![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]")
![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 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]")
Hidden behind a graffiti-covered wall, this cozy cocktail lounge offers expertly crafted drinks, small bites, and a relaxed speakeasy vibe perfect for any night out.
"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
"The Violet Hour in Wicker Park is a good destination cocktail bar from the people who own Avec and The Publican. This place might seem like it’s trying hard to be cool—from the unmarked door to the “House Rules” (which ban baseball caps, Cosmopolitans, and any drink that’s a -bomb, jager or otherwise). It doesn’t come off as obnoxious, though, because the craft cocktails really are good. Inside, it feels like a lounge more than a bar—it’s dark, with lots of candlelight, plus comfy chairs and tables that can be sectioned off for privacy. Overall, not a bad spot to celebrate the launch of your top-secret baseball-cap-recycling startup." - adrian kane, john ringor
