"Violet’s is a cozy restaurant and bar in the Richmond that works for date nights and third tier friend catch-ups. While you could stop in for the $35 prix fixe meal of mostly solid American dishes (ranging from stuffed eggplant to pasta to burgers), we actually prefer coming here for a butterfly pea gin or hibiscus-infused tequila cocktail, or four, at the bar. All the drinks are consistently smooth and well-balanced, and the curved counter also has enough seating that you can find an open stool at any time. If you do need to munch on something, their “Big Ass Chocolate Chip Cookie” (legitimately the circumference of a soccer ball) is a great bet. " - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez