Chela Modern Mexican Cuisine and Cocktail Bar in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Chela Introduce

Discover Chela: Your Destination for Modern Mexican Flavors in Brooklyn

In the heart of Brooklyn’s vibrant Park Slope neighborhood lies Chela, a destination that is much more than just a Mexican restaurant. Chela, a proud Latinx and women-owned establishment, is a modern Mexican cuisine spot, a lively cocktail bar, and an inviting event venue all rolled into one. The mission of Chela is to transport every guest to a Mexican vacation, introducing authentic flavors while pushing tradition through a progressive and respectful culinary perspective. This philosophy has earned them a loyal following among New York locals who appreciate fresh ingredients, bold tastes, and exceptional hospitality.

Chela has quickly become a beloved fixture in the local dining scene, known for its visually stunning interiors, warm ambiance, and an attentive staff committed to ensuring a wonderful experience. From quick weekday dinners to celebratory brunches and vibrant late-night cocktails, Chela provides a cozy yet trendy backdrop for any occasion. Reviews frequently highlight the restaurant’s commitment to quality, with patrons raving about the “authentic and seasoned wonderfully” food and the staff that is “top notch” and “bends over backwards” for customers. For those in New York seeking a superior Mexican dining and cocktail experience, Chela stands out as a must-visit location.

Location and Accessibility

Chela is conveniently situated in the sought-after Park Slope area of Brooklyn, making it an accessible spot for both neighborhood residents and visitors from other boroughs. Its exact location is:

408 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

The restaurant is nestled on 5th Avenue, a bustling street known for its diverse array of shops and eateries. For guests requiring accessible facilities, Chela is committed to an inclusive experience, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating. While street parking options are available in the area, they can sometimes be limited, which is typical for a busy New York City neighborhood. It is always wise to plan for public transit or ride-sharing services, or to allow extra time for parking, especially during peak dining hours.

Services Offered

Chela offers a comprehensive suite of services to cater to various dining needs and occasions, ensuring every guest can enjoy their modern Mexican experience.

Dine-in: Enjoy the vibrant, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with table service for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Reservations: Reservations are accepted and highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend brunch, to ensure seating during busy times.
Walk-ins: Chela happily accepts walk-ins, with the outdoor seating area often reserved entirely for non-reserved guests on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, Chela offers both traditional takeout and curbside pickup, as well as no-contact delivery, making it easy to enjoy their cuisine at home.
Catering: The restaurant provides catering options, perfect for bringing their delicious Mexican dishes to your next group event or party.
Private Events: Chela serves as an excellent event venue, offering a memorable and lively setting to host private parties.
Menu Variety: A diverse menu featuring comfort food, healthy options, small plates, and a dedicated kids’ menu is available.
Dietary Accommodations: The menu is thoughtfully designed with a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, along with many dishes that are naturally gluten-free (GF) or can be prepared dairy-free (DF).

Features and Highlights

Chela distinguishes itself in the Brooklyn dining scene through several noteworthy features that enhance the overall guest experience.

Award-Winning Cocktails and Tequila Bar: Chela boasts an extensive drink menu, including the “Classic Margarita- Single,” which has been voted Best in Brooklyn four years in a row, and a wide selection of over 50 types of tequilas and mezcals.
Happy Hour: A popular happy hour is available, featuring great deals on food and drinks, making it an ideal spot for an after-work gathering or early dinner.
Authentic and Progressive Cuisine: The food is a celebration of authentic Mexican flavors with a modern twist, led by the expertise of chefs who express their “love and respect of Mexican cuisine” through their palate.
Chela Ribs: A highly-praised signature dish, the Chela Ribs—baby back ribs with an agave chipotle glaze, spicy slaw, and yucca croquettes—are frequently described as a must-order item.
Latinx and Women-Owned: Chela is a Latinx and women-owned business, contributing to the diversity and strength of the local community.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a warm, friendly, and inclusive environment, identified as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace, appealing to a diverse crowd including groups, families, and solo diners.
Fresh, House-Made Specialties: Customers consistently praise the freshness of the ingredients, particularly the house-made chips and salsa, and the creamy traditional guacamole.
Live Music: On occasion, Chela features live music, adding another layer of entertainment and enhancing the vibrant dining experience.
Brunch Options: Chela is a popular spot for weekend brunch, featuring delicious mains like Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles, and a weekend exclusive, Chef Mario’s “famous carnitas.”

Contact Information

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or inquire about catering and private events, here is the essential contact information for Chela:

Address:

408 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Phone:

(718) 701-1891

What is Worth Choosing at Chela

For New Yorkers looking for a standout culinary experience, Chela provides a menu brimming with tempting and acclaimed choices for every palate, from dedicated carnivores to vegetarians. A cornerstone of their menu is the Guacamole Traditional, which is frequently hailed by customers as one of the best they’ve ever tasted. The fresh preparation and the ability to choose the spice level (mild, medium, or spicy) make it an essential appetizer.

For a unique and highly recommended main course, the Chela Ribs ($37.00) are an absolute standout, renowned for their incredible agave chipotle glaze. Seafood lovers should explore the delicious Fish Tacos and Crispy Calamari ($21.00). If you are in the mood for an authentic, hearty Mexican dish, the Enchiladas (GF) ($28.00) with rotisserie chicken, tomatillo salsa, and fresh cheese, or the various tacos like the Taco de Birria (DF) and Brisket Tacos (*NEW GF/DF) are highly favored. Vegetarians will be delighted with the wide selection of options, including the flavorful Vegetarian Enchiladas (GF/V) and the Budin Azteca (GF/V), a savory baked dish.

Beyond the food, the drink menu is equally compelling. Locals consistently recommend the Classic Margarita, which has won “Best in Brooklyn” awards, for a perfectly balanced taste. They also suggest trying one of the creative variations like the Chela Clear Margarita ($15.00) or one of the specialty margaritas with your choice of pepper, from jalapeño to habanero.

Finally, Chela is not just about a single meal—it’s about the full experience. The combination of high-quality, authentic food, outstandingly attentive service, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere makes Chela a complete package. Whether you are popping in for a quick Lunch Special ($15.00), gathering friends for a Taco Party, or celebrating a special occasion, Chela's commitment to culinary excellence and warm hospitality is why it remains one of Park Slope's most cherished modern Mexican spots.

Chela Menu

Dessert
Churros $14.00
Flan $14.00

Entrees
Chilaquiles $15.00
Fried tortillas, guajillo salsa sunny side up eggs,avocado cream and queso fresco
Torta De Brisket $18.00
Brisket, avocado, pickled jalapeños,cured onions, fried plantains
Huevos Rancheros $18.00
Chorizo hash, casbael chile calsa, sunny side up eggs, black bean tostada, queso fresco, avocado
Enchiladas (GF) $28.00
Rotisserie chicken, housemade corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa, queso fresco, crema, cheese and avocado. Comes with rice and beans.
Vegetarian Enchiladas (GF/V) *NEW $23.00
Sauteed zucchini, onions, corn, housemade corn tortillas, salsa verde, crema, queso fresco (GF- Vegan without the cream and cheese)

Family Entrees
Chicken In Mole Rojo (Family Size) $44.00
4 French-cut Chicken legs, smothered in Chef Angel's Mole Rojo sauce. Comes with rice, beans and fresh tortillas. GF, DF
Enchiladas (Family Size) $65.00
6 enchiladas of your choice. Comes with vegetable rice and beans.
Guacamole Tray- Half Size $40.00
Avocado, tomatoes, onions, lime and jalapeños (if ordered medium or spicy) Full size platter is suitable to serve 7-10 people. Served with house made tortilla chips and salsa.
Guacamole Tray- Full Size $74.00
Avocado, tomatoes, onions, lime and jalapeños (if ordered medium or spicy) Full size platter is suitable to serve 15-18 people. Served with house made tortilla chips and salsa.
Taco Party $0.00
Fresh made guacamole, housemade chips and salsa, 3 tacos per person, vegetable rice and beans.

Sides
Corn Esquite $11.00
Roasted corn, queso fresco, epazote, citrus aioli, chili powder (GF, V)
Mango Pico De Gallo $8.00
Platanitos (GF, V) $11.00
Fried sweet plantains, queso fresco, salsa verde. (Ask for no queso fresco to make it vegan)
Rice & Beans $5.00
Vegan.
House Made Chips And Salsa (GF, V) $0.00
Mole De Guerrero Y Tortillas $11.00
Arroz Rojo (Rice) (GF, V) $4.00
Tomato Vegetable Rice
Fries (GF, V) $9.00
Crispy shoe-string fries. Chipotle Aioli
Side Tortillas $5.00
Refried Beans (Beans) (GF, V) $4.00
House made black beans
Rajas $8.00
Chard poblano pepper strips, white onions
Yuca Croquettes $9.00
Chipotle aioli contains cheese.
Mole Poblano Y Tortillas $11.00

Lunch Special
Lunch Special $15.00
2 full size tacos of your choosing, plus a side dish. These are the same tacos as our regular menu.

Burrito Bowls
BYO Burrito Bowl $6.00
Base of Mexican rice, black beans and chipotle aioli

Tacos
Taco De Birria (DF) $0.00
Slow braised short ribs, dried chilis, corn tortillas, beef consomme, cilantro, radish, pickled onions. Only available in an entree size. (GF/DF)
Tacos Arabes (DF) $0.00
Caramelized pork shoulder, sweet maple chipotle, onions, zaatar pita. Entree size is two tacos (larger than our regular ones) plus rice & beans.
Fish Taco (NEW*) $0.00
Tempura wild caught cod, slaw, chipotle aioli, red guajillo sauce, our tortillas. Entree portion is three tacos plus rice & beans.
Brisket Tacos (*NEW GF/DF) $0.00
Jalisco Style dry rub, pineapple, chiltepin, salsa molcajete , onions, cilantro, housemade corn tortillas. Entree size is 3 tacos, plus rice and beans.
Vegetarian Tacos *NEW! (GF) $0.00
Roasted sweet potatoes, garlic, onions, salsa verde, onions, cilantro, housemade corn tortillas (GF, V+) Entree size is three tacos plus rice & beans.
Shrimp Tacos (*NEW) $0.00
Choice of fried or grilled. Chipotle marinated shrimp, mango pico de gallo, horseradish coleslaw, chile de arbol aioli, housemade corn tortillas. Entree size is three tacos plus rice & beans.
Chicken Tacos (GF, DF) $0.00
Rotisserie chicken, Mexican jerk seasoning, onion, cilantro, salsa verde, housemade corn tortillas. Entree size is three tacos plus rice & beans.

California Style Burritos
Cali Style Brisket Burrito $12.00
Mezcal marinated brisket, crispy french fries and chipotle aioli
Cali Style Pork Burrito $12.00
Chipotle maple caramelized pork, crispy french fries and chipotle aioli
Cali Style Vegetarian Burrito $10.00
Spinach, rajas and corn, fries, black beans and chipotle aioli (vegan without the aioli)
BYO Burrito $6.00
Flour tortilla, black beans, chipotle aioli- the rest is up to you!
Cali Style Shrimp Burrito $13.00
Sautéed guajillo marinated Shrimp, crispy french fries and chipotle aioli
Cali Style Mexican Jerk Chicken Burrito $10.00
Mexican jerk chicken, crispy french fries and chipotle aioli

Brunch Main
Huevos Rancheros $18.00
Chorizo hash, casbael chile calsa, sunny side up eggs, black bean tostada, queso fresco, avocado
Chile De Huevo $18.00
Chile de arbol eggs stew ,queso panela, avocado, black beans tortillas
Chilaquiles $15.00
Fried tortillas, guajillo salsa sunny side up eggs,avocado cream and queso fresco
Torta De Brisket $18.00
Brisket, avocado, pickled jalapeños,cured onions, fried plantains
French Toast $17.00
Brioche, chocolate custard, banana brulee, cajeta
Steak & Eggs $33.00
New York strip, chorizo hash, sunny side eggs, roasted tomatillo salsa
Breakfast Burrito $18.00
Flour tortilla, Mexican rice, black beans, chorizo, eggs, Chihuahua cheese and chipotle alioli.

Condiments And Hot Sauces
Side Salsa Verde $0.50
Side Habanero $0.50
Side Salsa Taquera $0.50
Side Chipotle Alioli $0.50
Side Cream $0.50
Side Avocado Salsa Verde $0.50
Side Queso Fresco $0.50
Side De Valentina Sauce $0.75
Side Pico De Gallo $0.50
Side Pickled Jalapeños $0.50
2oz Guacamole Side $4.00

Entrees
Carne Asada (GF, DF) $41.00
12oz NY strip steak, fried viajero cheese, grilled scallions, cucumber chimichurri, handmade corn tortillas (GF/DF)
Enchiladas (GF) $28.00
Rotisserie chicken, housemade corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa, queso fresco, crema, cheese and avocado. Comes with rice and beans.
Chela Ribs $37.00
Baby back ribs, agave chipotle glaze, spicy slaw, yucca croquettes. GF except for the croquettes. Dairy free except the croquettes
Pescado Al Pastor $36.00
Al pastor marinated branzino, salsa verde, arugula mango salad, sweet plantains, housemade corn tortillas (GF/DF)
Budin Azteca (GF/V) $28.00
Mole Chicken Enchiladas $28.00
Mole poblano, Mexican jerk chicken, handmade corn tortillas, crema, white onions and cilantro. Mole contains dairy, gluten and nuts and may contain traces of other allergens.
Barbacoa Mole De Guerrero $36.00
Enchilada Vegetariana $28.00
Two Soft corn tortillas, rolled and stuffed with roasted onion garlic sweet potato, baked in a guajillo tomato sauce, crema, queso fresco and cactus nopales salad.

Na Beverages
Tea $3.00
Virgin Drinks $0.00
Fresa Agua Fresca $5.00
Hibiscus Agua Fresca $5.00
Coffee $4.00
Mango Agua Fresca $5.00
Juices $0.00
Passion Fruit Agua Fresca $5.00
Tamarind Agua Fresca $5.00
San Pelegrino $10.00
Sodas $0.00
Aqua Pana $10.00

Brunch Sides
Rice & Beans $5.00
Vegan.
Chorizo Hash $8.00
Sweet potato, Mexican chorizo
Platanitos $9.00
Sweet Plantain, salsa verde, queso fresco
Fries (GF, V) $9.00
Crispy shoe-string fries. Chipotle Aioli
Side Eggs $3.00
Chorizo SIDE $8.00
Handcrafted chorizo.
Yuca Croquets $9.00

Taco Party
Taco Party $0.00
Fresh made guacamole, housemade chips and salsa, 3 tacos per person, vegetable rice and beans.

Appetizers
Gorditas De Hongos (GF, V) $16.00
Thick corn cakes stuffed with crispy wild mushroom, chipotle cream, queso fresco, pickled red onions (GF/V. Vegan on request.)
Tlacoyos De Chorizo (GF) $18.00
Refried beans, Mexican chorizo , rema, queso fresco, slaw, salsa molcajete. (GF. Dairy free on request)
Guacamole Traditional (GF, Vegan) $16.00
Tamales De Rajas (GF, V) $16.00
Guajillo salsa, queso fresco, crema, nopales cactus salad, epazote (GF/V. Can be vegan on request.)
Shrimp Aguachile (GF/DF) $25.00
Lime, jalapenos, avocado, cucumber, onion, cilantro, housemade corn tostadas (GF/DF)
Market Salad (GF, V) $14.00
Mango, baby arugula, onions, jicama, pumpkin seeds, toasted corn, cilantro vinaigrette.
Tamarind Wings $0.00
Tamarind Chile de arbor glaze, horse radish cumin alioli, homemade pickles, sesame seed and scallions
Crispy Calamari (DF) $21.00
corn meal crusted, crispy pickled jalapeños, chipotle aioli
Corn On The Cob (GF, V) $9.00
One cob, charcoal grilled, cut in half. Chile manzano aioli, queso cotija, Chile powder.
Quesadilla (GF, V) $16.00
Handmade corn tortillas, cabbage, Chihuahua cheese.
Nachos (GF, V) $14.00
Corn tortilla chips, cheese, jalapenos, black beans. pico de gallo, queso fresco and cream
Chilaquiles Rellenos (GF, V+) $18.00
Chihuahua cheese stuffed chilaquiles, tomatillo jalapeño cream salsa, crema, queso fresco, onions, cilantro (GF/V)

Kids Food
Kids Plantains $5.00
Kids Cheese Flautas $10.00
Kids Arroz Con Pollo $14.00
Kids Corn $6.00
Kids Cheese Quesadilla $12.00
Cheese quesadilla served on flour tortillas with fries. Add chicken for an extra fee.

Burritos
BYO Burrito $6.00
Flour tortilla, black beans, chipotle aioli- the rest is up to you!
Vegetarian Burrito $11.00
Zucchini, corn, onions, Mexican rice, black beans and chipotle aioli (vegan without the aioli)
Chicken Burrito $11.00
Mexican jerk chicken, Mexican rice, black beans and chipotle aioli
Shrimp Burrito $14.00
Shrimp Burrito, Sautéed guajillo marinated Shrimp, Mexican rice, black beans and chipotle aioli
Pork Burrito $13.00
Chipotle maple caramelized pork, Mexican rice, black beans and chipotle aioli
Brisket Burrito $13.00
Brisket Burrito, Mezcal marinated brisket, Mexican rice, black beans and chipotle aioli

Cocktails
CYP Chipotle Margarita $0.00
***In order to purchase alcohol, you must be 21 and older and a food order must be placed to uphold liquor license regulations. Orders without food will be cancelled***
Chela's Margarita Clasica $0.00
Frozen or Rocks. Chela's original housemade recipe, voted Best in Brooklyn four years in a row. ***In order to purchase alcohol, you must be 21 and older and a food order must be placed to uphold liquor license regulations. Orders without food will be cancelled.***
CYP Jalepeno Margarita $0.00
Red Sangria $0.00
Hibiscus, Vodka, Tempranillo blend. ***In order to purchase alcohol, you must be 21 and older and a food order must be placed to uphold liquor license regulations. Orders without food will be cancelled***
Chela Clear Margarita $15.00
Blanco Tequila, clarified citrus juice, Cointreau. The smoothest, easiest drinking margarita we've ever made. ***In order to purchase alcohol, you must be 21 and older and a food order must be placed to uphold liquor license regulations. Orders without food will be cancelled***
Paloma $0.00
Grapefruit infused tequila, grapefruit, lemon, acid balanced tajin. ***In order to purchase alcohol, you must be 21 and older and a food order must be placed to uphold liquor license regulations. Orders without food will be cancelled***
Jalapeño Hibiscus Margarita $17.00
Jalapeno infused tequila, lime juice, hibiscus syrup, burlesque bitters, chamoy tajin rim. ***In order to purchase alcohol, you must be 21 and older and a food order must be placed to uphold liquor license regulations. Orders without food will be cancelled***
CYP Habanero Margarita $0.00
***In order to purchase alcohol, you must be 21 and older and a food order must be placed to uphold liquor license regulations. Orders without food will be cancelled***

Specials
Carnitas (GF) $29.00
Chef Mario's famous recipe. Slow confit pork carnitas, pickled onions, chile manzano, salsa verde, spicy pico, guacamole. Comes with corn tortillas.

Chela Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Live music
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trending
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking

Chela Photos

Chela Location

Chela

New York Kings County Park Slope 5th Avenue

408 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Chela Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 1334 user reviews.

brunchfish tacoshappy hourribsappetizerqueso fundidopassion fruit margaritamezcalbrisket tacoscorn on the cob

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Such a great meal. The staff were wonderful. Brett, the manager went above and beyond to help us make sure we ordered all the right things. I will definitely be coming back to dine here, the next time I’m in Lancaster.
September 01 · Jaclyn Markowitz
Went here on a date with my husband. The drinks amazing. This place was absolutely beautiful and the service and food was great. Our server Daniel was awesome. Food amazing will definitely return hopefully with more family and friends.
April 19 · Amanda Rozea
Overall one of my favorite Mexican spots in the area. Great drinks and the food hits the spot. The service is incredibly fast so I definitely recommend spacing out your order to enjoy your time there.
July 13 · Thomas Murtagh
We loved the atmosphere of this beautiful little Mexican restaurant. The colors and textures of the decor are appealing and lift the spirit as do the simple touches added. Drinks are great and the bartender is friendly and accommodating. No backyard but a few tables on the street with the front of the restaurant open for fresh air dining. However as a vegan this place is lacking. The menu has many vegetarian options but not one meal designed for a vegan. Yes it’s easy to omit the crema and queso but then the meal is lacking the creamy texture and flavor it was designed to showcase. If you’re feeling creative you could make it work. We enjoyed our drinks and left in search of backyard dining with vegan choices.
May 26 · TL B
This review is about a month delayed, but I had brunch here at the bar with a couple of girlfriends and was truly blown away by the attentiveness of the staff. The third member of our party arrived much later — after my friend and I had already begun eating our meals (possibly even after we’d already finished, or were near finished…) We ordered for her at the same time we ordered our food, though, and without even having to ask or say anything, the staff carefully waited and watched for her to arrive so that they could promptly serve her her meal once she was seated. They had clearly been keeping it warm for her in the kitchen. I ordered the vegan version of their Gorditas De Hongos, which was phenomenal. (FYI this is only an appetizer; Chela does currently offer one vegan brunch entree option, though: the Vegetarian Enchiladas, sans dairy.) My non-vegan friends, both of whom are Mexican, loved their dishes as well. We stayed for a couple of drinks after our meal, so ended up being there for a good while — at least a couple of hours. Every single one of the bartenders and waitstaff who served us and who we otherwise interacted with were abundantly kind/warm, friendly, and professional. I’d been here just once before this, earlier this year, that time just for drinks, but had a great experience then, too. The margaritas are super tasty, and there’s lots of flavors to choose from. 10/10 recommend Chela for any occasion and any time of day! Can just about guarantee you will be well taken care of and have a great time. Salud :)
September 06 · Paige Paschall