The Violet Hour

33 Best Bars in Chicago | Condé Nast Traveler

"It was the first of Chicago's speakeasy revivals, and even today, the entrance is hidden behind an ever-changing mural. Hip bartenders hold court, while the music oscillates between hip hop, classic rock, and hits from indie darlings. Expect polished and precise cocktails, like the Byass and Me, a stirred sipper of Gonzalez y Byass vermouth, Amaro Cia Ciaro, and orange bitters, or the Ted's Talk, a blend of apple brandy, herbsaint, Cappeletti amaro, and tart cherry. If you can't decide, these bartenders are happy to surprise you with something on or off menu—as long as you follow the house rules: "no Grey Goose, no bombs of any kind, no Cosmopolitans." - Brad Japhe