Essex
“PERFECT SUNDAY BRUNCH:
It's inexpensive, you get great food, AND of course cocktails (mimosa, bloody mary's) are included!”
“To eat I had the Essex Famous Potato Pancakes and my friends ordered the Short Rib Hash and Vegan Mexican Matzo Brei.”
“I got the aristocrat, which was like a potato latke eggs benedict with huge pieces of raw salmon.”
Essex
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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My dining partner said he usually comes here for brunch, and that seems to be what they're known for. We came for dinner and won't be doing that again.
He ordered the pork tenderloin with bacon and corn in a chipotle adobo sauce. The sauce tasted almost only of smokiness, the pork itself was alright. The fried calamari comes with a cold habanero avocado dip that doesn't have any spice to it, breading could have also used seasoning. The pork belly tacos were also covered in avocado crema and pickled onions- a flavor combination that sounds like it would work, but not the way these ingredients were handled. I picked out the pork belly and tried to ignore the crema. Even the haricot verts were swimming in oil, and I think they may have used jarred garlic.
There were also a BUNCH of gnats that kept attacking us. I know there's not much to be done once they get into an establishment, and sometimes that can happen, but an acknowledgement of our continuous hand waving would have been nice.They did leave when the food arrived…
It was edible, but I wouldn't call it enjoyable. The brunch photos on Yelp do look a LOT more appetizing, and I've heard good things from people so I may be back, but dinner is a no go.
Entry from the side door at Essex, takes you to the main eating area with high stools and a considerable bar. Metal open staircase, transitions you, to the upper level dining room with little over dozen tables. But don't let the space fool you. Seriously. There's a difference between tacky and tight AND tasteful and cozy. And tacky and tight-it was not, in any way.
I was totally digging that Essex is upbeat and funky with lots of atmosphere. Essex is charming in an odd and industrial sort of way. Dim lights created a romantic evening, while exposed pipes and beams, dominated the visual effect.
Essex's cocktail menu, pops with so many appealing drinks, I couldn't figure out which ones. And to put the cherry on top, upon checking in, you can select $6 Yelp Specialty Cocktails. Not only were cocktails reasonably priced, but in the end, they turned out to be so freaking potent!
Hands down to the wonderful and speedy service and meal. From the delicious crispy potato pancake with smoke salmon and caviar to my heavenly shrimp and gnocchi dish in a tomato/cream sauce, that was competently done. Dessert menu looked amazing. But, in keeping with my freaking 2 week abstinence from chocolate, I had to forgo all freaking temptations.
Despite the mixed reviews, Essex is an interesting place to try. Servers were quite friendly, accommodating and attentive. And my high quality dishes, were scrumptious.
Stopped here for some happy hour $1 east coast oysters and a small appetizer of fried calamari that were a tad on the greasy side and could use a touch more seasoning.
I can see why Essex is so well-known in the LES, particularly as a respectable brunch spot. I came in for dinner, but I saw their brunch menu, and it looked mouthwatering.
Their happy hour oysters were pretty good (especially at the $1 HH price tag). We came in for dinner, and we sat for a good 3 hours, never being rushed out of the restaurant. Quite surprised with the quality of all the food. There were so many people in the restaurant, and they still got everything out to us in a very timely manner. There are 2 floors to this restaurant, so it's roomier than it looks when you first walk in.
For dinner, we ordered heir famous potato pancakes, and Chef Adan's Veggie Burger. Oh-ma-gahh good! The prices are very fair, and I'd love to come back for brunch one day.
Nothing amazing, but the staff was helpful and friendly.
I had the $28 brunch deal where you get three drinks (mimosa, blood mary or screwdriver) and an entree. I went with the banana's foster french toast and ordered a side of chicken sausage. The french toast was moist but not flavorful. The "banana's foster" compote looked interesting (for lack of a better word) so I didn't try that.
My friend had an omelette which he enjoyed and said was very well made.
Been here a number of times though never for Brunch which based on crowd still there at 7pm is very popular.
I like the space but have a soft spot for industrial looking places. Not sure what this was in it previous life but they seemed to have kept general look including chain pull Windows.
One comes for the food and it is okay here. On most recent visit the risotto was kind that would have gotten you kicked off top chef as neither creamy or with much flavor. Pork was slightly overcooked as a little past medium well to well done and asked for medium.
My drink glass came with huge cracks down side that could have cut me. Service otherwise was okay.
If lived closer might try out brunch but likely stick to coming here when get a discount voucher.
Macaroni with Lobster Meat and a glass of white wine!!!! Essex Restaurant provides some of the best macaroni with lobster meat that I have ever eaten!!!! I have been to this establishment on Wednesdays thus far since Wednesdays are Lobster Night and they have such a fabolous lobster special (lobster with 2 sides for $21.95). However, this restaurant is amazing with its candlelit ambiance and its quaint and somewhat romantic atmosphere. The cocktails are delicious!
Came to Essex to celebrate a friend's birthday with 5 other people on a Sat night. Expectations were low since this place has been around for years and reservations were available via opentable even late into the week. They were running late but no big deal as we had drinks at the bar. We were seated upstairs and the place was rocking. All the tables were filled and people were drinking and having a good time. The ambiance is dark but sleek. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful throughout the night. Our favorite things on the menu included the calamari, mac n cheese, the risotto. The absolutely best dish we had was the house made gnocchi. In addition, the cocktails were all on point. Remember to do a yelp check-in to get a $6 cocktail (your choice. I got the smoking gun, which is regularly $13).
Essex is a good place for a group dinner especially if you're in the LES and want to check out other 20 and 30 somethings.