Vela

Q: Does Vela offer gift cards?

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.6

135 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 2, 2025

7:30 PM

Booked 22 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails
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

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 135 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.

135 Reviews

A
Arius
Atlanta Metro
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
We had been here before for the happy hour so my girlfriend and I were excited. We arrived 10 minutes before our reservation just to wait 45 mins to be seated. Our server only saw us twice in 50 mins after being seated and we were deceived by the NYE menu. Also I was hit twice in the head by a server.
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D
Daniel
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
NYE food was great. Had the empanadas, tacos al pastor, and pollo. Empanadas stuffed and filling 👍
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S
Stephan
New York City
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The New Year's Eve at Vela seemed to catch them off guard. When we were seated, we were told that our table would need to be given up in 90 minutes. However, at the 90 minute mark, only one of the four courses in our prix fixe meal had been served. We were brought the bill before our meal was complete, asked to leave our table before the server could return with our credit card, and everything seemed generally discombobulated and disorganized. I have to say the food was delicious, although the twist that our prepaid for meals would have to be agreed upon collectively by the table and not individually chosen was unexpected. The servers seem to be working valiantly through the confusion and I have no complaints about any individual person, everyone was pleasant and clearly trying to make the best of a bad situation. It was New Year's Eve, and we were all in a good mood, so we still managed to have a good time even when the DJs music started to pump up to the point where we couldn't hear each other across the table. I'm not sure what a normal night at Vela is, hopefully it's less frantic!
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A
Alejandro
VIP
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Vela was certainly memorable. We dined at the New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a prix fixe menu, thought it was the restaurant’s à la carte menu at a fixed price: a choose your own adventure if you will. Simply put, the food was fantastic and the service was exceptional. However, the restaurant seems to still be figuring out its modus operandi. The ambiance was refined and cozy, with a curated playlist that took me to another world. The guacamole, quinoa avocado salad, and aged wagyu tabla de carnes were all exceptional: a modern and vibrant take on flavors I grew up with. The restaurant seems to still be inexperienced. For the New Year’s Eve dinner, the tables were way too packed together, reminiscent of an economy flight. Wholly uncomfortable and unexpected given such a cool ambiance. Here, Vela’s customer service shined by reseating us at the bar allowing us to enjoy our meal without inadvertently eavesdropping on our neighbor’s conversation. From what I’ve gathered, this table setup was exclusive to New Year’s Eve; I learned that the restaurant opened in July and this was their first New Year’s Eve experience. As much as I would love to give Vela five stars, their inexperience showed. The food was good and Vela ultimately demonstrated great customer service, but I cannot overlook the economy-flight style seating given that I have never dined with Vela before. I recommend Vela to people looking to try a new take on Mexican and similar flavors in a cozy/modern ambiance. I look forward to dine at Vela again, hopefully it will be a perfect experience that merits 5 stars.
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M
Minal
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food and very accommodating friendly service! We loved our experience. I cannot wait to go again!
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M
Meeta
Chicago
45 reviews
5.0
45 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A perfect meal in a beautiful restaurant with great service and food with a delightful flavor profile! We will be back soon.
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L
Lyndsay
VIP
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic experience. Loved this place. Service was incredible.. the design too. Chefs kiss.
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I
Ivette
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved going to vela, the food was incredible and everyone was friendly. The vibe was top tier, I can’t wait to go back.
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S
Sara
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
10/10 experience. I reserved this spot for my best friends birthday and it did not disappoint. Staff were attentive and thoughtful. The team even wrote her a birthday card. The food was phenomenal. All flavors mesh well in every dish. Pulpo a la Parilla, Pollo a la Leña, and the empanadas were our favorites. Definitely plan on coming back to try other dishes and for any other celebratory needs.
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K
KC
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2024
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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FAQs

Vela is rated 4.6 stars by 135 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.