Vela Bar y Cocina, one of Chicago’s most lauded new restaurants specializing in Mexico City spirits and cuisine, has developed one of the city’s most dynamic and thoughtfully curated Tequila and Mezcal programs since opening in July 2024. The beverage menu, carefully designed by Partner of Celeste Group, Arturo Gomez, features a range of exclusive tequilas and mezcals like Código Rare Hare and Clase Azul Ultra Añejo, which can only be found in Chicago at Vela.
The tequila offerings at Vela include everything ranging from herbal and earthy un-aged Blancos to oaky Reposados and complex, barrel-aged Añejos. “With so many excellent distilleries and products currently available, we wanted to try and provide what we believe is the most comprehensive and best list of current offerings in the market,” said Gomez. “This list is composed of some old favorites and some new up and coming brands. The mission was to give our guests the best that Mexico has to offer.”
With the booming popularity of mezcal on the rise, Vela has built its program to offer distinct flavor profiles unique to each agave varietal. Guests will find Espadin mezcals with balanced smoky notes, agave, and citrus; sweet and smooth Tobala mezcals featuring hints of vanilla, citrus, and tropical fruits; and other rare selections such as Cuishe, Salmiana, Papálome, and Cenizo. The restaurant also introduces unfamiliar guests to Raicilla and Sotol, rare spirits that further cement Vela’s reputation as a premier destination for agave enthusiasts.
Fueled by the explosive growth of premium and ultra-premium brands, Gomez believes that tequila and mezcal will soon overtake vodka as the highest selling spirits in the world. Vela’s goal of offering such a range of tequila is to provide a full spectrum of flavors that can compliment the stellar culinary menu designed by Executive Chef Jorge Angulo, all the while bringing the true essences of Mexico City to Chicago. Diners can choose between one or two ounce pours the rare spirits when they visit, or they can indulge in Vela’s cocktail program featuring Pulparindos with Gran Centenario blanco tequila, La Riveras with 400 Conejos mezcal or even a Vesper Lindo made with Gin de Las California, La Venenosa Raicilla, Jasmine Blanc and Citrus Oil.
Guests can get a sample of offerings during Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. with specially priced cocktails inspired by the energetic spirit of Mexico City including Cucumber Margaritas, La Reformas and Coco de Oros with coconut-washed Gran Centenario blanco tequila, Del Maguey crema mezcal, salted agave, tonka bean and egg white among other selections. To amplify their luxe tequila and mezcal offerings, the restaurant has also launched an Agave Experiencia, which features tequila served tableside with choice of Clase Azul Reposado (375ml) or Código Añejo and paired with chocolate and orange slices.
Vela is located at 352 W Hubbard Street in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The restaurant is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-10 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
