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Essex
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Essex
7.9
Essex is a long-running Lower East Side restaurant that now leans into Mediterranean-influenced steakhouse fare, pairing dry-aged Angus cuts and steak frites with seafood and shareable plates. It’s a flexible choice for groups who want bottomless brunch by day or a more classic steak-and-cocktails dinner at night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Angus NY strip steak frites, Bone-in ribeye for two, Seared dayboat scallops
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A neighborhood standby blending Mediterranean small plates with serious steakhouse cuts.
Who should go: Groups wanting steak, brunch, and cocktails in one place
When to visit: Weekend brunch for buzz or weeknights for easier dinner
What to order: Steak frites, dry-aged ribeye, oyster happy hour
Insider tip: If you care most about steak, skip brunch and book an early dinner when the kitchen is focused on the dinner menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Essex Street, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Delancey and Ludlow offer the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for evening service.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversational at early dinner, louder during brunch and peak weekend evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak brunch-to-dinner turnover.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; walk-ins are typically seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, Mediterranean shareables, and sides offer a handful of solid vegetarian choices.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 adaptable dishes, mostly salads or vegetable-focused plates.
Gluten-free options: Good selection — steaks, seafood, and many small plates can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — early evenings offer softer lighting, good cocktails, and a buzz that feels energetic without being overwhelming. Later nights skew louder and more group-oriented.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — walk-ins can snag bar or high-top seating, but expect delays on weekends. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and for bottomless brunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the space is flexible and daytime meals work well for families, but dinner service tends to be louder and more adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: A versatile experience that blends steakhouse classics with Mediterranean small plates, ideal for mixed groups who want brunch, cocktails, and steak in one spot.
Skip if: You want a traditional, ultra-quiet steakhouse or a chef-driven Mediterranean tasting experience — several nearby options specialize more deeply in those lanes.
Essex
8.5
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Essex is a long-running Lower East Side standby that combines a lively bar, multi-level dining room, and flexible private and semi-private spaces for groups. Known for boozy brunches and steakhouse-leaning dinners, it’s a workhorse venue for birthdays, reunions, and office parties that need capacity and atmosphere more than white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Lobster Benedict, Brioche French Toast
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A multi-level LES institution with built-in private and semi-private rooms that handle everything from bottomless brunch to late-night parties.
Who should go: Large groups wanting flexible menus and lively Lower East Side energy
When to visit: Weekend brunch for blowout parties; midweek nights for smoother service
What to order: Steak frites, lobster benedict, challah or brioche French toast
Insider tip: Ask about balcony or mezzanine buyouts if you want a semi-private feel without the full-room price tag.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Essex and Rivington, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Delancey are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but most groups lean elevated for celebrations and parties.
Noise level: High—this is a lively multi-level space with music and brunch crowds; conversation is doable but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pastas, and brunch items provide several solid options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can work, with possible modifications.
Gluten-free options: A number of dishes can be made gluten-free; servers are knowledgeable and can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for an intimate first date due to the noise and party energy, but great for a fun, casual night if you want a lively backdrop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for smaller parties during off-peak hours, but reservations are strongly recommended for brunch, weekends, and any group larger than four.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for daytime brunch; the space is large and accommodating, though the nighttime crowd and noise level skew more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Large group gatherings, birthday blowouts, and brunch parties that need flexible menus, strong energy, and private/semi-private room options.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or highly precise fine dining—choose a smaller LES bistro or tasting menu spot instead.