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Experience the vibrant flavors and energetic atmosphere of Mexico City at Vela Bar y Cocina, located in the heart of River North, Chicago. Vela offers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience with a menu that blends traditional Mexican cuisine with contemporary flair. Guests can enjoy deeply flavorful dishes, Mexican spirit-forward cocktails, and a thoughtfully curated music selection in a modern setting adorned with rich earth tones, flickering candles, and dramatic chandeliers. Vela also boasts an extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals, including rare pours, perfect for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. Make your reservation today!
Address and Contact Information
Address: 352 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 888-3465
Website: https://www.velachicago.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.comtripleseat.com
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Related Web Results
Vela Bar y Cocina in River North
At Vela, the diverse flavors and energy of Mexico are showcased through the lens of its capital city.
Vela Restaurant – Chicago, IL | OpenTable
Vela Bar y Cocina, located in the heart of River North, Chicago, brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico City to life.
Vela Bar y Cocina – Choose Chicago
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 …
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Reviews
Melanie Vela
Amazing Evening of celebration with friends. Drinks were Great! Food apps guacamole and empanadas, and Shrimp tacos were picture does not do justice. Service was phenomenal! The server gave us complimentary drink for my friends to toast with which was so sweet that the server caught on to why we came out to celebrate. Can’t wait to go back
… moreEric Guzman
The food was amazing! The mole dish was delicious & very filling. The drinks were strong & not watered down. Our waitress Quinn, knew what we should eat & not waste our time with. Quinn is very resourceful & knowledgeable. The ambience is great & they play fantastic music. They were playing all the hits all night long. This is a must try authentic Mexican restaurant. Our new favorite spot for amazing food & drinks. Best in the state!
… moreGeo Alatriste
My first impression walking in was mind blowing the vibe hits you as you walk in. And it’s hard to do and they nailed it! The service was amazing! Quinn I believe was her name she was amazing! 10/10 service and when it came to food!! The flavor profiles of everything was like above and beyond! It’s now my #1 top restaurants in Chicago! Great job can’t wait to come back!
… moremichelle medina
Incredible experience. We came in for a quick bite after the gym and the place was packed. Aura was able to accommodate us close to the bar and Stephanie took care of us. We had the tuna tostadas and the quinoa salad and it was amazing !
Classic mezcal margarita was one of the best we have had!
The space is beautiful, music was so so good, and the vibe was just perfect.
Thank you for your amazing service and hospitality.
… moreClassic mezcal margarita was one of the best we have had!
The space is beautiful, music was so so good, and the vibe was just perfect.
Thank you for your amazing service and hospitality.
Alyssa Martin
Absolutely loved my experience at Vela Bar y Cocina! The staff were genuinely heartwarming from start to finish—so welcoming, attentive, and kind. The GM went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of, and it truly made all the difference.
The food? Incredible. Flavorful, beautifully presented, and they were kind enough to accommodate my vegan diet with no hesitation—which is always appreciated! ✨
Highly recommend for both the quality and the care. I’ll definitely be back!
… moreThe food? Incredible. Flavorful, beautifully presented, and they were kind enough to accommodate my vegan diet with no hesitation—which is always appreciated! ✨
Highly recommend for both the quality and the care. I’ll definitely be back!
Petite Gourmets
Food was good. The barbacoa was a bit burnt. Cucumber margarita is delicious. Service was ok. The ambiance is perfect.
… moreYair Rodriguez
Absolutely the go-to for when my gf and I want to take guests to a swanky and delicious meal. We absolutely love the vibes and the food never disappoints. Makes us wish we were back in CDMX every time. We asked our server, Angelique, to recommend something we haven’t tied and her choices were 10/10… we are still talking about our winter salad. lol The mushroom tamale made our jaw drop. Of all the places we can frequent in River North, we somehow always opt to come back to Vela every other time.
… moresabrina ruiz
My partner and I came here for our 4 year anniversary, and our experience was absolutely lovely. Not only was the food and service excellent, but the ambiance of the place was just right for celebrating a special occasion. We got a comfortable booth seating, which was appreciated for it being our first visit.
For an appetizer, we got the empanadas, and the poblano jocoque dressing that came with them was to die for. We also ordered the barbacoa ossobuco dish and the castacan en mole, the latter being our personal favorite. To finish off, we had the pistachio dos leches, which was the perfect amount of sweetness. Our server Christian was very attentive and even offered to take our photo for us to have the memory. We will definitely need to come here again!
… moreFor an appetizer, we got the empanadas, and the poblano jocoque dressing that came with them was to die for. We also ordered the barbacoa ossobuco dish and the castacan en mole, the latter being our personal favorite. To finish off, we had the pistachio dos leches, which was the perfect amount of sweetness. Our server Christian was very attentive and even offered to take our photo for us to have the memory. We will definitely need to come here again!
Benny Mathew
Vela has my favorite decor. The food is AMAZING! I’ve hosted more than 10 dinners at Vela in 2025 and every single one of them have been incredible. I highly recommend trying the different cocktails. If you love tequila and Mezcal, you will love Vela.
… moreNate
Stella at Vela is absolutely phenomenal. From the moment I sat down, she delivered next-level service with the perfect balance of warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality. Her drink knowledge is exceptional, her recommendations were spot-on, and every cocktail was crafted flawlessly.
What truly sets Stella apart is her attention to detail and ability to make you feel like a VIP without it ever feeling forced. She’s personable, engaging, and clearly takes pride in her craft. Honestly, she elevated the entire experience — I’d come back to Vela just to sit at the bar and be taken care of by her again.
If there were a way to rate higher than 5 stars, I’d give her 10 without hesitation. Stella is a standout and a huge asset to Vela.
… moreWhat truly sets Stella apart is her attention to detail and ability to make you feel like a VIP without it ever feeling forced. She’s personable, engaging, and clearly takes pride in her craft. Honestly, she elevated the entire experience — I’d come back to Vela just to sit at the bar and be taken care of by her again.
If there were a way to rate higher than 5 stars, I’d give her 10 without hesitation. Stella is a standout and a huge asset to Vela.