Essex

- 124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

In the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of New York City's Lower East Side, Essex has cemented its status as a true institution. More than just a restaurant, it's a dynamic, multi-level space that transitions seamlessly from a fine dining destination to a lively night club. However, it's most legendary for its role as the creator of New York City's original bottomless brunch party. Essex combines an upscale, New American menu with a casual, trendy atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for a wide range of social occasions. Whether you're planning a sophisticated dinner, a festive weekend brunch with friends, or a late-night celebration, Essex offers an experience that is both memorable and uniquely New York.

The culinary offerings at Essex are a testament to quality and creativity. While the menu spans everything from dry-aged steaks to mezze and salads, the brunch menu is the main event for many. It features a creative take on American comfort food, with dishes designed to satisfy every palate. From classics like The Benedicts and Challah French Toast to more adventurous options like Shrimp 'n' Cheesy Bacon Grits and Shakshuka, the food is consistently praised for being delicious and well-prepared. The kitchen also excels at catering to diverse dietary needs, offering a generous selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, including the popular Essex Vegan Scramble and a Vegan Burger.

The atmosphere at Essex is a major part of its appeal. The space is a loft-like, multi-level venue located in the historic Schapiro's Winery, featuring exposed brick walls and an overall charming, yet stylish, interior. This setting provides the perfect backdrop for an "Instagram moment," as one reviewer noted. It’s a place that feels simultaneously cozy and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd of groups, college students, tourists, and locals. The impeccable service is also a highlight, with the staff being consistently praised for their attentiveness and kindness, ensuring that guests feel well taken care of and that their bottomless drinks never run empty.

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 and historic neighborhood is known for its energetic nightlife and diverse culinary scene, and Essex is a central part of that. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes located within walking distance. The location is ideal for meeting friends from various parts of the city and is a great starting point for a day or night out in the area. For those who drive, a variety of parking options are available, including paid street parking, a paid parking garage, and a paid parking lot.

The restaurant is committed to being an inclusive space for everyone. It is a transgender safe space and is LGBTQ+ friendly. For accessibility, Essex provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can navigate and enjoy the space comfortably. The option for outdoor seating is also available, which is a great feature for enjoying a meal on a beautiful day while taking in the lively street view of the Lower East Side. This blend of great location and thoughtful amenities makes Essex a welcoming and convenient destination for a wide range of diners.

Services Offered

• Dining Options: Essex offers a full range of dining options, from brunch and lunch to dinner, with both dine-in and outdoor seating available.
• Bottomless Brunch: Famous for this offering, Essex provides a bottomless brunch package with unlimited cocktails, including mimosas, Bloody Marys, and more, a perfect option for a lively group outing.
• Takeout & Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, the restaurant offers takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery services, including no-contact delivery.
• Catering & Events: As a versatile event venue, Essex provides catering services and can accommodate large groups for private events and celebrations in its spacious, multi-level venue.
• Reservations: Due to its popularity, particularly for brunch, reservations are highly recommended and can be made for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
• Other Offerings: In addition to food, Essex boasts a great beer selection, a well-curated wine list, and a full bar with creative cocktails. They also offer happy hour specials.

Features / Highlights

• The Original Bottomless Brunch: This is arguably Essex's most famous feature. Their bottomless brunch is a New York institution, celebrated for its festive atmosphere, delicious food, and constantly refilled drinks.
• Impeccable Service: The staff is consistently praised as "impeccable," "astounding," and "attentive," with many customers highlighting specific servers who go above and beyond to make their experience wonderful.
• Versatile Space & Vibe: Essex functions as a trendy, fine dining restaurant, a casual bar, and a late-night club, making it a flexible venue for any occasion. The stylish decor and lively ambiance make it a destination in itself.
• Creative and Diverse Menu: The menu, particularly for brunch, is a highlight. With options ranging from classic steak and eggs to vegan scrambles and gluten-free choices, there's something to please everyone in a group.
• Private Dining & Events: The multi-level space with a full-service bar is perfect for hosting private parties, bridal showers, or corporate events, with the team being highly accommodating to customizations.

Contact Information

Address: 124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Phone: (212) 533-9616

What is worth choosing?

When you're searching for a brunch spot in New York City, Essex is a destination that truly stands out. While the city has countless brunch restaurants, Essex offers an all-encompassing experience that is difficult to replicate. What makes it particularly worth choosing is its legendary bottomless brunch. For a flat fee, you get not only a delicious entree but also two hours of unlimited cocktails, which is a fantastic value and the perfect recipe for a fun-filled weekend afternoon with friends. The fact that the drinks are "absolutely delicious" and "constantly filling" is a huge draw for many. The staff's impeccable service, a recurring theme in reviews, is another key reason to choose Essex. They are attentive, friendly, and truly enhance the dining experience, making you feel welcomed and valued.

Beyond brunch, the versatility of the space is a major asset. Whether you're a couple looking for a stylish dinner with a great cocktail and wine list or a group celebrating a special occasion, Essex can adapt. The dinner menu, with its high-quality steaks, seafood, and Mediterranean-inspired shares, provides a more formal experience for a different time of day. The restaurant's reputation as a "trendy" and "LGTBQ+ friendly" space ensures a welcoming atmosphere for all. Ultimately, Essex is more than just a place to eat; it's a social hub where great food and drink meet a lively, comfortable atmosphere, making it a top choice for anyone looking for a memorable time on the Lower East Side.

Essex

124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, USA