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Beauty & Essex
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants Canadian (New) Bars, Canadian (New) [Edit]
146 Essex St(between Rivington St & Stanton St)
New York, NY 10002
Neighbourhood: Lower East Side
(212) 614-0146
- Nearest Transit:
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Delancey St (F)
Essex St (J, M, Z)
2 Av (F)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 1 am
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 2 am
Sat-Sun 11:30 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
551 reviews for Beauty & Essex
Review Highlights
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"The chicken meatballs are out of control." In 62 reviews -
"lobster tacos definitely a must." In 62 reviews -
"LOVE LOVE LOVE the bathroom that serves free champagne." In 52 reviews
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549 reviews in English
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Review from Kristine K.
Hoboken, NJ
5/23/2012
Three of us girls went here on Saturday night. Ever since I heard about the free champagne in the ladies room, it was on my list of places to go! Our reservation was super early (5:15) but I think it ended up being good because it wasn't too crowded yet.
It was wonderful!! -
Review from Christina S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/21/2012
Beauty & Essex is a very contemporary trendy restaurant on the LES. The food is good, but over-priced with small portions. The drinks are delicious, but also about $15 each. The saving grace of Beauty & Essex is the lovely bartender that serves champagne for free in the women's bathroom, plus the fact that the restaurant is hidden behind a faux-pawn shop storefront.
Worth checking out at least once! -
Review from tricia w.
5/21/2012
This place is def trendy and a cool ambiance for a girls night out. I came here with a group of 5 girls for a bachelorette dinner. Our waiter was great, and he made some good suggestions as to what is popular (and also what to stay away from LOL).
1) Our waiter brought out a complimentary "appetizer" of some kind of beet "tartare". It was a nice bite-sized app to kick off the rest of the meal.
2) Steak tartare - a little bit spicy (not my thing), but I thought it was still good.
3) Tuna wontons - excellent!
4) Lobster taco - the best dish of the night
5) Lobster mac & cheese - this was overly hyped for me. I know there isn't gorgonzola or blue cheese (ick!) in it, but it had a flavor that was similar.
6) Broccolini - spicy!
7) Chicken meatballs - excellent (the sauce was great).
8) Ribs - also good. Loved the pickled salad underneath.
Cool vibe, not terribly pricey (if you're not huge eaters), and who doesn't go nuts over champagne in the bathroom? -
Review from Lissa V.
5/21/2012
3.5 stars. The girlies - or "ladies who lunch" as they would be called at Beauty & Essex - and I had brunch here for my Birthday. I love the pawn shop entrance and fancy decor. I also really like the bar/ waiting area with couches and newspapers (kind of makes you think you'd come and hang out with a coffee and the times), even if they did make us wait 30 min after we were told there was absolutely nooooo way we could push back our resie... Yes, the place is a bit pretentious, but I'm pretty sure that comes with the territory.
We were seated in the large dinning room in a sexy leather booth. The room has a great sky light, which on this particular day had the sunshine streaming in (I would have been pissed if we were stuck in the gloomier dark room on this lovely day). Anywho... our particular waiter was great, but service as a whole was lacking a bit.
We had a Gilt City coupon for the "Saturday Brunch" which comes with a bottle of Champagne... Yay Bubbles! We got our choice on 4 different categories and everything comes for the table to be shared. To start we had the lemon blackberry pancakes and the cornbread waffles. The waffles were a bit dry and I preferred the pancakes. The we had the kale and apple salad, which was so crisp and refreshing, and the tomato soup bites which were quite tasty as well. The next bites that came out were my favorite - the braised short rib huevos rancheros was excellent as was the fried chicken biscuit bites. The sides we choose were the roasted corn with cilantro and the lobster chorizo hash, both were good but the chorizo is so overpowering in the hash you cannot really taste any lobster. For dessert we had the molten chocolate bread pudding, which was rich and decadent.
The food was all tasty, but nothing oh my god out of this world. It's the type of place you come for a celebration as it's better for a group, pricey, and not a place to be rushed. Our brunch was lovely, but this certainly isn't a place I'd come rushing back to again. I would like to come back for drinks sometime, especially on a dressy night as the ambiance is perfect for that. Also, they do not serve free champagne in the bathroom for brunch, so I will need to check that off my list as well.Listed in: Brunch Spots
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Review from Stephanie G.
Manhattan, NY
5/21/2012
If you're looking for snobbery and cool ambiance, this is your place. Honestly, the food was just okay. One of my best friends hosted her birthday dinner in the private dining room and they charged us for 4 more people than there actually were and were adament about it. It took us about 1-week of speaking with management to recuperate the funds owed to us.
I'd go again, as long as I'm not paying. It's really just, whatever. -
Review from Art A.
Manhattan, NY
5/24/2012
One hour wait when you have a reservation? Ridiculous. And no apology.
That being said, the food is phenomenal. Our waiter was great. -
Review from Valerie G.
New York, NY
Updated - 5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Swung by for a GNO, with reservations made 3-4 weeks in advance. They were super accommodating with changing the party size from 8 to 6 two days before our ressie on a Saturday at 7pm.
True to my girlies, everyone was late! The last girl arrived 1.5 hours after our reservation time, but they assured us they would work with us to get a table. We sat down in the lounge area in the 1st floor and grabbed some drinks in a booth. You can order the same tapas they serve in the dining area. I got the Earl the Pearl, Earl Grey cocktail which was refreshing with the slightest hint of tea. Make sure you close out your tab before heading to your table.
The hostesses were so sweet and led us to an upstairs booth in the actual lounge once our party was complete. The table was a little low, so we had to crouch a bit to eat, but we can't really complain after making them hold a table for us for that long.
We started off with a free round of bubbly and ordered about 6 dishes in total: Kobe Beef Carpaccio, Roasted Bone Marrow, Lobster Tacos, Lobster Mac n Cheese, Chicken Meatballs, Lobster Pot Pie. Each dish was tweaked so that there were 8 pieces - perfect! Loved the bone marrow, tacos, and mac n cheese. Pot pie was rich and filling. Skip the meatballs.
We were surprised with an array of free desserts too - The Pot de Creme was outstanding! The lounge started to come alive around 9pm and was abuzz with beautiful people. My girls and I had a fabulous time here & highly recommend it for any girls night out celebration :)Listed in: Ballinnnnnn' $.$
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/28/2011
Absolutely breathtaking interior! This review is for food, didn't get a chance to experience the… Read more »
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Review from Joseph J.
Los Angeles, CA
5/24/2012
I went with friends all first timers in new york confused as to where this was.. circled the place a couple times then decided to walk in the jewelry store.. the bouncer checked our id and said welcome!!!! haha I dunno if it was suppose to cost anything but it was free (sorry for those who paid :( ) It was a good time the upstairs was cool and bathroom was clean haha there was a small dance floor but everyone was on a medium level of nice.. The decor was elegant thought i was in a prom venue for a quick second hehe other than that you should visit this place at least once.. If it wasnt for that cool person i talked to while getting a pedicure with the gf i wouldnt have known where to go!
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Review from Holly C.
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Decided to stop by after having dinner in the area. It was around 10:30 on a Friday night. The bouncer asked if we had reservations which we did not. I was afraid that we were going to have to wait a long time, but nit even 5 minutes later, he let us in.
The pawn shop in the front is interesting and adds a wow factor when you open the door. As the door swings open, you see what used to be a furniture store, turned into a trendy, "seen and be seen" lounge/crowd. Definitely a very trendy and up and coming spot - from the people to the decor.
I ordered a dirty martini which was made well. We walked around downstairs and then made our way upstairs which was a little less crowded. We noticed a good amount of people drinking some kind of pink drink in a champagne glass. I believe it was the Sapphire Seventy-Five (blueberry-brown sugar Bombay Sapphire, prosecco, Thomaso's sour mix). Regardless, it was a tasty, girly drink that fit the scene.
I definitely want to come again, but for dinner as there is a lot of buzz about the food.Listed in: NYC Nightlife
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Review from Bonneil K.
Phoenix, AZ
5/9/2012
Our first stop of the night for some LES bar hopping :) And a great way to start the night!
First impression after walking in, "Where are we, a pawn shop?" Definitely a cool little touch before actually going into the bar/lounge/restaurant.
The crowd was very upbeat. Loved the energy in here. We started off immediately with some drinks. My girlfriend had ordered the Dirty Martini, which she had enjoyed very much. The Red Bull Vodka that I had ordered was also very well made.
We had also noticed that a lot of the people around us had a pink drink, in a champagne glass in hand. Well, what better way to find out what the drink, then to order it! Needless to say, our girlfriends seemed to enjoy the drinks very much and for the guys, well... we downed our pink drinks like champs :)
The decor was very nice. My girlfriend had noticed a chandelier right by the stairwell...which prompted us to take a snapshot right by it. Two thumbs up to the security guy for taking that one for us.
Had a wonderful time here, most definitely recommended for some LES fun. -
Review from Hayat L.
South Pasadena, CA
5/11/2012
What a cool experience! Its like the twilight zone. You have to go through a pawn shop to get to the restaurant. Once you get to the restaurant, you think you're in a club. I was ready to get the party started if it wasn't for our dinner reservation. The dining room is on the main floor. There's a lounge upstairs and downstairs are the restrooms and coat check. The music is medium to loud so don't come here for a romantic dinner. I came here on a Thursday night and it was poppin. I can only imagine how it is on the weekends. I recommend coming here with a group of friends on a Friday or Saturday to start off the night right.
Food: Tapas. It's like appetizer plates. Small portions. Made for sharing. You get to try everything, which I like. The food was pleasing. Nothing sucked nor was it outstanding. A bit pricey but I think you're paying for the atmosphere and ambiance. Definitely worth checking out. This is what I call prepartying at dinner. Maybe I'll make it upstairs next time. -
Review from Cynthia M.
Long Island City, NY
4/25/2012
Ok so not the best place to go when you are trying to detox and diet. With options like lobster mac and cheese and tamales and ribs, you aren't left with many healthy options. I definitely need to head back here when I am ready to chow down for real for real.
Anyways, we had the yellowtail crudo, the east and west coast oysters, the grilled salmon and grilled asparagus. Pretty much takes out the whole fun of eating, wouldn't you say? The yellowtail crudo was okay but it needed more kick to it. One great thing about it was the baby cilantro, very bright and tasty. The oysters were fresh and I was more of a fan of the west coast ones. The salmon was okay. The best part of the dish was the sunchoke puree. Oh my, I forgot what butter tasted like. Oh its good. So good. Finally the asparagus was fine. Nothing amazing. I can't blame the restaurant for my choices, its not them, its me.
Beautiful restaurant though with a great vibe. I will be coming back and ordering all the great stuff I saw on other tables. Until then...I guess its brown rice, chicken breast and steamed veggies. Sigh. -
Review from Chamila B.
Bronx, NY
4/25/2012
I had been dying to try Beauty & Essex for months since I am a huge fan of Chris Santos. I love his approach to cuisine and the fusion blends he creates. A pal and I decided to have brunch after hearing recommendations from other female friends to come here. Below is my review:
1) Ambiance: This place takes the cake with the ambiance. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful! It has high ceilings, dark hues with the sky light that lets light in to the middle of the main floor, and decorous chandeliers on high ceilings. The opulence and the theme of the restaurant is quite unlike anything I have ever seen. I love the fact that the facade of the restaurant is a a 1940's pawn shop! My only complaint is that this type of ambiance isn't really useful to attract men to the restaurant. Indeed about 90% of Beauty & Essex's clientele for brunch that day was about 90% female. I think its a great place for a brunch or dinner with the gals.
2) The Service
The service was Fabulous. No complaints. Our waitress was super nice, didn't rush us, and was at our service.
3) The Food
We shared 5 courses between 2 people as Chris Santos is known for small plates that are meant to be shared.
First Course: Blueberry and Lemon Pancakes - These were so fresh and buttery. You can tell its a home made batter that whips the egg whites seperately and then adds it to the batter because it was buttery but light. The lemon was very distinguishable. They were delicious.
Second Course: Pizzetta -WOW I was so amazed that ingredients such as cheese and olives could be so refreshingly tasteful.
Third Course: Chicken Biscuit Bites - In order to enjoy these you have to cute through the whole biscuit with the chicken and the cabbage in one bite. I ate the chicken alone and it reminded me of Mc Donald's chicken Mc Nuggets but I could tell the chicken was fresh from the color. Once I took a whole bite, the cabbage adds the salt and really brings out the flavor of the spicy butter and the chicken. Overall, these were good.
Forth Course: Lobster and Chorizo Potato Hash - The flavor was spot on. I would have liked more Chorizo though.
Firth Course: Ice Cream and Pot de Creme
I wasn't thrilled with the homemade ice cream, but the butterscotch pot de creme was the highlight of my meal. It was light, airy, rich in flavor, and absolutely amazing!! -
Review from Ro N.
New York, NY
Updated - 5/1/2012
Came here with R, since we needed a place to hear each other speak.
R knows one of the bartenders here, so Kevin ended up making us a special drink called the White Rain - which is Gin, muddled cucumber, simple syrup and white cranberry juice.
Refreshing, not bad.
I asked Kevin for a Ruby Mojito, he refused my order and was adamant about pushing the scotch bonnet drink on me.
It was decent, but it wasn't really as spicy as I thought it would be and it wasn't sweet.
We got another Smoked Raspberry infused Tequila - pretty damn good.
We munch on the Tuna Tacos - good and damn small. They're for Barbies!
I want to say on a Monday night - this place were playing some good old school beats!
If only you could dance at this place....I would be in heaven!Listed in: Bone Marrow
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/17/2011
I heard Stanton Social was going to open a new restaurant, but I didn't pay any mind to the opening… Read more »
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Review from Victoria D.
New York, NY
4/18/2012
I finally had the opportunity to eat at Beauty & Essex. As I walk in, I didn't have super high expectations. Past the underrated pawn shop, I enter the world of Beauty & Essex. Aesthetically, it exceeded my expectations. This is just the beginning. I went for brunch, the service by our waitress Rachel was first class all the way. She didn't rush us, and she answered any questions we had. The restaurant was buzzing at 1:30 pm. I love that. I ordered the huevos rancheros with a side of mascarpone grits. Wow wow wow. The presentation was fabulous, the taste was out of this world. I cannot stop gushing. My table received free dessert, an array of mouth watering treats.
I will be back :) -
Review from Priyanka P.
Manhattan, NY
4/16/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Outstanding!
Everything from service to ambience to food to drinks to dessert. Just superb. Hold your breath cause I'm gonna tell u what is a MUST have...
The blood orange jalapeño margaritas are exquisite. Our waitress was smart quick fun polite and extremely knowledgable about all the food. The lobster tacos were outstanding! The tuna (spicy) was good, and the chicken meatballs were amazing.
We had the devils layer cake which was yummy and creamy but too big! We couldn't even finish it.
Pricey place, but on an occasion a highly recommended splurge. -
Review from Jason M.
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Stodgy, stuffy, pompous and sooooo not the cool LES vibe. This place does not belong in the LES, because the LES is way too cool for a spot like this. Beauty and Essex much more so belongs in mid-town, or perhaps Tribeca or Soho. Those are the neighborhoods that mesh well with stodgy, stuffy and pompous places like this.
I spent all of 10 minutes here and that was all I needed. I was like being in a bad Zoolander episode, except the wanna be models here weren't even good looking. You walk into this place and you can literally smell some of the people trying to ascertain what designer jacket you're wearing or how much your watch costs. Ew, ew and ew. I despise crowds like that.
It's a shame that this place attracts the kind of crowd that it does because the place itself is quite beautiful. Lovely decor. Just a totally lame, miserable but faking happiness kind of crowd. To me, no matter how beautiful a place is, it's that kind of crowd that makes the place seem like a gloomy rain cloud.
Not even sure if you should try this place once. I guess so, just so you can see how totally stodgy this place is. Bring a barf bag. You may need it. -
Review from Yuhe C.
New York, NY
4/4/2012
In China, there is a saying: "eating for the ambiance." Beauty & Essex is a perfect example of this phrase.
A couple friends and I came here for brunch last week and I must say, I was impressed by everything except for the food. The interior of the restaurant is the perfect setting for an all girls dream lunch - the space was filled crystal chandeliers, peacock feather and gold flowers. Also, the service really tries to pamper you and cater to your needs.
However, the quality of the food was somewhat to be desired. We ordered the four cheese fondue, the braised chicken meatballs with sheep's milk ricotta, the avocado espelette toast and the tomato soup dumplings. While there was nothing overwhelmingly bad about our dishes, each dish had a textural problem that made it less appetizing. Specifically, the avocado on top of the toast was rather dry; the chicken meatballs were mealy, the fondue was slightly gritty; and our soup dumplings were rather rubbery. To add further insult to injury, my friend noted that all of the dishes we ordered were essentially overpriced, "fancy" versions of hors d'ouvers that we can easily make at home.
The one saving grace of our meal was the chocolate molten bread pudding we ordered to end our meal. The hot dessert was topped with a very generous scoop of delicious hazelnut ice cream that was separated by a crunchy, bitter cocoa nib shell. It was amazing - the cold smooth quality of the ice cream was a perfect complement to the warm, nutty, cinnamon and chocolate laden bread pudding. The shell in between the two larger components also added a necessary crunch, bitterness and temperature separation. Best of all, the pudding was big enough for three people to eat!
Honestly, I think I'll come back just for dessert in the future.
Yuhe's Suggestions:
- Boys, this place may not be for you. The clientele was about 95% posh girls on the day that I went (I was slightly uncomfortable...). Girls, if you want to go, call up a few friends and spare your boyfriends the frou frou decor and tiny plates.
- Please skip the grilled cheese soup dumplings. They tasted like Totino's Pizza Rolls cooked in Campbell's Tomato Soup. :(
- I hear there is a free champagne bar in the bathroom that is open during dinner service. Although dinner is more expensive than brunch, it also seems more luxurious. -
Review from Jenn H.
Manhattan, NY
5/22/2012
Love Beauty & Essex! Yummy food... delicious drinks and cool atmosphere... and best part... Free champagne in the ladies room!
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Review from Connie C.
San Jose, CA
3/23/2012
Beauty & Essex just oozes sexiness!
You might think that the place would be super pretentious, but it's quite the opposite. Everyone we encountered - from the hostess to our server to the bartender in the ladies' room (HELLO free flowing champagne in the women's bathroom!) was very nice and accommodating.
Both the food and drinks were amazing. Loved the Woodford Wilson (Woodford Reserve bourbon, pineapple, lime, ginger beer, brandied vanilla cherry) and the chicken fried oysters, lobster tacos and roasted bone marrow.
We were seated at the corner table in the front room, which was perfect for seeing and being seen.
You'll want to make reservations in advance as the place is a very hot spot in the LES.
Consignment shoppers, you will LOVE the little storefront you walk through as you enter the restaurant. I found these smokin' hot gold zipper Louboutins that were a half size too small for me. They can be yours though, for only $600!Listed in: My Adventures in NYC
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Review from Oksana L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/12/2012
Amazing food and fun/upbeat venue. If you're not into noisy, then this place isn't for you. Must tries: tomato tartar, tuna poke tacos, pear & ricotta toasts, and steak tartar. Delicious!!!!!!
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Review from Shiori I.
Manhattan, NY
5/7/2012
I love a good Gilt City deal. $75 for a bottle of "champagne" and 4 courses for two people? Yes, please.
You got a choice of three savory courses and one dessert course. We chose:
Eggs Benedict: Nice sized poached eggs, drizzled with hollandaise and served on a slice of Serrano ham and baguette. I also detected truffles!
Grilled Cheese, Smoke Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings: It kinda tasted like generic potato soup in a mini breadbowl on tomato soup. I get why people say it tastes like generic grocery store stuff. But it's in the best way.
Fried Chicken Biscuit Bites: The honey spicey butter they serve this with, which I initially thought was an aioli or something, is phenomenal. I wanted to drink it. The fried chicken could be a bit more crispy/ battered, but the biscuits were perfectly buttery-doughy-flakey.
Lobster & Chorizo Hash: I couldn't figure out what the black cubes were... but they were the potatoes. I think they use blue potatoes or something? Small chunks of lobster and smaller chunks of chorizo. I thought this could have been a bit meatier.
Chocolate Bread Pudding: Forgettable. The hazelnut icecream tasted no different than vanilla. The portion was kind of oversized, if you're into that kind of thing.
We went for brunch on a Saturday and it was busy but not too busy. There were more women than men but not as much as I expected. The attire... was interesting. Some people were dressed like they were going out to a club. But most were dressed in normal brunch attire, so jeans. They also dress the servers in terribly unforgiving tight, short dresses, which made me feel bad for them. They looked somewhat uncomfortable.
The service was pretty good. The server was attentive, and they bussed our table super fast (which could be a pro or a con, in my opinion).
I did not go to the famed ladies room for the champagne. There were handicap bathrooms on the main floor by where I was. -
Review from Nida K.
3/13/2012 1 photo
Places like this is what makes me looooove New York so much. I was in town visiting some friends and we ventured off to Beauty & Essex for dinner. I had no idea what to expect while I was aimlessly following my friends. We stopped in front of what looked like a pawn shop. Confused, I just kept following the leader into this pawn shop where I was admiring the little antiques on the walls and jewelry in the case. On the back wall was another door that led into this restaurant. Wow, it was like a secret passage that entered some sort of magical land. I loved it!
Pretty much starstruck at this moment, I continued to be mesmerized by the vintage decor. This place was beautiful, I just couldn't believe what a great find it was. We got seated at a booth right in the middle of the restaurant. Beauty & Essex is a really cool place. It looked like everyone was having a great time conversing with good company with music blaring in the background.
From what I remember, the food wasn't anything to write home about. It was decent and got the job done, but nothing really blew my mind. If they had great food, the experience would've been completely flawless and Beauty & Essex would've had a 5-star review for sure. But based on looks and ambiance alone, this place is gorgeous. My feelings towards Beauty & Essex is like having a crush on an extremely attractive guy. Maybe he's got a whack personality, but damn... he's hot!Listed in: New York City, Baby!
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Review from Sharifa C.
New York, NY
3/13/2012
This restaurant will forever hold a special place in my heart because so many memories and friendships were cemented here over a single brunch last weekend. I wondered why the restaurant was given its name. And now I know: the restaurant also doubles as a vintage store (which you encounter first, upon walking in)! Hanging on the walls are vintage guitars (not my thing, but hey) and other antique finds. In the display cases, I spotted Chanel jewelry and leather accessories (swoon), and a beautiful gold clutch covered in Swarovski crystal tulips. I declared said clutch as the most beautiful purse I had ever laid eyes on and vowed to carry it on my wedding day. But I digress, lol.
I was at Beauty & Essex for my friend Sureme's "Girlfriend's Brunch", so this was certainly a fitting locale. B&E serves both unique and delicious takes on American fare in a space you wouldn't expect to find in the neighborhood. The bi-level restaurant space has an old Hollywood feel, from the leather, burgundy chesterfield couches to the two-story chandelier hanging near the entry way. As I walked out (grabbing a business card), I learned that B&E is also owned by the Stanton Social's Chris Santos. It all makes sense lol.
Now on to the food! We were served a pre-fixe menu selected by our hosts which included the world and then some: lemon blackberry pancakes, cornbread waffles, free range scrambled eggs with roasted tomatoes and cheddar cheese, kale and apple salad (apple cider vinaigrette, feta cheese, candied pecans), pressed grilled cheese quesadilla, skillet roasted potatoes, fried chicken biscuit (topped with tabasco honey butter with red cabbage slaw). Simply stated, I lived. I'm the foodies foodie and I LIVED!
Everything was delicious, the presentation was unique, and while many items were standard American dishes, they were all fussed over and paired in new ways (for me anyway). I will def. be back for brunch again and def. dinner. -
Review from Pia M.
3/20/2012
Trendy? Yes. Pricey? Yes, unfortunately. Worth it? Yes, at least once.
I came here for a birthday dinner with a big group of girls so we got the prix fixe menu - everything we had was really yummy but it did break the bank slightly given the size of our party and the copious bottles of champagne we ordered.
You enter Beauty & Essex through an old school-looking pawn shop, which quickly transforms once you enter the actual restaurant where you will feel like you've been transported to Gossip Girl's "Kiss on the Lips" party (season 1, anyone?). The interior is gorgeously decorated and exudes a pink glow. If you don't feel like committing to dinner, grab some drinks at the upstairs bar just to get a glimpse of the place and scene.
If you do decide to eat there, they have a pretty sweet menu with many options to suit all tastes. The lobster tacos stick out in my memory. -
Review from Courtney D.
Jersey City, NJ
3/8/2012 3 Check-ins Here
After a long and stressful day, I thought it would be PERFECT for me to go to Beauty & Essex since I'v heard so much about it for a quick pick me up.
As soon as I crossed the threshold into the "pawn shop" I knew that I was going to love this place. The next set of doors introduced me to an amazing entryway. I made my way to the upstairs bar and ordered an Emerald Gimlet from my very colorful bartender. He was great and his drinks were super strong.
He recommended the Chicken Meatballs and the brussels sprouts which were simply delish. I can not wait to go back with friends so I can work my way down the menu. i don't know what to do about the cocktails because I was feeling pretty good just after one!
My visit did the trick! All of my woes from the day melted away.Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Jewel Y.
Thank you Chef Santos & Rachel for taking such an amazing care of us!!! You guys truly went above and beyond to make sure my group was taken care really well to make up for our disappointing visit last time. You made all of us feel very special, especially my visiting friends from Italy who absolutely fell in love with the restaurant. They were so impressed with the decor, the service, and the delicious food that one of them promised me that he is going to join Yelp just to write a 5 star review of your restaurant in Italian when he returns to Italy.
I was quite happy already when we scored a nice table downstairs (Downstairs is definitely cooler than upstairs) but that was just the beginning. The surprise started when all 9 of us received a delicious empanada as a part of the complimentary dish, followed by yet more scrumptious complimentary dish consisting flatbread topped with ham and poached egg. To top it all off, we were offered 4 different amazing desserts all on the house!!!! I bet you could imagine us flipping out with joy that we got free desserts which were all quite delicious, especially "Black Bottomed Butterscotch Pot De Crème", that was our favorite out all of 4 that we've tried, followed by "Molten Chocolate Bread Pudding" which was served with hazel nut ice cream. However, the amazing service didn't end here.... Now here's the jaw-dropping part of the whole brunch:Everything was on the house!!!!! I'm not kidding, it's true! Yes, I know, how lucky can I get??? When the restaurant contacted me to invite me for another brunch on the house, I already happened to have a reservation the following day. Despite my previous experience, I couldn't think of other cooler brunch place to impress my friends so I was planning to take them there anyway. Luckily the offer came at the right time, so I replied that I'd be more than happy to accept the offer but since we are 9 of us, I mentioned I'd be happy if I get 1 person meal free. Seriously, that's all I expected at first. I had absolutely no idea that the restaurant would make such an incredibly generous offer!!! This is by far the best customer service I've ever received at any restaurant besides my dear Chef friend Didier's restaurants. It is definitely not my intention to encourage other Yelpers to make complaints just to get free meals. I really think I just happened to be one lucky customer whom the restaurant decided to invite back after some careful considerations..... I doubt they make such offer to just any complainers so don't bother trying what I did.
The good news for the restaurant is, I've brought 5 potential new returning guests who had never been there. The rest of the friends were already familiar with the place because I've brought them there 3 times and they all happened to be with me at the last disappointing visit. But obviously all of us left the restaurant very happy and we left some generous tip to show our appreciation for the top notch brunch. Maybe when Tiziano writes his first Italian Yelp review, it might bring more new European customers too!
Kudos to Beauty & Essex!!!! Thanks again for redefining what true customer service means!Listed in: My A-list restaurants
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/6/2012
My last visit was just very disappointing. I came here with a group of friends for brunch on Sunday… Read more »
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Review from Adam B.
New York, NY
3/30/2012
Honestly everything written about this place is true. Is it trendy? Sure, but not obnoxious and filled with "hipsters". It is filled with lots of beautiful people in close proxy all having a good time and not being pretentious at all. If you live in NYC and go to places like this you know that's hard to come by.
My fiance and I arrived to our reservation a bit early this past Tues. Seeing how crowded it was we were worried we'd have to wait. Not at all. The hostess took us to a great little spot towards the back of the room where we were able to make friends with the people sitting next to us. We usually like to keep to ourselves, but both of us can be quite talkative and seeing as though it was my birthday I was ready to tie one on.
We started with a few speciality cocktails that were really delicious. I had a Woodford Wilson and and the Meyer Margarita. I forget what she had, but she said it was awesome. Anyway, by reading the other reviews by now you understand this is tappas style place where all dishes are meant to be shared. We ordered five plates and it was the perfect amount.
Here's what we ordered: Tuna tartar (very tasty), Oven braised chicken meatballs (wowsers, get it), Korean style spare ribs (prob my fav of the night), Short rib stuffed pablano peppers (a close second place), and the Kale and Apple salad (it was tasty).
What's so good about this place is that they have such a wide range of food that you can really please any type of eater. If someone is picky this place still offers a great selection. But besides the food it is aesthetically beautiful and the service is top notch. I def recommend coming here for a special occasion, or just to come get a good mid to high price meal with some friends. -
Review from T T.
New York, NY
5/4/2012
This is a cool place to take out of town friends. Hidden behind a pawn shop gives it the unique nyc restaurant appeal. Love that they give free champagne in the bathroom. The space is hip. The food was ok to good but nothing that blew us away, hence the 3 stars. But it's still a fun space.
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Review from Nyota W.
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Where do I start? This is definitely a place that you want to check out. The ambiance and randomness is on point and reminds you of why you probably moved to NY in the first place or why it's hard to leave to move somewhere else after living here.
I ventured here on a Sunday night with a friend. We had reservations and definitely needed them. The lighting is perfect, bright enough to read the menu and dim enough to be comfortable and relax in your seat. The music was appropriate too. I read complaints in other reviews about the music, but I found it to be pretty mixed the night that I was there and loud enough that it definitely could not be considered background music, but I didn't feel as though I were at a club.
The food: it's tapas style, so hopefully you don't mind sharing with your friend or date. I tried a variety of things: oysters, lobster roll, pasta and Asian ribs. I definitely enjoyed everything. It's not the best food ever, but you won't be sissapointed either. The service was on point too. I never had to look around for a waiter or feel as though I waited a year and a day for my food or drink to arrive. Even with the tables being very close to each other, the staff remained on the move and made it work.
Nice touch: complimentary champagne as you leave the ladies room. Sure, it's not the best champagne, but it truly is the icing on the cake.
Not sure that I'd want to head here on a Saturday night based on what I've read as it seems like it could be a bit overwhelming, but I would come back on another off-night (does such a thing exist in NYC?). The most negative thing that I can say about Beauty & Essex is that they didn't have Shiraz by the glass and only offered one Shiraz bottle option at $300. I wouldn't exactly call this a deal breaker kids.
Final verdict: Check it out with some friends (this restaurant has several large tables) or a date. It's worth it. And ladies, put your heels on and be sure to checkout the restroom. -
Review from Helena W.
New York, NY
Updated - 3/6/2012
I was so drunk but still managed to remember the tuna tacos (again), braised meatballs w/ truffle and beingets (again). if you're in the mood for prosecco, try the Sapphire Seventy-Five! this place is pricey so come if you're willing to spend.
I like the food here but my rating dropped because of the girl who was not willing to serve champagne to K and me in the bathroom. I asked politely and she gave me a 'look' and said I had to show her my ID before she can serve me. I thought to myself, how would I have gotten into this place if I didn't show them ID when I first walked in? I know Asians look a lot younger than they are but trust me, I don't think I can pass under 21 anymore. this left a very sour taste in my mouth. 1 star for the girl.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/11/2011
thank god I was dressed up Sat night, this place is like Back to the S*x in the City! was taken… Read more »
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Review from Vinny C.
Howard Beach, NY
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Almost 5 Stars.
Ambiance is amazing!
As good as it gets in NYC (if your into trendy places)
The drinks are creative and imaginative but not as pleasant as they sound.
Basil Drink was good! -
Review from Lylan M.
Manhattan, NY
3/31/2012
Good food, good drinks.
None of the dishes knocked my socks off, but still every dish is reliably good. Seriously, every dish.
The vibe is fun, the decor is solid.
The price feels slightly too high. Not ridiculously too high, but value for dollar it feels 10-20% too high. Still, the prices are not ridiculous for what you get. -
Review from Devang J.
Jersey City, NJ
5/6/2012
Went for late night drinks on a saturday in a group of 15, excellent service, music, decor..this place gets it right on all fronts. Great option for a club nite outing without the unnecessary annoyance of nyc clubs.
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Review from Perry T.
Manhattan, NY
5/8/2012
Came here for a large surprise birthday party, and it was amazing. Really cool and trendy vibe and delicious food to match. The kale and apple salad was phenomenal, the BBQ fries had a great kick, but the lobster tacos took the cake (the birthday cake was also quite good!). Champagne in the bathrooms, fun place to be, and great food - will definitely be back!
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Review from Judi S.
Palisades Park, NJ
3/24/2012
So pretty! Definitely a fun place. Been here both with girlfriends and on a date. You can't deny the decor and dark light that just makes you want to say "yes darling I'll take my champaign in the powder room". What's really amazing is the unpretentious crowd and the accommodating staff given the trendy scene.
Ok the food...it's good. It's not the most mind blowing culinary experience you'll ever have. But you'll be happy and grateful for the tasty food and lovely ambience. -
Review from Andrew A.
4/16/2012
Came here on a Monday - definitely trendy with good looking people - but the food was decent and was definitely feeling the music - lounge, hiphop, (rakim to tribe to big to jayz to drake, and R&B. Restaurant downstairs, bar/lounge upstairs... Not sure how the weekend is
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Review from Taylor B.
2/25/2012 1 photo
A great experience within the first five minutes. To get inside Beauty and Essex, you must first walk through a legit pawnshop. Very cool. Once inside the restaurant, ladies will find complimentary rose champagne in the bathroom. Even cooler. Add a dark lounge vibe and a freaking awesome DJ and you're in store for a great night.
I have come here for table service, drinks, and - last weekend - dinner and have enjoyed myself each time. The "lounge" area can get a bit crowded, so I highly recommend reserving a table. If coming just to check out the place / for drinks at the bar, I would suggest choosing a weeknight as Beauty and Essex can get jumpin jumpin on the weekends with little room to turn let alone sit. I've noticed a somewhat trash crowd on the weekends (maybe it's the promise of champagne in the bathroom?) so getting a table is a good way to avoid it.
As for the dinner - everything you would expect from a five star restaurant but in a club setting. I advise ordering lots of small plates and splitting amongst the table so that you get a good sampling. I didn't have a single bite I didn't like (the avocado bruschetta and chicken with truffle meatballs stand out), and the grilled cheese is just too inventive not to mention. I love when chefs manage to take a classic comfort food and turn it into something gourmet (and picture-posting worthy). Try it out!
My only complaint (beyond the sometimes obnoxious crowd) is the wait time. My party of 4 arrived at 9:45 for a 10pm reservation. The hostess asked if we were all there (yes) and said a table probably wouldn't open until 10 (expected). By 10:15, we'd each had a cocktail (or two or three in some cases), but still no word from the hostess. When checking back in, we were told that they were running behind (fine). At 10:30, still no word. Finally at 10:45 (upon checking in ... again) we were told that a table should open soon, but no apology / no offer of a drink / etc. I get that it's busy, but show your guests some sign that you appreciate them waiting, B&E. -
Review from André A.
Manhattan, NY
If you came for the food, I feel sorry for you.
Went there for brunch with a couple of out-of-towners. The main attraction is the not-so-hidden-at-all entrance, furry stair walls and upstairs' chandeliers. The rest is absolutely useless.
Food came out cold and tasteless. The lobster tacos tasted fishy which is the internationally recognized sign of non-freshness, unless you're a sea otter. The fried chicken was fried beyond recognition and the biscuits were impressively bland. If you tried to serve food that bad, you couldn't, but somehow their chef pulled it off. The service is as snappy as a snail marathon after the first rain. Some patrons may be beautiful but they're oh-so-punchable in the face type of pretty walking like they own the place. The champagne service in the ladies' room was nowhere to be found, so I ended looking bad when I insisted my female guests to check out the restrooms.
It's this type of places where you go just to check it off your bucket list. I don't know why it even ended up on mine. -
Review from Karan R.
Port Washington, NY
3/23/2012
Had a 10:30 resy on a Friday night. For those of you who dont want to wait on line to get in to this place, a reservation is a great line-cutter.
Food was very good, albeit the portions werent that large. Chicken meatballs were awesome. The drinks were stiff, and the was plenty of "scenery."
The decor is really cool also.
Read more reviews for this business:
French (1),
Italian (1)
