The Prada sunglasses paired with Annie's amazing wit and takes on Chicago continue to excite her audience, small businesses, and more across Chicago.
: Annie! Sister! Congratulations on all of your internet success! Chicago loves you, so I would love to ask: why do you love Chicago?
Annie Andrews: Thank you so much! I would have to say that I love Chicago, because one night can contain so many different adventures. It’s big enough to never get bored and small enough to know someone everywhere you go.
AJ: Speaking of knowing someone everywhere you go, everywhere you go now, someone seems to know you! How has being a Chicago influencer changed things for you around the city?
AA: Being an influencer has not changed me at all. I am, of course, #humble, but it has connected me with so many fierce divas, even fiercer businesses, given me a little more street cred, and gifted me some wonderful and free things along the way! Chicago loves Chicago, and I have been fortunate enough to be the middle-woman in between Chicago brands and the city they belong to!
AJ: Going back to the Chicago nightlife adventures you spoke of earlier... It is clear from talking to you now, being close friends, and everything that you document on your TikTok, that you are no stranger to a night out! Are there any kinds of events that you wish there were more of? For all Chicago has to offer, what do you want to see pop up around the city?
AA: I would like to see more events uniting the different scenes in Chicago. More crossover between drag, comedy, music, and theatre. There’s so much talent in the individual spaces and would love to see them give to each other more. I have a background in theatre, have done drag in the past, and we're both members of the same collective, The Haus of Paint. Anytime that there's been crossover, those are the events that hit the hardest and make the biggest impact!
Amélia J: Alright, Annie! You're the queen of going out. What's Annie Andrews' Top 10 for a night out in Chicago? What are your must-see spots? Your favorite menu items? Your favorite clubs, lounges, and more?
Annie Andrews: There is something for everyone in Chicago! That's what I'd have to say first. But, for me? I'd start with...
PHOTO VIA Block club chicago
2918 N Central Park Ave
An intimate, underground nightclub featuring high-quality sound and regular dance events. Often frequented by Annie and her friends, she recommends this as a great place to be social and dance.
3730 N Clark Street
This lively, popular nightspot features DJs spinning techno dance music, the party Queen!, club kids on the dance floor, and strong cocktails. Annie attends Queen! here with her friends, and she’s even hosting an upcoming event at the end of the year, so be on the lookout.
500 W Diversey Parkway
A super-casual basement bar with couches, darts, old-school video games, board games & free popcorn.
807 W Webster
A casual restaurant serving Greek specialties like gyros and juice-soaked fries since the 1970s. Annie loves this spot, and she recommends the skirt steak for anyone interested in going to enjoy the food and service.
63 W Grand Avenue
A super stylish spot with a long sushi bar specializing in sashimi and specialty rolls! Annie recommends any of their nigiri, but says that the Otoro-Otoro is her favorite! She also recommends that you order an extra side of their sushi rice.
2940 N Broadway
A beloved counter-service eatery serving Korean fried chicken, burritos, and veggie bowls with a delivery option. Annie says that you have to get the wings with the Seoul Sassy sauce! It’s the only way to do it at Crisp.
155 N Peoria Street
An uber-trendy rooftop restaurant offering Japanese-inspired sushi and signature sliders with scenic city views. When asked about her favorite menu item, all Annie had to say was, “The Lychee Martini. The best ever.”
1824 W Wabansia Avenue
An old-school Italian restaurant serving classic dishes and martinis in a mid-century-style supper club setting. Miss Andrews recommends starting with the Always Lucky Martini with white anchovy olives in the front lounge. Then, she thinks you should move onto the 8 Finger Cavatelli and sub out for vodka sauce.
5039 N Broadway
A staple of Asia on Argyle, this long-running Chinese restaurant is known for its Hong Kong-style BBQ dishes, beer, and cocktails. Annie says get the Duck Dinner. Anyone who has been to Sun Wah would say the same.
10. RANALLI'S (Lincoln Park)
1925 N Lincoln Avenue
This is Annie’s workplace and a casual eatery serving pizza, pub food & plenty of beer in the bar area & on a big outdoor patio. As a longtime employee, she recommends the chicken tenders and the Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza.
If you’d like to stay updated on all things Annie Andrews, check her out on Instagram and TikTok. The fun and beauty never stop.
Thank you to Annie Andrews for letting us know What To Do and Where To Go.
Even though she doesn't normally do that!
