The Violet Hour, a staple cocktail bar located in Wicker Park, has been closed for the past three weeks, with ownership citing critical plumbing repairs.
Initially, the bar’s owners had hoped to reopen last week; however, the situation has led to a prolonged closure, now labeled as ‘until further notice.’
The timing is unfortunate, as the bar will miss the influx of culinary tourists descending on the city for the 35th annual James Beard Awards next weekend.
One Off Hospitality Group, the management company behind the Violet Hour, is currently in discussions with the building’s landlord to resolve the necessary repairs.
Details concerning the extent of the plumbing issues remain vague, with a representative stating that ‘substantial’ fixes are required, which means floors will need to be ripped up and the ground excavated.
Despite the closure, the bar’s furnishings remain intact at the location on 1520 N. Damen Avenue, as efforts to negotiate with the landlord continue.
Public records indicate that Magic Carpet LLC is the property owner, linked to Newcastle Investors, which recently acquired the space in 2023.
In a statement from Violet Hour, the management reassured patrons, saying, ‘We’re working hard to resume service and will continue to share updates as they become available, so please keep an eye on our social media pages for the latest news.’
They expressed gratitude for the ongoing support, emphasizing the anticipation of welcoming customers back when the time is right.
The significance of the Violet Hour goes beyond merely serving drinks; it has been pivotal in shaping the cocktail culture in Chicago and beyond.
When it first opened, the bar introduced an era of mixology, showcasing sophisticated cocktails crafted from unique ingredients, including an impressive variety of ice types.
Through its innovative offerings, the Violet Hour brought new drinks to the forefront, such as the Paper Plane and the Art of Choke, differentiating itself from conventional favorites like martinis and Manhattans.
The establishment earned the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2015 and has consistently appeared on various local and national top bar lists, cementing its status as an essential part of Chicago’s nightlife.
Many bartenders credit their experience at the Violet Hour for helping them launch successful careers in the industry, highlighting its role as a training ground for aspiring mixologists.
The bar’s opening also symbolized One Off’s growing presence in Wicker Park, a neighborhood undergoing rapid gentrification.
The area gained additional attention in the early 2000s when MTV filmed its Real World series nearby.
Terry Alexander, a partner at One Off, has deep roots in the community, with previous ventures like Danny’s Tavern in Bucktown before joining the group led by Paul Kahan and Donnie Madia.
Following Big Star, they expanded their portfolio by launching Dove’s Luncheonette in a neighboring space.
Despite their successes, One Off faced challenges with the spinoff of their flagship Publican restaurant, which struggled amid the neighborhood’s transformation.
On a related note, an auxiliary Beard event scheduled for June 15, featuring a collaboration with Portland’s Scotch Lodge, will now take place at Friends of Friends, a new bar opened by Alexander last week with Violet Hour alumni Abe Vucekovich.
Alexander’s relationship with the Violet Hour spans over two decades, with past endeavors including the restaurants MOD and Del Toro, which played significant roles in the local dining scene.
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