The Annex

We saw the Annex the last time we dined in Barrington, and we were looking at our options the other night and we decided to try The Annex.  Decor is kind of modern and eclectic.  You can tell it is an old space, but the decor and lighting is modern and comfortable.  No booths, just  a bar and tables with chairs.  A nice selections of wine, beers, and specialty drinks.  Tried the Founders Extra Stout, and it was awesome.  When I find this is a store, I will buy it.  Menu is not large, but offers a range of cuisine.  Portions are a little small, but, actually that is OK.  I think portions served at restaurants are way too large.  My food was tasty, warm, and just the right amount.  I was satisfied, and not stuffed.  Not for kids, or families with kids.  This is a grown-up place.  I know this is not the place for everybody.  It's the kind off place I used to find in San Francisco Bay area in the late 80's, and can probably still be found on the West Coast.

We were there around 6 PM on a Tuesday Night, and it had a few patrons at the bar, and at tables.  There was plenty of wait staff, so a larger crowd should not have been a problem.  The wait staff was prompt, courteous, friendly.  Not at all pushy.

I imagine that Friday and Saturday night is a little different.  They have a DJ, and remove some of the tables to make room for the DJ and a dance floor.

Yeah, I'll return.

I'm sure everyone remembers this place being the Park Avenue wine bar. It seemed really quaint and cute, but didn't seem very popular. I thought it would have been, considering Barrington is pretty "uppy" and "classy". None the less, it didn't survive, but I'm glad they replaced it with The Annex! Great craft beer selection. Taps rotate fairly frequently. I believe it is the same owner at McGonigal's. Crowd was a mix of both older and younger. A young girl and somewhat older guy who served us were friendly, talkative, and helpful. I think they both bartend or used to bartend next door at McGonigal's. Place wasn't crowded at all, but it's ok because the first time I went here, I went with a couple girls to chat over a few drinks. The girl who served us was down to earth, around our age, and chatted with us a bit, which was cool. She made my girlfriend a martini that was really good. Can't remember exactly what it was, but I remember it being pinkish red. Maybe something with strawberry? I had a craft beer called Celebrator. Considering I've tried over 500 beers, I was impressed because I had never heard of this one. It was pretty good. The second time I came here, a spokesman from Samuel Adams was there, giving out samples of the Merry MIschief gingerbread beer. Very yummy, and free! He gave us generous samples along with one other type of beer. Cool thing is, they let you order a drink and bring it next door, probably because of the shared ownership. They have some food, too. I believe the menu is different from McGonigal's, but I think you can also order from next door and eat here as well. Kind of a flip-flop thing. Eat or drink what you want in your destination of choice! There is a front and somewhat hidden back door, which is nice if the front lot is full. Music selection was pretty good; not your typical top 40 mainstream songs. As we were about to leave, one of the workers was drawing/writing a stylish ad on their big chalkboard for a New Years event, I believe. I would really like to go back on a Friday or Saturday night, as I've only been there during the week.

My buddy wanted to stop by here because a friend of his DJ's there. So we stopped by Saturday night at 11:45pm. Walked in, nice looking place, love the hardwood floor and brick wall look. Lighting was nice as well. There were about 10 people there two sitting at a table (couple) about 8 to the left of the bar. Seemed to be three bartenders as there was three people behind the bar in black t-shirts.

We walked up to the middle of the bar were all the beer tappers were took off our coats sat down. For 15 minutes we watched as the bar tenders stood and talked to people not once looking over or asking if we wanted a drink. One bartender walks by goes around and goes outside for a cigarette.

After 15-20 minutes, we had enough put back on our coats and walked out. HORRIBLE service. What bar acts like this? Not one of the bartenders even bothered to ask if we wanted a drink. There were only 10 people in the place the whole time and not one of the 10 people there ordered a drink while we sat and watched, yet we wanted to order.

I will never go back just because of this. It's a bar, they are supposed to serve drinks.
Horrible service. No wonder there was only 10 people there on a sat night. With service like this the place won't last.

Manage your bartenders!!!!

The only plus, I got to use the bathroom on the way out. No one said anything - the only good thing during my time there.