The Violet Hour

After 18 incredible years behind our discreet, unmarked doors in Wicker Park, it is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the velvet curtains at The Violet Hour have closed for the final time.

Between our partners at One Off Hospitality, we’ve spent nearly a quarter of a century in this building, 18 of those years as The Violet Hour. Several weeks ago, we closed temporarily due to unexpected damage to the building. Despite extensive efforts and negotiations, we were regretfully unable to reach a resolution with our landlord.

When we opened in 2007, Chicago’s cocktail landscape was a vastly different place. What began as a gamble — a hidden, candlelit space devoted to serious cocktails — helped shape what has become one of the most dynamic drinking cities in the world. Over the years, The Violet Hour became known not only for signature drinks like the Juliet & Romeo, Paper Plane, and The Art of Choke but also for the community it nurtured: the bartenders, artists, friends, and guests who brought the space to life night after night. Names you might recognize include Michael Rubel, Kirk Estopinal, Eden Laurin, Robby Haynes, Kyle Davidson, Nandini Khaund, Stephen Cole, Ira Koplowitz, Mike Ryan, Abe Vucekovich, Susie Hoyt, Pat Ray, Brad Bolt, Dan Smith, and many more who went on to leave their mark on cocktail programs across the country.

The Violet Hour has remained an essential fixture in Wicker Park and a quiet icon on the national cocktail scene. From the artists who painted our ever-changing facade to the bartenders who opened their own award-winning bars, we’re proud of the role we played in sparking a cultural shift in how this city drinks and gathers.

This is not the end of The Violet Hour as a brand, and yet it is the end of this chapter. You may see us again somewhere down the line.

To every guest who ever found their way behind the curtains: thank you. You made this place what it was. We are forever grateful.

- Toby Maloney, Jason Cott, Donnie Madia, Peter Garfield, and Terry Alexander

‼️UPDATE‼️ To friends & guests of The Violet Hour — we wanted to drop in and give you a few updates from our end. As some of you may know, The Violet Hour has been temporarily closed for the past few weeks due to internal repairs needed at the property. During this time, we’ve been working closely with our landlord to determine next steps, and those negotiations remain ongoing. While we don’t have a set timeline yet, it is very much our intention to reach a resolution and make the necessary repairs to the building. Until then, we will be closed until further notice.

We’re working hard to resume service and will continue to share updates as they become available, so please keep an eye on our social media pages for the latest news. Thank you for your continued support — we can’t wait to welcome you back, if and when the time is right.

In the meantime, if you’ve reserved a spot at our Scotch Lodge Takeover for James Beard weekend on Sunday, June 15th, please note that the event has been relocated to Friends of Friends , a brand-new neighborhood bar from a former Violet Hour alum, Abe Vucekovich, which is located at 2001 West Grand Avenue. Same good vibes and stellar drinks, just a new address! Your name will still be waiting at the door for your existing reservation. Thank you graciously for your patience and understanding.

And if you have any questions about your reservation for the event, please reach out to [email protected]

Meet our new favorite wall.

A mural inspired by some of our most iconic cocktails—painted by the brilliant .lu.hoo and now living inside The Violet Hour. 💜

Heads up—we’re anticipating a reopening next Tuesday, May 27th! Thanks for bearing with us, and we truly appreciate your patience ❤️

This past weekend, took the stage at the to share a peek behind the velvet curtain. From the art of the perfect stir to how we build a bar that works as beautifully as the cocktails it creates—she brought a little Violet Hour to the big stage

When the sun shines over Chicago, escape to the cool shadows of our bar. Indulge in our cocktails, featuring the bold, bittersweet notes of rhubarb—all month long.

This Saturday, May 17th, we’re diving headfirst into the world of Bourbon! 🥃 Experience four distinct styles—high corn, high rye, wheated, and cask strength—then learn to craft cocktails that celebrates this American classic.

Get your tickets through the link our bio🔗

It’s Chartreuse Week, and we’re celebrating the legacy of the ‘Elixir of Long Life’ until May 16th! On this day back in 1605, the Carthusian monks received the manuscript that would eventually become the Green Chartreuse you know and love—followed by Yellow, VEP, and Cuvees.

To mark the occasion, our friends at Chartreuse are bringing some fun with a decider game at participating bars! Give it a flick and let it choose your pour. (All Chartreuse cocktails are game-ready except the Daily Mule, Attitude Adjustment, and the flight.)

Not feeling the game? No worries—all drinks are available à la carte.

This Mother’s Day, raise a glass to the one who raised you. Moms need cocktails too, right? 🍸💐

Make your reservation now through the link in bio!

Plunder Gatherer: Mijenta Tequila Blanco’s smooth agave, Plantation 3 Star’s deep rum, and Aguaviva Cachaça’s bold edge, all tempered with crisp Blanc Vermouth, maraschino, and coconut water. A complex, captivating blend—waiting to be uncovered.