Essex
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 533-9616
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Between Rivington Street and Delancey Street
- Directions:
- F at Delancey St; J, M, Z at Essex St
- Specialties:
- Bloody Mary
- Best of Citysearch:
- Morning-After Brunch 2008
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu 6pm-12am, Fri 6pm-1am, Sat 11am-4pm, 6pm-1am, Sun 11am-11pm
Editorial Review for Essex – by Cat Greenleaf
The Scene
The meeting of dramatic, wide-open space and a warm family vibe may be the key to Essex's magic. Double-height, white-washed brick walls and skylights overlook sleek black tables and chairs, creating a sparse, clean atmosphere. At the eat-in bar, bartenders serve up margaritas and Manhattans with a flair that turns alcohol into an art.
The Food
The fresh menu pays homage to the quirky cultural mixture of the Lower East Side, with plates like potato cake Napoleon, the Essex Cubano sandwich, scallop and mango seviche, tempura tuna and kasha varnishkes. On the weekends, it turns into a lively post-meal destination with DJs spinning an easy blend of house and hip-hop.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyThe hearty $16 brunch on Saturdays and Sundays includes three bloody marys, mimosas or screwdrivers.
Know Before You GoThe kitchen always closes one hour before the bar.
User Reviews for Essex
08/25/2008 Posted by Danielle8201
My cousin took me here before moving to NYC two years ago and i loved it!! We went for brunch and the service was amazing (topping off water AND mimosa's). I wasn't even a brunch person at this time! Now i go on average once a week (sometimes for a drink at night, not always for the brunch) Since moving to the city I have basically become obsessed with it. I treat it like a favorite band, (i actually thought of this metaphor AT essex)-I get extremely excited just being there. The atmosphere is awesome - the building itself is so spacious for NYC standards with extremely high ceilings and great music. And the people who eat there are down to earth and hilarious. I see repeat customers all the time since I bunch myself into the "i am a regular" group. This is the perfect place to bring guests who come to visit because there isn't anything like the $16 brunch special (3 drinks that most of the time turn into unlimited) anywhere else (my friends look for places that could compare in other cities where they live). The menu is unique and the portions are satisfying (I always have leftovers with the burger and mexican matzah brei). People sometimes write reviews of Essex and mention a long wait with a reservation. I have had that happen (where it is an extra 1/2 hour wait), but they always compensate with a free round of mimosa's and they really try their hardest. It would be a perfect world if the servers rushed out groups of friends after their meals and 3 beverages to ensure everyone's reservation was on time......but you don't get rushed out....you get to enjoy the meal & company. (well over my year its happened maybe 2 times but they give you a drink ticket for the bar downstairs haha) I also have had the lobster dinner on thursdays with 1/2 priced drinks and that was amazing as well. I still haven't had the mussels, but i'm planning on going this week. Final Notes 1. Perfect for Birthdays 2. Order french toast
Pros: The $16 brunch, service, atmosphere
07/15/2008 Posted by Sonsie
I had dinner @ Essex last night (Monday Night). Essex featured $ 1.00 Oysters and half price drinks. I started with the oysters, my friends had the crabcake and the smoked trout. For the main course, I had the wasabi-crusted salmon, while my friends had the baby lamb chops and grilled swordfish. All of our dishes were excellent. The service was terrific and all of the waitresses looked great in their Essex black uniforms. We all shared an order of potato pancakes which were outrageous. I had one of their new house cocktails called the Green Zinger ( Green Tea Vodka, Pimm's & Lime). I strongly recommend it. For dessert the table shared the Molten Chocolate Cake and the Apple Tart. We really had a great time and when the check came, we were all shocked at the low, low prices..Essex is serving uptown food at downtown prices...I highly recommed Essex Restaurant.
Pros: Food and Service were great
