Vela

Q: Does Vela offer gift cards?

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

Visa Dining Collection

4.7 (214)

$31 to $50

Mexican

352 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a reservation

2 people

May 17, 2025

May 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

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.

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–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 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

Gift card

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Experiences

Happy Hour at Vela
Multiple dates available
Join us for Happy Hour at Vela Tue-Fri, 3pm-6pm.

Private dining

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 214 people are saying

Vela reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Vela offers an enchanting dining experience with "amazing food," "wonderful staff," and a "beautiful ambiance." Guests rave about the "delicious" cocktails and "impeccable service." While some found portions small or the atmosphere a bit loud, many highlight the "unique dishes" and "vibrant vibe," making it a must-visit spot.

214 Reviews

K
Keith VIP
Chicago31 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Second time eating here and again just amazing service, food and ambiance! Will keep coming back for fantastic food & experience.
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F
Felicia
Chicago15 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience . Service great and food excellent
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D
Debora
Chicago9 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious, unfortunately Barbacoa osobuco was sold out. Room to improve service but overall very good.
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D
DaLeesia
Chicago7 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My cousin and I are always looking for new restaurants / cocktail bars to try and Vela did not disappoint. The atmosphere is a true a vibe - from the decor, music, and drinks. There wasn’t a single dish or cocktail that came to our table that we didn’t enjoy. The staff were beyond hospitable. We will definitely be coming back!
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c
carla VIP
Chicago8 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food, great music just a little too loud for Mother’s Day and the ability to have a conversation with mom
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S
Sarvin VIP
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on May 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful space, amazing food and wonderful staff.
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L
Lauren
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on May 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was amazing! Our server Ethan was very knowledgeable about the dishes and gave us great recommendations! The vibes were very cool as well with great music and thoughtful design elements. Will definitely come back!
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c
cathy VIP
Chicago9 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for happy hour only and can't wait to go back! The Cantarito drink was one of the most delicious & refreshing drinks I've ever had ...dream of when I can get it again!
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P
Patricia VIP
Chicago7 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing menu with delicious choices. Loved our meal!!! Service was impeccable as well.
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S
Shivani VIP
Chicago12 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Gorgeous restaurant with delicious food and superior service but the restaurant was so loud it was hard to enjoy it all
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FAQs

Vela is rated 4.7 stars by 214 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.