CHICAGO — One of Chicago’s most celebrated bars, The Violet Hour, has officially closed its doors after 18 years of setting the standard for craft cocktails in Wicker Park.
Known for its moody ambiance, strict no-phone rules, and expertly curated drinks, The Violet Hour was not just a cocktail bar — it was a cultural icon. But recent plumbing damage and failed negotiations with its landlord spelled the end of its long reign at 1520 N. Damen Avenue.
Building Damage and Lease Dispute Led to Shutdown
The closure follows months of uncertainty triggered by building issues. The bar suffered plumbing damage, and despite “extensive efforts and negotiations” with landlord Magic Carpet LLC (part of Newcastle Investors), no resolution was reached. This forced the bar to cancel and relocate its James Beard Awards weekend pop-up — a red flag for patrons and insiders alike.
A Nationally Revered Institution
Since its founding, The Violet Hour became synonymous with elevated cocktail culture, even winning the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2015. The establishment banned cell phones and large groups, enforcing a level of etiquette uncommon in Chicago nightlife.
“You wouldn’t bring it to your mother’s house for Sunday dinner,” the rules famously declared.
The bar’s influence extended far beyond Chicago. From the creation of iconic drinks like the Paper Plane to training a generation of top bartenders, The Violet Hour helped spark a nationwide craft cocktail movement. Alumni like Brad Bolt and Mike Ryan went on to shape cocktail scenes in New Orleans, Louisville, and beyond.
Will The Violet Hour Return Elsewhere?
Though the Damen Avenue location has poured its last drink, the brand may not be gone forever. On Instagram, the bar’s owners shared that “this is not the end of The Violet Hour as a brand, and yet it is the end of this chapter.”
That cryptic message has fueled speculation that a new location or concept may be on the horizon. But for now, fans are left reminiscing about the tucked-away entrance and transformative drinks that made The Violet Hour a must-visit destination.
Impact on Wicker Park’s Cultural Identity
For Wicker Park, the closure is symbolic of a broader shift in the neighborhood’s identity — from indie and avant-garde to upscale and commercial. The loss of The Violet Hour leaves a noticeable void in Chicago’s nightlife history, especially for those who remember waiting patiently outside an unmarked door for a transcendent mixology experience.
Were you a regular at The Violet Hour? Share your favorite cocktail memory or how this iconic bar shaped your view of Chicago nightlife in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
