Verache Lounge — Restaurant in Bowie

A confusing place. Looks super nice, very updated inside. But it looked like no one had eaten there, like, ever. The menu is Carribean, African, Mexican, Southern US, Chinese... and the list goes on.

It smelled like nothing when we came in. I asked what was good and was told the fried chicken/waffles. So we got that and the chicken sandwich. Then I tried to order the burger for my husband. No ground beef. Then tried for the pulled pork sandwich. No luck. Finally settled on the philly cheese steak.

It was a long almost 20 minutes wait. The restaurant actually smelled like food after! The restaurant has been open for a month and the waitress had to grab a manager to ring me up properly. Cost $35 for 3 dishes.

The chicken and waffles were fine, though the breading was confusing. Tasted like cloves and cinnamon? My daughter liked it. Waffles were mediocre and floppy.

My chicken sandwich was advertised as being topped with slaw made of celery/cilantro/spinach. It came with a healthy dose of mayo, floppy lettuce, and American cheese. Meh. Same sweet/spiced breading as the one with the waffles. Ok, I guess, not what I was promised.

As for the philly, I have had better 5 dollar ones from a cart. Edible, but not worth the money.

All in all, ok? Not terrible. Not great. Unclear what their focus is, too much variety. Could be good if there was more turnover? And food matched the...

Had some great food here! This is one of those gems that nobody knows about, and that should change.

Opened just before the Pandemic (great timing, right?), so bring some patience. The chef does just about everything, but he will take great care of you. He was born in Nigeria, educated in London, and has brought a melding of great flavors and excellent technique to the states!

The food is fantastic! Some of the best curries, the tacos are amazing, the wings have some fabulous African spices mixed in with a buffalo sauce. He doesn’t always have everything in stock, because as he says, if the ingredients don’t look good, he’s not going to buy them and not going serve them, but that’s part of the fun of this restaurant. He will spend time with you getting to know your tastes and help you pick the right items for you, then he will prepare it fresh.

Stop by...

I went to an event in the area and stopped by Chili’s because I was in the mood for African food. I ordered the suya, it came out midway cold and was extremely bland. I had to ask for salt in order to somewhat enjoy it. When I asked for ogbono they didn’t have it so I had to substitute it for and for ewedu and okra mix with amala. Amala was done well and the ewedu and okra with stew was ok. As far as food goes I would give it a 2, which is disappointing because African food is meant to be delicious!! The type where you can’t stop eating delicious but they didn’t deliver. The waiter was great! Attentive but not overwhelming (I want to enjoy my food in peace). She was friendly and I appreciated her service. As far as ambiance and decor I would give it a 2.8. It was an ok experience all in all but wouldn’t be my choice...