Annex

Let me start by saying, I am very familiar with this place pre "Bar Rescue" (ie Raven and Quill's days), and it literally could only get better.

That said, it didn't really get better.  It's still a happening spot for high school kids, and/or all of Kenner in it's Ed Hardy, spiked hair glory.  They're still practically giving the alcohol away (hello, Beat the clock, and $2 anything specials), and still giving off creepy, uncomfortable vibes.

If you're on Maple, try Bruno's across the street or Philips further down.  Unless you're trying to holler at 16 year old Cabrini girls.

Thanks to the reality show Bar Rescue, what was once a college dive has become a fancier version of its former self. I am not sure that is a good thing.

TJ Quill's is a bar that I remember fondly. It was never a great bar, but I sure did spend lots of time here in the 90's. Because I had spent so much time there I've come back on several occasions to relive my younger days. Sure the bar was filled with a younger crowd that could be a tad douchey. But the staff seemed to appreciate someone who knew how to tip and wasn't whooping it up with my bros or looking to get in a fight. I just ignored the silly people and enjoyed my $2 holla. Fast forward to today and the bar is a bit different.

The first thing I noticed was the sign. The old school TJ's sign had been replaced by a fancy aluminum one. Inside the bar looked a bit fancier too. There was a fancy vodka chiller, shiny bar and computerized point of sale system.

The bar upgrades weren't bad. The upgrades seemed tasteful, but the old school cash registers were gone. I realize the fancy computer versions are probably better for business, but the old kind had character. With the upgrade came upgraded prices as well. The famous $2 holla is no more. Sure the Rolling Rock was $2, but Stella jumped to $5. There was also a taste issue with the Rolling Rock. It seemed a bit off like the lines needed cleaning. For $2 it is difficult to complain, but I had never had this problem before.

The pool table was replaced by a fancy computer monitor table. It looked like one could play games, but it was buggy and locked up numerous times when I tried.

The bathrooms received a fresh coat of paint and there was a large wall to block the view when the door to the men's room sticks open. Apparently they didn't think it was important to fix the door because like it always had, it still stuck open.

I was also not too impressed by the new artwork. The large black and white Xs along the walls seemed like it would be a better fit in some trendy New York bar. The other thing I didn't get was the DJ. The space is too small to have a DJ. The jukebox seemed to work fine.

I am sure I will be back and give Annex another chance. Now that I am older and fancier I think my bars should be too. Maybe Annex will grow on me.