
“This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder.” Bernard DeVoto, “The Hour”
Walking into the Violet Room in Chicago is like walking into a calm, elegant dream. You are surrounded by flowing floor-to-ceiling curtains, rooms that blend into one another as you seem to float through the intimately-lit lounge. If you are looking for a quick drink on the way home, this is assuredly not the place for you. The Violet Lounge, from its tall-back leather chairs and ottomans to its ultra-wide barstools, is meant to be sipped and savored like the classic cocktails this bar is known for.
Designed to evoke the luxury of 19th Century French salons and English clubs, the Violet Lounge emphasizes conversation and intimacy. You may wait an hour for a table, but you will not be jostled, accosted by blaring music, or made to mill around looking for a seat. Here, in addition to the sumptuous leather seating areas, comfortable counter stools, chandeliers, and cozy fireplaces, you will find an exclusivity that is intoxicating. When the seats are full, the door host doesn’t admit any more people. The result is an elite atmosphere that anyone can enjoy.
Named one of the best bars in America by Esquire Magazine and one of the best bars in the world by Conde Nast, the Violet Lounge takes pride in its slow, deliberate, and delicious pace. According to The Urban Bible, “The 1920s speakeasy is back in Chicago and the Violet Hour brought it back.” You can feel that languid, almost seductive, air in which Gatsby would have been perfectly at home perched on one of the sleek contemporary bar stools. Enjoy one of the specialty drinks, such as the Indian Summer. Made with Plymouth Gin, lime, lavender syrup, and house-made tonic, this will refresh and relax you, like everything else in this superbly lux lounge.
Spring Menu
Mediterranean Hummus with Grilled Pita
Bacon-Whipped Deviled Eggs, Tomatoe Chip and Basil
Duck and Goat Cheese Wontons with Rhubarb Sweet & Sour Sauce
Blackened Shrimp with Cajun Remoulade
Mini Cheesesteaks with Seared Skirt Steak, Peppers, Onions & Provolone
Flatbread with Roasted Pork Shoulder, Asiago, Pineapple and BBQ Marinara
Crispy Lamb Rillettes with Rosemary Apple Sauce
Quartet of Kobe Beef Minidogs: Chicago Style & Seasonal
Sammies
(Choice of Three)
Teriyaki Chicken, Crispy Noodles, Spicy Mayo, Cilantro, Shredded Carrots, Wheat Wrap
Smoked Salmon, Cucumber, Dill, Creme Fraiche and Capers on White Bread
Grilled Asparagus, Spiced Almonds, White Cheddar on Sourdough
Sweets
Fried Peanut Butter-Banana Bites with Wildflower Honey and Bacon
Banana and Mango Chips, Spiced Nuts, Craisins & White Chocolate
Tempura-Fried Milky Way Bars, Milk Jam
“This spot has become Chicago’s cocktail mecca since the moment it opened its doors.”
Travel & Leisure
One of the “best bars in America”
Esquire