The Violet Hour
Cocktail bar · Wicker Park
1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
![The Violet Hour by One Off Hospitality [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65450098/London_Frog_courtesy_of_One_Off_Hospitality.0.jpg "The Violet Hour by One Off Hospitality [Official Photo]")
![The Violet Hour by Violet Hour [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63239869/Chapuline.0.jpg "The Violet Hour by Violet Hour [Official Photo]")
![The Violet Hour by The Violet Hour [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595878/violet_hour.0.0.0.jpg "The Violet Hour by The Violet Hour [Official Photo]")
![The Violet Hour by The Violet Hour [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69434564/violet_hour.0.jpg "The Violet Hour by The Violet Hour [Official Photo]")
![The Violet Hour by The Violet Hour [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62561411/violet_hour.0.12.jpg "The Violet Hour by The Violet Hour [Official Photo]")
Highlights
Creative cocktails & small bites in a sophisticated, stylish lounge.
Creative cocktails & small bites in a sophisticated, stylish lounge.
"One Off Hospitality Group forever changed drinking in Chicago when it opened this mysterious craft cocktail mecca almost a decade ago. Long before egg white cocktails were in vogue, the Violet Hour (Outstanding Bar Program, 2015) was spurring on the mixology movement with never-before-seen techniques and concoctions. Today, it remains one of the most beloved bars thanks to an expansive menu and Wonderland-ish atmosphere hidden in plain sight behind a mural on Milwaukee Avenue. And no, guests are still not permitted to use their phones in the dimly lit rooms. The bar is currently closed, with its future up in the air." - Naomi Waxman
"A cocktail bar that opened in 2007 in Wicker Park and contributed to the classic cocktail renaissance in Chicago alongside Weegee's Lounge." - Sam Nelson
"An influential cocktail bar in Chicago known for hosting special events, particularly during the 312 Day celebrations." - Ashok Selvam
"This hidden drinking destination is widely credited with kicking off the mixology renaissance in Chicago and is a must-visit for Windy City newbies. It thrives on quiet sophistication (do read the house rules), a fantastic ever-changing menu, and is a breeding ground for local talent. Look for a massive mural outside — there's no sign — as well as a line on the sidewalk." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman
"Even though the hype behind The Violet Hour (and the backlash over its strict rules about what you can wear and what drinks you can order) isn’t as strong as it once was, the drinks here are still really damn good. Good enough that you should still seek out the entrance hidden behind an ever-changing mural in Wicker Park. From the way they seat you like you’re at a restaurant to the upscale bar snacks—expect foie gras and tartare—the experience here is all about curation, and they’ve created the right setting to enjoy some of the best seasonal cocktails you’ve ever had. It’s not an everyday situation, but it’s a great spot for the right occasion." - josh barnett, sam faye, john ringor
