Vela

Q: Does Vela offer gift cards?

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.6

193 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 24, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 11 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.

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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
Neighbourhood
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

Happy Hour at Vela
Mar 11, 2025 - May 30, 2025
Join us for Happy Hour at Vela Tue-Fri, 4pm-6pm.
Vela Agave Sessions: Reserva de la Familia
US$85.00 per person
Prepaid
Apr 15, 2025 only
6:00 p.m.
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: Maestro Dobel
US$65.00 per person
Prepaid
May 13, 2025 only
6:00 p.m.
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.

Private dining

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

Cerveza

Casa Humilde MaizalUS$12.00
Lager, Chicago
PacificoUS$8.00
Pilsner, Mexico
Casa Humilde Media NaranjaUS$12.00
Pale Ale, Chicago
Corona NAUS$8.00
Lager, Mexico

Cocina

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

Acompañamientos

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

Café

EspressoUS$3.00
TeaUS$4.00
AmericanoUS$5.00
CapuccinoUS$5.00
LatteUS$5.00

Jugo

OrangeUS$6.00
GrapefruitUS$6.00

What 193 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 "Mexico City inspired" experience with "amazing food and excellent service." The ambiance is "romantic and elegant," complemented by "great drinks" and music. Many guests praised the "attentive staff" and unique dishes like the tuna tostada and tacos gobernador. It's a "great spot for a date night" or celebration.

193 Reviews

K
Kristen VIP
Chicago13 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
To begin with the GM is the nicest I’ve ever encountered. He was personable and helped other staff members. He was never not working. Our server was also wonderful and very knowledgeable about the menu. As for the food, wow. It’s my new favorite brunch spot. Everything is so unique. That French toast was the best I’ve ever had. The breakfast burrito is in my top three. The poblano gordita was delicious and the empanadas were spectacular. Also, the espresso martini was 10/10. My only notes would be to maybe add a breakfast potato or some fries to the burrito and have a little less citrus in the cucumber marg.
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S
Sandra VIP
Chicago3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The staff was extremely attentive, welcoming and friendly. The vibe of the place was warm and chic. The food was great and they had a lot of shareable table options. Their hamachi ceviche was fresh, delicate with perfect acidity. The presentation of their guacamole with homemade blue corn tortilla hand-sized chips was so nice! We were there on a Friday night when they had a DJ. He played all the current and classic latino/pop artists and it made for a fun vibe. We will definitely return with our friends.
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J
Jamie
Chicago9 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Our meals were great but our waiter messed up one of the orders and made it weird. He took it off the check so it was overall an ok experience
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I
Itzel VIP
Chicago7 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The drinks were amazing! The chicken dish and al pastor tacos were my favorite.
VelaResponded 3 days ago
Thank you for your review Itzel, we truly hope to see you again soon! All the best, Jessica.
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S
Sophia VIP
Washington DC18 reviews
3.0
Dined on March 14, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Food was good enough but the 90 minute limit and servers trying to take food off your table (when food is still on it) is annoying. The main entree took awhile to come also which makes you have to rush and eat it before your time is up.
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S
Shauna VIP
Milwaukee21 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Watermelon cocktail is delicious & loved the tiger shrimp! So cute in there too …service was outstanding too
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EG
ElleGirl
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Thanks for making my husband’s and my anniversary (and his birthday) so beautiful. This was the most delicious culinary experience we’ve had in a long while. We’ll definitely be returning!
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A
Amari
Atlanta3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
All around great! 10/10 drinks, 10/10 food, 10/10 service, 10/10 ambiance! Will be back!
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C
Claudia
Chicago1 review
2.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The seating is too close no accommodation for handicap. The food was ok, the drinks were amazing just like the service and music. Not a first date restaurant.
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C
Caitlin
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an amazing meal and experience at Vela- can't wait to come back!
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FAQs

Vela is rated 4.6 stars by 193 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.