Vela Bar y Cocina
If you’re looking for a vibrant dining experience in Chicago, Vela is a restaurant that should be on your radar. Since its opening last year, it’s been the talk of the town, so I finally decided to check it out for myself—and it did not disappoint. I started the evening with the Vela Paloma, a refreshing cocktail made with basil-infused tequila, grapefruit, Squirt, and citrus.
Vela’s menu encourages sharing, so we ordered a variety of dishes to get the full experience. The first dish to arrive was the guacamole, which tasted fresh and simple, with a creamy texture and fresh blue corn chips.
Next came the empanadas, a table favorite filled with wagyu beef, poblano peppers, and cheese. These were rich, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy, setting a high bar for the rest of the meal.
The Taco Gobernador followed, featuring black tiger shrimp, melted cheese, and rajas. The bold flavors, combined with an incredible sauce, made this taco stand out as a delicious addition to the evening.
The Pulpo a la Parilla was a personal highlight for me. As an octopus lover, I was thrilled with the perfectly cooked octopus paired with crispy chicharron, sikil pak, and a bed of tahini. The textures and flavors came together beautifully, making it one of my favorite dishes of the night.
Our final dish was the Barbacoa Ossobuco, featuring short rib, tahini, pearl onions, and pickled carrots. This dish has earned recognition as one of Chicago’s best in 2024. While it was undeniably delicious, it didn’t surpass the empanadas or octopus as my top picks of the evening.
Dining at Vela is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The lively atmosphere, coupled with a thoughtfully curated menu, makes it an ideal spot for a Friday night dinner or a special occasion. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss the Wagyu Empanadas and Pulpo a la Parilla—they’re worth the hype.
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