(773) 252-1500
1520 N Damen Ave
Chicago,
IL
60622
41.9088
-87.6774
Neighborhoods: West Side, Wicker Park
Hours:
Sun-Fri 6pm-2am
Sat 6pm-3am
Parking:
Metered
The Violet Hour
Last updated 8.24.09
What People Are Saying About The Violet Hour
The Editor
Fred Schlatter
Citysearch
Prohibition era abounds at this sexy gathering spot, from the non-descript warehouse exterior to the flowing gray curtain partitions that suggest hush and secret--a hidden bar. Modeled after the English club and French salon, high-backed chair and booths convey intimacy, while the mirrored back bars displays an admirable collection of fine liquors. Cocktails are complex, and made from scratch, the emphasis placed on fresh ingredients over mixes. Sipping a concoction called Three Dimes Down, made from Kentucky bourbon and Frutabomba bitters, Mavin Gaye playing sensually in the background, it's…
11/17/09
Excellent place for drinks!
by capuccino1 at Citysearch
My husband and I visited the Violet Hour a couple of months ago and this is a place that if you go solely on outward appearances you'll probably pass up a gem. From the outside it resembles some type of wooden shack. Inside the decor is nice with a mysterious feel to it. Was very impressed with the bartender, who created a fabulous drink for me based off of a poor description of what I thought I liked . Appetizers were tasty, and the music was right on target. Lighting could have been a little brighter but overall the Violet Hour is a very nice place to go and have really really good drinks with friends or a significant other!
- Pros: Bartenders were very creative.
- Cons: Lighting could be just a little brighter
07/04/08
Customer Service NIGHTMARE!!!!
by Lampshade47 at Citysearch
I was at the Violet Hour not too long ago. I was in town visiting my sister and she suggested we go. The website made the place seem mysterious, and the entrance to the bar was no exception. I was impressed upon entering.
Since it was a Friday, there was a wait. Which was fine, so this doorman comes out with a clipboard to take your name, # in your party and a cell #. We were a party of 3- he said the wait was probably 20 minutes. Fine. So there was another party of 3 ahead of us and then one came about 10 minutes after we did. He comes out and gets the group of girls that arrived AFTER us! Which was baffling because they weren't even cute people. They were wearing Gap sweaters frome like 2002. I digress.
One of the people I was with decided to approach the doorman and ask why we were overlooked- apparently she had this issue twice before with the same doorman. He seemed really uneasy that a customer was voicing concern, like he didn't know what to do- so he just apologized. We finally get inside and the person who was voicing concern asked the hostess the manager's name because she wanted to relay her displeasure to them. The hostess said she couldn't give out that information- she wouldn't even give out the phone number. So then my partymate says she will just call the Btr Bus Bur. and ask them the information. The hostess who was about to seat us tells us to hold on. The doorman reappears and says "We have talked about it and suggest you find another bar to go to". This irritated me because I'm from out of town and really wanted to go here. I pull the hostess aside, explain the situation and pretty mch begged her to seat us. So she gives us this big ottoman in the back room. Of course I heard her tell our waitress we were "difficult" and service was the worst I have ever had ANYWHERE.
I just found it odd that if you are voicing displeasure with an establishment, they would kick you out.
Excellent cocktails though.
- Pros: Interesting drinks, sidecars, atmosphere
- Cons: doormen, servers, hostesses
05/16/08
Best drinks in the city
by fashionfromlondon at Citysearch
It's quiet, dark, and intimate. If you want to get a drink with a friend and not be annoyed by loud people AND you want to get the best drink you have ever had, go to Violet Hour. If you are an idiot, do not.
Not great on the wknds, unless you want to stand in a line.
The Details on The Violet Hour
Know Before You Go:
Del Toro's wood-plank facade is now scuffed and plastered with concert bills, no sign or door in site. Sometimes, a well-dressed man stands out front and assists the confused.
On the Menu:
The food menu features small, very savory dishes, like chorizo croquetas and curried Rice Krispy treats.
Look Good:
Before they get all huffy, advise your friends that all cocktails, like the very authentic Hemingway Daiquiri, are $11---priced discreetly at the bottom of the menu---and that they all arrive with a little sidecar carafe for topping off half-way through.
On the Menu:
A seasonal menu that pairs well with the delectable drinks offers noshes such as Thai curry coconut deviled eggs with pineapple lime sauce and proscuitto chips and duck confit with orange walnuts and herbed goat cheese on onion pumpernickel bread.
When to Go:
Contrary to most watering holes, weeknights are hopping. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best times: not too crowded, yet lively enough to escape the weekly grind.
Where to Sit:
Before they get all huffy, advise your friends that all cocktails, like the very authentic Hemingway Daiquiri, are $11---priced discreetly at the bottom of the menu---and that they all arrive with a little sidecar carafe for topping off half-way through.
Category:
Bars & Clubs, Bars & Pubs, Lounges
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
