The ANNEX Restaurant & Lounge

Review summary

1. S

   Sheila

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The food was delicious, and the service was wonderful. Would definitely dine there again.
   

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2. B

   Beverly

   VIP

   Chicago

   96 reviews

   5.0

   96 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What a hidden gem this turned out to be! We have passed by so many times and never thought to try it out, but this time I’m so glad that we did! Everything was excellent….food, service, atmosphere, and the recommendations from Sara, our server. We will definitely go back….and bring friends!
   

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3. J

   Joe

   San Joaquin

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Joe from Fresno said they were incredibly helpful staff. The restaurant was great and I will definitely visit again next time I pass through town.
   

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4. J

   Jeff

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was my first visit to The ANNEX and will not be my last. I cannot say enough good things about the experience. My company located in Elgin on Randall Road was entertaining for the first time a prospective business colleague and we desired to impress him. Therefore, it was a bit of a risk having not eaten at The ANNEX previously. One of the more unique aspects is that there was a place for a request when making a reservation and I respectfully requested an ideal table arrangement to allow good conversation between all in a party of 8. Chloe and her colleagues arranged the tables in a square shape with 2 on each side and it worked out splendidly. Listening is a huge part of a successful business so kudos to The ANNEX for listening and catering to our request. The service (also Chloe) was superb, very attentive, very genuine. The food was fantastic. I personally had the 'special' short rib, which is going to be a regular on the menu moving forward. Fantastic! I am breaking one of my personal rules by sending this review. When I find a place (any type of place) that I love I do not want to ruin it by having EVERYONE know. I know it sounds selfish, but I will tell my closest friends and ask them to keep it to themselves. In this case, I simply owe it to Chloe etal to make their excellence known just like all of the reviews that led me to try it out on an important night for our company. Thanks again and we look forward to our next visit. I strongly recommend The ANNEX for your next fine restaurant experience. Everyone was friendly and down to earth while providing a 'best in class' meal and service.
   

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5. K

   Kristin

   Greater Boston

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 9 February 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   Food was ok but service was horrible. It took 20 minutes to get our drinks. We were forgotten about after that for at least 30 minutes because our server was pulled to go bartend and nobody told us or gave us a new server until we flagged someone down and asked. It took then an additional 30-40 minutes to get our food. What should have been a 90 minute to 120 min dinner, was over 3 hours.
   

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6. J

   Joanne

   VIP

   Chicago

   48 reviews

   5.0

   48 reviews

   Dined on 3 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We dined on a Sunday night and it was not crowded. Food was perfectly prepared, the drinks as well, service was attentive, and we intend on returning. This was our first time here and won’t be our last.
   

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7. J

   Jeff

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 25 January 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   Decent atmosphere and our food was good, but they definitely need to hire more experienced wait staff and have a manager out on the floor.
   

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8. m

   melissa

   VIP

   Chicago

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 19 January 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   Food was incredible. Loved every bite. A bit pricey but worth it. Ambiance is nicer than youll think inside , judging from the location and signage.  However, ambience can be much improved with a little bit of music, a door or curtain closing off the kitchen and work area, and better signage and curb appeal. Needs more polished touches to match the elevated cuisine. Still - I’ll be returning for the delectable salmon!
   

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9. A

   Amy

   Chicago

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on 18 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The Annex is a great addition to the area offering upscale food in a casual environment. The menu items are unique and packed with flavor. We dined as a group of 4 and had a great time sharing some apps and drinks before our main courses. We dined on eggplant parmesan bites (a special that day), crunchy feta (I almost passed on this because I thought it would be too much cheese, but it was delicious and it was split between the four of us!) We also had French onion and cream of chicken soups. They were both freshly made and had excellent flavors. For entrees, our group dined on the roasted beet salad, the classic steakhouse filet with mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes, a special steak fried rice dish with fresh hummus, tatziki, and veggies, and the Friday fish fry. Everyone was pleased with their dish and eager to share and try the other dishes at the table. The great thing about this restaurant is they are always creating new and exciting dishes with fresh ingredients, so you won’t get sick of having the same old thing every week (a rut that we get into often!) It was a packed house when we got there but we didn’t have any trouble hearing each other and never needed to raise our voices. Reservations are needed on Fridays and Saturdays especially, so make sure to reserve your table ahead of time!
   

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10. E

    Erin

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 18 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5

    This is such a lovely place, and I hope it succeeds! The food was excellent and the value is incredible. The front of the house was struggling with the basics, but I’m hopeful they’re just a bit new and will get it together, because I hope to go back in a few months to give it another shot!
    

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