Vela

Name: Vela
Address: 352 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL, United States, 60654
Telephone: (312) 888-3465
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

105 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

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2 people

30 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 20 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

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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 10:00–15:00 Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 16:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–00:00
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, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access

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Experiences

Happy Hour at Vela
19 Nov 2024 - 19 Dec 2024
Join us for Happy Hour at Vela Mon-Fri, 4pm-6pm.
Clase Azul Pre-Fixe Dinner Experience
US$220.00 per person
Prepaid
19 Nov 2024 - 30 Nov 2024
Enjoy a Clase Azul dinner pairing for up to 12 guests! For any questions or special requests, please reach out to managers@velabarcocina.com.
PDR Pre-Fixe Experience
US$95.00 per person
Prepaid
19 Nov 2024 - 19 Dec 2024
Enjoy a 3 course pre fixe menu with the option of cocktail pairing with 6-12 of your friends and family! Full payment is required at booking. $95 per person + taxes and gratuity. MENU: All course are served family style. Quantities are adjusted by party size. WELCOME BITE & DRINK: Guacamole with choice of Margarita de la Casa or Partes Iguales. Sub La Condesa or Roma for Non-Alcoholic drinks. STARTERS: Empanada, Hamachi Ceviche, Al Pastor taco MAINS: Barbacoa Ossobuco, Pollo a la Leña, Pescado Entero DESSERT: Oaxacan Churros, Dos Leches, paired with a small glass of Prosecco PLEASE NOTE: Parties of 6-12 can only be booked for the PDR Pre-Fixe Menu. For any questions or special requests, please reach out to managers@velabarcocina.com

GuacamoleUS$15.00
Avocado. Herbs. Papalo Oil.
Taco Al PastorUS$18.00
3pcs | Pork. Avocado Salsa. Caramelized Pineapple. Cilantro. Onion.
Taco GobernadorUS$22.00
3pcs | Black Tiger Shrimp. Oaxaca Cheese. Rajas.
Empanadas US$19.00
3pcs | Wagyu Carne Seca. Poblano Jacoque.
TlacoyoUS$22.00
Mushroom Medley. Oaxaca Cheese. Refried Beans. Salsa Verde.
Pulpo A La ParillaUS$23.00
Octopus. Mojo de Ajo. Chicharron. Sikil Pak.

Crudos

Tuna TostadaUS$20.00
2pcs | Ahi Tuna. Salsa Negra. Avocado. Macha Aioli.
Shrimp CrudoUS$19.00
Aguachile Negro. Red Onion. Cucumber. Serrano. Avocado.
Salmon TostadaUS$19.00
2pcs | Salmon. Avocado. Cucumber. Salsa Negra. Ponzu. Pickled Onions.
Hamachi CevicheUS$19.00
Yellowtail. Tomato. Red Onion. Avocado. Cucumber. Serrano. Leche De Tigre.

Del Jardin

Quinoa Avocado SaladUS$18.00
Corn. Heirloom Beans. Tomato. Avocado. Jicama. Kale. Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.
Hearts of Palm CevicheUS$16.00
Coconut. Strawberry. Cucumber. Red Onion. Fresno. Hibiscus Aguachiles.
Ensalada de CesarUS$16.00
Little Gem. Grilled Radicchio. Toasted Cotija Cheese. Serrano.
Grilled VegetablesUS$16.00
Coriander Butter. Ancho Puffed Rice. Mole Verde.

Principales

Langostinos Nayarit US$28.00
2pcs | Head On King Prawns. Macha Verde.
Pollo A La LeñaUS$34.00
Chicken. Fresno Lime Adobo. Herb Salad. Tomatillo Xni-Pec. Charred Habanero Salsa.
Pescado EnteroUS$58.00
Whole Dorade. Adobo Verde. Jicama. Pickled Onion. Mandarin.
Castacan en MoleUS$30.00
Pork Belly. Mole Casero. Goose Berries. Chicharron.
Barbacoa OssobucoUS$49.00
Short Rib. Fresno Tahini. Pearl Onions. Pickled Carrots.
Aged Wagyu Tabla De CarnesUS$89.00
Picanha. Hanger. Bavette. Nopal Salad. Pearl Onions. Salsa Tatemada. Peanut Arbol. Habanero Miso. Refried Beans.

What 105 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
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Vela offers an exquisite dining experience with "amazing food and service." The menu features standout dishes like wagyu empanadas and short ribs, complemented by exceptional cocktails. The ambiance is vibrant and inviting, perfect for intimate dinners or group outings. A must-visit for those seeking authentic Mexican flavors with a modern twist.

105 Reviews

R
Rubi
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s an amazing the food the drinks and the service
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D
Dimitra
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic place! Food ambiance service ! Will definitely be a regular !
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K
Kelly
Minneapolis
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
It’s okay, best thing about it was the service other than that if you’re looking for outstanding food this is not the place.
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C
Carolina
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 22 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved the placed!!! Definitely going back. Personnel super attentive
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C
Caroline
Chicago
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on 22 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely DELICIOUS! Everything we got was better than the last. Our server was so great too and made awesome suggestions. Beautiful ambiance as well. Highly recommend!
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S
Sebastian
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 22 November 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A bit too loud , food was good but a hair was found in our churros, also very dark to see.
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M
Maritza
Venezuela
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Ambiance was great as well as service. However, I don’t personally believe the food was the best. We had the al pastor and gobernador tacos; felt like they needed “that extra kick.” Saw many great reviews about the empanadas; they were mid! Drinks were decent. Our favorite was the tamarind one. Dessert! The churros looked great, but again, not impressed. Overall, just an okay place. Would we be back? Probably just for the drinks and awesome service!
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D
Daniel
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was absolutely outstanding, every dish I’d get again
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H
Heather
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was mediocre, I wish there were more taco options.
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R
Roxana
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 16 November 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
The music was a amazing, but I feel our server wasn’t paying attention to us as much , too for ever order of drink . I know it’s Friday bussy night but make the table wait more than 10 ministers !
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FAQs

Vela is rated 4.6 stars by 105 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.