It’s the end of an era for the Chicago bar scene—critically acclaimed speakeasy The Violet Hour has permanently closed after nearly two decades of service in Wicker Park.
Owners from its parent group One Off Hospitality announced the news in a statement shared Friday on Instagram.
The Violet Hour team attributed the closure to unexpected building damage to its 1520 N Damen Ave. location. “Despite extensive efforts and negotiations, we were regretfully unable to reach a resolution with our landlord,” read the statement.
A nearly 20-year legacy
Since opening its doors in 2007, the Violet Hour has maintained a reputation as one of the best bars not only in Chicago, but in the whole country.
The cocktail lounge offered a uniquely intimate setting, tucked away behind an unmarked wall just steps from the Damen Blue Line. What the bar lacked in external elegance it made up for in high-quality cocktails and food.
The bar received numerous prestigious recognitions over the years including a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2015, and acknowledgements from the likes of Food & Wine.
Additionally, The Violet Hour is credited with creating signature drinks like the Paper Plane and the Juliet & Romeo, which have since become staples at bars across the U.S.
The end of the Violet Hour, not the brand
While the original Violet Hour’s run in Wicker Park appears to have drawn to a close, owners specified that the brand could reconfigure at some point.
“You may see us again somewhere down the line,” read the statement. While it’s unclear what a reconceptualized Violet Hour could look like, this gives some hope to longtime fans of the bar.
Ultimately, the fate of the Violet Hour as we know it appears sealed—only time will tell if the beloved bar will make a comeback in the near future.