Vela

Q: Does Vela offer gift cards?

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.6

129 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

29 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 43 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 10:00–15:00 Dinner Tue, Wed 16:00–22:00 Thu–Sat 16:00–00:00 Sun 16:00–21:00
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
Area
River North (Chicago)
Parking details
Street Parking

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

Experiences

New Year's Eve Dinner
US$75.00 per person
Prepaid
31 Dec 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
US$45.00 per person
Prepaid
24 Jan 2025 - 9 Feb 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
US$30.00 per person
Prepaid
24 Jan 2025 - 9 Feb 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 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 129 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
4.7Service
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.

129 Reviews

M
Meeta
VIP
Chicago
45 reviews
5.0
45 reviews
Dined today
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.
Is this helpful?
I
Ivette
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 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.
Is this helpful?
S
Sara
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
K
KC
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 21 December 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!!
Is this helpful?
P
Patricia
Chicago
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went for their happy hour and tried just about all the appetizers. All very good.
Is this helpful?
J
Jared
Denver
90 reviews
5.0
90 reviews
Dined on 18 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We will be back. The food, drinks, and service lived up to the hype. Don’t skip the empanadas. The Paloma is the best I’ve ever had.
Is this helpful?
C
Crystal
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent ambiance and service! Would definitely recommend.
Is this helpful?
R
Rahul
VIP
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I genuinely believe this will become one of the best restaurants in Chicago, and I’m so excited to see how it continues to thrive. It is relatively new on the scene but firing on all cylinders. You walk in and are warmly greeted by people who aim to make you feel at home. The atmosphere is lively. The drinks at the bar are easily accessible and have a vast array of options, and the bartenders know how to adjust to your taste if needed. (Get the espresso martinis!) The servers are knowledgeable and take their jobs seriously—a big shout-out to Antonio and Christian. Every dish is immaculate and embraces true Mexican roots—they do not shy away from using different colors of corn as they do in traditional Mexican food. Of course, you must try the Mole topped with delicious crispy pork belly. Hats off to Jorge Angulo. He is not only so friendly, but I genuinely believe he is trying to communicate his love for food on the plate before you. He is definitely a rising star in the Chicago scene. I can’t wait to continue coming here for a long time and can genuinely say this is my new go-to when I’m entertaining my friends in town, date night, or want a fantastic meal.
Is this helpful?
K
Kaitlin
VIP
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Music was very loud when sitting at a booth was hard to hear each other otherwise the food was excellent!
Is this helpful?
J
Jessica
Chicago
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on 12 December 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
It was freezing in the restaurant. Could feel the heat was on, but every time the door opened we all froze and our table was blocked by the bar, not in front of the door. Something has to be done, either build an outdoor doorway frame or a curtain on the inside. Also, basic noise level is off the charts. Hard to have much conversation. Both would deter me from going back. Too many other options where we don’t have to deal with the cold or noise.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Vela is rated 4.6 stars by 129 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.