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
- 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
05/12/2008 Posted by SK1994
I had a horrible experience here. Besides the fact that the food was inedible, they advertised their brunch to include 3 alcoholic beverages. However, because we were there before noon, they could not serve us alcohol, but still charged the full fare (which was more than usual because it was Mother's Day). When we complained about their dishonest advertising, thinking we should not pay the full price, the manager was extremely rude and condescending, telling us it is "common knowledge" that restaurants can't serve alchohol before noon, and that we couldn't stay at the table since they had people waiting. She told us we could sit at the bar for our drinks, even though the bar was completely full with nowhere to sit. I don't mind not having the drinks, but we should not have been charged the full price, and the manager's attitude was unexceptable. Clearly customer service is not a concern for them. Some advice: don't ruin your Sunday at this place - terrible food, terrible service, and a terrible time!
Pros: open windows, lots of light
Cons: dishonest advertising, rude manager, BAD food
04/21/2008 Posted by abmarz
the host and hostess at essex is probably the rudest i've ever encountered in a restaurant. they both ignored me several times by physically turning their backs to me and not responding to a simple "excuse me." i waited almost 45 minutes past my quote time, and they kept telling me i was "next" in line. not exactly the case... once we were seated the food was good, but it wasn't worth the rude treatment by the host and hostess.
Pros: 3 drinks included with brunch
Cons: host/hostess
