Annoyance Theatre & Bar

literally had the most joyous, goofy, silly, and whimsical experience during our trip! this is THE spot to hit up by yourself or with friends/family! not to mention, a lovely bar with great drinks and company. lots of super creative, entertaining, and unique shows put on by all kinds of folks, for all kinds of folks! wish we had a cool spot like this back where we’re from :)) cheers, definitely check it out!!

What a fun place. Small venue but just right. Bar staff was friendly and knowledgeable.

I had a great the staff is so welcoming and friendly. I saw a great magic show i will definitely be coming back. I recommend that you visit and bring your friends.

Awesome first-time experience! Hilarious show, plus the cookies were delicious! Great service, and I can't wait to return! Oh, they also have PBR... that's like 20 bonus points! :)

Local comedy at its best! Annoyance is unique in the improv scene in its approach to exploring the art form and pushing it new directions. Often, their late night shows are just as great as their prime time offerings, great for spontaneous entertainment if you find yourself in the neighborhood.

The Annoyance Theatre & Bar – Chicago ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) The Annoyance Theatre & Bar has a unique and open minded vibe that really sets it apart in Chicago’s comedy scene. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making you feel comfortable right away. The shows are bold, unpredictable, and often hilarious, though the humor can be a hit or miss depending on the night and the performers. It’s definitely an adults only atmosphere. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone underage due to the mature themes and language. It’s a fun and creative spot for a casual night out if you’re looking for something different, raw, and unapologetically real.

Great shows, very good priced drinks and food. Can’t beat for a fun date night!

WOW this was such a great experience! Hilarious and VERY talented performers in a great atmosphere for a super affordable price. Might be the best value for a live performance in all of Chicago!

I hate to have to leave a poor review for a small theatre...but my recent experience at The Annoyance Theatre was just not up to par. I remember when tickets were $10. Now, they're double. I spent $20 for a show that: * Lasted only 45 minutes * Was difficult to hear the actors at times due to the loud and boisterous noise from the trivia crowd at the bar (even with the theatre door closed) * Was cringeworthy at best I left the show feeling highly disappointed. I'd rather spend more money for a higher quality show and better experience. I will not be returning to The Annoyance.

I've been to The Annoyance Theatre and Bar several times over the last few years with my love and an assortment of friends and acquaintances. There is almost always a show available to check out for a few intimate laughs, and at a reasonable price. You are not forced to have a 2-drink minimum like some places, but you might want to get a drink anyway at the bar, and you can always get a cup of water from the jug too. So if you are in Lakeview and looking for something to do, check out The Annoyance for some comedy or improv. Up to you if you want to sit in the front row or not!

This place is really fun and so much bigger than I expected! Situated overlooking Belmont Ave from their really cool lounge with full service bar, you get some nice views from the booths. They have multiple theaters and multiple shows at night. I'm not sure about food. Maybe sone small bites but there's plenty of full service dining in the area as well. Some are super cheap like 5 and also running pretty late. Perfect place to check out after attending on of the area concert.

Saw Splatter Theater over the weekend. I laughed my ass off. Ridiculously funny with a great cast! Highly recommend! I'm still laughing two days later!

Great fun place to see all types of comedy shows! The owner is great too. Nice place and good bar and vibes.

A big thank you to Jennifer for reaching out and inviting my partner and I to return for a second chance. It was definitely worth it. We had a great time at the show and really enjoyed the humor. We would recommend the Annoyance for any night out, but it was an especially wonderful setting for a date night.

It is the coolest theatre I've ever been to! Went for the first time for a friend's bachelorette pre Covid, second time just last week for their Halloween is Burlesque show. All of the actors/comedians are so funny! The shows are incredible, tickets price adequately and there's a bar inside. I was asked if there was food quite frankly I don't know I did see someone have a salad at the bar. I'm sure there are metered parking options available a quick Lyft is easy. Proof of vaccination required! (Yay)

Thank you so much for having a stand up room for the apihm! It was such a treat to see the Chinese community come together to perform. Very candid and fun to hear the stories of the struggle and adventures of people similar to us

Last summer, I was here almost every week. I'd come for the Wednesday night performance of Devil's Daughter, probably my favorite improv group in Chicago. But I've gone other times too. I like that the shows are reasonably priced. As a grad student, The Annoyance has become the place where I can unwind any day of the week without having to think twice. The environment is also always very inclusive. I've gone here by myself, with my partner, with groups of friends and even workmates. I bring anyone here who's around and looking to catch an improv show. Not every show has been great, some are definitely better than others. But I've learned that there are more good ones than bad ones so I'm willing to give any of them a try - if you're looking for improv tonight, look up what's on at The Annoyance and buy yourself a ticket. There are also some great food spots nearby (pro-tip: skip the stuff next door, if you're willing to walk 5-10 min, there's better stuff around the corner)

Yelp is telling me to tell my story behind the photos. Based upon my pictures, they would tell a story that was calm, blue and purple, without a soul on stage. However, this is the opposite of what The Annoyance brings to you. It's comedic improv that sometimes pushes the edge and it's the way that comedy should be: unscripted, unashamed and willing to fail. It doesn't always work and that's all right. No worries. There is a method to their madness and they have a series of classes to prove it. Pick a day and go. You'll be challenged and disappointed and maybe appreciative of their efforts.

Very solid comedy bar and theatre. I saw Gag Reflex perform here and it turned my entire life around. The Annoyance has some very funny shows, free open mics and open stages, and cheap drinks (!!!). It is run by people who care a lot about what they are doing. Worth stopping by if you're in the city!

Saw a nice weekday show with some of the best improv I've experienced live. It really changed my mind on improv, even though I was not in a super comedy mood when I came in and was worried I wouldn't be laughing. There were two great teams and they kept the energy high and created some good bits, not much of a break between but the show was only about 50 minutes. Can't even imagine what their weekend and special event shows are like!

This is a theater where the patrons and performers typically chill in the lobby bar pre and post show. It's just one of those kinda of places. The theater consists of a few stages and is set in traditional Chicago improv cabaret style setting. No severs so get your cocktails before or after or during intermission. The play itself could have been punched up a bit more and fell flat more than it should have so I'd prefer if they workshopped productions a bit more. Otherwise it was a fun experience.

I tried out once for a new troupe forming in college and found out I AM TERRIBLE AT IMPROV. All I could do was get up there and start swearing. I didn't get the gig. So I don't know what I was thinking signing up for improv classes here. I'm going to be terrible. Here comes the first day. I actively try not to participate. Can I just watch? Ha, I guess my plan was more obvious than I had hoped and my teacher made sure I participated a bunch the next week. Weeks later and I'm thrilled I took this class. By the end of Improv 101, I had confidence to just get up there and do this thing. Shoot, I actually felt like I now had a little skill. Maybe I could do more of this. Hats off to the teachers who put these classes together. As a student, I also got to go to a bunch of shows and loved them. It's such a great, not-your-average date night location. Of course, not every show hits like crazy. So come more. Come often. You'll laugh. And if you think there's no way you could get up there and come up with comedy on the spot, believe me, if it worked for me, you'll get something from taking classes here.

I saw a show here for the first time recently. On one level, I love Mick's books and what he's added to the improv conversation. On the other hand, I was disappointed by most of the improvisers in the show, and by the sloppiness on display throughout. Most of the performers were just not fully committed or dedicated to ensemble. Almost everyone seemed out for themselves (which I know is part of the Annoyance thing, but its limits become clear quickly). Also, there were a surprisingly high amount of homophobic gay jokes and interrupting of women of color by smug old white dudes sitting on their laurels. Sorry, but I don't need to see or hear "faggot" being used as a slur in a 2022 improv show. Seriously, why? Also, let the gay dudes on stage initiate a scene rather than steamrolling over them. I feel bad that this is supposedly one of the queerer improv theatres in town. Maybe that's just the state of comedy now, but I feel like the queer performers deserved better. Hopefully it was just the show I saw, and maybe some of it is my own taste, but I just expected a higher level of professionalism and respect for the art form, and more committed scenework/ensemble in general. A few really good diamonds in the cast, though, all of whom deserved to be in a better show.

I saw the Late Night Shenanigans show this past weekend and you definitely want to check them out! My husband and I literally could not stop laughing. The entire next day we were quoting different skits from the show because we found them to be so funny. I also don't know the last time I laughed that loudly at live theater. It was such a great way to spend an evening! The theater is a great venue and I suggest it to anyone who is looking to see comedy in Chicago. The bar was awesome and had such a fun vibe to grab drinks, which were really tasty!! Cannot wait to go back there!

I had a great time. The show was thoughtful and hilarious. Drinks were good. If you are considering coming out for a show, it will be well worth your time to check this place out.

Saw the Late Night Shenanigans show. I hate to say the truth because they seem like nice guys. One had good comedic timing. And there were a few chuckles. But overall, just not funny. Wasn't just me either - it was more polite applause than true laughter. It's a fun venue and great location, but feels like they'll give anyone who takes an improv class their own show. Maybe it was an off night.

I didn't try the food and bar but the comedy was intolerable...i don't know if the other shows are better, I was excited to see fire and beer (an improv show) but the show had no direction, felt disjointed and the jokes were awkward & unfunny. I understand that it's hard to go on stage and make people laugh but I honestly feel like the cast had no prior experience based on the show. The only redeeming thing is the staff seemed friendly & helpful.

Had a great time at the Annoyance watching stellar improv group Superhuman and their opening acts. Picking up my tickets was easy and the bar has a great selection of drinks that are very reasonably priced. Seating in the theatre was comfortable with great light and sound. Hope to go back soon!

The Annoyance is a bar you can walk into any day of the week and you will leave entertained. Not only is it a bar but it is also a training and performance space for some of the most talented performing artists and comedians in Chicago. From watch parties to stand-up to cabaret there is something for all audiences. You also have some of the nicest bartenders in the city. The Annoynace is a space for all.

I had never been here prior, not sure what to expect when purchasing tickets for the burlesque show. In my mind i was showing up to Christina Aguilera's movie lol. This was not that. Very laid back, comedy meets burlesque dancers. Offers food, drink service while the show is going. Reasonably priced. Seats/ tables were first come first serve. Most the show was very interactive. Show itself was lovely. Comedy was hilarious. Has a full bar outside in the lobby for before and after the show. Very quirky decorated. This theater also offers classes, and other shows !

Every time Late Night Shenanigans makes their way through The Annoyance Theatre I make sure to stop by! The venue is always incredibly welcoming and intimate in the best way. Great environment to get a good laugh. Late Night Shenanigans had me falling out of my seat. They do a great job of getting the crowd involved and their range of humor is a breath of fresh air. They are so animated on stage and the place was roaring with laughter. Can't wait to make it back for another show!

I went there a few years ago and absolutely loved it! I am not that crazy about improv, but loved this one. I am referring a friend that I think is hilarious and think this would help him and his career.

The theater is upstairs as is the box office. There is lively bar area in the front to hang out before or after the show. Drinks during the show are reasonably priced and the menu has something for everyone. We came in to watch the hitchcocktails show which was just meh for me. Would come back to see other shows though.

I love going to see improv shows and I am so glad I came tonight! My friend and I went to see The Customer is Always Right at the Annoyance Theatre. We were in the small theater, which had red walls except one, which was black and a small platform to represent the stage. A few rows of seats for the audience. The audience was allowed to bring drinks into the theater. We stopped for a drink after the show. Wow!!! we had such a great time! The actors did such a wonderful job. It was really cool to see them incorporate the customer service stories from the audience into their skits. I will definitely be back to see more shows.

Had an amazing time at the theater, its an awesome space. We saw the group Late Night Shenanigans who won best sketch troupe in Chicago Readers best of Chicago this year. Highly recommend seeing them and the theater was great! Will definitely come back for another show.

Yes. Yes. Yes. cute second floor theatre with a lovely bar and bites. We saw the burlesque show which was absolutely fantastic and I would go back in a second. GO HERE!!!

Came here once for the Matt Damon Show, and now I'm back for the Teen Cudi show. Love this place. If I lived here, this would be my bar. The team is excellent and a lot of fun to be around. I found my place to hang when I visit Chicago.

The shows can be hit or miss, but this place has a lot of heart. Young comics getting the opportunity to flex their stand up and theatre games muscles in front of live and supportive audiences. The staff is friendly and the drinks and ticket prices are reasonable. The shows start on time and don't last forever, so it's always pretty low stakes (if you're really not enjoying a particular show) and a great place to discover some up and coming talent.

We visited on Valentine's Day during theater week to see Shit Fyre and it was great! We were unsure what to expect but I'm here to say we were blown away and stopped laughing throughout the show. Besides the amazing show they have a full bar and great prices as well. We can't wait for our next visit to catch another show!

Deep Schwa & Hitch Cocktails are legitimate and entertaining long-form improv -- well worth a visit. My experience with another one of their improv shows, "unremarkable fairy tales" was a different story. Chaotic, intentionally offensive/disgusting and an obnoxious part where they demanded an audience member stand up and sing before they continue the show. Set some boundaries and have some respect for your audience...

Such a great show! The staff were kind and the energy was great. Intelligent comedy and different shows. We saw Burlesque is Gore and it was very good!!

First timer here at the annoyance theatre and we saw the burlesque is more: nice n naughty show. It was $13.75 a ticket and the show started at 10:30pm and lasted until about 11:45pm. They had a bar right outside the theatre room but they also had waiters if you wanted to order a drink/food while enjoying the show! The show itself was good, I thought it was going to be an all dancing show, but they actually tied in a comedy skit before the "naughty" part kicks in. They do strip down to their lingerie/undies and show quite a bit of boob (that's covered with tape/stickers), so if you're not into that or raunchy humor, I would not suggest this show for you. But if you're looking for a "comedy meets burlesque" show then definitely buy your tickets and go!

Went on a Saturday night to see the burlesque show. It was quite funny and interactive. I love that the ladies came in all shapes and sizes. They offered us to stay for the next improv show for just $1 so we did. They asked the audience to volunteer and even brought one person up on stage. They also take off their clothes (but not undies). If you're put off by skin and raunchy humor this might not be place for you. But if you're looking for a silly good time, then go! Overall quite funny and I highly recommend if in Chicago.

The annoyance theaters about the funnest place we went to in 2019. I took my husband there for a birthday surprise. The first thing I noticed with the place smells very strongly of frying things, I think they serve food there but we didn't order anything. There's a nice bar & Gathering Spot upfront, and we are really able to build up anticipation over a well-made cocktail. The show we came came to see was called Hitchcocktails. The Improv players take a scenario worthy of Hitchcock and they act out a story in Hitchcock Style. The cocktail part is that they have to take a drink whenever anyone in the scene offers them one, and then they have to finish it before they leave the scene It was absolutely hilarious! I don't remember the premise of their Hitchcock scene, but they did a good job with the acting. I was obviously trying to see when the actors started slurring their words and getting a little silly oh, and that just made it better. One of the best parts is when they dug into the bottom of the mobile bar on stage and encourage the other actors to have a Jagermeister drink. The groans from the actors were pretty funny! I wish I had made this review closer to when we visited last summer, because I don't feel like I'm giving the show Full justice but it is much funnier than way I am describing right now! After the show, we lingered at the bar and got to meet some of the actors who are very friendly and enthusiastic. They let us know that there are improv classes at annoyance theater, and those classes ended up being my husband's next present! Looking forward him to increasing his funny level!

I went here last night (Tuesday night) to see MINT, which is a three act improvised musical. There are 3 different teams (one team per act) that take suggestions from the audience and then they string together a 20 minute show. There's a quick intermission after the second act. You can bring food and drink from the bar into the Theatre. Tickets are $10, and you can use cash or card. This place is conveniently located by the Redline Belmont stop. Overall, a fun way to spend a Tuesday night and I'm so impressed by the talent of creating songs on the spot that rhyme!

We went on March 15 to see the Art by Artist show at the Annoyance Theatre - it was a gem of a show, like nothing I had ever seen before - beyond hysterical I can't remember the last time I LOL so much! The performers were amazing: wicked smart and a total riot. (I learned about art somehow without realizing I was learning how did that happen!!) If you are looking for something crazy fun and totally different go see this it will knock your socks off

Saw "To Insanity and Beyond" and it was the best show I've seen there! Never disappointed with their shows and always have the best time!

I have been taking AP2 with Tim Huerlin as my teacher here for several weeks now. I love it! I also take classes at Second City and there is a big difference in learning improv here. I really like how they teach you to take care of yourself first in a scene. We have been doing exercises that has helped me with initiation and character work. I would recommend their improv program 100%. FYI .. if you already have been taking classes elsewhere you can start with AP2 & skip AP1. Just email them before you register and they will let you know. That's what I did. I plan on continuing with AP3. They also provide free water at the bar for anyone. I love that!

We came here as part of an improv weekend with a friend of ours. We stopped in at the bar for a drink waiting for the show to start, and the bartender was friendly. We stayed for the show called "Fire and Beer". The players were fine as improvisers, but the show that we ended up with was not quite to our taste. Probably the best way to describe it was that one of the players seemed to pull the show into Crazytown a little too often. But we would go back on another trip to try a different show. Like other improv shows we saw that weekend, this theater was small and seats were tight and cramped, but we ended up in the front row so we had a little space in front of us.

Mick Napier is a very intelligent man who hates stupidity. Since there's a lot of stupidity in the world, a lot of the shows are full of hate towards the stupidity all around us. Which is good, if you can get in on the joke. If you can't, you should be Second City or some place that accommodates your brick-like sense of dullness. You aren't going to like a comedy show where people strip their clothes off. You aren't going to watch a play in which fake blood is splattered all over the walls. You aren't going to watch a show that points out that God doesn't exist. Okay, maybe that's not a show, maybe that's just Mick doing a show opener. Still, that's what you are going to see, hear, and taste. If you the freak that likes this sort of thing, you will find yourself very welcome here. You will also get to see some really great shows. Susan Messing in Messing with a Friend is an amazing improvised experience. A Lill Annoyance Stand-Up Show hosted by Lilly Allison is a very intimate but hilarious stand up experience. Burlesque is More run by Jennifer Estlin is one of the most enjoyable strip shows for both performers and audience. So. Go there if you are one of the outcasts. You will have a good time.

This place is one of the best theaters I've ever been to. Venue is amazing, intimate but not over crowded, with great service. We saw the Power of Prom. It was fantastic. All actors were on and amazing. The bar area is inviting and draws you in. Everything is clean and comfy. I am looking forward to making this a habit. I hope all performances are top notch like Prom was.

Who said improv classes are the new Scientology? NOT ME! Oh, and the fries are amazing.

This is a nice theatre and bar tucked away from the rush of everyday Chicago. I'm so happy we stumbled upon it the other night. We went to go see Shark Tank the Musical and left entertained, amused, happy, and perhaps a little tipsy. The show itself is very well written and superbly casted in all parts, especially the sharks. They warned us ahead of time the show was a work in progress but it seemed very well polished. There was a few noticeable mishaps throughout the night but it never detracted from the show itself. The performances by the actors far surpassed what I would have expected for a smaller theatre like the annoyance. Every mannerism was hit and never was there a point when the characters weren't a living breathing experience for the audience. It felt like we were apart of a live viewing of the shark tank gone off book and with some singing thrown in. My wife and I both loved Robert and mr wonderful, but everyone was spot on with their characters. Great performance and amazing night out. Wished we lived closer to visit this gem more often!

This place has two theaters, one large theater and one small theater. The small theater holds about 40 people. They just arrange chairs as needed. We rented the small theater for one night for a very simple theatrical show. The cost was very reasonable and they also offered a tech person for an additional, but also very reasonable cost. We had the theater for 2 hours for our show. Our artist was able to meet beforehand to go over the show with the tech person. Working with the staff to work out the logistics of the show and contract terms of the ticket sales was a great experience. They were prompt and helpful. You can pre-sell tickets and they offer a link you can share with your viewers. Viewers can also just pay at their box office. The theater is on the second floor and there are stairs or an elevator to get there. Their bathrooms have several stalls so the line problem will be minimal. There is a full bull with draft beers, cocktails and food. They have a good amount of seating in the bar area. You can bring your drinks into the theater so viewers can continue to enjoy a beverage during the show. I'd host another show at this space in the future. I'd also love to check out other shows there as well since it was a comfortable and clean space to hang out.

Burlesque is More ! Hell ya !! I had such a fun night considering it was one of my last Saturday's in Lakeview prior to moving . So my boyfriend and his parents and I were suppose to go to Laugh Factory but they fucked up our tickets / sold out so as we were walking home is frustration , we walked in and got tickets to the Burlesque show . Yes ! My Bf and his parents and I saw this show , it was tasteful and beautiful . I love the diversity of color and size , I appreciated how comfortable every girl was and their own character they played . Great show Ana great job Girls !!!

Fun spot. Like that it's a second floor joint and the bar has a unique view/vantage point of Belmont Street below. First two times, I just went and had some drinks at the bar. Third time, finally caught a show. It was pretty good! Matt Damon group on Sunday at 9:30pm. Nice variety to the evening -- a lot more acts than we expected. Venue is uniquely shaped.

Came to see Hitch-Cocktails and had a great time. It was a relaxed and casual atmosphere, much like hanging out at your friend's house. The server misplaced my second drink but was apologetic and eventually got it to me so it wasn't that big of a deal- however the show only had 10 minutes left which meant I had to drink fast! I would go again if I was in the area to see if there are different plots and character roles. Kudos to the music and stage lights for keeping it in theme with a true Hitchcock experience!