It’s the second time I found my way into the Violet Hour in the heart of the Wicker Park area very close to Damen station. Without a doubt one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Chicago, besides Logan Square.
Stylish Interior
This pre-prohibition style temple was the start of the modern day cocktail movement in Chicago and until today is one of the best bars in town which just won the James Beard Award for their cocktail program. Is a solid value in the neighbourhood. If you don’t know where the bar is you will probably miss it since the name, despite its coolness, is not mentioned anywhere. Instead you find an ever changing façade with a door incorporated in the piece of art. If you see the door in the long wall and you recognize the small lamp on top of it you found The Violet Hour. You smirk the first time when you read the house rules which are rather strict. The best ones are: no cell phones, no o-bombs, no jäger-bombs, no bombs of any kind, no light beer, no cosmos. If there is space and you are decently dressed without a baseball hat you are granted access to this cocktail temple. Interesting design with one long bar which is divided with long curtains that split the room in different parts. The place feels rather dark with very dimly lit lightings. All in all tough it looks very elegant and the bartenders are dressed accordingly.
Pimms Cup
Friendly, dapper dressed fellows who are always willing to help with the menu which is sectioned into different kind of spirits. Their main thing is whisky but there is plenty of other cocktails to choose from and the small bites are delicious too by the way. The cocktails are well thought through with a seasonal touch. The repertoire of The Violet Hour is huge so you will always find something and won’t be disappointed. The Violet Hour found a solid place in my heart and I will return on my next visit to this lovely city.
© images: Joni Kat Anderson / Michael Robinson / Chloe List
No Comments