Our Favorite Tequilas
12 months ago
Discover the tequilas we proudly pour at Vela, River North — a curated selection of sipping spirits chosen for story, craft, and flavor.
Lollapalooza Late-Night Destination & Lolla After Party
Vela After Dark
1 year ago
If you’re headed to Lollapalooza, there’s always that moment when the last headliner wraps and someone asks, “Where should we go now?” That’s where Vela comes in.
How Mexico City Inspired Vela’s Design and Vibe
A Love Letter to CDMX
1 year ago
Discover how Mexico City’s design culture and nightlife inspired the interior and hospitality experience at Vela — a modern Latin restaurant in River North.
Modern Luxury
Where to Enjoy Clase Azul with Dad in Chicago
1 year ago
Indulge in the Agave Experiencias: a Clase Azul Reposado served tableside alongside Guayaquil’s 64% cacao chocolate and fresh orange slices, presented in a mini bottle for a touch of tableside flair. Pair this with standout dishes like tacos al pastor, ahi tuna tostadas or the show-stopping Aged Wagyu Tabla Carne for a Father’s Day he won’t forget.
Eater
Best Margaritas in Chicago
1 year ago
Classic margaritas come via the glass or pitcher at Vela, a Mexican restaurant and bar from the owners of Celeste. This River North establishment features one of the city’s largest agave libraries.
Timeout
“Best New Dish of 2024: Barbarcoa Ossobuco at Vela”
2 years ago
Chicagoans know tacos, and every new taco-touting concept must now live up to the outstanding version that Vela chef and Chicago native chef Jorge Angulo has created.
OpenTable
10 must-visit Mexican restaurants in Chicago
2 years ago
One of the best cozy restaurants in Chicago, Vela is where you go for traditional dishes from Mexico City with a twist…
OpenTable
10 Chicago restaurants with next-level cozy vibes
2 years ago
For modern twists on Mexican dishes in a sleek space – head to one of the best cozy restaurants in Chicago, Vela (River North).
Chicago Tribune
30 restaurant and bar specials for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos
2 years ago
Chicago restaurants and bars are ramping up for the holiday season, and have plenty of specials on tap for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos.
Timeout
The 38 best Mexican Restaurants in Chicago
2 years ago
One of the newest Mexican dining experiences in Chicago, Vela brings the blossoming culinary scene of Mexico City to River North.
Restaurant Hospitality
Seven Non-Traditional Uses of Corn
2 years ago
Tortillas are well known globally, and many Americans are familiar with tamales, but there are other corn-based items from Mexico, too, including the oval stuffed corn street food called tlacoyo.
Chicago Magazine
The 10 Hottest Restaurants in Chicago
2 years ago
A slick bar from the Celeste team that channels the vibrancy of Mexico City’s cocktail scene
NBC Chicago
Taste Mexico’s finest at Vela, River North’s new dining spot
2 years ago
Vela Bar y Cocina is serving up high-end Mexican cuisine with a dash of edgy charm right in River North.
The Infatuation
“The New Restaurant Openings You Should Know About”
2 years ago
At this new River North spot, you can get tacos, ceviches, and larger plates like barbacoa ossobuco to pair with your coconut-washed tequila cocktails.
WGN TV
New River North Restaurant Paying Homage To Mexico City
2 years ago
Vela Bar y Cocina, a new River North restaurant is bringing the cultural richness and vibrancy of Mexico City right here to the Windy City. Beverage director, Christopher Martinez joined us to share a taste of the cocktail menu.
WGN TV
Lunchbreak: Hamachi Ceviche
2 years ago
Vela just launched a brand new happy hour, featuring specially priced drinks and appetizers inspired by the spirit of Mexico City.
CS Magazine
One of the “Most Anticipated Chicago Restaurant Openings Of 2024 – 2025”
2 years ago
Vela Bar y Cocina brings a sexy new vibe to the former 3 Greens Market in the shadow of East Bank Club
Axios
First Look: Vela Bar & Cocina in River North
2 years ago
The intrigue: Angulo is the first Chicago chef I’ve seen offering fermented mole that he uses to offset the richness of crisp pork belly cubes topped with gooseberry in his castacán.
Chicago Food Magazine
Vela is Now Open in River North
2 years ago
“Mexican heirloom corn, nixtamalized in-house to make hand-pressed tortillas, are one of many touches of Mexico City that diners will find at the restaurant…”
Eater Chicago
“Explore River North’s Sleek and Candlelit Mexican Hideaway”
2 years ago
Vela Bar y Cocina brings a sexy new vibe to the former 3 Greens Market in the shadow of East Bank Club
