Vela Vela is a vibrant restaurant located on W Hubbard Street, inspired by the cultural richness of Mexico City and conceptualized by the Celeste Group. The establishment boasts an intimate Private Dining Room (PDR) that accommodates up to 12 guests, offering a family-style menu for larger groups. Vela invites diners to explore its offerings for group dinners and encourages inquiries for gatherings exceeding 12 guests through their dedicated email. The restaurant features a lively atmosphere with options for happy hour, dinner, and late-night drinks, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

**

Recent social media posts

09/08/2026

POV: you love tequila.

Tequila Tasting | Thursday 9/17 | 6-8PM

Guided pours with a small group, real conversation, all the vibes. If you’ve ever nodded
along to a tequila list without knowing what you
were looking at, this is the fix.

🔗 $35 tickets in bio.
📍 352 W Hubbard St · River North, Chicago

09/05/2026

Tradition with a twist
Castacán en Mole. 🌶

Pork belly, mole casero, gooseberries, chicharrón - deep, bittersweet, built in layers.

The chicharrón shards are there to be broken and dragged through it because we love using our hands.

Saturdays at Vela are made for group tables
🔗 Reservations in bio.
📍 352 W Hubbard St · River North, Chicago

Order by personality. We’ll wait.Which one are you? 👇🏻Vela | River North | Fridays we’re open till 1AM.🔗 Reservations in...
09/04/2026

Order by personality. We’ll wait.

Which one are you? 👇🏻

Vela | River North | Fridays we’re open till 1AM.
🔗 Reservations in bio.

09/03/2026

Watch the pour 🍸

Fizzy Sultan - gin, vimto, citrus, Topo Chico. Vimto is a British-by-way-of-the-Middle-East berry cordial - dark, spiced, a little nostalgic.

Long, cold, and easy to have two of. The bar at Vela leans agave but doesn’t stay put.

Thursdays till 10PM.
🔗 Reservations in bio.
📍 352 W Hubbard St · River North, Chi

The only Tuesday plan in River North that needs no discussion.TACO TUESDAY 6-9PM every week. 🌮 Music, tacos, drinks - th...
09/01/2026

The only Tuesday plan in River North that needs no discussion.

TACO TUESDAY 6-9PM every week. 🌮 Music, tacos, drinks - the three things, in that order, until 9.

Vela Bar y Cocina on W Hubbard in River North, first night back after the weekend.

Round up the group chat.

🔗 Reservations in bio.
📍 352 W Hubbard St · River North, Chicago

08/31/2026

We like our cocktails with a little smoke 💨

The Old Oaxacan is made with Rosemary-Infused 400 Conejos Mezcal, Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila, Agave Nectar, Chocolate Bitters, and Orange Bitters.

08/29/2026

Slow-cooked & made to be shared

Our Lamb Barbacoa brings together tender slow-cooked lamb shoulder, nopal & chickpea salad, braised onions, and yuzu kosho salsa verde for a dish that’s rich, bright, smoky, and layered in every bite.

Gather around the table and experience Vela’s modern take on Mediterranean-inspired dining in Chicago.

📍 Vela | River North
Link in bio for reservations 🔗

08/29/2026

Welcome to Vela

We have a happy hour that starts before everyone else’s at 3pm

Our atmosphere is made for everyone, everyday, for anything - drinks, dinner, date night, tequila tasting, late night sips…

We are conveniently tucked into River North and on Hubbard just west of Orleans

Come and join us - reservation link in bio 🔗

This is what Saturday should look like.Candlelight, cocktails, and undeniably delicious food.All shareable, all memorabl...
08/22/2026

This is what Saturday should look like.

Candlelight, cocktails, and undeniably delicious food.

All shareable, all memorable.

Tag someone you’d love to spend Saturday night with at Vela. 👀

08/20/2026

9/15 Tequila Tasting

Milagro is hosting a tequila tasting with Vela on Wednesday, 9/15 from 6pm-8pm.

Tickets are $35pp which includes the tasting, delicious small bites, and good music.

Tickets are at the link in bio [and stories]

📍Vela | River North | Tequila Tasting

08/19/2026

Time for a spritz… or two 🍹

Join us on for your afternoon pick-me-up this week. Use the link in our bio to reserve your table now!

Taco Tuesdays at Vela kick off next Tuesday, August 25! 🌮Enjoy taco specials, cocktails, and tunes from 6-9 pm 💃🏻We’ll s...
08/18/2026

Taco Tuesdays at Vela kick off next Tuesday, August 25! 🌮

Enjoy taco specials, cocktails, and tunes from 6-9 pm 💃🏻

We’ll see you there — reserve now with the link in our bio.

08/15/2026

This is how we do summer 🌞

Order to share, or just for you. Reserve your table now with the link in our bio!

Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday, 3–6PM. 🍹Dips and warm bread, tostadas, empanadas, and a cocktail list that doesn’t get worse...
08/14/2026

Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday, 3–6PM. 🍹

Dips and warm bread, tostadas, empanadas, and a cocktail list that doesn’t get worse just because it’s early. Sunlight on the table, no rush, three full hours.

Happy hour in River North at Vela - 352 W Hubbard. Come straight from work or make an afternoon of it.

🔗 Reservations in bio, or walk in and take the bar.

Address

352 W Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL
60654

**Travel Directions to W Hubbard Street, Chicago**

**Public Transport:**
1. **Train:**
- Take the Blue Line or Brown Line to the "Chicago" station.
- Transfer to the 66 bus heading west and get off at the intersection of W Hubbard St and N Wells St.

2. **Bus:**
- You can take the 37 or 70 bus routes that stop near W Hubbard St. Check local schedules for exact stops and times.

3. **Walking:**
- If you are near downtown, W Hubbard St is easily accessible on foot from various locations in the River North area.

**Driving/Parking:**
1. **Directions:**
- If coming from the north, take I-90/I-94 south and exit at Ohio St. Head east to N Wells St, then turn left onto W Hubbard St.
- From the south, take I-90/I-94 north and exit at Division St. Head west until you reach N Wells St, then turn right onto W Hubbard St.

2. **Parking:**
- There are several parking garages nearby, including options on N Wells St and surrounding streets. Street parking may also be available but check for any restrictions or meters.

Make sure to check traffic conditions before your trip!

Opening Hours

Tuesday 3pm - 10pm
Wednesday 3pm - 10pm
Thursday 3pm - 10pm
Friday 3pm - 1:30am
Saturday 3pm - 1:30am

Telephone

+13128883465

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Vela posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Vela:

Share

Category

What people say

Vela, located on W Hubbard Street in Chicago, captures the vibrant essence of Mexico City through its culinary offerings and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is perfect for intimate gatherings, featuring a Private Dining Room (PDR) that accommodates up to 12 guests. This cozy space is ideal for hosting memorable dinner parties with a delightful family-style menu designed for larger groups.

Guests can unwind and enjoy happy hour, dinner, or late-night drinks in a warm and welcoming environment. One standout cocktail is the Carajillo de Olla, a unique blend of Licor 43, Cafe de Olla, and Orange Brulee that promises to elevate your weekend experience.

With its dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience and a commitment to quality service, Vela invites you to explore its rich flavors and vibrant ambiance. Whether you're planning a special event or simply looking for a place to relax with friends, Vela is sure to impress.