Crystal Lake Restaurants

The food and the service were outstanding! Our waitress was attentive any very helpful with the menu choices. We were there on Valentine’s Day but didn’t feel rushed at all. The only negative was that the hostess was a bit rude.

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.

Great little place, old historic type space, nice comfortable bar area. Menu had many.nice options, small plates, Flatbread, and sandwiches.

Food and service was excellent! The music was just a tad too loud for us, at 5pm when it was fairly empty.

My first time visiting, but everyone else in my group has been to The Junction numerous times and has raved about it. My experience was delightful. I was first in my party to arrive, and was greeted warmly and promptly. In a nutshell: Naomi was our amazing server and was very attentive throughout. Menu was very impressive, hard to choose because it all sounded so good. Two in our party ordered burgers, the other four ordered the Mediterranean Chicken Caesar wrap. WOW!! So amazingly good... the chicken was perfect... so tender and delicious. The burgers were a huge hit as well. I also ate every last little French fry that was on my plate- they were perfectly seasoned and cooked to a crispy light golden. Prior to ordering our food, street corn and tortilla chips were brought to our table. I seriously could've eaten the corn with a spoon- it was phenomenal! The atmosphere of this cute restaurant is simply perfect for a family meal or gathering friends together. There is an adorable outdoor seating area for dining in warmer weather- can't wait to come back win the Spring for that! So happy to have such a great restaurant in Crystal Lake and I certainly plan to become a regular! For those that don't live in Crystal Lake, hop on the UPNW Metra and check it out, the restaurant is just across the street from the Crystal Lake train station!