Vela

Q: Does Vela offer gift cards?

Vela does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

Visa Dining Collection

4.7 (212)

$31 to $50

Mexican

352 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a booking

2 people

16 May 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 27 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 10:00–15:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 15:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 15:00–00:00 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
Additional
Bar/Lounge, 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
Multiple dates available
Join us for Happy Hour at Vela Tue-Fri, 3pm-6pm.

Private dining

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

Cerveza

Casa Humilde MaizalUSD 12.00
Lager, Chicago
PacificoUSD 8.00
Pilsner, Mexico
Casa Humilde Media NaranjaUSD 12.00
Pale Ale, Chicago
Corona NAUSD 8.00
Lager, Mexico

Cocina

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

Acompañamientos

EggUSD 3.50
Add an egg to any dish, cooked to order.
Chorizo Rojo LinkUSD 5.00
House-Made Chorizo Rojo.
AvocadoUSD 5.00
1/2 Hass Avocado.
BaconUSD 8.00
Applewood Smoked Bacon.
Sweet Potato FriesUSD 12.00
Poblano Jocoque. Dried Chili Rub.

Café

EspressoUSD 3.00
TeaUSD 4.00
AmericanoUSD 5.00
CapuccinoUSD 5.00
LatteUSD 5.00

Jugo

OrangeUSD 6.00
GrapefruitUSD 6.00

What 212 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
4.6Service
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.

212 Reviews

D
Debora
Chicago9 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 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.
Is this helpful?
F
Felicia
Chicago15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience . Service great and food excellent
Is this helpful?
D
DaLeesia
Chicago7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
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!
Is this helpful?
S
Sarvin VIP
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on 7 May 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful space, amazing food and wonderful staff.
Is this helpful?
L
Lauren
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on 5 May 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!
Is this helpful?
c
cathy VIP
Chicago9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 May 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!
Is this helpful?
P
Patricia VIP
Chicago7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 April 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.
Is this helpful?
S
Shivani VIP
Chicago12 reviews
4.0
Dined on 27 April 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
Is this helpful?
H
Hilda
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on 26 April 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing experience! Food & drinks were so good! Can’t wait to go back!
Is this helpful?
D
Daria
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 April 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Christian was the best server and Kaylah was an amazing host. The food was so beautiful! Definitely recommending and will be back.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Vela is rated 4.7 stars by 212 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.