The Early Word on La Puerta Verde

La Puerta Verde was the latest restaurant to open at the newly renovated historic Hecht Warehouse in January.

The 3,800-square-foot colorful space retains Hecht’s raw structure via huge concrete pillars, while hints of Mexican culture include bright Talavera tiles everywhere and authentic patterned fabrics deployed as booth covers.

La Puerta is the final component of a corner “trifecta” by Mindful Restaurants Group in Ivy City; the others include Ari’s Diner and DOCK FC, a soccer sports bar that shares a kitchen with La Puerta. The name translates to “green door,” a color that represents hope in Mexican culture (clearly there’s also a green entrance).

Mexican coastal influences are evident in the cuisine, with calamari tossed with pickled vegetable relish and Pescado a la Talla (grilled whole fish in banana leaves and guajillo marinade).

Read on to hear what the customers are saying, almost two months into business:

The Order This Now News: Yelper Dave H. had a mezgroni, “Which I'd never contemplated before. Try it — so tasty.” He and his wife “shared guacamole, ceviche, and each had three tacos. All of them were amazing. Special shout out to the chorizo, lengua, and tinga.” Facebooker Tony Treubrodt kept it short and sweet: “Try all the tacos.” [Yelp, Facebook]

The Cool Vibes Only News: Facebooker Christie L. said, “Extra kudos for perfect lighting and interior. Good mix of authentic, modern, and true to Ivy City.” Facebooker Melonie Favorite thought it was “very affordable with a cool vibe. Ask for Roberto at the bar. He makes a mean cocktail.” [Facebook]

The Left Wanting More News: Yelper Cassandra L. said, “The food was delicious, but the tacos were surprisingly small. I wasn't super hungry so it worked, but I wish the tacos were slightly bigger.” Yelper Parker H. thought the guacamole “was pretty small for being $9.” Yelper Emily H. said the “portions are too small” for her taste. [Yelp]

The 411 News: Yelper Anna P. summed up her first meal thusly: “Food was fresh, seemed authentic, and some of the cocktails were creative. Very friendly staff, nice decor.” Yelper Jesse C. notes the corn on cob and guacamole were “excellent. Tacos very good as well.” Yelper Natalie V. said, “Overall this was the best taco meal I've had since leaving SoCal.” [Yelp]

The Slamming Ceviche and More News: Yelper Ron C. thought the Ceviche de Huachinango “was delicious. They offer up large chunks of Red Snapper and even have corn nuts in it which is an awesome addition in my opinion. This is the best ceviche I have ever had.” Instagrammer @firsttastedc was all about the LPV Margarita with Mezcal: “A tad smokey with all the favorite flavors of a classic Margartia [sic] salted rim. Is there any other way?” [Yelp, Instagram]