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Essex Reviews List

Essex

Located in the historic Essex Street Market Building, Essex is a loft-like multi-level space with contemporary cuisine inspired by the flavors of the Lower East Side. Essex is known for its weekday dinner and happy hour specials as well as its lively weekend dinner and bar scene. The weekend brunch is a New York institution and is always a top pick on Open Table Diner’s Choice and other sites. The expansive layout allows for intimate balcony and banquette seating as well as festive group dining and private parties.
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255 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
(255 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 255 reviews
5 stars
(39)
4 stars
(133)
3 stars
(66)
2 stars
(16)
1 star
(1)
Food 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Service 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.8 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • great for brunch(167)
  • good for groups(140)
  • hot spot(110)
  • vibrant bar scene(71)
  • neighborhood gem(63)
  • fit for foodies(51)
Essex Reviews List
Review 1 for Essex
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Good food, slow kitchen

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"They were understaffed in the kitchen the evening we went, or so they said. Food did not arrive on the right schedule -- main course during appetizer?? No good. The server tried to make up for it but the main course was cold by the same it was eaten."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 2 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great for a boozy brunch + Vegans

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Small brunch selection/options. Simple but good food. Great vegan Mexican dish. Good for a younger crowd. Fun/open layout. Could use some updating (tables, etc)."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 3 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Birthday Brunch Place

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/05/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"If you don't live in New York, you don't know how impossible it is to find a place that takes reservations for brunch. We had a group of 6 so there was no way I'd want to wait around somewhere for a table (or two). This was a great option. As everyone else has promised, the drinks kept coming. Great vegetarian and vegan options too!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Clean Plate

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/05/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Although crowded for Sunday brunch, the wait when having a reservation was not unreasonable. The brunch special with three (3) drinks included has got to be the best deal in town. Waitstaff was pleasant and efficient. Food was "off da hook!". Everyone left with clean plates, full bellies and intoxicated attitude (that's a good thing)."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Essex
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Over-rated for brunch

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/05/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It's all about the liquor at brunch...food is average...torn leather on chair.."
Dined on 5/05/2013
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Review 6 for Essex
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Eh, ok

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/05/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was tasty, but it bugs me to wait 30 minutes to be seated when I show up on time for my RESERVATION! The area for waiting is crammed and right on top of people at 2-tops on the ground floor. Kind of awkward if youre dining there/standing right on top of a couple eating. The inclusive drinks were ok, but not sure I got the three mimosas I was promised, as our waitress didn't come by very often. Smoked salmon was suspect, but potato pancakes and Mexican brei scramble were tasty."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, hot spot
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Review 7 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good if young and don't care

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/05/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Treated my mom for brunch because had read good reviews & seen pictures of food & rest. Decor was a lot more average than expected. I was disappointed/embarrassed when food came out and looked like it had just been thrown together:My mother got the french toast and banana's foster looked very unappet (I've had before so I know what its supposed to look like)seemed to have been slopped next to the toast (which had a large piece of egg hanging off from the excess soak. My mother, not knowing how the french toast is made, actually asked me if her order came with egg so I explained about the toast being soaked before cooking). My eggs eggs benedict w/ salmon was messy and barely warm. Wasn't expecting 5 star but was still quite disappointed."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 8 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great place to hang out with

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great place to hang out with friends for Brunch. We had a party of 5 for a birthday celebration and the Essex staff was cooperative with everything from seating us at a preferred table to handling our cake for us...at no extra charge. The mimosas kept coming, the food was delicious and the music was just loud enough to add a pleasant soundtrack to the occasion. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 04/28/2013
 2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 9 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was terrific! Service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was terrific! Service was terrific ! Here are the negatives. Had an 11 a.m. reservation for brunch. Included in the price for brunch was 3 drinks (either mimosas, bloody marys or screwdrivers). When we were seated we were told that they could not serve alcohol until 12 noon, however, they could not adjust the price...REALLY ?!? It is also very loud."
Dined on 04/28/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 10 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Lots of 20 something girls

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Lots of 20 something girls in for the almost all you can drink brunch.
The food was pretty good too! Wait staff handled our crowd and those around us really well.
"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, hot spot
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Review 11 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This was my first time at

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was my first time at Essex and I really enjoyed the ambiance. Very young/cool vibe. Would recommend as a spot for brunch as it is especially accommodating for groups. I made a reservation for brunch the night before and was happy to know that availabilities for were on Open Table with such short notice. Making a reservation in advance helped with the process. The menu offered a variety of classic and unique brunch dishes, which helps as my group of girlfriends have various dietary preferences. The 3 brunch cocktails were also a nice touch and my table even received an extra cocktail ticket each to have another at the bar. Overall, lovely spot in a great location on the LES and look forward to going again."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 12 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I enjoyed breakfast there.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I enjoyed breakfast there. Those blueberry pancakes are to die for. Literally. So good. The waiter was sweet enough to warm up the syrup for me. They were very busy in there and it gets loud so if you want a brunch where you won't be screaming over each other I wouldn't go here. But if it doesn't matter to you. I would suggest this place."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent service!! Laurent

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Excellent service!! Laurent is an amazing server - Lexi a wonderful hostess.Brunch is super fun here, but there is always a wait so just make sure you eat well earlier in the day while you're waiting & enjoying a mimosa or bloody mary. Great for group events with friends on Sunday afternoon."
Dined on 04/21/2013
 2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Young crowd at Sunday brunch.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Young crowd at Sunday brunch. Place gets loud with lots of mimosas and bloody Mary's for everyone."
Dined on 04/21/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, hot spot
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Review 15 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great brunch deal with drinks.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great brunch deal with drinks. Food is okay, but the drinks are great."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for brunch, hot spot
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Review 16 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

It's quite good, though I

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It's quite good, though I find essex to be over-rated."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 17 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

It gets really packed for

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It gets really packed for brunch, but instead of being considerate over the fact that everyone is waiting in a confined space, the hostess was super rude and packed four of us on a table clearly meant for two"
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2012
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Review 18 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Sunday Brunch

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Went for Sunday brunch.Great vibe and energy! Service very good as well. The food, which I ordered "The Aristocrat"was not so good. Poached eggs perfect but the potato pancakes overcooked and hard."
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 19 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Boozy brunch

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"If you are looking for a place to drink your morning away with average food, this is the place to be. They say only three drinks per their prefixe brunch, but we had a server who kept pouring even after we had closed the bill. They have average food, but you're really going for the atmosphere (loud) and drinks (good)."
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 20 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Went to Essex with my teenage

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Went to Essex with my teenage sister and she loved it."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 21 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The only thing I have to complain

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The only thing I have to complain is that even though we made reservations we still had to wait a significant amount of time for our table.
The waitress was very attentive and the food was excellent. I would definitely recommend for Brunch. I like the fact that you get 3 drinks with your meal and that you received a ticket for an additional drink.
"
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food and spot for brunch.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great food and spot for brunch. Warning: the bloody mary's are incredibly spicy and the noise level gets pretty loud, but I still recommend this place for a Sunday Brunch."
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 23 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

My overall experience at Essex

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My overall experience at Essex was great. I have been to a lot of "hot spot" brunch restaurants, and although the restaurant was PACKED when we arrived, they still honored our reservation exactly on time. We did not wait more than a few seconds to be seated. The food was excellent, came fast, and the mimosa refills were a great bonus!
Would recommend Essex to anyone!
"
Dined on 04/07/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 24 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had a birthday brunch there

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We had a birthday brunch there on Sunday, and our waitress was incredibly attentive with our drinks (which is always important for brunch!), and even surprised the birthday boy with a cake that we had given to the hostess. It went off seamlessly :). The food is always excellent (really anything on the brunch menu is a winner), and the crowd is super dynamic; so it's a great energy."
Dined on 04/07/2013
 2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 25 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Brunch Desination

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We enjoyed our Easter Brunch experience at Essex. Our wait for a table was reasonable once we checked in for our reservation (maybe 10 minutes) on a very busy afternoon. The food was very delcious and the three drinks that came with the brunch got us nice and toasted. Service was also friendly and attentive. Also, it does get quite loud in there but parties of two should have no trouble conversing. I would definitely return."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 26 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was decent, service was

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was decent, service was great. They really try to pack in as many people as they can into a bit of a tight space, but overall I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 27 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Room for improvement all around

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Though we ended up having a good meal and fine time, our first impression was fairly bad. The hostesses were incredibly rude - we arrived for our 11:00am reservation at 10:50 and then were told in a nasty way that they weren't ready for us, we should go wait out of the way. (Usually it's appreciated when you arrive early!) They never smiled or made us feel welcome. The brunch comes with three drinks (mimosas/bloody marys), but they can't legally serve alcohol until noon. So, we ate as slowly as possible, but were finished before 12. We sat at our table until 12 and they were clearly rushing us to leave, though we got our drinks. The food was good, nothing special. Cool building. Wouldn't go again."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 28 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Kicked Out

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My party of 5 was seated 45 minutes after our reservation time, after being at the table for 30 minutes we were asked to sit at the extremely crowded bar because the next reservation was waiting for our table. At the bar, we could only get 2 bar stools after waiting around for 20 minutes. After another 30 minutes there, we were asked to leave again due to space constraints. I will never go back to this restaurant."
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2010
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Review 29 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good food and great service

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Good food and great service but make sure you have all day because even with a reservation we had to wait a half hour to be seated."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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Review 30 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Overall I would say Essex

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Overall I would say Essex was decent. We went for brunch and it was a fun environment, but quite chaotic. The amount of space between tables was very limited and other patrons kept bumping into our chairs. Staff was very friendly and decor was odd... in a good way. I will probably return (if in the area - doesn't happen often), but don't have a dying urge to do so."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2010
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 31 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Overall is good.. But we had

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Overall is good.. But we had a reservations at 3:30 but wasn't seated till 4:20. So the reservation was useless. The people are great & the food was good. We will just walk in for a table instead of reservation next time."
Dined on 03/24/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 32 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We really enjoyed our brunch.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We really enjoyed our brunch. Food service mimosas all amazing."
Dined on 03/24/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 33 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Brunchtastic

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Such a good time. Best brunch in the city to date."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, hot spot
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Review 34 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Awesome food and staff. Super

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Awesome food and staff. Super crowded and loud though."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 35 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food and fun atmosphere.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great food and fun atmosphere. Our server was nice, but the hostess could use an attitude change. We were seated 15 mins late and kicked out of our table as soon as we were finished, but we were given tickets for free drinks at the bar.. so that made up for it! I will definitely go back again."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 36 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Brought my girl friends here

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Brought my girl friends here for brunch - always a good experience. expect to be rushed out of your table during brunch though - i don' really mind because they giv eyou extra drink tickets and hanging out at the bar is fun :)"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 37 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good food once we got it.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Good food once we got it. We had to wait over an hour for our Entrée and the noice level was unbearable. We couldn't hear the
Even the person next to us. Heads for all!!!!!!
"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2013
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Review 38 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our large group of 15 had

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Our large group of 15 had a fantastic experience! The restaurant staff were incredibly accommodating and the food was excellent! Friday night prime time happy hour specials too! On the Lower Eastside?! A welcomed surprise! We'll go back again and again."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 39 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Essex was such a great time!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Essex was such a great time! I went on a Thursday for their happy hour with some friends. The oysters were really fresh and the cocktails were delish! Liked it so much we stayed for dinner Mo was our server and he was very attentive to our table. He made great menu recommendations and was very friendly. I definetly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 40 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good food, fun atmosphere

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Good food, fun atmosphere for brunch. Service was not so good- seemed bothered with everything we requested (which was not anything out of the ordinary- waitress rolled her eyes when we asked for water.)"
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2012
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Review 41 for Essex
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A great location in Lower

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"A great location in Lower East Side. Very accommodating with reservation. However, service was super slow. The filet was cooked perfectly though and hot. Dessert was delicious."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 42 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great experience! Cocktails

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"Great experience! Cocktails and food were incredible! Naomi was smart, efficient and welcoming. We will be back!"
Dined on 03/11/2013
 2011
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Review 43 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

great brunch

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"great for young people i had a ton of fun. food was great. i only wish the use better champ for the mimosas."
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch
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Review 44 for Essex
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Food was okay. Service was

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
"Food was okay. Service was good.
Expect to wait even though you've made a reservation. I had to wait about 45 minutes to get seated on Sunday even though I made a reservation for 2:15.
"
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 45 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

I've been a fan of Essex for

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I've been a fan of Essex for their boozy brunch for years now - it's one of my favorite spots in the City for brunch, and I'll continue to come back for the good food and fantastic atmosphere. However, this past Saturday (3/9/2013) I had a reservation for 2 PM and wasn't seated until 2:30 PM. What's the point of having a reservation system if the restaurant won't stick to it? In the past, when they've needed a table for a reservation, they've asked us to finish our drinks at the bar and gave us an additional drink ticket to free it up - I would think they could have done the same for any parties who were holding up the tables that afternoon."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2011
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 46 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

It was great! My party arrived

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was great! My party arrived late but we were still able to get seated. The food was also amazing and they give you good portions. I highly recommend for groups of people."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, hot spot
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Review 47 for Essex
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

We had a reservation and still

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We had a reservation and still waited 45 minutes for a table. It was way too noisy, extremely overcrowded, and the staff was unprofessional giving us an attitude when we complained about the wait. Go elsewhere!!!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2008
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Review 48 for Essex
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Interesting experience- great

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Interesting experience- great scene, great food, and great value with inclusion of drinks. However- do not chose this spot if you have other engagements that afternoon because despite having a reservation chances are you will have to wait at least 2 hours to be sat, and than an additional hour to get you order taken. Overall though our group of 5 had a great time and plan to go back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 49 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The chef is a very nice informative

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The chef is a very nice informative man with a vast knowledge of fish and its preparation. The menu is eclectic, service was excellent, restaurant is unusual in an up and coming neighborhood Try this - you won't be disappointed"
Dined on 03/06/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 50 for Essex
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The brunch food was delicious.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The brunch food was delicious. The fixed price included 3 mimosas or bloody marys. Go there for the food, not for the service. The servers and hosts couldn't seem to be bothered with the customers."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2004
Special Features: great for brunch, hot spot
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