The Violet Hour
(773) 252-1500
1520 N Damen Ave
Chicago,
IL
60622
41.9088
-87.6774
Neighborhoods: Wicker Park, West Side
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 easy to forget it's a Monday night.
User Reviews
Lampshade47
July 04, 2008
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.
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fashionfromlondon
May 16, 2008
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.
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trwii
April 24, 2008
I visited the ?Violet Hour? and experienced several different reactions. At first, the place was difficult to find and obviously designed to be that way with the speakeasy concept. The boarded up entry is I?m guessing the way to stand out so I was curious. As we entered the place it had a very nice feel. Nice decor, nice music, and a bit dark. So far, so good. Cocktails were order and despite claiming a ?full? bar, the selection of liquors was somewhat limited. I have read other opinions about the prices but not too bad for the concept they were trying to achieve. The bartender took pride in the fact that they were different and not aware that he was annoying. He actually told a lady at the bar that they didn?t have her type of vodka and but she could get it across the street and some other place. The space provided for the party was not large enough and so six of us sat at the booth and the others stood near the bar. Because we were sat at the last booth and near the end of the bar, this didn?t appear to be a problem. Apparently they have a no standing rule there. I?m just glad I didn?t have to line up to use the washroom with the other kids in my class. The menu was a version of a chef driven home economics class. Deviled eggs, waffle fries, deep fried green beans, etc. It was comfort food but at the lowest level. Very ?County Fair? comfort. As the first hour progress, the service got worse, the music went from classy 1960?s Basa Nova to Waylon Jennings, and the attitude got nasty. For a place in Bucktown that wants to have the atmosphere of the Four Seasons or the Park Hyatt, it?s really missing the mark. The part that is missing is at those other places, the customer is the main focus. I?ve never received a bad attitude or poor service at the five star venues this place is desperately trying to mimic. This part of town is great and if you want intended pretentious, you can find it all over but with good service and food.
read full reviewThe 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:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
