Amazing! Came here before pizza next door and had what might be the best baked oyster of my entire life. So good. I love the way this place was decorated. The mood was calm but fun. Will definitely be going back! read more

We went to neighboring Delancey last weekend expecting that we'd be killing some time over at the local dive, Tarascos, while we waited for our table. We were very excited when we heard that we had an alternative, Essex! The atmosphere is very cool and clean. It almost feels like an old industrial pharmacy with hand labeled mystery jars filled with interesting delights. The taps, tile, tables, shelving, glassware, lighting all carry a similar vibe. There are plenty of small tables and seats at the bar. They have a unique cocktail menu. We only tried a couple but both were really tasty and different from anything we've tried before. We didn't think we'd eat since we were saving room for pizza but when we saw the menu, we couldn't resist trying some nibbles. The pretzel was delicious and the cheese options and accompanying compotes were yummy and came in generous portions. We really want to go back to try some of the larger plates because they looked delightful! The service is spectacular and familiar from Delancey; friendly, knowledgeable and attentive without being annoying. I only have a couple of minor complaints that keep me from a 5 star rating. The tables are very close together. Community drinking/dining doesn't bother me but they are so tightly packed that it's really hard to get to the bench that runs behind them... particularly if you have a decent sized booty :). Also, while we really enjoyed the drink menu and cocktails we tried, I do wish that they offered more varieties of liquor - maybe something with vodka? Overall, Essex is SO much more than a place to wait for your table at Delancey. It can definitely stand on it's own and I'm very happy that there is another great drinking and dining option in the neighborhood. We'll be back soon. read more

I've only had the pleasure of visiting Essex twice, but was happy with both experiences. I've tried three cocktails, all of which were creative and delicious...the bartenders there know what they are doing! I'm especially fond of cocktails with whipped egg whites, and the T-Dock and Private Eyes exceeded my expectations (not to mention, I was pleased during my last visit that they were mixed and delivered in three minutes flat in spite of a full-house of patrons). The Peter Falk, not an egg white drink, was also incredible...flavorful and smooth. Food delights included Saucisson sec cured meat, Mt. Tam cheese, bread and red onion-currant chutney, and marinated fennel with Burcheron cheese. I'd like to see some additional "plates" on the menu, especially some in the $10-$14 range, and perhaps a couple salads, but I certainly didn't suffer with my "multiple snacks for dinner" spread. An employee walked by with a plate of pork shoulder and a side of grilled spicy peppers (I can't remember the specific name of those little guys) that he's had prepared for his own dinner during a break. He saw us drooling as he walked by and let us each steel a pepper off of his plate. They were divine and I wish those were regularly on the menu as a side. The pork looked amazing too--juicy and flavorful--but there just wasn't enough room in our bellies to justify an order. Our server was the sweetest thing around; she was approachable in spite of clearly being busy and seemed eager to offer suggestions. Seating is definitely a pain, especially when it's crowded, as there is hardly any room between tables to squeeze onto the main bench that runs along the wall (much less space on the bench to set down a purse or coat). Props to the server though who recognized the issue and said it is just fine to scoot tables as needed to comfortably get in/out. :) The space itself is intimate and charming. I mean, really, I was sold upon seeing that whale wallpaper, marble bar, and rows of masking tape labeled mason jar containing boozy brilliance. Things do tend to get pricey pretty quickly--our small plates and three cocktails came to a bit over $70--but the ambience, service, cocktails and food are just so good... read more

Long anticipating the opening, I was delightfully happy to see my expectations met when popping in for a nightcap with friends on my birthday. We snagged a table next to the front window - how cozy with it pouring rain outside as the candles flickered onto the shiny street outside. An intimate bar, we had a lovely waitress who was attentive and super helpful in deciding on cocktails and small plates. What fortune to be in our neighborhood - a new favorite! read more

Outstanding! I went here with a group of friends and was delighted. Each drink was better than the last and the food was tasty. One major bonus was the staff - they were just perfect. Enjoy! read more

Great burgers and drinks. Easily best burger in Seattle My experience was phenomenal with great service and food read more

After reading the reviews, we expected great food, service and cocktails but what we got was just ok. We ordered two if different cocktails, both almost two strong to swallow. I heard the tables around me make similar comments. That said, if a strong drink is what you like, then you'll like the drinks. Food is my profession. The food was ok. It just missed the mark, and for the price snd portion sizes, I'd like to see more in the way of flavored and execution. What really bothered us was the service. They were super friendly, courteous and professional, but one person could not keep up- and we, and your business suffered. We had to wait a few times, then we ordered dessert, while our dirty plates were left in front of us, and sat there got 30 minutes as people buzzed around us getting served and seated. Then all of a sudden our bill was plonked in front of us. Thankfully we the dessert was not on the bill, and after waiting 30 minutes and being unable to get anyone's attention, we were done. I doubt we will return for a second try. read more

I've been twice; once with my fiance, once alone. I'll put it succinctly: They need to match the menu and prices to the product. On my second trip I read the menu, and I noted that some beers were pints, others were tulips. I ordered a pint, got a tulip, but was charged for a pint. A week ago, when I dined there with my fiance, that beer was served in a pint. I asked the bartender, he told me all the errors on the menu, identifying all beers that were served in tulips, but the menu said were pints, and the price was for pints. This is a bar. I know you serve food, and the food I've had was excellent, but when I go into a bar, I want to know what I'm ordering and I want to know how much it will cost. This must be fixed. I second the statement of Jonathan S: bring your wallet. Oh, and I'm fine paying whatever the price is, but you had better tell me ahead of time. read more

Essex is a cocktail lounge in the busy new microhood of 70th Street between 14th and 15th Aves NW. It is an offshoot of Delancey, the pizza place next door, with which Essex shares a kitchen. The place is long and narrow, with both bar and table seating. I have visited Essex twice, once with two people and once with four. Each time, we have arrived soon after opening at 5 pm on a weekday. In both cases, I have come away with identical impressions: Terrific cocktails--subtle, interesting, well presented. Good food--the appetizers and small plates provide tantalizing combinations. I especially like the soft, salty pretzel and the roasted broccoli sriracha. Slow service--waited to order, waited for cocktails, waited for food. The wait is long enough to notice and comment on, and certainly longer than it should be, despite Essex being only about one-third full at the time. Pricey--Four cocktails and two small plates totaled $70 without tip, which is at least $10 more than comparable establishments in the Ballard and Greenwood areas. read more

Great place for a classy cocktail outside of the main drag of Ballard. Cute neighborhood with a cute bar. They homebrew their own fernet and bitters! Cocktails were good, beautiful presentation and very creative flavors but also very boozy. Definitely worth a visit if you are looking to explore Ballard beyond NW Market St. read more

We've lived right down the street for a couple of years now and their Tiki Tuesdays have always been a beacon of yum for an easy mid-week meal. No more! They recently changed their selection for Tuesdays to emphasize the 'Tiki' part instead of their really well-made tacos, and what's left was really quite startling. My husband got the only taco selection they still had left and it wasn't even mediocre; it was just plain bad. First, it took over 30 minutes to get the tacos. They've shrunk in size, the lettuce looked like the type of lettuce you get on a school lunch, and the cheese they put was in large COLD (not even room temperature or lukewarm) chunks just haphazardly placed on meat that tasted like what you'd prepare at home with a taco packet. The mushroom quesadilla I had was mediocre at best. This was especially disappointing as the tacos they used have were beloved by many other frequenters of their Tiki Tuesday. They were varied, well-made, and of quality ingredients. Unfortunately no more. We won't be returning. read more

Great atmosphere. Delicious drinks. Tasty cauliflower app. Yum. Will go back. Yum yum

5/18/14 OK, so I've been here 4 or so times and absolutely love it--I'd die to own it! It's such a simple, bare spot that is really attractive. I've only had a couple things to eat: Clothbound Cheddar on toast (very simple, very good) and....well, I don't remember what else. This place is supposed to be a waiting room of sorts for Delancey next door. Sort of like how Artusi started out as a waiting room for Spinasse. However pushing food is not their game and service as a whole is pretty bad and the cocktails take a while to make. Even if they're on tap. (I'll name the bartenders Slow and Slower from here on...) So, while Slow is mixing drinks, Slower is walking around sneezing (not washing hands) and eating bread&butter (not washing hands) AND forgetting drink orders AND forgetting that the customer comes before his little snack time while racking up Health Code Violations. In a small place like Essex, it shouldn't take 2 bartenders 5 minutes to finally ask a group of ladies if they need a drink....of course we do!! DUH!! Someone needs to watch these two Startenders and their slow contest. They obviously can't manage themselves or their time. They are WAY too comfortable. read more

Cute bar attached to Delancey (makes it nice while you're waiting for your table) They have some great drinks and it's a real low key inside. I loved that. Also the bar tender is rad. He works as a distiller at Big Gin Co. (where we had a tour... HIGHLY recommend that) Definitely wouldn't have waited 2 hours for pizza had Essex not been right there. read more

Went here last night and have been here before. Beautifully laid out with terrific selection of booze and food. Had the cauliflower app which was terrific. I really want to like this place more but the acoustical design is a nightmare. Loud. Loud. Loud. Had a few drinks which were really tasteful. We suspect one of the drinks was missing one impt ingredient- bourbon. We learned of this only after ordering and receiving a second of the said drink and the comparison was obvious. We chose not to say anything to the bartender- he looked bothered that we were even there. This is a place of convenience so going back there is tbd. read more

The waiting room for the sister restaurant Delancey next store. Small bites and alcohol. We ordered a small plate of fresh pretzels and drank beer while we waited for a table next store to open up. read more

Nice little spot with friendly service. Menu is pricey though that's not unexpected in this 'hood. Had some tasty brews while waiting for our table at adjoining Delancey. Would like to come back to try for the food. read more

Great small plates, the I can't get over how great the drinks are here! I had a there tomato queen drink i believe, (i believe that's the right name) and it was so good. Spicy and Delicious. Such a great drink to enjoy after the weekend. Also the baked oysters are amazing. Even my father who i was wish who usually doesn't like then, loved them. I also recommend the califlower toast. so good! I cant wait to go back and try more! read more

Nice quiet and small location great selection of cheeses and meats to snack on. Nice selection of specialty drinks if you are into that to choose from.. read more

We went here for a bite before having to trek to the east side for a birthday party. Delighted does not begin to cover our experience! We split a small entrée and to small plates and it was the perfect amount of food. Between perfect wine and cider suggestions from our server Dusty (who was charming and very helpful despite the place being pack to the gills and people waiting to sit down) and fantastic food, it was the highlight of the night. We had the charcuterie plate, sherry braised pork cheeks (I'm so pleased to see sherry becoming a regular thing in Seattle) and the Brussels sprouts. I plan on going back and just ordering 2 orders of Brussels sprouts next time, they are in fact THAT GOOD! Essex seems like the perfect date place, or a wonderful way to end the day. read more

I go to Essex frequently. I live in the neighborhood so it's a short walk. It's a beautiful bar and the drinks are good, if not just a little precious. The food is tasty...the burger delish. What I don't understand is the attitude of the bartender. I brought a friend in the other night and she even commented on how he doesn't seem to like having patrons in there. He doesn't make even casual conversation and when we asked about a drink on the menu he just read exactly what was printed on the menu...didn't even try to describe it further. I've worked in the service industry for years and I get when you have a bad day, but this is a consistent attitude and it's uncomfortable to be around. read more

Perfect atmosphere for a neighborhood cocktail bar. Nothing is overstated and there are nice touches from the white tiles to the wallpaper. The cocktails are incredible, as are the bartenders. I've only had the duckfat potatoes, but they were unbelievably good. I'm sort of glad I live 3,000 miles away or all of my money would be frittered away on cocktails and appetizers. read more

The house made pickle plate is where it's at. I've been on a pickled items kick and this definitely did not disappoint. The chocolate chip sea salt cookie was also phenomenal. Everything you want in a chocolate chip cookie to be: crispy edges, chewy center, pockets of rich melted dark chocolate. AMAZING. The ambiance is so warm and cozy, perfect for pre-date appetizers or drinks, and the service was top notch. I'd come back again in a heartbeat! read more

Really great cocktails, especially while waiting for a table at Delancey next door. I walked in, asked for the flavors I wanted, and got exactly what I was looking for back. read more

A lovely little cocktail bar right in the heart of mini-Ballard; Watch the specials board - I once had some mussels which were outstanding. Be warned - the "special" sauces on the house burger are spicy; too spicy for me to eat, in fact. But the bartender was able to replace it with a tuna melt for me, and that was fine. read more

What a wonderful little place. The atmosphere is relaxed chic. It reminds you a bit of a 70's lounge, with wooden tables. The drinks are pricey, and are more complex and intricate in ingredients than they need to be. I would recommend just getting your favorite mixed drink and beer. But what I would recommend are the small plates. The prosciutto is amazing, the cheese is amazing and the pickled plate is wonderful as well. Maximize your $ by getting a beer and maxing out on the plates. Definitely worth a visit. Enjoy. read more

Really small cozy awesome bar! Great drinks and new spin on great cocktails. I had their version of the sazerac which was bourbon and bitters in one cup and preseco with an absinth wash. My girlfriend had a gin cocktail with roasted rosemary which was amazing. All in all a great visit and great bar! read more

Love this place, amazing cocktails, great small plates, and one of the joys of waiting for a table at Delancey. Excellent service and nice atmosphere. Servers are always down to earth and nice. One of my favorite neighborhood bars. read more

They were out of one of their house drinks that I really wanted to try, so I opted for a simple gin and grapefruit juice. The roasted brussel sprouts and cauliflower on toast were excellent. I would have like to have tried more of the bar food but we were waiting for a table at Delancey. Would come here again just to try all of their bar snacks. read more

We made a point to find this place while vacationing in Seattle. After a beautiful proposal at Green Lake, my new fiancée and I wandered about the beautiful neighborhoods around Phinney Ridge! I feel like people too often make the mistake of using Essex as a "waiting room," of sorts. The pizza place directly next door (and connected by a hallway and shared bathroom) is an AMAZING place, with great service and food. That being said, Essex is a shining jewel among the treasures of Seattle. The drinks are so expertly hand-crafted and the food (a completely different menu than the one you'll find next door) is like nothing I've ever had. The Tamarind chicken wings were a delightful surprise..never would have imagined those flavors when you think of "wings in a bar"!! Give this place your undivided attention, and be open to their adventurous fare and I PROMISE, they won't disappoint. Enjoy! read more

Fun little hipster spot. Great for drinks and a quick meal. My group got a bunch of their specialty cocktails and was very happy with all the variety. The servers are happy and enthusiastic about the menu and are happy to make suggestions. I got the pineapple margarita on tap, and it was surprisingly spicy? Not bad. But prob wouldn't order it again. read more

Very good cocktails and small plates. Somewhat expensive and crowded, but still a great experience. We were at the bar and being helped by both the bartenders and a waitress - bartenders seemed annoyed with any orders that didn't include a fancy cocktail (food), but the friendly and helpful waitress made up for it. read more

Great little plates of food and excellent service. I'm a big fan of grabbing a spot at the counter, grabbing a fancy drink, and enjoying a sample of the food while having a great conversation. This place fills up fast. read more

Deft mixology, solid food, and a warm intimate setting helped make our visit to Essex a win. Other high notes included a serious but friendly bartender who chatted informatively while creating some interesting libations, and solid cooking from the kitchen on what appeared to be tiki taco night. Al pastor with charred pineapple tacos, lamb quesadilla, and a subtly flavoured guacamole were high points. Portions were good to generous. Quasi-retro interior is nicely appointed, and our catbird seats at the marble covered bar made the evening. Recommended. read more

I adore Essex. It's a small but super cute neighborhood bar which is attached to Delancey (also delicious). They have fancy, delicious snacks (I loved the cauliflower toast and the duck fat potatoes) and fancy, delicious cocktails too. The drinks + food can add up quickly but it's a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat on a weekday or before a night out, or while you're waiting for a seat at Delancey, however, I definitely don't consider this just Delancey's waiting room and I would go out of my way just to come to Essex. It's great. read more

It wasn't what I expected at all, very small, very snooty crowd, we went there to get tacos, they were known for them in the area. NO tacos on the menu, they had a $18 hamburger not paying that unless it's made of gold. We had a beer and left read more

Tasty, inventive cocktails, wine, and beer with good bar food: homemade pretzels with homemade mustard, a selection of cheeses and salumi by the ounce, lots of pickled things, and a couple big plates. Over two days (the soft opening and opening night) I have had three of the cocktails: Red Medicine (rye-based), 70th St. Sour (rye again), and Private Eyes (tequila). All were excellent, with good-quality liquor and most often homemade bitters. Everything in the drinks is freshly made: no margarita mix here. Pretzels are the chewy / salty kind rather than the sweeter / fluffier kind, started in a convection oven and finished in the pizza oven, per a server. Pretty good service, especially for a crowded, lively opening night. Nice ambiance, with marble mar tops and table tops, subway tile back wall, and walnut bar shelves and banquette. Two caveats: first, excellent quality and homemade products come at a price, and it isn't cheap, with cocktails around $10-11: two cocktails and pretzels came to $27 before tax and tip. Second, with Delancey next door and popular, parking is now very tight in the neighborhood -- if you also like the nearby Barking Dog, you will know what I mean. read more

Essex - busy bartender on soft-opening night - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Love this bar. Get the Roger Sterling for the best dirty gin martini in town. It's crave worthy.

I tried to get it to Delancy, but the wait was + 90 minutes, so we ended up at Essex next door. the bartenders are craft cocktail mixologists. the booze selection is very good and intimate. the booze is not the high profile highly marketed neon colored crappy booze carried by most bars. the small plates of food are pretty tasty. i enjoyed sitting at the bar. Definitely, tell the bartender what you like for flavors and smells as you will not be disappointed. read more

I really really wanted to write a wonderful review because it's such a lovely little spot. Seemed like the perfect place for a cool drink on a warm night. When we got there there were only 2 other couples eating. The hostess told us to sit anywhere so we sat at 4 top and she looked a little concerned. I asked if it was ok. There were only 2 of us, but I was trying to pick a table and be polite to the other eaters by not plopping down right next to anyone in a small place. She said, "Yeah, I guess it's ok. It's not that busy right now." It turned out to be Taco Tuesday and I was so excited because I love tacos. We ordered pork tacos and fish tacos. The fish tacos were terribly underseasoned. The pork tacos were spicy, but lacked any flavor but that. So disappointing! Took some time to get the bill not due to the level of business, but because the staff was just so darn aloof. That was a shame because what you really want in a neighborhood joint is a super friendly staff! The drinks were good though. I guess we ultimately got a bit of what we wanted. read more