The Violet Hour

"This hidden drinking destination is widely credited with kicking off the mixology renaissance in Chicago and is a must-visit for Windy City newbies. It thrives on quiet sophistication (do read the house rules), a fantastic ever-changing menu, and is a breeding ground for local talent. Look for a massive mural outside — there's no sign — as well as a line on the sidewalk." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman

"Even though the hype behind The Violet Hour (and the backlash over its strict rules about what you can wear and what drinks you can order) isn’t as strong as it once was, the drinks here are still really damn good. Good enough that you should still seek out the entrance hidden behind an ever-changing mural in Wicker Park. From the way they seat you like you’re at a restaurant to the upscale bar snacks—expect foie gras and tartare—the experience here is all about curation, and they’ve created the right setting to enjoy some of the best seasonal cocktails you’ve ever had. It’s not an everyday situation, but it’s a great spot for the right occasion." - josh barnett, sam faye, john ringor

"The Violet Hour in Wicker Park is a good destination cocktail bar from the people who own Avec and The Publican. This place might seem like it’s trying hard to be cool—from the unmarked door to the “House Rules” (which ban baseball caps, Cosmopolitans, and any drink that’s a -bomb, jager or otherwise). It doesn’t come off as obnoxious, though, because the craft cocktails really are good. Inside, it feels like a lounge more than a bar—it’s dark, with lots of candlelight, plus comfy chairs and tables that can be sectioned off for privacy. Overall, not a bad spot to celebrate the launch of your top-secret baseball-cap-recycling startup." - adrian kane, john ringor

"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

"“No baseball caps, no light beer, no Jager-bombs or drink bombs of any kind.” These are just a few of the “House Rules” that set The Violet Hour in Wicker Park apart as a classy, no-bullshit cocktail bar. But the most important rule (and number one on the list)? “No cell phone use.” The dark space is illuminated with candlelight, and has floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains and high-backed leather chairs that beg for an Old Fashioned to rest on one of the side tables. It doesn’t come off as obnoxious, though, because the craft cocktails are really good and the inside feels like a lounge where privacy is valued. " - veda kilaru, john ringor, adrian kane