The Violet Hour
1520 N. Damen Ave.
This could be one of my favourite spots in Chicago for craft cocktails based on the atmosphere alone. But it is difficult to find. Although it could come across as a bit pretentious, it is a dark, and sumptuous appointed. Under the guidance of “head intoxicologist” Toby Maloney, the seasonal cocktail menu employs house-made bitters, fresh juices and garnishes, and multiple types of ice in different shapes, sizes, and temperatures. There’s the pretension. But those high back wingback chairs and well made cocktails make up for it. If you get hungry, they do have seasonal bar nibbles. theviolethour.com
This could be one of my favourite spots in Chicago for craft cocktails based on the atmosphere alone. But it is difficult to find. Although it could come across as a bit pretentious, it is a dark, and sumptuous appointed. Under the guidance of “head intoxicologist” Toby Maloney, the seasonal cocktail menu employs house-made bitters, fresh juices and garnishes, and multiple types of ice in different shapes, sizes, and temperatures. There’s the pretension. But those high back wingback chairs and well made cocktails make up for it. If you get hungry, they do have seasonal bar nibbles. theviolethour.com
Hours: SU-F 6-2 | SA 6-3
Rainbo Club
1150 N. Damen Ave.
Hands down, I would live in this neighborhood just to have this as my local. Seriously but you probably wouldn’t get it. The Rainbo has a hallowed history of several successive generations of musicians, artists, writers, and wannabees. The former Polka Club exudes cool without even trying which sadly means some hipsters have discovered it. And they seem to like to sip on Frenet shots – don’t try it, it’s terrible. Our bartender even offered us some for free when we asked about it. Really? He just laughed and mumbled the word shit. The club also features a photo booth (a bar requirement in the area it seems) and all whom enter can vie for position in the annual photo-booth calendar. Just don’t expect fancy craft cocktails, the bartender can make a mean old fashioned and there are lots of $2 beers on tap. Perfection.
Hands down, I would live in this neighborhood just to have this as my local. Seriously but you probably wouldn’t get it. The Rainbo has a hallowed history of several successive generations of musicians, artists, writers, and wannabees. The former Polka Club exudes cool without even trying which sadly means some hipsters have discovered it. And they seem to like to sip on Frenet shots – don’t try it, it’s terrible. Our bartender even offered us some for free when we asked about it. Really? He just laughed and mumbled the word shit. The club also features a photo booth (a bar requirement in the area it seems) and all whom enter can vie for position in the annual photo-booth calendar. Just don’t expect fancy craft cocktails, the bartender can make a mean old fashioned and there are lots of $2 beers on tap. Perfection.
Hours: SU-F 4-2 | SA 4-3