10/26/09

Fantastic Dinner

by IreneLee

I have been here a few times for brunch and decided to try dinner with friends from out of town on a Friday night. Way more upscale for dinner and pricier than brunch but still great value by New York standard. Our waitress was super nice and when we had questions about wine she brought her supervisor to the table who picked out an amazing bottle that was also cheap. The food was great and the portions were huge. I would definitely come back.

• Pros: Great Food, Service, Large Portions
• Cons: Pricey compared to brunch

10/02/09

DISGUSTING

by RKB622

I just wanted to take the time and alert the NY/Citysearch of this restaurant's DISGUSTING behavior.

I made a reservation at Essex for my girlfriends birthday dinner and unfortunately had to cancel to fly down to Florida because my grandmother was dying in the hospital. On the way to the airport to catch a flight down to Florida, I remembered that I had a reservation at Essex so I called to explain the situation. After explaining the situation, the manager explained that he had heard this excuse before and was charging me for canceling my reservation because it was their "policy." To make a long story short the manager wouldnt not compromise his policy and showed no remorse for my emergency, then proceeded to tell me to f off. He said the only way he would budge would be for me to fly to Florida and produce a notarized death certificate before my reservation to avoid the "penalty."

In a moment where I was already in extreme emotional distress, the last thing I needed was more from a restaurant that could fill a table in NYC within minutes on Friday. He and the staff at Essex caused me additional emotional despair and I will never step foot in that restaurant again. My girlfriend and I used to go to Essex almost every other week and this is how they treat their customers. I am glad they don't value their customers and human beings and I hope those reading take that in mind when deciding upon the many restaurants in NYC. The food isn't good enough to support a restaurant that exhibits such behavior.

• Pros: They have a restroom
• Cons: They are still in business

09/05/09

Worst Music in NYC

by hellokity

Get a new dj if you want people to stay and dance.I can't stand a place that has such great potential but lacks in every way. I went to a birthday party on Friday for my friend and this place needs help. The disc jockey was playing, the worst music from the 90's. The service was great the trays of fruit were fresh and yummy and the cocktails were perfect. Get a new dj if you want people to stay and drink. I left way too early due to the horrible music and horrible system, that seems to be way off.

• Pros: Great food, great fun on weekdays with happy hour.
• Cons: Bad music and bathrooms are like the jerzy turnpike

09/01/09

Slow poor service

by CSMobileUser3

Extremely long wait, even when they tell you 30 minutes. Slow food service and waitstaff with no personality, and hostessess who obviously have no brains to estimate time. Food was good and prices affordable but definitely much better places to eat.skip it!

07/13/09

Horrible Services Continues - Better Brunch Spots Elsewhere

by Foodie7004

I have been to Essex numerous times and each time, the level of service continues to decline. After sitting down at our table, we waited for over 45 minutes before our orders arrive. When the plates did arrive, the food was cold like they have been sitting around for 20 minutes. Additionally, two groups of customers with similar in numbers of people arrived at their tables 20 minutes after we sat down and they received their plates (some of the same orders) before we did. When one of my group members attempted to point out the delay to the male manager, he literally just walked away and ignored her.

Overall, I used to enjoy eating brunch here, but after a few times of horrible service, I recommend anyone looking for decent brunch to go other restaurants. There other so many other good options to choose in LES.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Obviously, lack of service

05/05/09

Love the Monday Night Specials

by TC76

Went on Monday evening with a couple of friends for dinner and had a spectacular experience. Our waitress, a lovely woman from South Africa, helped us through an extensive food and drink menu and was spot on with her choices. Cheeseburger Empanadas were amazing. And you can beat the prices-$1 oysters and half-price Martinis for happy hour. Can't wait to try brunch.

• Pros: Food, Service, Value
• Cons: Location

05/03/09

Trendy place but horrible service

by tsetsefly88

We had the worst table service at this restaurant. The dinner lasted 2 1/2 hours as we waited what seemed like eternity for our appetizers and entrees. When our appetizer and entree dishes finally came out, 3 out of the 4 plates were cold. What would have been a great meal was ruined. The waitress was inattentive -- she did not provide cutlery for the entree after our first set was taken away. We noticed other tables were also waiting for their food. What was most disappointing was that the waitress and the hostess didn't care after we brought up the issue. The bar area is good if you're just looking for a place for drinks. Do not come here for dinner.

• Pros: good atmosphere
• Cons: Poor service, cold food, inattentive staff

04/14/09

GREAT Easter!!

by brooklynbeagle

Having read the previous reviews of Essex and figuring Easter brunch might be a bit of a madhouse, I made reservations about 5 days in advance (no problem, by the way, they still had several times available). Upon arrival, I was totally glad I did, as it was utter bedlam inside - in my experience though, any place with this many people waiting to eat is usually worth it! And it totally was - the Easter brunch menu had an astonishingly wide selection of amazing dishes, and additionally it comes with THREE cocktails, your choice of mimosas, screwdrivers, or bloody mary's? All for twenty bucks?? I was blown away. The food was first rate, the atmosphere was lively and fun, and we couldn't have had a better time. Bigups to Essex, you gotta come check this place out!!

• Pros: Amazing food, exceptional price, lively atmosphere
• Cons: Probably need a reservation

03/24/09

Best Brunch in town

by jonlikesit

This place serves up the best brunch in town. I wouldn't listen to any of the negative reviews. Make sure you plan ahead and show up very early or prepare to wait as you can easily wait for over 1.5 hours to be sat on any given weekend day for brunch.

• Pros: Best Brunch
• Cons: None.

03/09/09

You haven't had the best brunch unless you've been to Essex!!

by CSMobileUser2

This has got to be the best place for a brunch EVER!! Their food is absolutely delicious..and inexpensive!! Not to mention first 3 rounds of drinks for free..mimosa, bloody mary or the screwdriver. although I DO recommend calling in advance for reservations, because you will be waiting for a VERY long time, an hour the LEAST..but once you've had a meal from their you will understand why its such a great place!!!