Reader’s Choice

The Violet Hour

The latest incarnation of Terry Alexander’s perpetually evolving space—which formerly housed Mod and Del Toro—is supposed to be inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies, but despite old-timey techniques and nostalgic names like the Sidecar, the Violet Hour’s ever-changing drinks menu is all about exploring new ideas in intoxicology. On a recent visit the Fairfield Manhattan—Bulleit bourbon, pine liqueur, and a rinse of Laphroaig ten year—reimagined the fusty grandpa drink as an earthy, herbal adventure, and the pulque our server insisted we try is a tribute to the bar’s house-made bitters, in this case a mix of blood orange and chocolate whose high notes lifted the tequila skyward.  1520 N. Damen, 773-252-1500. —Miles Raymer

Readers’ Choice

The Violet Hour

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