Vela

Q: Does Vela offer gift cards?

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.6

126 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 22, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 41 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions
Romantic

Vela Bar y Cocina, located in the heart of River North, Chicago, brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico City to life. Our menu showcases authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, from flavorful tacos to traditional dishes crafted by Chef Jorge Angulo. Sip on expertly curated cocktails featuring a vast selection of tequila and mezcal, including rare pours. Vela offers the perfect venue for private dining and events, with intimate spaces like our Private Dining Room and the stylish Zona Rosa. Whether you're enjoying a casual night out or hosting a private event, Vela delivers a warm and cosmopolitan experience infused with Mexican spirit. Join us for an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, and culture in one of Chicago's most energetic neighborhoods.

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Latin / Spanish
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 888-3465
Website
https://www.velabarcocina.com/
Dress code
Business Casual
Private party facilities
Welcome to Vela! Where the cultural richness and vibrancy of Mexico City meet a sophisticated, modern ambiance. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Vela offers a range of stunning spaces tailored to make your event truly unforgettable.
Private party contact
Kassandra: (312) 888-3465

Location
352 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access

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Experiences

New Year's Eve Dinner
$75.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 31, 2024 only
Ring in the new year at Vela! This experience is a 4 course dinner served family style for $75 per person. Enjoy sounds from a live DJ starting at 9pm. CHOOSE TWO ITEMS FROM ENTRADAS, DEL MAR, OR DEL JARDIN ONE ITEM FROM PRICIPALES AND ONE DESSERT
Restaurant Week Dinner Menu
$45.00 per person
Prepaid
Jan 24, 2025 - Feb 9, 2025
Joins us for Restaurant Week Jan 24th - Feb 9th! MENU PRIMERO Choose One Entre-Mezze Quinoa Avocado Salad SEGUNDO Choose One Taco al Pastor Taco Gobernador Pollo a la Leña Tlacoyo TERCERO Choose One Oaxacan Churros Pistachios Dos Leches For any questions, please email info@velabarcocina.com.
Restaurant Week Brunch Menu
$30.00 per person
Prepaid
Jan 24, 2025 - Feb 9, 2025
Join us for Restaurant Week Jan 24th Feb 9th. Menu AMUSE Guacamole PRIMERO Choose One Oats French Toast SEGUNDO Choose One Vela Hamburger Gordita For any questions, emaiI info@velabarcocina.com

Cucumber Margarita$12.00
Código Blanco Tequila. Cucumber Water. Chamomile Honey. Chareau. Lime. Orange Flower Water.
Pulparindo$10.00
Gran Centenario Blanco Tequila. Watermelon. Tamarind. Tajin.
Jade$18.00
400 Conejos Mezcal. Jasmine. Plum. Citrus.
Subele a tu Atole$19.00
Abasolo Whiskey. Champurrado. Nixta. Piloncillo.
Manzanita$19.00
400 Conejos Mezcal. Apple Cider. Cardamom. Cinnamon. Citrus. Egg White.
Nada Palmer$20.00
Gran Centenario Tequila. Prickly Pear. Tamarind. Citrus.
Mimosa$13.00
Prickly Pear. Guava. Orange OR Grapefruit. Prosecco.
Mimosa Kit$50.00
Bottle of Prosecco. Pick two juices: Prickly Pear, Orange, and Grapefruit.
Michelada$16.00
Pacifico. Soy Sauce. Worcestershire. Valentina. Clamato Juice. Tajin. Shrimp.
Carajillo de Olla$17.00
Licor 43. Cafe De Olla. Espresso. Orange Brulee.
Bloody Maria$18.00
Código Blanco Tequila. Tomatillo. Serrano. Poblano. Olive Oil. Salt. Cilantro. Cucumber. Worcestershire. Garlic. Maggi Seasoning. Shrimp. Queso Fresco.

Cerveza

Casa Humilde Maizal$12.00
Lager, Chicago
Pacifico$8.00
Pilsner, Mexico
Casa Humilde Media Naranja$12.00
Pale Ale, Chicago
Corona NA$8.00
Lager, Mexico

Cocina

Oats con Leche$11.00
Burnt Apple. Tamarind. Candied Pecans.
Gordita$14.00
Chicharrón Prensado or Rajas Con Queso. Yellow Corn Gordita. Refried Beans. Avocado Salsa Verde. Cabbage Curtido.
Chilaquiles$15.00
Poblano Salsa Verde. Queso Fresco. Refried Beans. Fried Egg.
French Toast$16.00
Bruleed Toast. Charred Poblano. Crème Anglaise. Macerated Peaches.
Vela Hamburguesa$20.00
Mushroom Medley. Salsa Negra. Dos Quesos. Avocado. Lime Mayo. Pickled Onions.
Platillo Arabe$22.00
Morita Glazed Pork Belly. Sumac Onions. Herb Salad. Avocado Spread. Fried Eggs. Tortillas.
Pancakes$15.00
Heirloom Corn. Macerated Berries. Apricot Raisin Jam. Whipped Butter.
Burrito$17.00
Barbacoa Shortrib. Black Bean Pico. Eggs. Poblano Jocoque.

Acompañamientos

Egg$3.50
Add an egg to any dish, cooked to order.
Chorizo Rojo Link$5.00
House-Made Chorizo Rojo.
Avocado$5.00
1/2 Hass Avocado.
Bacon$8.00
Applewood Smoked Bacon.
Sweet Potato Fries$12.00
Poblano Jocoque. Dried Chili Rub.

Café

Espresso$3.00
Tea$4.00
Americano$5.00
Capuccino$5.00
Latte$5.00

Jugo

Orange$6.00
Grapefruit$6.00

What 126 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Vela, a vibrant new addition to Chicago's dining scene, impresses with its "fantastic" service, "delicious" food, and stylish ambiance. Diners rave about standout dishes like the wagyu empanadas and tuna tostadas. While some found menu options limited, the overall experience is "beyond delicious," making it a must-visit for food lovers.

126 Reviews

K
KC
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our friends just moved to IL from Mexico. They said this place is authentic with modern mixes in the food. And they approve! Everything about Vela was special. The ambiance and music, service by Ethan, drinks and food was amazing. We will be coming back. Definitely a spot to impress guests!!
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P
Patricia
Chicago
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went for their happy hour and tried just about all the appetizers. All very good.
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J
Jared
VIP
Denver
90 reviews
5.0
90 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We will be back. The food, drinks, and service lived up to the hype. Don’t skip the empanadas. The Paloma is the best I’ve ever had.
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C
Crystal
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent ambiance and service! Would definitely recommend.
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R
Rahul
VIP
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I genuinely believe this will become one of the best restaurants in Chicago, and I’m so excited to see how it continues to thrive. It is relatively new on the scene but firing on all cylinders. You walk in and are warmly greeted by people who aim to make you feel at home. The atmosphere is lively. The drinks at the bar are easily accessible and have a vast array of options, and the bartenders know how to adjust to your taste if needed. (Get the espresso martinis!) The servers are knowledgeable and take their jobs seriously—a big shout-out to Antonio and Christian. Every dish is immaculate and embraces true Mexican roots—they do not shy away from using different colors of corn as they do in traditional Mexican food. Of course, you must try the Mole topped with delicious crispy pork belly. Hats off to Jorge Angulo. He is not only so friendly, but I genuinely believe he is trying to communicate his love for food on the plate before you. He is definitely a rising star in the Chicago scene. I can’t wait to continue coming here for a long time and can genuinely say this is my new go-to when I’m entertaining my friends in town, date night, or want a fantastic meal.
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K
Kaitlin
VIP
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Music was very loud when sitting at a booth was hard to hear each other otherwise the food was excellent!
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J
Jessica
VIP
Chicago
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
It was freezing in the restaurant. Could feel the heat was on, but every time the door opened we all froze and our table was blocked by the bar, not in front of the door. Something has to be done, either build an outdoor doorway frame or a curtain on the inside. Also, basic noise level is off the charts. Hard to have much conversation. Both would deter me from going back. Too many other options where we don’t have to deal with the cold or noise.
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A
Ajahnae
VIP
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best Mexican in town. Unique dishes. Great staff. Love this place. Feel like you are in Tulum.
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B
Burt
Las Vegas
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The space is very comfortable with lots of booths. The manager was very helpful in making our party comfortable as they were experiencing an overflow crowd. He seated us at the bar until our table was ready. The food was fresh and tasty and our server was excellent. Overall a good dining experience and we will return in the future.
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C
Craig
VIP
Chicago
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
While the food and service were great, we were offended by the server telling us they have a policy of departing the table in 90 minutes. We understand the need to turn tables, but they should advise this in a pre-dinner message, not at the table. They are happy to take our money, and add a 3% service fee, but only for 90 minutes.
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FAQs

Vela is rated 4.6 stars by 126 OpenTable diners.

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.