The ANNEX Restaurant & Lounge

This was my 3rd time at The Annex and honestly if I could give it more than 5 stars I would! Consistently it has delivered on quality food, exceptional service and a casual elegant atmosphere that is comfortable and enjoyable. To start our meal, we were provided a wonderful grilled garlic bread followed by our appetizer choices of Octopus and Saganaki. For our dinner we enjoyed the delicious Barramundi with a spectacular side salad, the expertly made Skirt Steak with Tziki Sauce, and the Jumbo Shrimp with a side of rice and cole slaw. My shrimp dish contained 8 shrimp that I requested grilled. Delicious! A special note that gluten-free was able to be accommodated. Dinner reservations are highly recommended to this increasingly popular spot!

First visit this weekend and it will not be the last! First impression was that the restaurant had an old time Chicago steakhouse vibe, long, leather banquette seating, vintage music to set an intimate mood with the sound low enough to allow easy talking at the table. Extremely helpful, professional and well taught staff that is friendly and efficient without making us feel rushed (Jordan and Sarah, nice work!). And the food was great. They started the meal with grilled Greek bread served with spices and Olive oil that tempted me right off my gluten free diet- it was sooo good! The menu is varied and well stocked with appetizers, entrees of seafood, beef and more. We split appetizers of shrimp and Octopus and my wife wants to go back just for more shrimp! By then we were getting full, so we split a hamburger that was the best I've had in years- this restaurant will definitely be in the running for the best in McHenry next time they run the contest. Welcome to Algonquin, Peter, we are thrilled to have you here!