Vela

Name: Vela
Address: 352 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL, United States, 60654
Telephone: (312) 888-3465
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

Visa Dining Collection

4.7 (228)

$31 to $50

Mexican

352 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Charming
Great for creative cocktails
Neighborhood gem

Vela Late Nights! Every Saturday, 10:30pm-2am. Live DJ's. Choose one of our experiences or reach out at afterdark@velabarcocina.com to get on the guestlist.

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. 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
Dinner Tue–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–2:00 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

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Experiences

Vela After Dark: Zona Rosa Takeover
$175.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
$175 per person (12-30 guests) Designed for large groups arriving post 10pm Includes: A semi private space dedicated for your group with seating for up to 30 1 Bottle of Codigo Blanco 1 Bottle of Codigo Reposado 2 Bottles of Tito's Vodka 2 Bottles of Beau Joie Brut Champagne $150 food credit
Vela After Dark: Zona Rosa Mesa
$155.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
$155 per person (8-12) guests Designed for large groups arriving post 10pm Includes: Table in our beautiful Zona Rosa space 1 Bottle of Codigo Blanco and 1 bottle of Tito's Vodka 2 Bottles of Beau Joie Brut Champagne $150 food credit
Vela After Dark: VIP DJ Booth Table
$135.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
$135 per person (3-4 guests) Designed for groups arriving post-10 PM Includes: Welcome round of Fresa cocktail shots Pitcher of Vela Classic Margarita 375ml Bottle of Clase Azul + drink mixers At Vela, we kindly request that guests arrive in refined, smart attire that reflects the evening's spirit. Athletic wear, tank tops, excessively baggy clothing, distressed or graphic t-shirts, exposed chains, and flip-flops are not permitted. Thoughtful dressing is always appreciated. For any questions or just looking to get on the guestlist, please email afterdark@velabarcocina.com.

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 228 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 a vibrant, chic atmosphere with "amazing drinks" and a "beautiful restaurant" setting. Guests consistently rave about the "amazing food," particularly the pastor tacos and empanadas. The service is often praised as "attentive" and "impeccable." Ideal for date nights or happy hour, Vela promises a delightful dining experience.

228 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Baltimore / Maryland2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Quinn was an awesome server and made our friend's birthday dinner very memorable. The tuna tostada and shrimp tacos are not to be missed, and the energy and vibe is always on point.
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L
Lourdes M.
Chicago / Illinois18 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Romantic ambience, food and drinks were delicious, service was top notch. We will definitely revisit and recommend others to try.
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L
Lucian
Seattle / Eastern Washington1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic spot that will turn some heads in the food industry. Great date spot for any lads looking to impress.
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J
Jim VIP
Chicago / Illinois5 reviews
1.0
Dined on July 8, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
To be fair, our waitress was great. We will keep her out of this. If you’re going to serve raw tuna, I probably shouldn’t be able to smell it from ten feet before it hits the table. Just a thought. The bug issue: If I started throwing tortillas around the room, I think we can all safely assume I would be told to stop, & if I didn’t, the police would remove me. So, when a pair of idiots turn their table into a film studio, complete with sun bright box lights which are shining all over the dining room & the GM tells you “what can I do, I asked them to stop & they didn’t”, well you’re getting reamed online one way or the other. I mean, I can come back & prove the point with a food fight or you can actually train your staff that all guests are on premises at the pleasure of management & to remove people who are being uncivilized. But either way, as much as I wish River North finally had a Mexican joint worth going to, I won’t be back as a paying customer.
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S
Saaema VIP
Chicago / Illinois6 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ambiance excellent, happy hour great food, prices and stellar service!
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E
Emily VIP
Chicago / Illinois3 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 22, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Our service was terrible. Drinks empty for over 30 min before our waiter returned to get us another. Dessert was brought to the table and no one had any silverware. Despite attempts to get anyone’s attention we had to get up and get our own from other tables. Food was not great. I wanted to like this place. Loved the location, loved the decor, really enjoyed the music, but overall the experience was not good. Will not return. No dish worth recommending.
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J
Jasmine
Phoenix / Arizona1 review
5.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place is amazing! Love everything but don’t miss the short ribs!
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C
Cynthia
Chicago / Illinois2 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Check your receipts before paying! I dined with a large group and didn’t noticed until I got home that they charged us for multiple extra items: a drink no one ordered and they told us we can keep on the house, a birthday cake they also “gifted” before we even ordered dessert, and an extra drink they charged us just because. We ended up paying almost $50 + taxes + tip for these extra charges they sneaked onto the bill. Otherwise, food was great, ambience was great, service was okay. A bit overpriced for the portions.
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S
Stacy
Chicago / Illinois4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The empanadas were amazing! I got the Partes Iguales cocktail and loved it! Don’t pass on the avocado quinoa salad - it was delicious!
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H
Hanni VIP
Chicago / Illinois51 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We really loved Vela! Vela is a small bar/restaurant that is very cute, pretty inside. It has incredible drinks and the food is very good! We had great service with Christian, and we really enjoyed our experience. I would highly recommend for couples looking for a date night spot for dinner or even starting/ending the evening with a drink.
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FAQs

Vela is rated 4.7 stars by 228 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.