Popular Union Square Spot Rebrands, Will Reopen With New Menu

SOMERVILLE, MA — A Union Square favorite has joined an area restaurant group and will reopen this month with a new name and menu. Vera's – formerly the Brass Union – is now part of the Independent Restaurant Group, which runs Foundry on Elm, Saloon, The Rockwell Theatre in Davis Square and The Independent in Union Square.

Vera's kitchen, led by chef Sandro Joseph of Foundry on Elm and Tavolo Ristorante, offers "approachable, well-executed classics" like buttermilk fried whole belly clams, chicken Parmesan sandwich, house-made fried mozzarella sticks and frequently updated seasonal fresh pastas. Like its sibling restaurants, Vera's will also feature daily Raw Bar selections.

The menu is a collaboration between lifelong friends Joseph and Shayne Nunes, executive chef of The Independent Group, who met in Somerville High School's culinary program.

Owner/operator Jess Willis describes Vera's as "unfussy, light-hearted and fun."

"It's just what we all need right now, familiar favorites in a super friendly, inclusive space," Willis added. "The team behind Vera’s has worked together for years, and after the past twelve months of absolute turmoil, we all wanted to do something soothing and fun. That’s what this project is for us and, we hope will fulfill that need for our neighborhood."

Vera’s cocktail menu will include seasonal slushies, spritzes and classics and will be designed and brought to life by Dave Erickson of Brass Union and The Rockwell, Kristin Callan of Brass Union and Charles Coykendall of The Independent.

A small wine list curated by Coykendall will change frequently and focus on small producers and family-owned wineries, and sustainable, biodynamic and organic wines.