"Even if you’ve never been, chances are you’ve already heard about Wicker Park’s The Violet Hour. It's the oldest spot on this list, jump-started the craft cocktail culture of Chicago, and notoriously has very particular rules like “no light beer” or “don’t bring anyone here that you wouldn’t bring to your mother’s house for Sunday dinner.” Quirks and hype aside, this bar hidden behind an ever-changing mural is worth checking out. The inside is surprisingly cavernous, with flickering candles illuminating the space decorated with velvet curtains and towering armchairs. Come for celebratory drinks or an intimate date while sipping on well-crafted classics or more creative cocktails with ingredients like buttermilk, marshmallow, or kabocha squash." - john ringor, veda kilaru
