Best Restaurants for Birthdays in Art Museum

The food was so good! I was apprehensive at first bc I didn’t even know what half the words were on the menu. But after googling a few words the menu was less daunting. Everything just had such wonderfully intense flavors. Even things I don’t typically like, like artichokes were made so uniquely delicious. I had swordfish skewers over walnut pesto with a zesty Greek yogurt and it was excellent. I asked the bartender what special cocktail I should try when my go-to is an old fashioned. He recommended an Islay of Beauty which was a pear/orange interpretation of an old fashioned and was fantastic.

We had not been there in 5 years and it was amazing as always. We def wont be waiting another 5 years for our next visit. Dirk provided great service. We had the amazing crab cocktail as an app which both the mustard and cocktail sauces were not wasted. We tried 32oz porterhouse for 2 and it was a real winner (gotta add that truffle butter). We were celebrating my wife's birthday and they provided a complimentary birthday treat which was a homemade vanilla ice cream on top of a chocolate shell on top of a brownie. It was the perfect size for two "full" people to share after a big meal.

We headed to El Vez for brunch, and let me start by saying: make a reservation. This spot is popular—and for good reason. While dinner reservations can be hard to snag, brunch turned out to be the perfect choice. The moment we walked in, we were transported. The decor is warm, colorful, and vibrant—everything you’d hope for in a great Mexican restaurant. There’s a cozy, welcoming vibe, but it’s also lively and buzzing with energy. The eclectic touches, like the low-rider bike suspended over the dining area, add just the right amount of whimsy without feeling over the top. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to stay and soak it all in. Now, onto the food—because wow. We started with the Macho Nachos, and let me just say, these are nachos done right. Served on a pizza-style pan, every single chip was covered in toppings—no sad, bare nachos at the bottom here. We went with chicken and chorizo for our proteins, and the combination was perfect. The chicken was tender and flavorful, the chorizo added a spicy kick, and everything was brought together with gooey melted cheese, fresh guacamole, and tangy salsa. It’s easily one of the best nacho dishes I’ve ever had. For the main course, we ordered the Steak Burrito and Huevos Rancheros. The burrito was phenomenal—the steak inside was unbelievably tender, and you could taste the care that went into seasoning it just right. Each bite melted in your mouth. The huevos rancheros were just as impressive, with eggs so fresh they practically stole the show. Paired with the perfect mix of beans, tortillas, and salsa, it was hearty and satisfying without being too heavy. We couldn’t resist trying their Blood Orange Margaritas, which were as refreshing as they were delicious. They were perfectly balanced—tangy, sweet, and just strong enough to keep us in that happy brunch mood. The service at El Vez was another highlight. The staff were warm, friendly, and attentive without being overbearing. They made us feel right at home

Food was incredible! Edamame dumplings were delicate, delicious - really an incredible flavor. The sea bass and black cod were both show stoppers. Amazing!

Another fantastic special paring dinner. Can’t wait for the next one.