EDIT: This spot was a Chicago classic, any anyone that knew the speakeasy scene knew the Violet Hour. Unfortunately, it closed down as of July 2026. Thank you Frankie for the tip on this closure!

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This spot has an incredibly wonderful vibe. It's truly hidden, with almost literally no signage outside indicating it's where it is.

As a result, it's very much a speakeasy. It's snuck behind a super inconspicuous door on a shitty looking covered wall on the street. Upon entering, you'll find yourself in a tiny little lobby, and reservations are slightly recommended if you want to get past this point on a popular night - though, on a Sunday, it's pretty accessible without prior planning.

The inside is smooth, soft, elegant, and covered head to toe everywhere in thick curtains. They have affordable cocktails and a nice assortment of pleasant foods.

There's lots of bar space, lots of pleasant booths, comfortable music, sparkling chandeliers, the works. It's a really nice mix of casual and bougie energy.

The Violet Hour is also super close (less than a block away) from both The Revel Room (which only made it to the honorable mentions list) and Dorian's - two other speakeasy / hidden bars - so this is a super nice spot to be in if you want to bounce around a little.

The bartenders here also clearly know what they’re doing. Sadly, when I visited I had gotten too drunk the previous night, and was not in the mood for either alchohol or food - so I can't recommend anything in particular. Regardless, I highly HIGHLY recommend this spot :)

You can check out their website at: http://www.theviolethour.com/

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P.S. I went back on a Sunday evening and had a fabulous drink. Even on a Sunday evening, relatively soon after they opened, The Violet Hour had a half-hour wait. (It's quite a popular spot) So as always, get there early!