VERDAD True Modern Mexican — Restaurant in Austin

Tl;Dr

Pros: the special room we got for our birthday celebration was really neat and quiet. The people who work here from servers to (manager, maybe?) were so kind. A member of our party liked one of the salsas more than any he'd ever had before, and the alcoholic beverages were enjoyed by those who had them.

Cons: service was really slow. We had to go hunt down our check because it was taking so long to get to us (I think they were trying to do a birthday thing, but we'd said we didn't want dessert, and it was taking sooooo long.) Cilantro in everything and not listed as such. No kids menu. Expensive.

The more detailed:

First of all, the staff were wonderful. Really kind and they tried to be accommodating when faced with my cilantro allergy. And look, I get it, a lot of Mexican food has cilantro. But about 10% of the population has this allergy, so it's not that niche. I've never had an issue finding something I can eat, even in Mexico, so it's not so unusual that I might think I could eat here. And cilantro was in everything at Verdad from the guacamole (fine) to the refried beans (um, ok) to the bean hummus (what?). To be fair to Verdad, there were a few mains that didn't have cilantro cooked in, mostly seafood, and the chef offered to make the pepper/onion mix for the fajitas without, but only after much back and forth and me giving up on ordering.

There were a couple of things that I really just don't understand about this experience. One is that cilantro wasn't listed on the menu even though it was in everything. I'm a big believer and listing ingredients on menus for this reason: every time I wanted to order something, our waitress had to go ask the chef if that specific item had cilantro. It was inefficient and took forever. Also, for how expensive this restaurant is, it seemed like everything was batched ahead of time. Is nothing made to order) Is there no way to keep an ingredient out?

The food took a really long time to get to the table (maybe they were waiting to put the order in as we went back and forth on what I might be able to eat? But, why? I said I was fine and just wouldn't order.) We had kids with us, so waiting 30 minutes between ordering and getting food is way too long. And speaking of kids, they don't yet have a kids menu, though they offered a quesadilla in either chicken or cheese, which one of the kids ate. The other two got the steak tacos. The flour tortillas were really tough for them to chew and they ended up abandoning them.

I get it, they're new and still finding their footing. But it sucks to be the long tail who ends up exposing shortcomings. And I don't know if this will be brushed off or considered for future tweaks.

Our meal for three kids and four adults (I didn't end up ordering) was...

Perfect for a date night! VERDAD True Modern Mexican is a culinary haven that sets itself apart with a unique blend of traditional flavors and modern flair. Nestled in the heart of central Austin, VERDAD welcomes you with a chic and sophisticated ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

One of the standout dishes at VERDAD is the Oaxacan Filet Mignon, a culinary masterpiece that brings together the rich, smoky flavors of Oaxacan cuisine with the tender perfection of a perfectly cooked filet mignon. The dish tantalizes the taste buds with its intricate blend of spices, creating a symphony of flavors that is both bold and sophisticated. Each bite is a revelation, showcasing the chef's expertise in combining traditional Mexican ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques.

The ceviche at VERDAD is a refreshing and vibrant starter that showcases the freshness of the ingredients. The seafood is marinated in a tangy citrus-infused marinade, then topped with fresh herbs and a touch of spice. The result is a light and flavorful dish that awakens the palate and sets the stage for the culinary journey that awaits.

For cheese lovers, the Queso Fundido at VERDAD is a must-try. This decadent dish features melted cheese blended with chorizo, peppers, and onions, creating a gooey, savory concoction that is perfect for sharing. Served with warm tortillas for dipping, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to leave you craving more.

The drink menu at VERDAD is equally impressive, offering a selection of handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits that perfectly complement the bold flavors of the cuisine. From the classic margarita to innovative creations featuring local ingredients and artisanal spirits, the drink menu at VERDAD is a treasure trove for cocktail enthusiasts.

What truly sets VERDAD apart is its impeccable service. The staff at VERDAD, including the manager, is attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to ensure that every dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you are seated to the final bite of dessert, the team at VERDAD goes above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is flawless.

VERDAD is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the best that upscale Mexican cuisine has to offer. Treat yourself to a culinary journey at VERDAD True Modern Mexican - you won't be...

So, I am doing this because I feel I have a responsibility to do so. Verdad’s menu is extremely misleading, where almost all of its menu is not vegetarian/vegan/or kosher safe, despite its label on the menu. My husband and I don’t eat pork so we’re aware of the usual and typical limitations this creates when eating mexican/tex mex food (no flour tortillas, no refried beans as they’re cooked in pig lard, etc.). When we arrived we let the server know that there was no pork for the table. She assured us our app choices were safe, but needed to double check with the kitchen that the entrees were. After waiting nearly 2 hours and several back and forths between the server and the kitchen, the only item menus that are pork free (either from being cooked in pig lard or cross contamination - as there was only one fryer and one stovetop somehow?) are what’s pictured in the photo. Our apps not listed in the picture were also pig free - the mole, fried calamari, and guacamole. However, usually safe items like mixed veggies and brussel sprouts that “could not” be cooked differently were not safe for anyone who is a practicing vegan, vegetarian, muslim, or jew - or simply anyone who just doesn’t like pork. We had a great server who cared enough to warn us about this, but we literally couldn’t even order chicken fajitas - it would have just been chicken and rice (no onions, peppers, beans, or tortillas.) When we spoke to management, they said they were aware of the problem but the chef didn’t want to change it, and they’ve been back and forth about it.

I am not giving 1 star simply because our server was so great and the apps we were able to eat were good. But imagine waiting 2 hours after seeing a full 4 page menu and being told you can only eat the soup/salad at a tex mex restaurant. This is strange because anytime we go to Perry’s we don’t have the same issue. Hoping either the kitchen or management sees this as they’re isolating a huge population from enjoying their restaurant, and quite frankly lying to them on their menu (many of these options were labeled “V” or “VE” for vegan/vegetarian). I’ll be willing to change my review when the...