. -soup never came at all -my husband had no beverage for an hour. -main courses were finally served (not by our server) well over an hour after our first course came out. Again, all were lukewarm at best -the server who brought our food was kind enough to get my husband a replacement beverage. -my husband cut and ate his entire prime rib with a butter knife. I watched my husband and our friend eat as I waited 30+ minutes to ask a server (again not ours) if the topping on my dinner was peanuts before I could eat it. Obviously my food was extremely cold but I was starving at that point and had been sitting there for at least 2 hours. Honestly... ridiculous. I understand new management and I understand special menus and I understand fine dining and reasonable expectations. This service was borderline insulting and absolutely unacceptable. Where were the managers? How come nobody came by our table to see how we were doing? I didn't see one person watching the floor. Not good at all and I feel that if managers don’t already know, it should be brought to their attention.
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vacation_Commander
Muncie1215 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • none
I was very unimpressed with the quality of the food here. Maybe I just happened to hit it on a bad day.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentShuff
I would have loved to talk to you if you would have brought it to our attention. I am always here to speak with the customer. Best wishes, Kent Shuff Owner
Written August 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lisa H
Marysville285 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • family
What a wonderful experience! From the service to the ambiance, it was a night made special! We enjoyed our meals and loved the full bar. Highly recommend!
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentShuff
Thank you so very much, Lisa!!!! Cheers!!!!
Written July 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

M. and E. David
13 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020 • none
Having been there for lunch, twice, (in pre-COVID times), we were expecting great food, but on this occasion that was not what we received. The night we went, they were already out of peach baby-back ribs at 6:30, so my second choice was the pork medallions. These were two slabs (not medallions), albeit they were a generous portion, but they were tough. The were extremely salty and the amount of black pepper cancelled out any other taste sensation. The corn and black bean relish that the pork was on, had the texture of "old", and could have passed as re-heated leftovers. The corn was actually hard and if I had been at home, I would have easily scraped it into the trashcan. My husband's order of dill-crusted cod did not fare any better. The cod was over-cooked, with the VERY thick outside breading, dark brown and crunchy. I tried it, too, and neither of us could discern any dill. Our salads were fine, as was the bread (my bread was warm, the other piece was cold) and zucchini appetizer, but that was not enough to make us happy with the dining experience. We skipped dessert. The restaurant is beautiful as always, and the service was excellent. There was a nice crowd - completely distanced, both outside and inside. We left wondering if Vera Mae's had a new chef since they reopened. The meal we looked forward to - dining in - sadly, was not the dinner of our expectations. Would not recommend.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentShuff
I am sincerely sorry for your experience and must emphasize that this is not the norm. Did you mention your displeasure to your server? I, myself am on the floor 100% of the time and I was unaware of any issue and we would have made any corrections immediately, but we cannot after the fact. Please except our sincerest of apologies. Best wishes, Kent Shuff-Co Owner
Written September 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

neffer1979
Indianapolis18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019 • none
Our waiter was Josh. He was great about leaving us to our conversation and wine selection until we were ready to make our choices for the meal. The place was a buzz as there was a private party in an adjacent room. The party did not detract from the service we received. The staff was ready to fill our wine glasses and attend to our needs. Everyone was terrific. I made a comment about Creme Brule' even though I had eaten enough for dinner, dessert was not to be ordered. The manager brought me his that he had planned on eating himself. No Charge. So thoughtful. A very fine evening indeed.
Written November 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentShuff
I’d share my Creme Brûlée with you any day of the week, my dear! So happy that you enjoyed your evening. 😄
Written November 21, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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VERA MAE'S BISTRO, Muncie - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

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