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Barely two years old, this Prohibition-era-inspired Wicker Park lounge has been named one of the best bars in America by Esquire and in the world by Conde Nast Traveler. The superlatives are deserved: the Violet Hour's thoughtful menu of artisanal cocktails are mixed and served with the kind of care befitting a fine dining restaurant. Beyond the speakeasy-esque unmarked exterior door, the decor is fairy-tale gorgeous: think velvet drapes, high-backed chairs, and chandeliers comprising a sort of 19th-century gentlemens' club as imagined by Stanley Kubrick. It's perhaps the most romantic place in the city, and one of the most refined. Though the Violet Hour does not take reservations, the hostess only seats as many patrons as there is room for, ensuring a quiet, cozy and comfortable experience for all.

Note:

Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  We recommend arriving early for what will surely be a busy evening. If there is a wait, the doorman will call your cell when seats are available.

- Audrey Mast