Oh VTR, how you delivered!
There is a bar in Chicago called Violet Hour which is lovely; really dark and mysterious with amazing cocktails - but what it lacks, is warmth. It's distant, unaffectionate, in spite of the delicious adult beverages. VTR on the other hand, is virtually bubbling over with in-house generosity and welcome and supplies the same caliber of drink but without the pretension.
I tried four cocktails (over a four hour span, don't worry) as well as two sips of my companion's and there was not a clunker in the bunch. Specifically, the pisco sour and French 75 were standouts. The Songbird was a perfect starter and the Sidecar was spot on. If you love ginger, you're covered. If you love gin, look no further. Truly a wonderful evening - thank you for your hospitality and the grand tour, Paulius!