Vela

Q: Does Vela offer gift cards?

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.6

170 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 26 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, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access

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Experiences

Vela Agave Sessions: Cristalino
$85.00 per person
Prepaid
Feb 18, 2025 only
6:00 PM
Explore the rich world of agave through a guided tasting of distinct expressions, each shaped by terroir and the transformative effects of barrel aging. Learn how soil, climate, and time in the cask influence flavor and complexity while diving into the spirit’s history and production. Paired with curated bites from VELA’s Mexico City-inspired kitchen, this tasting is a journey through craft and tradition.
Vela Agave Sessions: 400 Conejos
$65.00 per person
Prepaid
Mar 11, 2025 only
6:00 PM
Explore the rich world of agave through a guided tasting of distinct expressions, each shaped by terroir and the transformative effects of barrel aging. Learn how soil, climate, and time in the cask influence flavor and complexity while diving into the spirit’s history and production. Paired with curated bites from VELA’s Mexico City-inspired kitchen, this tasting is a journey through craft and tradition.
Vela Agave Sessions: Reserva de la Familia
$85.00 per person
Prepaid
Apr 15, 2025 only
6:00 PM
Explore the rich world of agave through a guided tasting of distinct expressions, each shaped by terroir and the transformative effects of barrel aging. Learn how soil, climate, and time in the cask influence flavor and complexity while diving into the spirit’s history and production. Paired with curated bites from VELA’s Mexico City-inspired kitchen, this tasting is a journey through craft and tradition.

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 170 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

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Vela offers a "phenomenal service experience" with a "perfect date night ambiance." Diners praise the "flavorful food & masterfully crafted cocktails," making it a great spot for celebrations. While some find the menu limited, the "tacos gobernador" and "pulpo a la parilla" stand out. Overall, "an amazing experience" awaits.

170 Reviews

A
Andrea
VIP
Chihuahua
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing brunch options, great drinks and very good music! The cafe de olla carajillo is delicious! Service was fast and attentive.
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A
Alisa
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Accidentally stumbled upon Vela and it turned out to be an amazing experience. The food, music, ambiance was all we needed
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J
Jasleen
VIP
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely incredible! As someone who loves Mexico City and was anticipating this restaurant, they delivered! We only had drinks and apps but will definitely be coming back in for more - the A4 dumplings literally might be the best thing I’ve eaten and the pastor tacos were perfect with fresh blue corn tortillas
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M
Mariana
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful venue and great food will be back again
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D
Diego
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
It was an amazing time at Vela ! Afro house music with great drinks on Saturday nights with some delicious Mexican cuisine. Ambient was romantic and elegant. Right off River North area.
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G
Gabriela
VIP
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
There was a 90 minute time limit for a 2 top table, which usually isn’t an issue but service was really slow. It took a while from ordering to get drinks and food. So by the time we got our dessert they brought our bill and we had five minutes left. It was a birthday dinner and there was no special attention to that and we just felt rushed at the end. Server was nice and had recommendations for food, our smaller starter plates were good, but the entrees were just okay, chicken was dry and the fish wasn’t anything special. Overall, good but not great.
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M
Marilu
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Food was very good, the restaurant is beautiful but they took too long to serve the food
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C
Chara
VIP
Chicago
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Cute spot but the food was nothing to come back for, there are a number of places with a nice ambience and much better food not far away. The restaurant is small, and our table was not ready when we arrived even though we had reservations, so we were left awkwardly waiting in front of the host stand as the crowd grew around us. The music was way too loud, really hard to have any conversation. Every time the door opened you were rushed by freezing air.
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R
Raymond
Las Vegas
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was an overall amazing dining experience! The food was fresh and out of this world! The only thing that surpassed the food was the amazing and attentive staff! Even if we were not their table, they were quick to help. The custom drinks from the bar are made to order and delicious! We could not have had a better experience! It was a tad noisy, but it was a busy Friday night so expected.
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T
Timothy
VIP
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Music was a bit too loud, but the food was outstanding and service excellent.
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FAQs

Vela is rated 4.6 stars by 170 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.