The Violet Hour Reviews

Had read some reviews and had reservations around the corner so we stopped in for drinks before our meal. Not easy to find, better have the address, there are no signs (see picture attached) and from I have read they change the wall out front often. When you finally find it and enter you are in a narrow hallway with drapes ceiling to floor. The bar is luxurious but dimly lit. The drink menu does not include your normal fare. For the most adventurous you will find something different to try. But watch out it's hard on the pocket book.

Yes, the Violet Hour is a magnet in the hipster neighborhood of Wicker Park. It might have been our ages (40 & 57) but we felt overall there was a pretentiousness about the place. However, it was a fun experience. We went early (and it was a Sunday night) so didn't have to wait. The inside atmosphere has cozy areas to sit with lots of candlelight and velvet curtains. The drinks were good and considering the atmosphere I didn't think the $13 price was too excessive. So, even with the pretention, Violet Hour is worth a trip. I must admit the "no cell phone" rule was refreshing.

A business colleague of mine fancies himself as a speakeasy expert so he was very excited to see the reviews of The Violet Hour and he took a small group of us to check it out. The door was easy to find in the mural if your know the address and there is no required password so it is easy to get in. There was a short wait but nothing outlandish. When it was our turn to walk through the black curtain we saw...what appeared to be a vacant dance studio draped with black curtains with an out-of-place bar and Ikea furniture for the guests. Why have a great bar and then skimp on the guest seating. We were seated in a booth for 4 and it was very uncomfortable for us and the cheap plasticy table was at an awkward height. The drinks names were fun and they tasted great, which is what earns this place the 2 stars. My colleague was so excited to go to speakeasy in the land of Al Capone and it was so disappointing to see whatever it was that we were seeing. In the opinion of everyone in our group, it wasn't even worth the short wait.

To be honest, I think my cool level went up at least 100 points the moment I opened the door to The Violet Hour (assuming I was cool to start with). My fellow colleagues and I were on a hunt for a good spot to get a cocktail nearby. We had just finished up a fun cooking class in the area and since the weather was not great we decided to stick around Wicker Park for a while and take Danny W up on his recommendation. I'm pretty horrible when it comes to directions, so although a native to Chicagoland, you best believe I busted out my Google maps to direct my out of town pals. Good thing I did too, because we almost walked right past this lounge! My map said we had arrived, but there was no obvious bar in sight. It wasn't until Cindy G found a cool looking wall that opened up to be a door that we realized The Violet Hour had a speakeasy kind of situation going on. When you walk in there are curtains and a host to greet you on the other side. It was a long wait (I assume, he didn't give a set time) for a table, but spots at the bar were about to open up so we went for that instead. Literally my only complaint of my experience were the barstools themselves. Sure, they looked comfy and cool and were bench-like, but there was way too many of them stuffed up at the bar. It was hard to even sit down or move around. Other than that, my experience was 5 stars! The bartender fit the feel of the lounge and was awesome at crafting cocktails. He definitely made it look like an art! While they do have a very good cocktail, champagne, and wine menu, I was interested in a bubbly concoction. No problem there! The bartender whipped me up something delicious. I honestly have no idea what it was called, but it involved grapefruit, some champs, and other tasty ingredients I can't quite remember. Our group was also lucky enough to try their rum punch. It's kind of unclear if the bartender just gave us those drinks, or if the super drunk fellow next to me ordered them for us before he left. Regardless, they were free and pretty good. Not something I'd probably order again though, but that's because rum isn't high on my list. I tried a sip of Emily H's old fashioned and it was on point. Really well done and complete with the classic ice burg glacier to keep it chilled. It's to be noted that this bar also has crushed ice (which Cindy G was excited about)! I'd say the average price per cocktail was about $13 which is pretty standard for the area and type of establishment. The Violet Hour is dimly lit inside and feels very exclusive. Definitely a fun spot worth checking out and the bartenders know what they're doing!

I don't usually like drinking at all but I never pass up an invitation to The Violet Hour. Delicious cocktails and cool atmosphere. Also, the menu is seasonal, so there's always new things to try, but you can always order your past favorites.

My daughter took me here for a Mother’s Day mixology class. So much fun they helped me pick out booze so it turned out great.

A friend took me here when I was in town visiting a few years back, and then I took my husband when we were in town recently. It's such a neat little place to have a cocktail and snack, hang out with friends, relax, etc. It's a speakeasy style bar, and the presentation of the food/drinks is terrific. We tried a few apps that were all quite tasty, and the cocktails are DELICIOUS!

Went to The Violet Hour for birthday drinks. The door is hidden which makes it even more fun and mysterious. It is a bit dark inside so watch your step! The darkness provides an air of seduction and secrecy. Cell phone use is not allowed. They provide knowledgeable service and a huge variety of both classic and unique cocktails. Would definitely recommend.

The decor was beautiful, the high backed chairs are awesome. The drink menu is very extensive, and the drink I did get was delicious. I wish they had the option of bartender's choice that I've become used to in a typical speakeasy, but that would not stop me from returning here ASAP.

What a great place. Fantastic drinks...and well made drinks! The staff is very friendly and helpful. Sometimes speakeasy staff can be snooty...but not here. The environment is great, very intimate spaces to enjoy. They do serve food, but we didn't have any (just left dinner). We'll definitely be back there!

For years, you couldn't make a reservation at Violet Hour, and it was hard to get in. They have started accepting reservations, so we made one to begin a night out with friends. We had a nice experience. Service was casual, attentive, and super-knowledgeable about the offerings. Obviously they take pride in what they're doing with cocktails, and it's always fun to be a customer of a place where people have passion for what they're doing. The cocktails were great! Lots of offerings, including stuff that's totally new and things that are fun twists on classics. Good range of things that were totally boozy to things that were lighter and refreshing. All four of us enjoyed our drinks, which were well-presented without too much fuss. The only part that surprised me a bit was atmosphere. I suspected something a little more designed/swanky/with a point of view. It kind of felt like a black box with tall chairs. It was hard to tell to what extent this was driven by COVID restrictions. By no means was it a bad atmosphere, just a less curated one than anticipated. That said, great way to start a night--good, innovative cocktails, great service, fun spot.

A friend and I went here on a whim on the Monday night before Christmas. We arrived at the nondescript entrance with no sign, only a wooden wall with a blending-in wooden door. Apparently there is usually a mural painted on this wooden wall/door, but it was just plain wood this night. We got in and were seated right away at the bar. During the brief time we waited for the hostess to get our seats ready, we read over the rules, which included no cell phone use. As soon as we were seated, we looked over the intimidating drink list. I settled on the classic Juliet and Romeo from the gin list, and my friend got a whiskey drink. We intended to only have one drink but stayed for three, plus two shots with the bartender (ALWAYS sit at the bar, if you can!). My next two drinks were A Walk in the Woods and something with the word Kiss in it, both gin drinks. My friend stuck with whiskey, one of her drinks being a concoction created on the spot by the bartender. We ordered some food: the frites with aioli and the dates. The dates were especially spectacular but both were good. The vibe in her is clean, sophisticated, and intimate. I thought my friend was overreacting when she said we might not be dressed appropriately in nice pants and jeans with nice tops, but I totally got it once we walked in. For the record, we were dressed fine, but don't try going in with a hoodie or gym shoes. The bathrooms were clean and large enough to move around in. This place was so nice, and I can't wait to go back!

Visited on a Sunday night. Very intimate & cozy. Great place to go with a date or group of friends... Not really good for singles. Bartenders were great... Drinks were dee-lish. Didn't try anything on the food menu, but would definitely return to check it out.

Very eclectic place. Barely recognized the entrance from the outside and you have to wait to be cleared to sit at a table or at the bar. We settled in at the bar and watched the bartenders "do their thing!" This is not a hook up or meat market destination but they do make high quality craft cocktails! And they know the difference between "shaken" and "stirred!" drinks. Not cheap but not pretentious either. The quality and knowledge spreaks for itself!

My friend and I stood outside this incognito spot asking each other "Where is this place? This is the address?" A panel of the wall opened and a doorman asks if we wanted to come in. We moved into the building and it felt like going into a haunted house at Halloween. Pitch black, can't see a thing, I immediately grab my friend and we shuffle through a couple feet of darkness and slowly we're moving toward light. This place is totally surreal - the color palate is largely monochromatic, the staff moves slowly and gracefully, all elegantly dressed in black, all conversant and educated about their product, very clearly well trained. The small bites were delicious and took the edge off the boozy drinks, frankly my favorite flavor profile. AND, the best part is that they're very anti cell phone.

No signage, you won't even know if you're in the right spot until inside. We had to wait to enter. There is no standing room, if there are no seats available you will have to wait until others leave. Nice menu of drinks and small eats. Overall a cool intimate spot.

I wish I could have come here more than once on our recent vacation. Incredible atomsphere and servers. And an awesome list of cocktails. The one cocktail I had was perfectly made.

This place has great drinks and a cool ambiance. The service was just OK. It is located in the Wicker Park area, not too far from downtown.

I have grown tired of typical wannabe cocktails or limited selections of mixed drinks at some establishments which refuse to answer to a higher calling of distinctive cocktails. The Violet Hour is a place of national popularity, but I could care less about popular places and more about places where I will experience what I eat, drink or see versus just...well...eating, drinking, or seeing something. I looped around the block in error while looking for this place which is artfully camouflaged in a plain-box building with no neon glow or signs of any kind. Once making my way inside and waiting in a dim hall with tall walls, I was seated near a fireplace and loved my entire visit until I left. I recommend getting here early as the wait to enter becomes substantially longer, then absolutely ridiculous closer to midnight. Mixologists take their time here to prepare the drinks that you order to make them right. My Negroni was fabulous. The menu has a 1960's era printout which isn't easy to read in the warm lighting, but the server was helpful with many suggestions. I would try four different drinks and will return to try more. If you're serious about cocktails--fresh and flavorful, and ambiance--chic and elegant, while comfy and earthy...this is the place. Let The Violet Hour be your finest hour.

If you need to quickly feel like you are clubbing in New York City, just step into the secret passageway of 'The Violet Hour." Once you hear the whispers of those from around the world who may be waiting to obtain entrance from the smooth staff, you will be filled with anticipation to the level of going back in time once more and your birthday party is getting ready to start. The name of this dream is perfect. This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affections glow again and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen magically along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn. The menu of drinks is out of this world and I will visit as often as it legally allowed to see the unicorn.

Had seats at the bar, really enjoyed the cocktails made here. Excellent service and atmosphere. Extensive spirit list available.

My friend and I heard about this place from an employee at our hostel. On the last night of our trip, we decided to check it out. We got to the right block, but had to ask where the place was because it is not marked. There wasn't a line, so we actually walked right past the door where the bouncer and hostess were standing. Once we turned back, we were seated at the bar and really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the place. We split a rock shrimp appetizer and Rachel got a ginger flavored drink that was very good. I would definitely love to visit this place again.

This speakeasy is intimate, dark, and stylish without being pretentious or exclusive. The drinks are expensive- around $13 a cocktail- but worth the cost. Snacks are divine and the hostess, waitresses, and bartenders are excellent. Highly recommended!

If I a having a night out in Wicker Park or Bucktown, I like to start the evening right at the Violet Hour. This bar specializes in cocktails, which are expensive, but well made. My drink of choice here is the Dark & Stormy. The sleek interior with its curtains and high back chairs allow privacy even when it is packed. It also allows you to easily carry on a conversation, which I really love. There is a nice selection of good appetizers, and I suppose you could make a meal out of it if you wanted to, but this place is a bar, rather than a restaurant. If you a looking for a full, sit down meal, go elsewhere. The vibe is hip, sleek & trendy. They do have some posted "house rules" which includes the following: No cell phone use inside lounge. Proper attire requested. Please, no baseball hats. Sorry, no reservations. If you have a party of four, we'll give you four chairs. If your party is eight, we'll arrange eight chairs for you. No "party add-ons" without prior notification. No O-Bombs. No Jager-Bombs. No bombs of any kind. No Budweiser. No light beer. No Grey Goose. No Cosmopolitans. And finally, please do not bring anyone to The Violet Hour that you wouldn't bring to your mother's house for Sunday dinner. These House rules scared off some of my out-of-town guests who thought they would not fit in. After some coaxing & reassurance, we went and they loved it. When I go, I am usually wearing nice dark jeans with a dressy top. And that is the norm. The Violet Hours does not accept reservations. And as the night progresses, the line and wait gets longer. The doorman is good about taking cell numbers and calling you once your table is ready. If you are really hungry, you can grab a great taco across the street from Big Star while you wait. Also, if you have never been here before, be forewarned that there are no signs marking the entrance. Just a light bulb above a door that blends into a wall with an every changing mural. It is supposed to evoke a speakeasy, I imagine, but can confuse first time visitors. So Google it if you are worried about finding it. Great drinks...and the kind of establishment that makes me grateful that I live in Chicago.

We went here on a Sunday evening as we stopped by on Saturday at 10 p.m. and there was a long line. This is a cocktail bar with small table and bar seating- no standing so expect to wait to get in on weekend. Great ambiance and cocktails. There definitely needs to be more cocktail bars like this. No photos are allowed which is fantastic as it helps maintain the mood and vibe of the bar. I had the dark and stormy and the cucumber and rosewater cocktail and both were fantastic. I would definitely recommend visiting the Violet Hour if you are in the Wicker Park area. Cocktails are around 14 dollars each.

There are so many places to choose from in this city. The Violet Hour was just lovely. The music was perfect! I asked David the mixologist to make me something based on my likes and he did an excellent job. We only had time for one drink, but it made for a lasting memory.

I cannot recommend The Violet Hour enough! The drinks and service (once inside) is exceptional. Please don't come here if you wan to just knock back some drinks. These are very well crafted cocktails that are really meant (in my opinion, of course) to be savored. The snack/food items that I have had here are also very good. I think the price is something that makes people think twice, but given the average beer price in Chicago of $6 and up, these drinks are way more than twice the value. Treat yourself and good friends/family to something special!

In an inoffensive attempt at urban parking right in front of the restaurant, we love tapped a car, which anyone who lives in a big city knows happens all the time. However, because of this, we were denied entry. Turns out.. it was the bouncers car we love tapped. He had been watching stone faced while we were parking, and never offered to help, which seems like the obvious step if you want to protect your car. When we approached the door he was unbelievable hostile and rude. There was NOT A single scratch on the car, when i said so, i was told i was "being smart". Service isn't limited to an interaction with a waiter, it starts at the front door and continues through every aspect of the experience. This is supposed to be the hospitality industry. Any business that puts a jerk at the front door is missing the point. I would love to review the actual business but unfortunately, I can not. i was not let in. And I will not review it. Ever. I will never patronize an establishment in this restaurant group again. I take great pride in being smart.

We had a fantastic experience! Drinks were great ...as were tiny ice cream cones. So hip & cool. Perfect for couples and groups of 4. Loved the experience. Well done!

This place is so swanky, and I LOVE it. It's hard to find, guarded, dark, private, romantic, quiet, and the drinks are amazing. Forget the price, because it's hard to find such great cocktails, even in such a large city. I've definitely paid $12 for far inferior drinks. I've never had a date here, but I wish I had - it's very intimate without being obnoxious about it. Don't take our your cell phone - they're serious about their ambiance and your phone is going to ruin it (LOVE this rule) The wait staff is very helpful when it comes to picking drinks, and the bartenders know it all. They seem incredibly educated when it comes to their spirits.

New Yorkers are familiar with speakeasys and sometimes finding them is annoying or a bouncer is rude. This is quite the opposite. Situated in Wicker Park, it has a graffiti'd wall and a lightbulb and a very polite gentleman came out to ask to seat us. We had dinner reservations so we just wanted to grab a drink before dinner. The ambience was beautiful, cool, and approachable. I chose a spicy drink, which was good, but a little too vinegary; however, my husband's bourbon cocktail hit the spot. I like that this stays in the family of bars encouraging people to shut off their phones, talk to each other, and not treat going out to a bar like going to a meat market. I like bars like this and would come back.... and try the busy mexican place across the street :)

Ended up at Violet Hour at a late dinner Saturday night. Thought from previous reviews that it could be possibly difficult to get in or a wait. Upon entry, we were seated immediately. The ambiance is a good speakeasy vibe, location is roomy and gives you the opportunity to have a good date night along with being social with other guest. With a good list of cocktail and drink options, there was plenty to try. Glad that I finally got the opportunity to check it out this time around.

Great for a romantic sophisticated drinking experience. Intimate tables and an almost secret atmosphere are combined with exceptional mixology. It is the type of place where you suggest your goal for a cocktail, and leave it to the bartender to provide you a memorable drink. We visited on a frigid night so I inquired about a rye-based, herb flavored drink, and received a taste I'll always remember fondly.

A nice little place; very sophisticated cocktails; nice ambiance. Food was tasty...you have to know its there to find it.

My son bought my wife a ticket to a cocktail making class for her Christmas present. She was excited about it. We dropped he off and headed into the city for a couple hours while the class took place. When we got back, we parked in the lot connected to the building housing the Violet Hour and ran in to pick her up. In the 10 minutes it took for her to finish up and get her coat on, an attendant from Innovative Parking Solutions started placing a boot on my car and extorted $170 from me to remove it. According to said attendant, while both the lot and the Violet Hour are on the same property (1520 N. Damen), the Violet Hour does not have use of the lot, and therefore I had to pay. Needless to say, a sad way to end what should have been a great experience.

This place is always busy with a queue that loops all the way around the block. This is because they only let in as many people as they have chairs, so no one has to crowd around the bar or other patrons. Terrific idea! We have been to way too many cocktail places that are crammed with people, which ruins the ambiance. We visited on President's Day (Monday in Feb) after an early dinner at Cumin (great Indian restaurant a few blocks away). Since it was Monday, we tried their Happy Hour menu, which is available Monday - Thursday 6-8pm. The menu is dedicated to Absinthe, offering 4 drip Absinthe and 3 Absinthe cocktails. We sampled 2 drips, the Broken Shoeshiner, as well as 3 cocktails from their regular menu (Yellow Rose of Texas, What Big Eyes You Have, Roustabout). All the drinks were delicious and never too sweet. Although the presentation was not as elaborate as The Aviary, we found the drinks more enjoyable and less boozy (thankfully). The ambiance is wonderful and very romantic. We love the chandelier, dim lights, and tall chairs. Service was great as well. Highly recommend! Be sure to come early (6-7pm) to avoid queuing.

A Speak-easy bar, nicely set. Good for a date. Too dark and too constrained seating for my taste. But the drinks were really good, stiff drinks as they used to be. Nice set up and almost impossible to find it if you don't pay attention to the details and there is no line outside.

This was a heavenly experience, shared with new friends from LA. The vibe is hard to explain, but you'll want to go here with a small-ish group of friends (4 seemed ideal), and the focus is entirely on the cocktail. Servers explain the menu nuances with finesse and polish, including house-made Whiskey and Rye options (and others but we stopped there). Elaborate rooms of booths, high-backed chairs and lighting make for ideal conversation settings. We didn't try the menu of small bites but as we left a line was assembling outside in the 20-degree Chicago temperatures, so there is clearly a following and we deemed it well-deserved. Would definitely return, now that we know it's basically unmarked (look for the big door-handle). Enjoy!

If you don't mind waiting outside for a while before being seated at the Violet Hour, this is the place to go to in Chicago for tasty cocktails at a reasonable price! The cocktails are as good as the much more expensive Aviary and you get to experience amazing drinks in a swell ambiance! The old fashion is really really good, not too strong, not too sweet with amazing flavors served with a giant ice ball... My favorite drink there!

After a long night of cocktailing that included Three Dots and a Dash, The Punch House and others, a friend of mine and I continued on to The Violet Hour and were not disappointed. We actually never ordered anything- we just asked the bartender to make something up and it was just what we ordered. Right when we were wrapping it up we ended up getting served a few Jungle Birds and a digestif that no doubt made me feel less pain the next day. Great service, great bartenders and I'm definitely going back there ASAP.

Five of us went here before dinner. First of all the place is difficult to find even if you have the address. There is no sign outdoors anon street address numbers, just a door and a storefront. Once inside you must stand behind a drawn sheet while they make sure your table is ready. It is very dark inside, I don't know if they are going for a prohibition speakeasy atmosphere, whatever, it seems to work. The main attraction are the outstanding cocktails and knowledgable waitstaff. Highly recommended, expect to pay $10 - $12 for a cocktail.They also have a small food menu.

I feel cooler for just having been there! What a creative cocktail menu in a very trendy - must see - setting!!! Our waitress worked with us to find amazing cocktails that were a foodies' idea of heaven. The layout of the bar truly embodies the speakeasy feel. We truly felt cooler for having been there. Great experience!

Everything its cracked up to be. Smart cocktails delivered smartly. Sit at the bar and watch true mixologists work. Maybe learn a thing or two!

Monday night was busy however 5 of us get seated promtly. The highlight of the place is a moustached bartender. Give him an idea of what you feel like drinking and he will make some magic! Love places where I can just chill and relay on the intuitive and attentive stuff! Tried the foccacia bread which exceed my expectation and my friends like all their drinks!

Fantastic drinks, super cool atmosphere, great music, bartender was lovely and knowledgeable about crazy amazing ingredients and catered to my gluten free and coconut allergies. Highly recommend.

It's worth abiding by the rules (though I'd understand if you thought they were pretentious). We had a secluded booth with 4 people and we all ordered a different absinthe. It was great and the service was excellent. Absinthe experts!

The Violet Hour was recommended to us by our hotel representative as a fun place to go to for great combination cocktails you do not find at your local bars. We had a cab drop us off at the address, but we could not find the bar itself as the name is not shown outside. We asked the restaurant manager across the street and he pointed to the painted wall with a difficult to decipher doorway with a yellow light above it. We walked in and the place is dark and you wait behind a curtain until you are called in. It is like an old speakeasy with great furniture, but it is dimly lit. We sat at the bar, chatted with the guests sitting next to us and ordered the "New York Minute" based on the suggestion of the bar server. (All very friendly and welcoming.) The New York Minute contained vodka and St. George Absinthe and looked like a pink lemonade, but it was powerful and tasty. This is a great little place to visit if you want to do something a little different and have a great time in the process.

Not only one of the best cocktail bars I've ever been to, but a 'place to visit' as well. Bang across from Wicker Park, come thirsty and adjust your eyes to darkness!

Beautiful decor, excellent & friendly service, outstanding cocktails. Three of us sat at the bar and enjoyed the show: the bartenders really know their stuff and we had a lot of fun chatting with them. The decor is really lovely and interesting -- tons of flattering candles all around. We went on a Weds evening and waited just a few moments to get in. There is a doorman that talks to the hostess to find a spot for you, they usher you in and make you feel pretty special. Not for the cargo shorts set, this is a nice place to get a bit dressed up (you don't need black tie though). Also not for the budget conscious --Violet Hour is for indulging yourself & your friends/date/family -- and it's really worth it!

it is worth it. Our group loved the diverse drink choices, we had a great people watching table and kind of enjoyed the music which was interesting.

This place was a neat bar. Probably a good place to take a date? The mixed drinks were infused and were very good. I would definitely recomend this if you are not looking for a stereotypical bar

A throwback to older times, with house inspired handmade cocktails and very interesting food.....Great fun for a couple or a group.

I might have had too high of hopes for this place but the drinks were really good, although I'm glad we didn't get here when there was a line since I don't think too long of wait would be worth it. It felt more like a ritzy bar than any other speakeasies I have been to on the west coast. The drinks are spendy but well made. Im not sure how the hostess even read our ID's with it being so dark in there and we were hushed for laughing a couple times. If you are looking for a quiet, dark, date place, this would be great. But if you are looking to catch up with old friends, there are plenty of other good bars you can laugh and have a good time at nearby.

This was recommended to me by a guy on the plane (thanks!). We were the only folks in line and the door host kindly came over to get us from the bar across the way when our table was ready. The cocktail menu is interesting - different. The wait staff are knowledgeable and will recommend something based on what you tell them you like. Some reviews say the cost is a bit high - when we went it was $12 a pop, but most cocktails came with the full glass and another small amount of the same in a carafe. I thought the cost was reasonable for the quality of the drinks served. I also had a couple of bites from the snack menu - highly recommend the pulled pork slider. The decor includes long, sweeping velour curtains, booths, a fire - with "faded" lighting. Def worth a visit - I am glad I went but I don't know how you could drink more than a couple and stay collected!

This craft cocktail bar is one of the best that I've ever been to. They use rare ingredients that I've never even heard of and combine them to make oh so tasty cocktails. This service is professional but not stuffy and the décor is amazing. Prepare for a little wait outside but you won't have to wait too long and won't have the pass through an arrogant door man.

If you're looking for cocktails in Chicago, The Violet Hour is the place to go. I greatly appreciate a good cocktail - even more than a fine bottle of wine. To blend and muddle so perfectly takes great skill and The Violet Hour does it with perfection. Our group of two couples tried a variety of house and specialty cocktails - all delicious. If you know your taste or spirit of choice, you'll find a good variety of quality cocktails here. We had no problem getting a table because we arrived a few minutes before opening, but it filled up quickly. The Violet Hour was on par with the highly touted Anvil in Houston.

This is definitely one of the coolest bars I've ever been to. It's won tons if awards and could be intimidating. However, we found the staff to be fantastic, very enthusiastic about their "craft" and helped us pick the best drinks to match our taste. James was great and our other server sat with us for a minute listening to a story being told at our table. While the drinks are usually $10-$15 each there's a good amount of alcohol in each and super tasty. We had a blast and we will be back.

Love stopping by here for the best Old fasioned and Dark and Stormy on the planet. They custom make their ice cubes which is pretty cool. They use top shelf liquor in mixers. Spendy, but worth the experience for something different.

Wow! This is the first place I feel great about giving 5 STARS too! The discrete entrance sets the tone for a great night and you enter the main room with high backed chairs and set out so intimate nooks are created everywhere. The bar is low lighted so nothing glaring is apparent. Everyone looks good here that is for sure- even before consumption as well. Cocktail list was great- I had the Back-Up PLan followed up with an off-piste selection of the Paloma that they made graciously. Great points of attitude and very well educated staff- everyone knows there stuff here. This experience is worth the investment of discovering it and attending.

I want to say this place was terrible so it doesn't get crowded, but I can't. We didn't eat, so I can't comment on the food, but as a cocktail bar this place was on point. Fantastic original selections and really solid interpretation of the classics in a very well executed atmosphere. Read the cocktail menu and if you don't find something to your taste ask the bartender for something custom. You will be happy. Just don't tell anybody.

This was my first speak easy bar in Chicago! My friends took me there for a girls night out and we enjoyed 300% for sure. Cocktails were expensive but I guess I paid for their atmosphere and reputation.

We were told about this place and decided to check it out. We had the location down, but couldn't find the door. Solution: look for the random line of people lined up against a wooden wall, painted with a mural. The mural changes, and the door is camoflaged. Just look for the line of people. Go early. Make this the first stop in your evening adventure. Show up with all of your party present. If you're missing one person, adjust the number in your party, and hope you can fit one more at the table assigned. Superb cocktails, and the food wasn't bad either. Worth the effort.

We went here with some friends from the area loved every second. The ambiance is great, and the cocktails are even better. Come early or be prepared to wait. I would go back in a heartbeat!

Wife and I met another couple. I am older and hate waiting outside a bar. After the 20 minute wait, everything got better. The most impressive thing about the place is their drink selection and knowledgable staff. At $12 a drink they better be good or interesting. They were and besides the wait, this place was pretty good.

Our party of five enjoyed visiting and trying new cocktails. It's a nice "chill" spot that encourages low key atmosphere.

My favorite cocktail bar while living in Chicago. Tried many cocktails, all very well made. The atmosphere is relaxing. Professional bartenders. Definitely sit by the bar.

You would never know it's there because the external façade is a wooden barricade that has been covered by (rotating) graffiti.  Once inside, you walk up a nondescript hallway and into what can only be likened as a swank speakeasy.  No cell phones are allowed (as it says on the menu card but I had to get one pic of our drinks), and you can only be seated once seats are available for your entire party.  The music is hauntingly beautiful, giving you a complete experience of being swept into another era, or even world.  As for the cocktails, they have a great program that will surprise and delight even the biggest cocktail connoisseur. I've been twice and both times, it has not disappointed me.

I heard people talk about the lines and call the place pretentious. I didn’t think so. The wait depends on the size of your party and what’s available inside. People waiting and inside we’re dressed very casual, I even saw someone in shorts. It was dark and intimate inside. We had a great waitress. I told her what I liked and she brought mana drink that was good, but not on the menu. The drinks were good. They have areas for two with high back narrow chairs and a small table in between. My husband is tall with broad shoulders and the chairs were very uncomfortable for him. We’ll go back, but will opt to sit at the bar, or find a couple and sit at a larger booth.

Had a great time at the Violet Hour. Probably not cool enough for the place, but the waiter was very nice and helpful. We didn't have to wait at all as it was a Sunday and they were not busy. I enjoyed all the drinks and snacks we ordered. My friend was less than impressed with her first drink and they made her a totally new one. Pricey, but it would be more of a special night out rather than your normal neighborhood bar.

You have to try this out, but note that it is not easy to locate (is a speakeasy type Cocktail Place). There are waits outside on busy nights to get in. It is seating only and very fun and intimate. I can't say enough good things about the staff and the cocktails. Very unique and worth the price and the wait.

Went for drinks before dinner based on a recommendation from a trustworthy source and it didn’t disappoint. Make sure you have a reservation especially on busy nights. Very nondescript from the outside. We actually had to ask where it was and we’re directed across the street. Very formal check-in process with a hostess and someone checking IDs. There are tables of 2 on the main seating area in high backed comfortable chairs. They are set so that you some privacy from other tables. There were 4 person booths against the wall and some high tables along another wall. We were seated and started looking for the extensive menu with multiple different categories. I could have taken another 10 minutes for a more detailed review. I definitely wanted a cocktail but then I found the bourbon section of the menu. Wow! Impressive list and even more impressive prices. Behind reasonable. If I could I’d keep going back to try a bourbon a day. A lot a stuff you’d rarely find anyway especially at these prices. I went with the Weller full proof which was a TVH barrel pick which was additionally impressive. The server asked 1 finger or 2. I asked what the menu price was for. I honestly was expecting to hear that a 1 oz pour was the listed $24. Pleasantly surprised that a 2oz pour of WFP, and a barrel pick was $24. Wow! The bourbon was fantastic. I had a cocktail that was a hybrid of a Naked and Famous, and a Paper Plane. Mezcal was the main spirit. It was perfectly balanced. A little smoke from the mezcal, acid from the citrus, a touch a sweetness, a touch of bitterness just a perfectly balanced cocktail. Our server was polite and knowledgeable and checked in on us when needed. For the first hour I think it was all 80s music playing. Really really enjoyed the experience and will definitely be back and will spread the word.

This is a super cool place to go for cocktails, you enter through a door in a wall. The doorman then checks ID (don't try and get drinks anywhere in the US without photo ID) then he takes you to the desk where they sort out a table or places at the bar. We were lucky- we went early so there was no queue. The staff are all very friendly in a cool sort of way and knowledgeable about their cocktails. The ambience is great- totally like the Speakeasy they are trying to be. The lighting is sooooooo low though- it is almost too difficult to see the drinks menu. We didn't eat here, but they did do snacks. For an amazing experience and venue, the $13 per drink is really worth it. The only thing that was disappointing was the toilets- nothing special, which is a real pity as there is such attention to detail with every other aspect of the venue, these are just plain. They do have the house rules (strict!) but apart from that, nothing! Everyone knows that toilets form part of the experience on a night out, especially for girls!

We live nearby and always take out of town guests here for cocktails. It’s one of those special places that has the perfect combination of a cool, hip ambiance, great service and a wonderful cocktail list. The atmosphere is dark and swanky with a fun vibe. And if you don’t live nearby, it’s a great opportunity to have drinks and then walk around and experience the fun, buzzing neighborhood around the bar called Wicker Park.

Quick visit whilst in Chicago! Amazing Place to be, very busy but cocktails are delightful! Velvet curtains everywhere and the girls behind the bar that served us was unbelievable to watch making mixed drinks! Absolutely will return next time in the Windy City!

Beware of the young lad with a bad beard pretending to be important because he had an apron on. A rude, aggressive, discourteous no mark who mishandled a situation so bad that it was laughable. We left, and no one we know will be going back. Avoid Violet Hour, which has his head up it's **** when there are so many good places in the area.

Make sure you have the address or you will never find it!!! Fun place for drinks and VERY light and small sides.The place gets packed so I advise to get there at 6p if you want a spot right away. Pretty pricey for drinks and appetizers but one time it was fun and I enjoyed. $200 for 10 drinks and three sides. If you stop ordering drinks they come with you check inside of 20 minutes.

Did I mention that this place is fabulous? The drinks are boozy and the atmosphere is lovely and feels very private even in a full house. We sat at an intimate table with tall high back very comfortable chairs that lend to the intimate atmosphere. Great for a date night or happy hour at the bar. The entry is discreet and you would not notice it if you do not know what you are looking for. This is a great time. The food is worth trying too! We loved the truffle fries and the warm crab dip! Delicious!

We ended our evening in Wicker Park at the Violet Hour and we were so glad we did. Annika the bartender was so sweet- knew so much about the different cocktails and made for great company as well. Highly recommend this bar/lounge.

7 of us enjoyed our time here sampling a variety of drinks. A couple of us like bourbon and were able to try a few different offerings, but they were surprisingly out of a several selections listed on the menu forcing us to jump to 2nd or even 3rd choice options. I would have thought a place specializing in alcohol they'd ensure options listed on the menu were available. The mixed drinks were good, and they had some interesting ingredient combinations. The atmosphere was quiet and comfortable. I appreciated their attempts at limiting it turning into an Instagram stop full of people taking photos of their parties/drinks. Sometimes it's nice just to have a quiet drink with friends talking....

We had to wait about 35 minutes to get in but its a nice relaxing atmosphere. Sat at the bar, got great service. Bartender made signature cocktails that were great with our appetizers.

We first visited this bar last summer and so we took our cousins this year when we returned. We loved their signature cocktails. I love a good glass of wine or beer, however when you go to Violet Hour, be sure to try their cocktails. This place is set up like a speakeasy but it is still easy to find. The ambience is nice. The seating makes each table feel private. I hope to return each time we are in Chicago. I didn't try anything from the bar menu but they do have a nice small selection of snacks.

Cute place surrounded by a bunch of other bars/restaurants. A bit hard to find (so signage) but you'll be sure to see a line at the door. Try to get there when just before they open to avoid a wait! We went before a dinner that we had planned so we had a few cocktails and snacks which were all fantastic. The atmosphere is great- dark, quiet, and each little table was somewhat private. It's a great "date night" place- my husband and I enjoyed it!

I've been here a few times, and the ambiance and drink selection never fail to disappoint Designed to remind patrons of a prohibition era speak easy, where obscure drinks contain hard liquor and an appropriate blend of complimenting flavors. The one (MAJOR) downside was that the doorman, well aware of how trendy the Violet Hour is, allowed scantily clad women entry (undoubtedly in exchange for phone numbers) ahead of many visitors waiting in line for upwards of 45 minutes. Even as people left the bar an equal number were not allowed to enter. After over an hour of waiting, our party of four was let in, and the bar was half empty. It seemed as if it were done intentionally to draw attention to itself or give an appearance of exclusivity, or maybe the doorman was just the owners buddy on a power trip. This definitely ruined the experience. In spite of the excellent drinks, and swanky atmosphere, I'm not sure if I'll come back.

no windows gives it a mystery but mixologist are good with their drinks. a hidden gem in wicker park. there are no signs so ask the locals.

This was my second visit and was very pleased as last time. It was a Friday night with a line to get in, but the door person is very efficient at getting people in as seats open. I did not personally mind waiting as I knew to expect it, as with many popular establishments in this city. What sets this place apart from a typical bar is the atmosphere and cocktail selection. As others said, it's dimly lit but kind of mysterious when you go in. You feel like it's some sort of top secret bar for VIPs, like the speak easy of old. The bartenders interact with everyone and the craftsmanship of the cocktails is not to be matched. Also I would say the potency is out of this world. I actually woke up dizzy the next morning just from having two of them (on a full stomach and with lots of water I might add). The bar seems to have a lot of couples and groups. If you are alone, it's OK to play on your phone but DO NOT talk on it while there. That is a major faux paux and I love this rule. So be prepared, you might have to actually interact with others! As an additional note, I really enjoyed going to a bar for once that did not have screaming millennials who think it's OK to be disruptive after having one drink. People here know how to behave and that is rare these days.

Our second visit while in Chicago and it did not disappoint. Amazing creative cocktails, wonderful setting, fabulous informed server...... what can I say. If you prefer “different” places to hang out, this is super fun and exotic. If you can sit at the bar, do so and watch the scientists prepare your drink. Totally enhances your experience at this place. Prepare to wait in a line to enter. Part of the “experience”. We got there at6pm when they open (20f temps) and there was already a line. Don’t worry. Dress warm, there is space to hang up your coat etc free of charge. We will be back!

We got right in late on a Sunday night and enjoyed a couple of creative cocktails. The service was amazing and attentive. The atmosphere was cool: dark and private. Loved the outdoor mural.

Love the vibe and the ambiance. I hoped for a bit more 20's feel, maybe live jazz or "flappers". I mean, it's Chicago after all, and they kinda led the underground speakeasies (thanks Al). I enjoyed our bartender and the very relaxed "cool" feel inside. I would recommend it for a date or for friends to hang out. It's easy to hear each other and comfortable. Different than any other bar I've ever visited. I saw a lot of people dressed up, and thought that was a very cool thing about it. I miss when people dressed classy for a nice evening out. The outside entrance is wonderful and I wouldn't change a thing in regard to that. Food was pleasant and drinks were superb. I've also never had any drinks like the one's we ordered. Very impressed.

Not surprisingly for a speakeasy, I almost walked right by this place! Luckily, my savvy husband knew it was there. This place is just great. We went early on in the evening, around 6 p.m. on a Friday and waited about 10-15 minutes, I was prepared to wait longer though, so that was very nice. I will say when we left around 8 or 9, there was a line out the door. The host staff were very nice and friendly and we were seated at the bar. If you are interested in cocktails, being at the bar is very cool! The bartender working near us was very nice and answered questions and was so fun to watch! The cocktails are incredibly well-crafted and I liked each one I tried! The food was also quite delicious. I highly recommend this place and I will be back!

Our last night in town, we stopped by to get one last drink at the Violet Hour. Through a few curtains, we were seated by a host and had a choice of a table or bar. After we were seated, we were offered a cocktail menu, small bites menu and a book of their liquors. The wait staff was really knowledgeable and helped us with ordering. I had their version of an old fashion and it was amazing. The fiancé had a martini-like drink from the cocktail menu too and it was equally delicious. We also ordered the fries, the fried pickles and sliders, and it was all well done. I want to give this place five stars but there is a pretense that I just couldn’t put my finger on. It may have been the hidden door to enter the place, or the unfriendly people in line waiting to get in. I definitely need to return and see if things are different. If you are in the neighborhood and you are looking for a well-crafted adult beverage, this is the place to go. I’m guessing it’s super packed on the weekend so I’d come during the weekday.

Swanky speakeasy with small plates and unique drinks. The staff was accommodating and friendly. I went with about 20 sorority sisters. They provided a cozy space with a fireplace! GOOD EATS AND DRINKS! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

This place is a bit hard to find and to get to because of the door being painted in to a mural on the wall. The wait can be crazy so get there early, but it is totally worth it. It feels very secret society when you get in and the drinks and wait staff are beyond amazing!

I have never looked gin but was surprised to find after our bartender made my drink just how great gin was!! Great quality...They know what they're doing here

The only problem with starting off you evening here is that you just don't want to leave! We ended up skipping our dinner reservation, although this place is not ideal for a true meal as the food is really just some tasty snacks that are not meant to over shadow the reason to come here, which are the interesting cocktails. Next time we'll have dinner first. The cocktail menu is huge and inventive and drinks are served in vintage drinkware. One of our favorites was the citrus and lavender All Day Dreaming. Service is knowledgable and even came over to point out when the bartender was lighting one of our drinks on fire, which was really fun to watch. The music play list set the tone and was perfect. I didn't recognize any of it but it was awesome as an upbeat background music that had as much personality as the rest of this place. The speakeasy decor has a vintage fee, but in a young hip way with an old white bar that stand outs in the very dimly lit room. The seat groupings are made to feel very cozy and private with high backed chairs providing screening from adjacent guests. Even these high backed chairs are not your gramma's chairs and have a glam look to them. The seating areas are small and perfect for 2 but can be made bigger by moving around the cube side tables and benches to accomodate groups of 4-5. Bigger groups would probably do better to hang out near the bar as it was more open. We loved our evening here. It's a great date spot to enjoy good conversation over some fabulous cocktails. This place is just plain cool.

Very creative and tasty drinks and a nice atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit! Very accommodating servers as well, can only recommend the Violet Hour.

Outstanding, original, unique cocktails for the connesouir. If you just like a gin/tonic or rum/coke... go elsewhere. Frequently long waits that weed out the weary. Great service/atmosphere.

While the line may be annoying, it's well worth standing outside for a little bit for the experience inside. The atmosphere is intimate and sophisticated. We've always had great service, and this is a must see if you are interested in the Chicago cocktail scene.

Everything about this experience places it outside the norm of the typical visit to a cocktail venue. Yes, it is as unassuming as you might expect a former warehouse to look on the outside. Yes, you will find a line . . . usually not too long. You will be greeted and 'vetted' for ID prior to entering. It's fair to say the entrance continues the ersatz air of mystery but the reward is the unique atmosphere and the intriguing layout and design. That is just the prelude . . . wait until you see the drinks. They would compete favorably with anything from "Employees Only" in New York. I am not the typical patron . . . my kids, who reside in Wicker Park, introduced me but the hosts and servers were as inviting and welcoming to me as to the younger demographic who accompanied us. Two rounds of drinks for the six of us, two appetizers took us over $150 but it was worth it. Enjoyed every minute. Would love to be there tonight. Sigh . . .

The Violet Hour is a great place. The cocktails are of the highest level and the atmosphere it great. The have some 'House Rules' that help to keep away types that aren't into this kind of establishment. Basically they don't want you on your cell phone or in general to act inappropriately. The seating is controlled so if there's four people in your party you get a table with four chairs, no standing/wondering around like it's a meat market. There's a few more things and I know this might seem constrictive but in reality it keeps the Violet Hour and it's customers focused on the experience of drinking some of the best cocktails you'll have anywhere. Recommended!

Violet Hour lives up to her reputation! Do sit at the bar and watch the performance. The bartender shakes one drink with one hand while she stirs another drink with the other. I loved my shaken rum drink "That Awkward Moment". It was a bit spicy with warm undertones. Went back another night for their "Old Fashioned." This drink's huge slice of lemon rind adhering to the glass added the lemon scent to the experience. Drink at the Violet Hour slowly and savor! Treat your taste buds! So civilized. Great low-key music and ambiance. Perfect for conversation! We went on a Thursday and a Sunday. We couldn't get into waiting on lines on Friday and Saturday nights.

I truly don't even know where to begin. This place is so upscale, and fun. It was referred to me that I stop in and I'm so glad I did. I love that it's kinda a secret and if you aren't specifically looking for it you'll totally miss it. What it looks like on the outside is a total misconception of what is to come. I was floored when I seen the inside and literally felt so blessed to be there. I love the vibe of this place. The food and drinks were both awesome. I tried the cheeseburger sliders, the deviled eggs and the the chicken wing terrine. All of which were impeccable. As for drinks, I had both the angry whisper & the never odd or even. The bartenders are pretty generous with the alcohol so needless to say, I was content. Lastly, the employees were very friendly and nice. I read a sign in the bathroom that said something along the lines of " don't bring someone here you wouldn't take to your moms for Sunday dinner." So funny; but yes please don't bring someone here that will kill the vibe !! Can't wait to return.

Great cocktail bar. Warm and friendly serving perfectly made classics with a twist. We will definitely be back on our next trip. They were even accommodating with our one year old in tow!

I met up a friend here with my wife on a weekday evening, the area is quite convenient, location close to public transit and many bars and restaurants around the area. The place itself is nice; though I have heard lines can be long, we were not waiting for long before being seats. The bartender/staff are very accommodating - my wife was cold (we were visiting Hong Kong so Chicago is a bit colder than we were used to) and couldnt enjoy her cocktail, and they were happy to provide her just some warm water and tea, and didn't charge for her drink. I am very grateful that they were willing to do that for us! (I will bring her back though, as the drinks were great) The menu is full of good options, so I would recommend asking for something that fits your palate or just ask for a suggestion from the server. I had 3 drinks there, (whiskey, whiskey and gin based) and enjoyed each one of them. Great place to chat as well, as the space is not tight (but well segmented by floor to ceiling curtains which still create a small cozy atmosphere) so you don't feel too crowded by other groups. Cocktails are $13, probably on the pricey end for the area, but in Hong Kong any of these cocktails in a place with that ambiance would be 50-70% more easily. Would highly recommend!

Just my opinion here, but the place and staff need to relax a bit. Very serious about what they do. Don't wear hats, turn your cell phones off, very dark inside, holding area before you can enter, etc.. I get it to some extent. Maybe 15 years ago before every decent restaurant in the city was making "craft" cocktails this place would have been incredible, but now it seems worn out. That being said it's still interesting. If you're looking for a secret, speak-easy uppity place to enjoy a (really good) cocktail then this is the place for you. I wasn't impressed with the little appetizer we had (bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed dates). Good, not great. Tough for that not to be good. The service is excellent. The staff knows what they are talking about when it comes to cocktails.

this mixology bar did not disappoint when it came to the cocktails....they tasted very good and i really enjoyed it. the food was ok as mostly appetizers. Service was excellent and decor was fab. definitely a bar i will go back too.

We met some new friends and spent a fantastic few hours at this hidden gem in Wicker Park. The cocktails are amazing, they had Nick Cave on the sound system and they served some great nibbles (pulled pork sliders anyone?!). Proper cocktails, proper atmosphere - the real deal.

I'm a small town fella that does it up with my Chi-town boys when I'm in town. This particular bar was unique in a few ways, all of which are appreciated and will get your attention. The first is that I could never have found this place without my friends, they opened a door in a wall that appeared to me to be a construction site but lo and behold I walked into a bar. I imagine this typifies the speak easy experience. Secondly, they have a sort of code of conduct that is printed up and given out by request. I noticed this code when I was in the bathroom and because alcohol makes me all forgetty I'll just say that it boils down to 'everyone, just be cool and no cell phones.' Third, you can order cocktails off the menu but if you are truly a hipster in search of the most rarest of scotches, you'll find them here. You'll pay mightily for everything, so keep it to one great cocktail, and enjoy the incredibly cool atmosphere, but it is very dark like another review mentioned. The negative is that on weekend nights be prepared to wait outside to get in, but since that is just a feature of having a cool joint I can't ding them on being too popular.

Delicious drinks, thoughtfully composed-- some subtle, some strong, and all intriguing. Elegant ambiance; great for conversation. The food is excellent, too. Violet Hour is really a lovely choice if you want an intimate night out in the city.

they have quick service and excellent drinks at this location. I had a great Romeo & Juliet as well. You want to make a stop here to get Great drinks!!!!

I have been coming here ever since it has been open. Never a bad choice. Chicago's best cocktail bar by far! Don't know what to order? A safe bet is always their Old-Fashioned.

We visited this place a Monday night. It was very crowded. Drinks are very good and service is excellent. We ordered some appetizers and were very good as well. Very recommended.

I really enjoyed my visit to the Violet Hour. The place was recommended to me by the concierge at the Radisson Blu Aqua as a place to get a "good old fashioned cocktail." He also recommended arriving early. The bar itself is literally just a few steps away from the El - very convenient, though it sits disguised (or at least unmarked) in plain sight. I arrived early, and sat at the bar. The interior is dim - little more than candlelight allows you to peruse the drinks menu, which is divided logically into classic cocktails. For many drinks, they make their own bitters. The variety is very good, and if there is something that you want that is not on the menu, they are game to make it for you. The "Old Fashioned" is served with a single, ice-ball carved by hand out of the blocks of ice delivered to the bar daily. Don't go here if you want a "shot and a beer" - or wine. This is a mixology bar, and mixed drinks are their specialty. The food looked great, but I didn't sample any on this trip. Maybe next time.

We headed over to the Violet Hour after starting at Big Star across the street two hours prior... we had to ask the guy on the gate where it was..... its just a door on a building and apparently the mural on the wall changes all the time. Walk in and greeted by a guy in a suit who asks what our pleasure would be..... drinks at the bar thanks. We are escorted through to a rear room through curtains and couches and long tables. Our bar tender Aubrey was awesome, she knew her stuff about bourbons and cocktails. Very good bourbon selection here and we tried a few different things we hadn't tried before. Definitely recommend..... if you can find it ;)

This is a fun concept, and we enjoyed the intrigue of finding this hidden gem. Once inside, the cocktails and nibbles were appropriately interesting, and the service was just the right amount of attentive.

Excellent cocktails and ambiance. Just do it. And don't choose a drink, let the bartender (pardon me, the mixologist) do it for you.

Chicago,a city rise in prohibition history, has many modern day speakeasies all over the city. I visited a few during my recent trip there but none impressed me like The Violet Hour. The speakeasy is not identifiable from the street. You simply have an address. Then you have to decide if your going to open the big iron door that might or might not be The Violet Hour ....until you take the chance you just don't know. Once you open the door you are greeted by security. They hold you in a waiting room while they disappear behind huge curtains and see if there is space for your party. If there is room for you you will be ushered past the curtains into a dark room playing low groovy music with a beautiful bar on one end of the room. Once seated you will be presented with the cocktail and for menu. All the drinks are hand crafted works of art. I had three as did my wife, all different cocktails. They were all incredible and all cocktails are only 13 dollars. Compared to other bars, restaurants and speakeasies this is very reasonable. If your looking for a supper chill place to relax, have some good food and truly unique craft cocktails search out The Violet Hour. Its an experience you won't soon forget.

I went to violet hour to experience a speakeasy and although it’s cool and the cocktails were good my conclusion is it’s nothing really different from a cocktail bar , without the need for travelling or queuing !

You can actually feel the love in their beautiful cocktails! Thank you for the wonderful drinks. And the sublime atmosphere.

Very interesting bar. Intimate decor. Great tasting and unique cocktails. Violet's is a very fun and special experience. We will go back.

The Violet Hour is an amazing cocktail bar, one of the best in the country. They make classic cocktails with skill and high-quality ingredients. The secret entrance is a bit hard to find at first, but it's worth it!

It is always fun when you are not entirely sure what to expect from a place that has no indication of where the entry door is, and once in the door it is a non-descriptive waiting area. This bar is located directly across from the popular Big Star restaurant right by the Damen CTA blue-line. The outside facade changes all the time and is usually just a mural. The entrance is directly under the single hanging outside light. The bartenders clearly love what they do, and it is demonstrated in their crafty cocktail menu and artistic presentations of drinks. Try to score a seat at the bar so you can watch them work.

We were lucky enough to get an early reservation at the Violet Hour and made to feel like a VIP from the get-go. Their relaxed, subdued, welcoming vibe, the interesting drink selections was all part of the experience. These bartenders seem to love their jobs. Making, talking, considering - everything about mixology seems to bring them happiness. Also, they are very willing to take suggestions - I was able to explain what I like in a gin and had a drink made for me. Later I asked the bartender what a certain menu drink would taste like if the main alcohol was replaced with another. Poof! Within a couple of minutes, it was on the bar in front of me - and it was delicious! Cool place for after-work, a date or a late night-cap.

The Violet Hour is one swanky place! They make some killer cocktails! They are true scientists behind the bar. If you are going to serve killer cocktails, you will also need something to snack on! The Violet Hour has this nailed too! If you are visiting Chicago, and want to go where locals go, and the furthest thing from a chain, The Violet Hour is the place for you!!

Once you find this no-signage place, you enter into a different world for drinking. The drinks are pricey, but I know of no other place that has the most educated and creative bartenders in Chicago. Sure, you say,....but it's true!, and I DO love my drink! Of course, I understand that there are many wonderful bartenders in Chicago, I know some to be sure, but few raise the artistic and creative level of drink making to such sensory driven heights. I love this place!!!!!

Such a cool experience, haven't been there in a while but it's one of those places you can't forget about it. Great cocktails and atmosphere.

This place is a literal hole in the wall. There's no sign on the door, and the door itself is camouflaged into the wall mural. It's not a secret in the sense that you need to know passwords or anything like that, but you do need to know where you are going. The drinks were a bit expensive, but they were very high quality. They are also very strong, so most people wouldn't need more than one or two to last the evening. No cell phones are allowed, so there's no glaring lights in the gloom, or chatter of people on phones. The atmosphere is very relaxed, but refined. It's not the sort of place for rowdy drunks, but is great for hanging out with a few friends over drinks, and actually hearing each other talk.

We were early, so could get a table for 6 without much of a fuss. Was very quickly filled up with guests soon and eventhough stiffly priced, I found the place to be relaxing where music is not blaring and will allow you to enjoy a drink with happy conversations.

Thoroughly enjoyed this place. The atmosphere is perfect, the drinks are delicious, but the service is what will bring me back next time I'm in town. Samatha was absolutely the best. Personable and knowledgeable and even got with the bartender to help create a special drink just for me. The drinks on the menu looked divine, but I was really in the mood for something specific for the first round and she made it happen. Thanks again, Sam! Your service and attitude made my night.

Very interesting cocktails. This place is VERY swanky. The bartenders are hilarious and it is very entertaining to watch them mix drinks. Going to this place will make you feel very cool.

We just stopped in for on cocktail but it was super fun. Would definitely recommend it! We had a great time.

We stopped by for some drinks and were not disappointed. We did not wait in a line and, in fact, were two of only four people there when we went, but to be fair, we went on a Monday at around 6pm. We had several drinks, all very amazing, but for my money, the Ma La Colada was the best thing I imbibed. We did not have any food, so I cannot speak to that, but it's definitely worth it for the drinks. Very nice atmosphere - old school and classy but we didn't feel out of place in our rather casual clothes. Staff was very friendly and the mixologist working in the part of the bar we sat at was helpful and knowledgeable. Check this place out - the drinks alone make it worth it. It lives up to the hype!

Don't get me wrong. The drinks were good. The snacks were good. The mural on the front of the building was good. But I think this place takes itself way too seriously. It was worth one visit. I wouldn't go back.

Really liked Violet Hour. I could have really done without the attitude from the doorman who was less than friendly on a Sunday evening when the place was half empty and there wasn't a lot of demand to weed through a long line but once I got over that the rest of the experience was really really good. Our waiter was incredibly knowledgable and the three rounds of drinks that we enjoyed were all excellent. Great drinks, great atmosphere, and reasonable prices (by Chicago standards anyway) made for a very nice Sunday evening.

Whenever I come to this city, I try not to visit the same place twice in an effort to try as much as I can. There are two exceptions, though, and this is one of them (the other is Sabri Nahari, the ideal Pakistani place to get brain masala, so clearly that review is not related to this one). Every time I come to Chicago, I have to come here because it just might be my favorite bar in America. The space is beautiful--I'm in that camp that believes places made for adults should be dark and illuminated with only candlelight, not 18 different TVs showing ESPN (and that's coming from a guy who is more than willing to get up at 3am to watch the Australian Open). Now the drinks (I think they have small plates here, but that's not the reason to come). All drinks are $13, no tax, which is a fair price considering that even cities like Columbus, OH, are pricing good cocktails at that price or above (BTW, check out Curio in German Village if ever in that city). Perfectly made, a good amount, well presented and a diverse menu. There isn't really anything else to ask for, is there? Since it's a popular place in the city's trendiest neighborhood (which may shock tourists who set up camp on Michigan Ave.), there will always be a line to get, but the doorman actually keeps it moving, which leads to the weirdest thing about this place--how friendly the staff is. About three or four people, not even assigned to your section, will ask if you need anything. By the way, my cryptic review title is an indication of where this bar got its name from (a line from the poem). If you recite this fact to the doorman, he/she may let you skip the line...in a perfect world perhaps...

Went there yesterday for a night cap with friends, and while I was still happy to be partying I wasn't ready for more alcohol. Not to worry, the Violet Hour has an extensive, interesting list of real non alcoholic cocktails, what a great find!

My wife and I had been wanting to visit The Violet Hour for many years but had never made it there until this past week when visiting family in Chicago. We loved it! After lining up just before the door opened at 6:00pm, we were seated in candlelight in two comfy chairs facing each other along with others nearby us. The cocktail menu and food menu is very extensive, and the two drinks we ordered were fantastic! Our server was very friendly and took great care of us. I'd highly recommend if in the area - we'd definitely go again. What a great place to relax and enjoy a drink!

If you're looking for a dimly lit speak easy, this would be our place. The door is unmarked but easy to spot, and the inside is perfect for a date. I would recommend sitting at the bar if you want background story to some of the drinks and if you are unsure what to get.

My husband and I visited The Violet Hour as part of a "secret bar tour." We actually walked right by it to meet our host and never would have known it was there. The door is painted the same color as the wall (which is repainted weekly by a new artist) and is lit by a single lamp. There is no sign. The lighting is dim as soon as you walk in and you have to walk through thick curtains to get to the main area, which is lit by candles and chandeliers. The unique high back seating is elegant and comfortable. I loved the speakeasy feel of the whole place. The cocktails were delicious. I wish we could have spent more time here. We will definitely be back on our next visit to Chicago.

Loved the speak easy vibe, finding the entrance was the first challenge. The decor and feel of the bar was perfect. Cocktails were delicious. A really great date place and a lovely start to the evening.

Yes we had to wait 20/25 minutes to get in on a Saturday night but it was very well handled and totally worth it!!!! Uber driver was perplexed when we gave him the address, and that gave us a giggle and we told home just drop us off here and we will find the bar....... Inside is exquisite. We opted to sit at the bar and watched the professionals craft our cocktails which were absolutely the best we tasted in a weekend downtown Chicago. The bar staff are super friendly and just amazing to watch do their thing. After our first, we asked for a table and got to enjoy that experience. Staff are all absolutely professional and A+ Service was the best and product outstanding. Definitely a gem of a place and would love to visit again. 4 first class cocktail and too die for amazing dates wrapped in bacon appetizer $66. Not cheap, but worth every penny.

As some of the other reviews have mentioned, this is a throwback kind of place. The kind of place that makes you feel like you're doing something a little bit risky, a little bit naughty, but mostly just a little bit awesome. You gotta' be paying attention, or you'll miss it. Once you get in, though, it's something of an experience. The lighting is low, the vibe is chill, and the drinks are what drinks should be - hand crafted, delicious, and stiff. The kind of drinks that you're not really sure if you need another, but you need another just to be sure. Enjoy the experience.

Yes, you'll stand in line, even though you may not be sure you're even in the right place, being as how there's no signage whatsoever, it's worth it. Once inside you'll mingle with hipsters of all ages and enjoy great and innovative cocktails. We had the fried pickle appetizer and it was delicious. Can't wait to go back.

The menu is extensive, delicious, and strong. It’s a little hard to find—the door is embedded in a mural—but well worth the search.

Had a lovely evening here, great cocktails, friendly helpful staff, easy taxi ride there and back from the city. Lovely ambience and seating.

Exceeded my expectations! Loved it. From the front entrance to their dim (almost pitch black) ambience inside. The drinks were to die for. The staff was awesome. And the music was amazing. A must when looking for a sexy, date night spot.

I am definitely a fan of The Violet Hour! The line moves fairly quickly, so don't be discouraged if there is one. Without the line, this speakeasy is pretty inconspicuous. The interior is dim and intimate with all the rooms being separated by floor to ceiling, velvet curtains. All of the tables are lit only by candlelight, which gives this place that very intimate feel. I didn't feel any sense of pretentiousness that others have noted. The cocktails are perfectly crafted by their mixologists. I sat at the bar once and was blown away by the attention to detail that was put into each drink. Even the presentation is impressive. My personal fave (being the gin drinker that I am) is the Juliet & Romeo, but every bourbon and rye drink I tried were equally as delicious. I'm honestly I fan of anything they make with egg whites! They even made a special Sriracha drink for our table when we asked for something spicy, which may be my new go to drink there. It's definitely on the pricier side, but you're paying for great mixologists and a unique atmosphere. Don't stay all night, but instead start off here with some great drinks and then move on.

It's supposed to have "mixology" drinks, but for the price ($12-15) it wasn't anything special. The fries were good though. I've been to other places that have "mixology" drinks and this place doesn't compare. Also, we waited an hour and a half!! Since we were just visiting Chicago, we waited, otherwise, we would have left. We did have a party of 5 and it seemed smaller party sizes were getting in much quicker.

The Violet Hour is brilliant! First and foremost, they do not take reservations. The entrance is quite discreet and the street-facing artwork/facade changes frequently. More often than not there's always a long line winding down North Avenue in the evening and on weekends. Once inside, you'll find the "House Rules" in the front hallway. Long story short: No cell phones, proper attire required, no reservations, no baseball hats, no Budweiser, no Cosmopolitans, etc.... Love it! When finally welcomed into the main house, you'll immediately feel a very warm, elegant, and dark ambiance. Drinks are all $13 bucks. Excellent service and always a packed house. A Wicker Park must!

My wife and I travel a lot and really enjoy good food and drinks. We heard about the Violet Hour and decided to try it on a recent trip to Chicago... It did not disappoint! It was Saturday night and we waited outside, but it was only about 10 minutes. Once inside we were really impressed with the atmosphere. Their website says that it's a quiet place to enjoy good cocktails. It was exactly that, one of the coolest bars/restaurants we have been to anywhere. It was busy so we only could get a seat at the bar. We originally wanted a table but the bar seats were the best thing we could have asked for. We got to see first hand all the cocktails being made and witness the magic! The other benefit was being able to interact with the bartenders. These guys/gals are the real deal. They are not just pouring drinks but are artists. My wife is strictly a wine person and doesn't drink liquor but figured when in Rome... We told our bartender (Andrew) and he created a cocktail that wasn't on the menu that my wife actually loved! We can't give enough compliments to Andrew. Even though he was extremely busy, he answered all of our questions and helped us truly understand the cocktails he was creating. We also ordered some snacks. The highlight was the bacon wrapped dates, but everything was good.... Overall an incredible experience, which was all due to have extremely talented bartenders. A must visit when in Chicago!

We heard a lot about this "secret" bar, so we decided to try it out. I'm glad we got a spot at the bar, because watching the bartenders make the drinks was really fun. I don't think I would have enjoyed The Violet Hour as much if I were sitting at one of the tables. I don't know if The Violet Hour is worth the hype, but it was fun to check out.

Visited a local friend, she swore we wouldn't get into this place without an hour wait. Apparently it's super exclusive & low key. We wait 5min as we're pulled to the front of the line, call it luck. We were seated in these beautiful oversized chairs with a cube table. Very hip atmosphere, I enjoyed the music selection for the night which was 2003 Gorillaz podcast. My friend said it's different music all the time which is cool, gets you out of the typical bar/club music. Drink menu was exceptional. I was a bartended for a few years & there were ingredients I had literally never heard of. Very unique cocktails, I appreciate that when visiting martini bars or cocktail lounges. Service was good, drinks were good, atmosphere was amazing.

A well-hidden speakeasy bar. We waited 30 minutes outside and 30 minutes inside to get in, as the bouncer won't let you in if there are no more seats. The interior is well-decorated but lacks atmosphere, as each group of customers is separated from others. The cocktails, supposed to be famous, were a total miss. I could not finish mine.

This is am emerging trend - speak-easy's are making a come back in larger cities! This one is located in wicker park and completely unmarked except by its ever changing mural perhaps. the drinks are all totally hand crafted and delicious. the decor is very dark and elegant. nothing else like it in chicago. a must see!

Our guide recommended we go here for drinks. He said it's supposed to resemble a speakeasy from the 20s,so we dressed accordingly. What a cool place. Very chill atmosphere and one of the best manhattans I've ever had. Check this place out. It's in a trendy neighborhood too.

Add this to your Chicago Date night! In the heart of wicker park, this is a great pre-dinner, post dinner for stand alone stop on a fun night out. I am a huge tequila fan, and their tequila cocktails did not disappoint.

Had heard about Violet Hour from others - as far away as San Francisco. Cool and understated were used in descriptions. Dark and loud were more like it. Yes, it's an unmarked location, and I suppose that's to build the mystique, but once you're there you can't come in unless your entire party is there. To be fair - their website does say you will 2 people will not be seated at tables for 4. However, even after our party was present and accounted for - we were made to cool our heels outside along the wall, only to find when we are seated (at the bar) there were clearly open table waiting to be used. This is not a place designed for mixing or mingling. In fact it isn't even a place to be scene. Tables are low to the ground (think coffee tables) with overly high backed chairs that curve around to envelope you so you can only really face the person opposite you. Add to this it's so dark most people around me were using their phones to illuminate their menus. At the bar we were thankfully not enclosed in our stools, but there is hardly any reason to turn around and face the room because there's nothing to see but furniture with legs and knees sticking out. Again too dark to see the drink and food menu which is just down right silly. The drinks were good, and there is definitely a focus on the bartender "crafting" your order if you're into that. Bar food offerings were sparse and pricey - but I suppose you're not there to eat. Worst of all was the pounding, screechy punk rock soundtrack blasting throughout out the lounge. I don't know that it would ever be appropriate, but at 8:30 in the evening - definitely not. If it's the incongruity they were after ... well they hit the mark. Who waits in line to be bombarded with punk in terms of both soundtrack and decor? Clearly I wasn't the demographic they're marketing to... but really who is?

My friend and I met in Chicago to be "tourists"for a week. We had a list of things to do and see. We hit all the standard high spots. What we will remember the most is our evening at The Violet Hour! It had been nominated for top US Bar by James Beard (it won by the way). Just entering is an experience...hidden door, blackout inside with velvet courtains...and then walk into an amazing space with trendy music vibe. So this was all good, but what moves this place to the top is the drink options and the stellar service. I wanted to experiment and ordered something that had sloe gin in it. Our server let us know that if we did not like what we ordered she would take it back. My drink was even too sweet for me...and it was replaced with ease. The bar food was very good as well. Two women provided "hospitality" for us...it felt more like that then staff. One was Andrea and the other gal was top notch too but I forget her name. Trendy, yes, but we are both grandmothers and were treated with the same warmth and welcoming attitude that a young hip patron might want. Wishing this bar and future guests only the best!!!

We went here for pre-dinner cocktails. I bit strange that they make you wait in the hall, but the line moved quickly and we were quickly seated. Once we were seated, took some time to get menus and place our order. Very dark, but overall good atmosphere. Cocktails came, and they were ok. For a place that is focused on cocktails, i wasn't that impressed. They were fine, not extraordinary. Ordered some snacks, which came out quickly. Was so dark it was tricky to eat, and the food was so-so. Overall good place to visit once for a swanky cocktail.

I have traveled to a lot of great cities and visited some very amazing restaurants and bars but the Violet Hour surpassed every expectation that I had. The decor, the quality of service and cocktails could not have been any better. We will definitely be back the next time we are in Chicago....

We did wait an hour to get in but we weren't disappointed. It was warm and the cocktails were fun and interesting. The servers, even though the place was full, were always on top of the drinks making sure u had another if you wanted. They were very friendly. Even though is was full you were not crowded and no one rushed you.

Very cool bar with a speakeasy vibe (not sure if it counts as a speakeasy anymore since everyone knows about it). The interior is very beautiful and fancy. The drinks were great as was the food, we had the bacon wrapped dates and a goat cheese tartine which were both soooo good.

I come here every time I’m in Chicago. It’s not a try hard place, it genuinely wants to maintain the vibe it believes in and has a few house rules that are set in place that make this place special. Cocktails are delicious, and if you don’t want one of the many pages of options, they will make you something unique to your tastes and flavour profile. The way the tables and seats are arranged, you really can feel like you and the people at your table are the only people in the cocktail bar. Great place.

Great spot for a curiously strong drink in a very cool atmosphere. Delicious drinks made with care to suit your tastes and delicious little bites to go with them.

the drinks. they are elegant in taste. it is not a place to just drink and drink and drink. i believe it is a place to try something new and appreciate each sip. 2 cocktails should do it. each cocktail is $13. They do however have straight up various alcoholic beverage too. But honestly you go there for a cocktail.

Great cocktails and sliders- would recommend this quirky bar to everyone. Service great and loved the house rules....