Vela

Q: Does Vela offer gift cards?

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.6

189 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Romantic
Great for creative cocktails

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

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

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
$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.
Vela Agave Sessions: Maestro Dobel
$65.00 per person
Prepaid
May 13, 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 189 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

4.6

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.

189 Reviews

J
Jamie
Chicago9 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
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
Is this helpful?
S
Sophia VIP
Washington DC18 reviews
3.0
Dined 2 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
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
Is this helpful?
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!
Is this helpful?
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!
Is this helpful?
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.
Is this helpful?
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!
Is this helpful?
A
Arisbeldi
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on February 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved the ambience overall and the food was delicious! I recommend giving it a try!!
Is this helpful?
S
Sergio
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great spot took the wife and she love it,mission accomplished. Wish they had valet.
Is this helpful?
S
Shaina VIP
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible experience! Amazing drinks (cucumber margarita), excellent food, and gorgeous restaurant. Will definitely be telling others to come here
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Vela is rated 4.6 stars by 189 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.