“We’ve cultivated a great community in the neighborhood and we wanted to continue to grow with it.” says owner, Boris Nemchenok. “We wanted a place that our regulars at Fiorella could come to for cocktails and late night specials.”
What are these specials, you ask? From the raw bar, East and West Coast Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail, and Chilled Lobster and Crudo. The American fare offers anything from a basic NY Steak with compound butter, green sauce and roasted pole beans to the Anson Mills White Polenta with summer vegetables, Parmigiano and soft egg.
But the menu extends far beyond bar bites. Mixology veteran and bar director, Patrick Poelvoorde, provides a compact collection of Violet’s original cocktails with a sophisticated flair. Poelvoorde’s Originals include the Trans-Siberian Tea Service (Suntory Took Whiskey, St. George California Citrus Vodka, Chaya Plum Wine, Oolong Tea, Hibiscus, Honey, Bitters). On the other hand, his Classics are elevated versions of iconic cocktails, such as the Spindrift Cobbler (Riesling, Yuzu, Chareau Aloe Liqueuer, Salted Nori Syrup, Lime Bitters). And of course, the domestic-focused wine list features twenty different sparkling wine options, and twenty different options of red, white, and rosé.
No reservations necessary. “We reserve most of our dining and all of the bar for walk-ins so it’s a place people can just come in. Violet’s is great for friends, dates, or even just neighbors looking to get out for a cocktail.”
// 2301 Clement St, Outer Richmond; violets-sf.com. Violet’s is now open Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 11pm; Friday to Saturday from 5pm to 12am; and has Happy Hour from Monday to Friday 5pm to 6pm. Photography by Grace Sager.
