Pete is finally finished with finals and we have been celebrating his freedom/birthday all week. On Wednesday we had so much fun that I forgot to go to work on Thursday (whoopsie daisies!) What, you might ask, can one do on a Wednesday night that would be THAT much fun!? Well I will tell you.
We began our evening at Big Star in Wicker Park (At 5:00 pm no less) for what might be the best deal in Chicago Dining. Started by the same people who brought you Avec, Blackbird, and Publican, Big Star serves gourmet (think pork belly and poblano) tacos for 3$ bones a pop and an amazing bourbon selection (if you are into that sort of thing. I am not. I had a terrible experience at the Kentucky Derby when I was 16 and am scarred for life, but that is a whole other story for a whole other never time). I wisely stuck to a margarita (more than “a” but that is none of your beezwax) and a Lone Star Beer, which reminded me of home. In fact, the whole place reminds me of home. Austin specifically. The space is a converted auto garage and would be completely at home on South Congress. Replete with music/beard/tattoo loving hipsters. The food is amazing, the atmosphere is festive, and its a freaking steal. The only downside of this place is that they don’t take reservations, and you must have a party of 4 to get a table, otherwise you are at the bar or standing.
Fueled by yummy in the tumbly tacos and beer, we headed across the street to The Violet Hour. If you haven’t heard of The Violet Hour I will do my best to describe it. It is a cocktail lounge modeled after an old fashioned speak easy. There is no sign outside, but it is directly across the street from Big Star if you are looking for it, and when you walk in you wait in this dark velvety hallway before a hostess takes you to be seated. There is no standing room, you either perch at the bar or in a booth/table. It is quite the, dare I say it, sexy atmosphere. Honestly, it reminds me of the type of place Chuck Bass would open/frequent, which, if you have been reading the blog lately, you know is a very good thing.
And that, my friends, is how you get “toasted” on a Wednesday night. Go out and try it for yourselves!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I was just reading about Violet Hour yesterday! Definitely want to give it a whirl on my next visit to Chi!
Thanks for your visit and comment on my blog ~ it looks like we have something in common, eh?
A love for Violet Hour and the city of Chicago is enough for me to know you’re a kindred spirit blogger. Hope to hear more from you!