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    Essex

    3.7 (2.5k reviews)
    PriceyBars, New American
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Essex Photos

    Business Info

    ESSEX ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Essex

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    Reviews With Photos

    Steak and eggs
    Sabrina T.

    Let me start by saying ive come here for dinner and it was a much better experience than brunch. As soon as we sat down the waitress told us we had a time limit. Ive NEVER experienced that at a restaurant before so much so that she rushed us throughout the entire meal. It wasn't even busy ! So Im turned off and probably wouldn't go back. Aside from all of this the steak was so bland and not worth the price. The eggs were good. Still didnt make up for the service received

    Mezze muhammara, hummus, and tzatziki
    Darlene T.

    We came at the end of dinner service around 9pm reservation on a Friday. It converts to a dance party vibe on Friday and Saturday nights! Very fun atmosphere. We heard this was supposed to be great Mediterranean food. It was good but not great. For the amount they charge - I should have zero bones in my branzino. The mezze was delish - probably our fav part. The delicata squash salad......had very little delicata squash. Grilled octopus was kind of underwhelming - we have definitely had better. The chicken skewers were amazing tho and we doubled up on veggies instead of getting rice. Overall, decent if you are in the area, but would not seek this spot out again.

    Herb Marinated Chicken Skewers
    Marie S.

    Decided to go on a solo date here and I really enjoyed my time! The staff were so friendly and welcoming. The place itself is lovely, spacious with bar seating, table seating, making it perfect for a solo visit, a date night, or hanging out with friends. The food was fantastic and full of flavor. The fried calamari was crispy and came with a delicious sauce. The rice and chicken skewers were absolutely tasty. I also loved the pineapple cake, it had the perfect balance of sweet pineapple and also tasted cornbread flavor too, but it was good and moist. I'm not much of a drinker, but the Mango Lava Lamp drink was really good! This spot is a winner and I'll definitely be coming back, whether solo, on a date, or with friends.

    Main floor
    Sharisse B.

    This is a review for Sunday Brunch. When we arrived, it was a long line, and it caused me to be a few minutes late for my reservation. I think there should be two lines. One if you have a reservation and one if you don't. I was asked what type of seating I preferred. I did put that request in my reservation on Open Table. I requested to sit on the main floor. The table was fine, but the seats didn't allow me to put my bag on my chair. I requested the seats to be switched out and that request was honored. For brunch there was unlimited drinks. I requested the champagne instead of Mimosas. However, I didn't feel the Champagne was flowing as much as the Mimosas was. Our server Vee did a good job making sure our glasses weren't empty for too long. For brunch I had the Essex Burger and fries. The burger for my guest wasn't cooked as requested. A new order had to be put in. We received a complimentary macaroni and cheese, it was delicious. When the order came back out, it was cooked as requested. Overall, I loved the ambiance and vibe of the restaurant. I will visit again.

    eggs benny
    Kim C.

    GIRL THIS PLACE IS GOOD. I went to bottomless brunch with a group of girls. When I tell you this place is bottomless this place is BOTTOMLESS. The servers are legit ninjas i didn't realize when my glass was empty or when the plates were taken away omg. I had bottomless aperol spritz - delicious. It's nice because it's not as sweet as the mimosa which is beneficial for that hangover. The salmon eggs benedict. I am an eggs benny girl. They had a slam dunk out of the water for this. Everhthing was perfect. Come here!!

    lamb meatballs
    Jason M.

    My colleagues and I were looking for a place to eat after a work team-building event at The Ragery. Since this was super close, the menu looked good, and they were able to accommodate a party of our size, we booked it. I always confuse Essex with Beauty and Essex - and honestly I'm not sure what the difference is between the two (seriously though I know they are different places). Anyway, I quickly learned that Essex is (or at least was) a brunch hot spot in the LES. The space is huge - it has a grand presence with high ceilings, an impressive bar, and tables scattered throughout a mostly open floor plan. The decor was modern - there wasn't anything too outstanding about it but it was pleasing to the eyes nonetheless. The menu is mostly American food and consists of several small plates with a few larger format dishes. They also have a significant amount of drinks available which fits the boozy brunch aesthetic they're known for. Since it was restaurant week (apparently?), they had a 3-course prix fix option, but we decided not to partake. Ultimately, we got several small plates - fried calamari, burrata flatbread, mac and cheese, lamb meatballs, truffle fries, and Brussels sprouts. Additionally, we got a few orders of their signature burger. In general, none of the food impressed me - most of it was marginal at best with some of it being less than that. The best things IMO were the burger, truffle fries, and the mac. The fried calamari was over-fried, though I appreciate they included legs. The flatbread was burnt on the bottom which took away from the flavor. Boring food that you could get better elsewhere. Drinks were pretty good, but I only got a mule so I cannot accurately judge. Service was friendly, though the flow of the food wasn't the best as there was a large gap between being served small plates and the burgers. Also, several of us ordered drinks and they were served pretty much one at a time. I don't blame the servers though, they were working hard. They may need more people or a revamp of their workflow. Overall, Essex was just okay, and not a place I would necessarily return. While the service was good and the aesthetics were pretty, the food was underwhelming. I would opt for other restaurants in the LES next time I'm here.

    View from second level
    Alison A.

    Came for Sunday brunch. We found parking very easy on the same street just one block down. We had a reservation for a party of 4 to celebrate my friend's 50th. We were promptly seated on the upper level. Our server, Rafael, was AMAZING! He was sweet, attentive and kept the mimosas flowing (we got the bottomless brunch deal and it was well worth it!) Three of us ordered the steak and eggs which came with potatoes and salad. It was good, my only note is that the steak could've been cooked better, and it was kind of fatty. Everything else was excellent. One friend ordered the Essex burger, which I tried, and it was even better than the steak and eggs in my opinion. Mimosas were light on the OJ which was nice. We ordered the chocolate mousse dessert which we shared. It was very good. Rafael put the candles I brought and he sang with us. He was just awesome. The place itself was very nice inside, loved the color patterns and overall aesthetic. Pop music was playing, loud enough to hear it but not too loud so you can't hear each other. Great experience. We left full, happy and feeling nice from the mimosas to go to our next event. We all said we will definitely go back! Highly recommend for a group brunch or a date.

    Full Mimosa
    Eric W.

    (Last visited September 4, 2023.) Hanging out in New York City for Labor Day weekend and it's time to brunch! So today we're on the lower east side and checking out Essex! Here's how it went... Atmosphere/Appearance: This place is pretty big for a New York restaurant! It's elongated like most of them but it also has an upstairs! It's very elegant, chic and felt like, historic... maybe? Like, set back in the day a little bit. It was on the quieter side, but still felt energetic as we sat right at the bar near the door since it was so busy. Service: We sat at the bar and we were well taken care of. I can't remember who took care of us, but they had our mimosas FULL-FULL. Like, with a meniscus on top. Lol. Serious stuff. Food: I went with the Angus strip and salad which was decent. It could've used some more seasoning or salt, but the steak was cooked well and the salad felt healthy. It was filling, but didn't make me regret eating it. Lol. Most importantly, the mimosas just flowed and flowed. Bottomless was done to perfection here, that's why it's important to sit right at the bar! At the source! Lol. Value: It's New York City and it's a nice restaurant. It's not going to be cheap. I think my wife and I spent just over $100.00 with tax and tip for each of us to have bottomless mimosas then our entrees. Totally worth it. In conclusion, I liked it here and would totally come back! Check this place out if you're in the area.

    Chilaquiles, skillet pancake, salmon benedict, turkey bacon
    Jonathan M.

    Ok went here with a friend on a Sunday. No wait for a table, but somewhat empty. We had their bottomless brunch option. Mimosas, bloody mary or aperol spritz are the options. The music was decent but the space seemed too big with a lack of people. Our server was nice and the food was just ok. Not bad but nothing spectacular! Huevos rancheros, skillet pancake and salmon eggs benedict pictured below.

    16oz Bone-In NY Strip Steak
    Tinah Y.

    Came here on a Saturday night with my side of the wedding party. We were a party of about 30 which typically present an ordering nightmare. However, the service was wonderful and I don't think they missed anything. The only problem was more of the kitchen being able to keep up because we had two large table, about 15 to a table and one table was done with their main course before the other table received theirs. The food was great and the steaks were cooked perfectly per request. Price is average and the portions were great. My favorites were probably the tomato and cucumber salad, brussels sprouts, steak and truffle fries.

    Manchego Mac 'n' Cheese
    Chris A.

    The inside is large and great for crowds . They have a great bottomless brunch offering . The day I went brunch was served until 5:00 PM . The food was mediocre at best. I had Avocado Toast which was just basic. Also ordered the Manchego Mac N Cheese. It was just ok. Service was great though. Main subway station close by.

    The New Aristocrat
    Alana K.

    I came here with my parents for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. The first thing we noticed when we stepped in the restaurant was how loud it was. The loud music blaring through the speakers meant that everyone in the restaurant needed to shout to each other to be heard. I ordered the New Aristocrat, which was burrata and salmon on a slice of sourdough with arugula on the side. The food was fine, if a little pricy for what it is. Everything on the brunch menu is the same price ($25 as of May '25).

    Elsa C.

    The vibe was great and the food was delicious. Highly recommend their steak -- super tender, flavorful, and juicy!

    The New Aristocrat

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    27 days ago

    SHOUTOUT TO OUT SERVER LINDA!! She was so kind and responsive for our table. This place has a great vibe and aesthetic.

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    1 month ago

    Excellent food and LOVELY EXPERIENCE WITH LINDA she is absolutely the best and made our double date incredible! Can't wait to be back :-)

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    Page 1 of 62

    Essex Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Essex

    What is noise level like?

    Essex is one of the best restaurants near me. The ambient noise level is generally low compared to other restaurants in Lower Manhattan. However, during peak times, such as when people are enjoying a bottomless brunch, things can get a little… 

    What are the current happy hour hours?

    Happy hour ends at 7 pm and is not available at the outdoor seating.

    Do you still have your happy hour and what are the hours and deal?

    They still have happy hour- ends at 7 pm and includes appetizers and drinks (beers, cocktails)

    Do you have heated outdoor dining?

    Yes. Every table has its own heater.

    What time is your happy hour till? 10pm even on fridays-sundays?

    Happy hour is from 5pm to 8pm Mon, Tues, Wed & Friday; All night Thursday and 5pm to 10pm on Sunday, Cheers

    Does this place allow kids to come? Like during happy hours?!

    Yes

    Is there a DJ on Saturday nights? What time does music start?

    Yes, the DJ goes on at 9pm.

    What's the noise level like on a Friday at dinner?

    It's not as noisy to socialize. It's a big open space with music playing in the background but not as disturbing as to where you can socialize.

    What's the gratuity for brunch?

    The gratuity is at your discretion, though most guests tip 18-20%. Cheers

    Is there coat check? If so, how much is it?

    There’s no coat check but we will check luggage at no charge if needed.

    What kind of music is played for Saturday brunch?

    They play top hits basically - lots of Rap and Hip Hop.

    What type of music will be played during a Saturday brunch?

    Mix of house, pop, r&b and classics.

    Is this place kid friendly?

    to be honest, I've only been on a saturday or sunday - it's usually packed with people ages 21+...not sure how it is during the week...hope this helps!

    Do people typically dance during brunch? Like at their seats?

    People sometimes sing along to some of the classics but not much dancing

    How is the music? I'm looking for a fun vibe birthday brunch is this the place for that kind of energy?

    That's definitely essex. Great dj on Sunday brunch with house and dance. Similar vibe on Saturdays with a mix of current pop plus older hits.

    What is the music like here?

    Pretty eclectic with large dose of house and current dance.

    Is there a dress code for Sunday brunch?

    I don't think so.

    View All 19 Questions

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    Grove Street Social

    Grove Street Social

    4.0
    (30 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    We met up for happy hour at Grove Street Social with friends--one who has lived in the West Village…read morefor over a decade and another visiting from Pennsylvania. It ended up being a nice spot for a casual catch-up, though with a few mixed impressions. The space itself is cute and very much feels like a neighborhood bar. One of the things we liked most was that they have games available--we ended up playing Scrabble while waiting for our friend to arrive, which made the time go by quickly and added to the relaxed vibe. Happy hour prices are solid, and the fried pickles we shared were decent. I also had a watermelon cocktail that was refreshing and perfectly fine, if not particularly memorable. Service was a bit inconsistent. The bartender wasn't very warm or welcoming to us initially, though that changed once our friend--who is a regular--arrived. Overall, it's a comfortable spot to meet friends and hang out for a few hours, especially on a weekday like Thursday. That said, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to return, but I can see why it works well as a local neighborhood hang.

    Adorable and tiny pub on pretty Grove Street. All of Greenwich Village so Christmas-y after a snow…read morestorm. Excellent specialty cocktails: one Old Fashioned with chocolate flavors and another with figs. Spepherd's Pie special simple and tasty on a cold night. We were smitten with this discovery for happy hour. Christmas lights everywhere, including across the ceiling! Charming.

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    Interior
    Interior
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    Lamb chops
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    Cellar Dog

    Cellar Dog

    3.9
    (74 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    There are some pros and cons about this place, but it was pretty neat overall!…read more Came here with friends (group of 4) on a Saturday night, so we paid the $10 cover. Which is fine in my opinion because they have live jazz and I love that. I also love a bar with an activity outside of just drinking. Some pros: so many games and pool tables and live jazz and decent beer Some cons: not many seats, long waits for the pool/ping pong/foosball tables on a weekend, loud (not a place to get to know someone I'd say) Overall it's definitely ~cool~. The crowd looked to be a lot of NYU students/20somethjngs in tech or whatever living their best city life. Not the vibe for all, but definitely the vibe for some.

    Pretty cool and genuinely unique spot, different from most places in the city. The whole concept is…read morebuilt around keeping your hands busy: pool tables, ping pong, shuffleboard, foosball, chess, checkers, even some old-school arcade cabinets scattered through a sprawling underground space. It's actually a legacy spot in disguise. This basement used to house Fat Cat, a longtime West Village institution that shut down right before the pandemic, and before that the room itself was a bowling alley, tucked into a 1932 Art Deco building a few steps from Stonewall. Drink selection isn't the draw here, don't come expecting a deep cocktail list. Crowd skews heavily undergrad, and the place is loud, so it's not the spot for an intimate one-on-one or a real group conversation. It's built for a different kind of hang: elbow your way to a table, keep your hands busy, let the noise do the rest. There's also live jazz most nights, which adds a nice layer if you catch it at the right time. Neat place, just know what you're walking into.

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    Live jazz
    Live jazz
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    Dear Strangers

    Dear Strangers

    4.3
    (29 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Dear Strangers is a wonderful hidden gem! We celebrated Valentine's Day there last night and while…read morethe restaurant was incredibly busy, we never felt overlooked or underserved. The owners were milling around making sure everyone was well taken care of and the wait staff were kind and personable. Now the food...AMAZING!!! Every bite we took was wonderful and so surprising with creative combinations and gorgeously presented. The restaurant itself was hip and refined and seemed to be the happening spot of the night. We will certainly be back!

    Met up with friends here for dinner before a show near Washington square. It wasn't super crowded…read morewhen we arrived around 6pm (maybe due to the extreme cold that day) but started filling up gradually. I loved the ambiance and decor, very cozy. As for food, there were some true hits but most of the food was good but basic. The highlights for me were the wild mushrooms & rice cakes as well as the Caesar salad - loved the use of nori in the salad and would definitely come back for the mushrooms. The chicken cutlet and chicken dumplings were fine but I probably wouldn't order them again. The wait staff weren't super attentive nor super warm, but they were efficient when we asked for water refills, etc. There was ample standing room at the bar while we waited for our friends, but the table/booth that we sat at was super narrow, I was knocking knees with my friend all night and generally felt squished.

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    Dear Strangers
    Dear Strangers
    Smoked chicken croquettes

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    Sip & Guzzle

    Sip & Guzzle

    4.1
    (294 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    S&G has already taken Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar in 2025, #39 on the World's 50 Best Bars that same…read moreyear, and the #1 spot on North America's 50 Best Bars list in 2026. This was my second visit and it was even better. We splurged and ordered the Royale with Cheese and the Electric Chicken with the Party Dip which is their version of ranch topped with caviar. UNREAL. Everyone talks about the ranked cocktails here, but the food still does not get nearly enough attention.

    This is a great spot for date night or drinks with one other person. That being said, it is not…read moregood for groups of 3 or more, but especially for groups of 3. They do not give you a 4 seater table if your party has 3 people. You will have to sit at a small 2 seater with an extra chair added on the side which makes seating very awkward and cramped. Another reason this spot is not great for groups is because not all of their food is "shareable". The photos I have added to my review are the ones that ARE shareable. However, a lot of the other items we got such as the bikini or the shrimp toast were extremely difficult to share because it was a small bite clearly meant for one. It was misleading because our server told us that they only have shareables on the menu instead of actual entrees. I will say the food and drinks were very good, though! I would come back if I was with only one other person, but it really is not a group spot.

    Photos
    Bar Area by the entrance
    Bar Area by the entrance
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    Essex - bars - Updated August 2026

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