Vela

Q: Does Vela offer gift cards?

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.6

112 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 4, 2024

8:30 PM

Booked 49 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
Happy Hour at Vela
Nov 19, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024
Join us for Happy Hour at Vela Mon-Fri, 4pm-6pm.
Clase Azul Pre-Fixe Dinner Experience
$220.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 3, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024
Enjoy a Clase Azul dinner pairing for up to 12 guests! For any questions or special requests, please reach out to managers@velabarcocina.com.

Guacamole$15.00
Avocado. Herbs. Papalo Oil.
Taco Al Pastor$18.00
3pcs | Pork. Avocado Salsa. Caramelized Pineapple. Cilantro. Onion.
Taco Gobernador$22.00
3pcs | Black Tiger Shrimp. Oaxaca Cheese. Rajas.
Empanadas $19.00
3pcs | Wagyu Carne Seca. Poblano Jacoque.
Tlacoyo$22.00
Mushroom Medley. Oaxaca Cheese. Refried Beans. Salsa Verde.
Pulpo A La Parilla$23.00
Octopus. Mojo de Ajo. Chicharron. Sikil Pak.

Crudos

Tuna Tostada$20.00
2pcs | Ahi Tuna. Salsa Negra. Avocado. Macha Aioli.
Shrimp Crudo$19.00
Aguachile Negro. Red Onion. Cucumber. Serrano. Avocado.
Salmon Tostada$19.00
2pcs | Salmon. Avocado. Cucumber. Salsa Negra. Ponzu. Pickled Onions.
Hamachi Ceviche$19.00
Yellowtail. Tomato. Red Onion. Avocado. Cucumber. Serrano. Leche De Tigre.

Del Jardin

Quinoa Avocado Salad$18.00
Corn. Heirloom Beans. Tomato. Avocado. Jicama. Kale. Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.
Hearts of Palm Ceviche$16.00
Coconut. Strawberry. Cucumber. Red Onion. Fresno. Hibiscus Aguachiles.
Ensalada de Cesar$16.00
Little Gem. Grilled Radicchio. Toasted Cotija Cheese. Serrano.
Grilled Vegetables$16.00
Coriander Butter. Ancho Puffed Rice. Mole Verde.

Principales

Langostinos Nayarit $28.00
2pcs | Head On King Prawns. Macha Verde.
Pollo A La Leña$34.00
Chicken. Fresno Lime Adobo. Herb Salad. Tomatillo Xni-Pec. Charred Habanero Salsa.
Pescado Entero$58.00
Whole Dorade. Adobo Verde. Jicama. Pickled Onion. Mandarin.
Castacan en Mole$30.00
Pork Belly. Mole Casero. Goose Berries. Chicharron.
Barbacoa Ossobuco$49.00
Short Rib. Fresno Tahini. Pearl Onions. Pickled Carrots.
Aged Wagyu Tabla De Carnes$89.00
Picanha. Hanger. Bavette. Nopal Salad. Pearl Onions. Salsa Tatemada. Peanut Arbol. Habanero Miso. Refried Beans.

What 112 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.

112 Reviews

G
Gerald
Chicago
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing service in a unique, intimate environment. The food was delicious! What a cozy little gem. Highly recommend!!
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S
Susana
Dallas
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was very bland. Plates are small and pricey. Ambiance is amazing. Drinks were amazing. Come here only to sit at the bar and get drinks skip the food.
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M
MJ
New York City
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Vela is my new go to spot. I struggled writing this review because I know word will get out and getting a table there in the future will be challenging. It's a fantastic addition to the neighborhood.
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M
Melanie
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Vela is highly recommended! Fantastic cocktails and food!
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A
Arif
Chicago
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Really good food, reasonably priced. Great ambiance, dj was great and the music wasn’t too loud. They need to put a heavy curtain or something over the front door to stop the bitter cold blowing through the restaurant. The Coco de Oro is a really well balanced cocktail. Overall a really good restaurant for a date or with a group of friends where you actually want to talk to each other.
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B
Barbara
Chicago
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We truly enjoyed our dinner at Vela - we picked this restaurant after seeing it listed in OpenTable "5 restaurants to book in december". The ambiance is fun, including the furniture, the dim lights and the music; the servers were all knoweldgeable, attentive and friendly. The food was great and so were the cocktails. We particularly enjoyed the polpo, the tacos al pastor, the pork belly, and the churros. But everything was delightful. And the price is very reasonable for a high-end restaurant.
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S
Samantha
Minneapolis
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
On a recent drive into the city, we stumbled upon a gem of a restaurant that exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was breathtaking—warm, inviting, and beautifully designed. It felt like we had entered a place where every detail had been thoughtfully curated to create the perfect dining experience. The food? Incredible. Every dish we ordered was bursting with flavor and presented like a work of art. It was hands down some of the best food we've ever had. From the appetizers to the dessert, everything was cooked to perfection, and we couldn’t stop raving about each bite. The service was just as exceptional. Our server was not only attentive but so much fun to talk with, adding a personal touch to the evening that made the experience even more memorable. Everything about the night—from the food to the service to the atmosphere—was flawless. It was one of those nights where everything was a vibe, and we can’t wait to go back when we visit next.
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R
Rubi
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s an amazing the food the drinks and the service
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D
Dimitra
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic place! Food ambiance service ! Will definitely be a regular !
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K
Kelly
Minneapolis
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
It’s okay, best thing about it was the service other than that if you’re looking for outstanding food this is not the place.
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FAQs

Vela is rated 4.6 stars by 112 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.