Essex Introduce
Hello, New Yorkers! Are you on the hunt for a fantastic dining experience that combines classic American steakhouse fare with a trendy, approachable atmosphere? Look no further than Essex, a true gem nestled in the vibrant heart of the Lower East Side. More than just a steak house, Essex has become a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike, celebrated for its delicious food, lively ambiance, and exceptional service. Whether you're planning a casual dinner, a special occasion, or a legendary bottomless brunch with friends, Essex offers an experience that feels both exciting and comfortably familiar.
From the moment you walk in, you'll be greeted by an inviting and casual atmosphere that’s both chic and unpretentious. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident in every dish, from their perfectly cooked dry-aged prime cuts to their innovative small plates and refreshing cocktails. It’s a place where you can savor a 32-ounce dry-aged bone-in ribeye for two, share some truffle fries, or simply enjoy a great meal and a drink. The menu is a testament to culinary creativity, offering something for every palate, including a variety of organic, vegan, and vegetarian options. With a great reputation for being a transgender safe space and LGBTQ+ friendly, Essex is a welcoming spot for everyone in the community.
The culinary team at Essex prides itself on creating a menu that is both classic and contemporary. The offerings are diverse, catering to a range of tastes and dining occasions. For a special treat, consider their Restaurant Week Dinner menu, which has featured exquisite starters like Yellowtail Crudo and Seared Diver Scallops, followed by memorable mains such as Grilled Angus NY Strip Steak or the Slow-Braised Lamb Shank. And let's not forget the desserts, with delightful options like Chocolate Olive Oil Cake and Tahini Buttermilk Panna Cotta.
For those who prefer to dine à la carte, the selections are just as tempting. Start with a Half-Dozen Bluepoint Oysters or Manchego Mac and Cheese before moving on to one of the show-stopping Essex Dry-Aged Prime Cuts, like the 16oz. Bone-In Angus NY Strip Steak or the impressive 36 oz. Angus Porterhouse for Two. The menu also features delicious flatbreads, classic burgers, and a range of tasty small plates perfect for sharing. No matter what you choose, you can be sure of a meal prepared with passion and served with a smile.
Brunch at Essex is a New York City institution, drawing crowds every weekend for its famous bottomless options. The atmosphere is always buzzing, and it’s the perfect setting for a celebratory meal or a relaxed get-together. The Bottomless Brunch menu includes a choice of delicious entrées, from Angus NY Strip Steak & Eggs to the Essex Vegan Scramble, ensuring everyone in your party finds something they love. Past customers have raved about their experiences, praising the great service—one review even highlighted a waitress named Helena for her outstanding accommodation and friendly demeanor. It's this kind of personalized touch that sets Essex apart.
Location and Accessibility
Essex is perfectly situated at 124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, USA, in the heart of the Lower East Side. This vibrant neighborhood is easily accessible from all parts of New York City, making it a convenient destination whether you're coming from Manhattan, Brooklyn, or beyond. The restaurant is close to various public transit options, including subway lines and bus stops. For those driving, free and paid street parking are available nearby, as are paid parking garages and lots, offering flexibility for all guests. The location adds to the trendy, energetic feel of the restaurant, placing you right in the middle of one of NYC's most dynamic neighborhoods.
Accessibility is a priority at Essex, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their dining experience with ease. The restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, as well as wheelchair-accessible restrooms and seating. These amenities make it a welcoming and convenient choice for individuals with mobility challenges, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Services Offered
Essex offers a wide array of services designed to accommodate various dining preferences and needs. The restaurant provides a complete and flexible dining experience for every occasion. This includes:
Dine-in and Table Service: Enjoy a full dining experience inside the casual and trendy restaurant atmosphere. Table service is available for both lunch and dinner, with reservations highly recommended, especially during busy periods.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which are highly recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner to avoid a wait, especially on weekends and during peak hours. This ensures you have a table waiting for you when you arrive.
Private Dining Room: For special events, celebrations, or corporate gatherings, Essex has a private dining room. This dedicated space offers a more intimate setting for groups of all sizes.
Catering: Essex offers catering services, allowing you to bring their delicious food to your next event or gathering. Whether it’s a small office party or a large celebration, their team can help you create a memorable menu.
Curbside Pickup, Takeout, and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, Essex offers convenient curbside pickup, takeout, and no-contact delivery options, making it easy to enjoy their food from anywhere.
Bottomless Brunch: A major highlight is the bottomless brunch, available for groups of 1 to 7 guests and a separate package for groups of 8 or more, with an extensive menu of brunch entrées and drinks. It’s a favorite among New Yorkers looking for a fun and delicious weekend meal.
Happy Hour: The restaurant features a happy hour with specials on both food and drinks, offering a great way to unwind after work or start your evening.
Features / Highlights
What makes Essex stand out from the crowd? It’s a combination of exceptional service, a diverse menu, and a vibrant atmosphere. Here are some of the key features that make this spot a must-visit:
Great Drinks and Bar Offerings: Essex is known for its excellent selection of beverages. The bar offers a wide variety of alcohol, including a great beer selection, creative cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cocktail or a glass of fine wine, the bar has you covered.
Diverse Menu Options: The menu is incredibly inclusive, with a focus on high-quality comfort food. In addition to their famous steak dishes, they offer vegan and vegetarian options, organic dishes, and small plates perfect for sharing. This makes it an ideal spot for groups with different dietary needs and preferences.
Friendly and Efficient Service: Customers consistently praise the fast and friendly service at Essex. The staff is known for being accommodating and helpful, creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who dines there.
Trendy and Casual Atmosphere: The ambiance at Essex is casual yet trendy, making it a great spot for various occasions. It’s a place where you can feel comfortable whether you're dressed up for a night out or just stopping by for a casual bite. The atmosphere is vibrant and perfect for groups, tourists, and college students alike.
Family-Friendly and Good for Kids: Essex is a good choice for families, offering high chairs and a welcoming environment for children. It’s a place where you can enjoy a great meal without worrying about the kids being too loud or out of place.
Contact Information
Planning your visit to Essex is easy. You can find them at the following address and contact them directly to make a reservation or ask any questions you may have.
Address: 124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone: (212) 533-9616
Mobile Phone: +1 212-533-9616
What is Worth Choosing
So, what makes Essex a standout choice among the countless dining options in New York City? It's the unique combination of a few key elements that create a memorable experience. First and foremost, the food. The quality of the ingredients, particularly the dry-aged prime cuts, is top-notch. But what truly sets them apart is the menu's versatility. While it's a steak house at its core, it’s not exclusively for meat lovers. The inclusion of diverse small plates, flatbreads, and high-quality vegan and vegetarian options means there’s something for everyone, making it the perfect spot for a group with varied tastes.
Beyond the menu, the atmosphere is a major draw. Unlike some stuffy, formal steakhouses, Essex is a place where you can relax and have fun. The trendy and casual vibe, combined with the energetic crowd, creates a dining environment that’s both exciting and comfortable. The fact that it’s known as a safe and friendly space for the LGBTQ+ community further adds to its appeal, making it a truly inclusive destination.
Lastly, the service is consistently exceptional. From the moment you call to make a reservation to the end of your meal, the staff is attentive, friendly, and genuinely committed to ensuring you have a great time. This is particularly evident in their handling of the popular bottomless brunch, where they maintain a high level of service even when the restaurant is at its busiest. This dedication to customer satisfaction is what turns a good meal into a great one and keeps people coming back again and again. For a dining experience that delivers on all fronts—great food, a lively atmosphere, and impeccable service—Essex is an excellent choice for your next meal in New York City.
Essex Menu
RESTAURANT WEEK DINNER
- July 21st - September 1st, Including Weekends
$45 Three Course Dinner Menu
- STARTERS
- Yellowtail Crudo
Watermelon | Toasted Almonds | Calabrian Chili | Fresh Herbs (gf, nuts)
- Campari Tomato & Cucumber Salad
Gem Lettuce | Roasted Red Peppers | Pickled Onions | Feta-Herb Yogurt (gf, v)
- Seared Diver Scallops
Marinated Tomatoes | Crispy Olive Crumble | Eggplant Purée (gf)
- Roasted Baby Heirloom Carrots
Sunflower Seed Hummus | Harissa Dressing | Arugula | Mint (gf, sesame)
- Essex Kofta Meatballs
Chef’s Blend of Lamb & Beef | Red Wine-Fig Sauce | Leeks | Saffron Yogurt
- Chilled Gazpacho
Sunflower Seeds | Fresh Herbs | Dill Oil | Garlic Croutons
- MAINS
- Pan Seared Branzino
Zucchini & Herb Salad | Golden Raisins | Grilled Lemon | EVOO (gf)
- Grilled Angus NY Strip Steak
Crispy Truffled Fingerling Potatoes | Chimichurri (add $10) (gf)
- French-Cut Organic Chicken Breast
Roasted Peaches | Summer Corn | Zucchini | Lemon | Mint (gf)
- Grilled Eggplant
Tomato Braised Chickpeas | Roasted Red Peppers | Tahini | Fennel (gf, sesame)
- Slow-Braised Lamb Shank
Spinach & Tomato Orzo (add $5)
- 32oz Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye for Two
Crispy Truffled Fingerlings (add $25 per guest, two guest minimum)
- DESSERTS
- Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
Fresh Berries | Chantilly Cream (gf, v, almond flour)
- Pineapple Ravani
Semolina Cake Soaked in Pineapple Syrup (v)
- Tahini Buttermilk Panna Cotta
Roasted Peach Compote | Chocolate Crumble (gf, sesame)
- Daily Sorbets
fresh berries
À LA CARTE DINNER
- SMALL PLATES
- Half-Dozen Bluepoint Oysters $15.00
Shallot Mignonette | Essex Cocktail Sauce
- Kale Ceasar Salad $16.00
Garlic Crisps | Herb Croutons | Parmesan | Anchovies (Add Grilled Tofu or Organic Chicken Breast $6)
- Goat Cheese Crostini $14.00
Olive Tapenade | Honey | Arugula
- Crispy Shrimp Wontons $16.00
Scallions | Lardo | Chili-Mango Sauce
- Essex Kofta Meatballs $17.00
Chef’s Blend of Lamb & Beef Red Wine-Fig Sauce | Saffron Yogurt
- Fried Calamari $16.00
Pickled Cherry Peppers | Moroccan Spices | Black Garlic Aioli (gf)
- Manchego Mac and Cheese $16.00
add Chorizo 4 | Make It Truffle 5
- Parmesan Truffle Fries (gf) $12.00
- Blistered Shishito Peppers $12.00
Parmesan | Lemon Oil | Sea Salt (gf)
- Whipped Idaho Potatoes $11.00
Crispy Onions | Chives (gf)
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts $12.00
Grain Mustard Maple Glaze (gf)
- FLATBREADS $17.00
- Artisanal Burrata, Prosciutto di Parma Crisps & House Made Pesto Flatbread
- Wild Mushroom, Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue Cheese, Scallions & Salsa Verde Flatbread
- ESSEX BURGERS
- The Essex Burger with Hand-Cut Fries $23.00
Pat LaFrieda Short Rib/Brisket Blend | Gruyere Cheese | Grilled Slab Bacon | Caramelized Onions | Arugula | House Pickles | Dijon Aioli | Pretzel Bun
- Vegan Burger with Hand-Cut Fries $23.00
Beyond Meat Vegan Patty | Soy Cheddar | Vegan Bacon | Arugula | House Pickles | Vegan Pepper Aioli | Pretzel Bun
- ESSEX DRY-AGED PRIME CUTS
- 16oz. Bone-In Angus NY Strip Steak $58.00
- 32 Ounce Bone-In Angus Ribeye Steak for Two $98.00
- Dry-Aged 36 oz. Angus Porterhouse for Two $110.00
BRUNCH
- Bottomless Brunch (1 to 7 Guests) $46.95
Choice of Entrée with 1½ Hours of Bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Aperol Spritzes, Screwdrivers & Narragansett Draft Beers
- Bottomless Brunch Party (8 or More Guests) $54.95
Choice of Entrée with 2 Hours of Bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Aperol Spritzes, Screwdrivers & Narragansett Draft Beers
- À la carte Brunch $24.95
Choice of Entrée with Drinks Purchased Separately
- BRUNCH ENTREES
- Three Pasture-Raised Eggs Any Style
fresh fruit, greens, home fries + choice of thick-cut bacon, chicken-apple sausage house-smoked ham, turkey bacon, pork sausage or tempeh bacon (gf)
- The Benedicts
choice of house-smoked ham, salmon gravlax or sautéed kale + greens & home fries (substitute gluten-free arepas $2)
- Angus NY Strip Steak & Eggs (add 5)
spicy ranchero sauce | greens & home fries (gf)
- Avocado Toast
poached pasture-raised eggs | ricotta salata | bacon, turkey bacon or tempeh bacon
- Challah French Toast
fresh berries | bananas foster sauce (gf)
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich
hand-cut fries | house pickles | brown butter | secret sauce
- Chilaquiles
two pasture-raised eggs | tortilla crisps | queso fresco | tomatillo salsa | avocado | black beans | crema | pico de gallo (gf) (add chorizo 4)
- The New Aristocrat
artisanal burrata | house cured salmon gravlax | salmon caviar | radish sprouts | sourdough bread
- Shrimp 'n' Cheesy Bacon Grits
two pasture-raised eggs | jalapeño relish | biscuit
- Essex Vegan Scramble
tofu scramble | soy cheese | tortilla crisps | avocado pico de gallo | kale-shiitake-black bean hash (gf, vegan)
- Quinoa & Kale & Salad
pear | pine nuts | feta | mint | pear vinaigrette | 6-minute egg & choice of grilled chicken breast or tofu (make it with NY strip steak 4)
- Herb Omelet (gf)
goat cheese | shiitakes | cherry tomatoes | arugula
- LES BEC (Bacon, Eggs & Cheese)
poached eggs | slab bacon | Mornay sauce | everything seasoning | home fries (gf)
- Shakshuka
Three Eggs Baked in Spiced Tomato & Pepper Sauce | Feta Cheese | Grilled Herb Baguette
- The Essex Burger with Hand-Cut Fries
Pat LaFrieda Short Rib/Brisket Blend | Gruyere Cheese | Grilled Slab Bacon | Caramelized Onions | Arugula | House Pickles | Dijon Aioli | Pretzel Bun
- BRUNCH SHARES $14.95
- Manchego Macaroni & Cheese
add chorizo 5 | make it truffle 5
- Cast-Iron Skillet Baked Pancake
Blueberry Compote | Maple Syrup
- BRUNCH SIDES $6.95
thick-cut bacon | turkey bacon | fresh fruit | tempeh bacon | lafrieda breakfast sausage | cheese scramble | home fries | house-smoked ham | chicken-apple sausage | hand-cut fries
RESTAURANT WEEK BRUNCH
- July 21st – September 1st | Saturdays & Sundays $30.00
$30 Two-Course Brunch
- STARTERS
- Manchego Macaroni & Cheese
add Chorizo $5 | Make it Truffle $5
- Homemade Granola Parfait
Greek Yogurt | Fresh Berries (nuts)
- Campari Tomato & Cucumber Salad
Gem Lettuce | Roasted Red Peppers | Pickled Onions | Feta-Herb Yogurt (gf)
- Cast-Iron Skillet Baked Pancake
Blueberry Compote | Maple Syrup
- Crispy Shrimp Wontons
Scallions | Lardo | Chili-Mango Sauce
- Chilled Gazpacho
Sunflower Seeds | Fresh Herbs | Dill Oil | Garlic Croutons
- Hummus & Feta Flatbread
Zucchini Salad | Dried Olives | Herbs | EVOO
- MAINS
- Shakshuka
Three Eggs Baked in Spiced Tomato & Pepper Sauce | Feta Cheese | Grilled Herb Baguette
- Oatmeal-Crusted Challah French Toast
Caramelized Apples | Chocolate Chips | Whipped Mascarpone Cream Cheese
- Angus NY Strip Steak & Eggs (add $5)
Spicy Ranchero Sauce | Home Fries | Greens (gf)
- Artisanal Burrata with House Cured Salmon Gravlax
Salmon Caviar | Radish Sprouts | Sourdough Bread
- LES BEC
Poached Eggs | Slab Bacon | Mornay Sauce | Everything Seasoning | Toasted Baguette | Home Fries (gf)
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich
Hand-Cut Fries | House-Made Pickles | Secret Sauce
- Chilaquiles
Pasture-Raised Eggs | Fresh Tortilla Crisps | Queso Fresco | Tomatillo Salsa Avocado | Black Beans | Crema | Pico de Gallo (gf) (add Spicy Chorizo 5)
Essex Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Essex Photos










Essex Location
Essex Reviews
mimosascrystalrockssteak and eggsarepasscrewdriverpitchersquinoa and kale saladdolltruffle mac and cheese
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Had such a great time here! The ambiance was really nice—relaxed, stylish, and perfect for a weekend brunch. The mimosas were absolutely delicious, and the eggs Benedict were perfectly done—rich, flavorful, and just the right portion. Definitely a place I’ll be coming back to. Highly recommend!
July 09 · rachel sloanThe bottomless brunch was amazing! The waitress, Helena, was FANTASTIC ! She was so accommodating, and she even brought out plates, knives, and forks so we could celebrate my friend’s birthday with a cake! I highly recommend coming here w a group of people— you will not be disappointed (especially if you have HELENA as a waitress!!!)
July 06 · Sophia Ambrosio(Last visited September 4, 2023.) Hanging out in New York City for Labor Day weekend and it's time to brunch! So today we're on the lower east side and checking out Essex! Here's how it went...Atmosphere/Appearance: This place is pretty big for a New York restaurant! It's elongated like most of them but it also has an upstairs! It's very elegant, chic and felt like, historic... maybe? Like, set back in the day a little bit. It was on the quieter side, but still felt energetic as we sat right at the bar near the door since it was so busy.Service: We sat at the bar and we were well taken care of. I can't remember who took care of us, but they had our mimosas FULL-FULL. Like, with a meniscus on top. Lol. Serious stuff.Food: I went with the Angus strip and salad which was decent. It could've used some more seasoning or salt, but the steak was cooked well and the salad felt healthy. It was filling, but didn't make me regret eating it. Lol. Most importantly, the mimosas just flowed and flowed. Bottomless was done to perfection here, that's why it's important to sit right at the bar! At the source! Lol.Value: It's New York City and it's a nice restaurant. It's not going to be cheap. I think my wife and I spent just over $100.00 with tax and tip for each of us to have bottomless mimosas then our entrees. Totally worth it.In conclusion, I liked it here and would totally come back! Check this place out if you're in the area.
August 07 · The Hungry Roadamazing brunch!! katie was so nice and really made sure we had a great time. The food was rlly good too!!
August 17 · sarahenglandMy friends and I went there for happy hour. The drinks and food were great and we had a good time. The tables by the open window were really nice on a summer evening!
July 24 · Mac McNamara
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