Vela

Q: Does Vela offer gift cards?

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.6

119 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 12, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 33 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

Book your next event with us

View details

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

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

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

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.
Michelada$16.00
Pacifico. Soy Sauce. Worcestershire. Valentina. Clamato Juice. Tajin. Shrimp.
Mimosa$13.00
Prickly Pear. Guava. Orange OR Grapefruit. Prosecco.
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.

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.
Vuelve a la Vida$22.00
Pulpo. Camarón. Spicy Tomato Broth. Cucumber Pico.
Platillo Arabe$22.00
Morita Glazed Pork Belly. Sumac Onions. Herb Salad. Avocado Spread. Fried Eggs. Tortillas.

Acompañamientos

Egg$3.50
Add an egg to any dish, cooked to order.
Chorizo Rojo Link$5.00
House-Made Chorizo Rojo.

Café

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

Jugo

Orange$6.00
Grapefruit$6.00

What 119 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.

119 Reviews

A
Ajahnae
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
B
Burt
Las Vegas
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
C
Craig
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
TG
TomG
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing staff! Food was great! I had a really good experience.
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Stopped in here after work on Friday, we are met at the door and directed to our table. Our server Ethan was very knowledgeable of the menu, gave great suggestions and was engaging, he has a great sense of humor, but very professional. The food was delicious, we just enjoyed items off of the happy hour menu. The empanadas and tostadas were delicious. We will definitely be back to enjoy a full meal, their menu looks incredible. The room was a well lit. The bar was beautiful the ambiance and noise level were perfect.
Is this helpful?
M
Marina
Chicago
21 reviews
vip
3.0
21 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Very romantic place ( dark candles cocktails nice music) Maybe next time I will visit for churros chocolate dessert and cup of coffee. Avocado salad was crunchy and tasty but that is. Everything else just eatable ( fish dorado nicely cooked but too many flavours, no fish taste in the end) . And on a top it is for sure not Michelin guide restaurant ( was pretty empty at 5-7 pm why do you need 10 $ deposit and credit card and try to charge it 24 hours before visiting…..
Is this helpful?
G
Gerald
Chicago
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2024
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!!
Is this helpful?
S
Susana
Dallas
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2024
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.
Is this helpful?
M
MJ
New York City
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2024
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.
Is this helpful?
M
Melanie
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Vela is highly recommended! Fantastic cocktails and food!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Vela is rated 4.6 stars by 119 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.