VELA

“My first impression walking in was mind blowing the vibe hits you as you walk in.”

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!

Geo Alatriste

Jan 2026

“I celebrated my 34th birthday at Vela Bar y Cocina with a couple of my girlfriends, and from the...”

I celebrated my 34th birthday at Vela Bar y Cocina with a couple of my girlfriends, and from the moment we walked in to the moment we left, everything was absolutely fantastic. The atmosphere was beautiful, the food was amazing, and our server Quinn took such great care of us. The part that truly stood out and made the night unforgettable was when the team surprised me with a dessert and a birthday card signed by all the employees. Such a thoughtful, personal touch. It honestly became a core memory for me and made my birthday feel incredibly special. Thank you, Vela Bar y Cocina, for an amazing experience and for making my birthday one I’ll always remember! ❤️🎉

Sam Cottles

Nov 2025

“The food was amazing.”

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!

Eric Guzman

Nov 2025

“Vela has my favorite decor.”

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.

Benny Mathew

Oct 2025

“Took me back to Mexico City and its flavors.”

Took me back to Mexico City and its flavors! Loved the cocktails and the Pulparindo. Get the black shrimp tacos and that whole fish’! Amazing mezze too! @chicagopescetarian

Pooja Naik

Jul 2025

“Came here on a Friday night and the restaurant was at about 90% capacity.”

Came here on a Friday night and the restaurant was at about 90% capacity. They have a surprisingly good wine selection. We tried a couple of appetizers and the fish and chicken. Overall the food was good! The music got a bit loud after 9pm, but the vibe and interior design of the place were great!

Martina Ruseva

Jul 2025

“Absolutely loved my experience at Vela Bar y Cocina.”

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! 💛

Alyssa Martin

Jul 2025

“Super vibey cocktail spot.”

Super vibey cocktail spot. Great espresso martinis. Food was not good, hamachi ate flat, all the same texture and no flavor, needed onion and something acidic. Will definitely come back for cocktails!

Tianna Potter

Jun 2025

“Vela is a stunning, Mexico City-inspired restaurant that delivers both flavor and ambiance.”

Vela is a stunning, Mexico City-inspired restaurant that delivers both flavor and ambiance. From the moment I walked in, the aesthetics transported me—warm, vibrant, and thoughtfully designed, it felt like a chic escape from Chicago and straight into Mexico City. I started with the Tacos Gobernador, which were absolutely fantastic—perfectly seasoned with just the right balance of savory and fresh. For my salad, I chose the Quinoa Avocado Salad, which was a standout dish on its own. The combination of corn, black beans, jicama, kale, tomato, and avocado, all tied together with a zesty lime dressing, was refreshing and satisfying. My main course was the Castacón con Mole, a rich and flavorful dish that showcased the kitchen’s skill with traditional ingredients. To finish, I had the Oaxacan Churros—crispy, perfectly sweet, and a delightful way to end the meal. What really made the experience feel complete was the Carajillo. It’s not something you find often in Chicago, so having it here was a treat. Overall, Vela is more than just a meal—it’s an experience.

G Silva

May 2025

“I loved the food and overall the Empanada (Wagyu Carne Seca, Poblano Jocoque) These empanadas are a...”

I loved the food and overall the Empanada (Wagyu Carne Seca, Poblano Jocoque) These empanadas are a perfect appetizer to complement the amazing cucumber margarita. The rich, savory flavor of the Wagyu carne seca paired with the creamy, slightly tangy poblano jocoque filling creates an irresistible bite. The golden, flaky exterior adds the perfect contrast to the tender interior, making these empanadas a must-try.

marilia magalhaes

Mar 2025

“My partner and I came here for our 4 year anniversary, and our experience was absolutely lovely.”

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!

sabrina ruiz

Feb 2025

“I absolutely loved my experience.”

I absolutely loved my experience. We went for HH and stumbled upon Margarita Week. The small bites and drinks were good. Our server was attentive & so was management. What we had: - Empanadas: Yes, tender, flavorful center, perfectly crispy bread - Entre Mezze: 3 dips and mixed chips - Salmon Tostada - Tacos Gobernador (Delish) - Churros (Warm, a little less sweet, chocolate is dark & bitter) Drinks: Pulparindo & Yuzu Pineapple

Kendra B

Feb 2025