Beauty & Essex

Restaurant · Lower East Side

Beauty & Essex

Restaurant · Lower East Side

146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002

Highlights

Creative American fare & cocktails behind a pawn shop entrance

146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002 Get directions

beautyandessex.com

@beautyandessexnyc

$100+ · Menu

Reserve

@infatuation

Jalen Brunson's Favorite Post-Game Restaurants - New York - The Infatuation

"You can never judge a player based on their physical makeup, and the same can be said about when you arrive to Beauty and Essex after the game. After you enter through a thrift shop, every item on the menu is shareable for a true team effort. Start with the Korean-style fish tacos and the Thai-style deep-fried shrimp to get the meal off to a great first quarter! Then comes the game-winner: the grilled cheese soup dumplings. I’m telling you not one, not two, maybe three orders of these are necessary. Finally, make sure you save some room for the doughnut Ferris wheel to win this meal!" - andrew steinthal

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/jalen-brunson-nyc-restaurants

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@eater

What Is Fun? America’s Restaurants Have the Answer - Eater

"We got a whole bunch of these places: Beauty and Essex opened in 2010." - Bettina Makalintal

https://www.eater.com/23900383/why-restaurant-maximalism-fun-experts

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@eater

19 Award-Worthy Cocktail Spots in Los Angeles | Eater

"If you can make it past the “pawn shop” foyer without stopping to buy a new guitar or fine jewelry, this Hollywood hot spot is home to delicious drinks and the New American cuisine of chef and TV cooking show judge Chris Santos. The interiors here are beautiful, but this is also the first of the Beauty & Essex restaurants to feature outdoor seating; the al fresco vibe matches well with the Bubbles & Berries (Grey Goose, sparkling wine, elderflower liqueur, fresh strawberries). Or settle in with a week-ending Gray Goose martini with a twist on Sunday nights, when live jazz floats through the air." - Vox Creative

https://www.eater.com/ad/maps/award-worthy-cocktail-spots-in-los-angeles

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@afar

"Why are so many people hanging out at this pawn shop?" you might think to yourself while walking along Essex Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side. But it's not the goods in this (working!) pawn shop that the hangers-about are interested in; it's what's behind the pawn shop's storefront: Beauty & Essex, a not-so-secret bar with a cavernous space for drinking and over-the-top brunching. In addition to the list of cocktails, wines, and beers, there's the menu of food to help hold it all down. It includes such fever dream-esque items as tuna poke wonton tacos and shrimp cocktail with a jalapeño remoulade."

The Best Bars in New York City

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@eater

20 Best dineLA Restaurant Week Dinners to Try in Fall 2021 | Eater LA

"With the kind of decor that looks like a date night destination, Beauty and Essex has a modern American prix fixe with tuna poke wonton tacos, roasted chicken or Thai barbecue mushroom, or seared scallop. These are all dishes that would impress on a special occasion, and the stunning ambience is just icing on the cake." - Matthew Kang

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-dinela-restaurant-week-dinners-los-angeles

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Evelynking Nanatakyi

Google

During my recent visit to this charming restaurant, I was incredibly pleased by the kind and attentive service provided by our waiter Randy. His suggestions turned out to be all hits, enhancing the dining experience. The food was flavorful, filling, and each bite was thoroughly enjoyed, making for a truly satisfying meal. The ambience was lovely and exactly as portrayed in the photos—cozy yet vibrant, creating the perfect setting for a date night, a night out with friends, or simply enjoying good food and great vibes. I was so stuffed from all the delicious dishes that I didn't have room for dessert, but I definitely plan to leave some space next time to indulge in the delightful Wonder Wheel dessert. Overall, a fantastic spot that I highly recommend!

Dawn A.

Google

Beauty & Essex is hands down worth every cent. The staff was amazing and knowledgeable. Their recommendations were spot on and nothing less than perfect. The tomato soup and grilled cheese was absolutely my favorite. This Speakeasy is neatly disguise as a pawn shop upon entry. I definitely will be back again and again and again!

Mia Huynh

Google

I came here for a friend's birthday and it was a cute spot! Hidden behind a pawn shop, this spacious restaurant is great for a night out with the girls or on a date. Service was a bit slow (it took us ~15 minutes between the time they said they would seat us AND when they would actually seat us + some of our food arrived late), but they were very patient with us as a big party. We got complimentary celebratory drinks, which were good but very sweet. For food, we ordered the soup dumplings (which were underwhelming), the tuna tacos (also okay), oysters, and kale salad. All of their food was alright. The only dish I would say I liked was the kale salad. Overall, the vibe here is good but the drinks and food are mediocre.

Ayman Husain

Google

Dined here in April 2025. A great little hidden gem of a place. The front is a 'pawn shop' so from the street looks non-descript. Once through the door you open up to the bar and the dining space and stairs to the upper floor. It has that speak easy charm and the decor is fitting for the ambiance. Obviously reservations are strongly recommended. The service was exceptional. Had a group of eight and we were accommodated on a large round table and it was perfect. The food was equally good and served elegantly. I opted for the fixed 3 course menu and it had ample choices to enjoy. Definitely a good NYC find and dining establishment. Recommended for anyone wishing to experience something different yet very New York.

camila bianchi

Google

This restaurant has a fantastic ambiance with stylish, thoughtful decor that creates a warm and inviting vibe. The food was absolutely outstanding—our highlight was the perfectly cooked salmon, bursting with flavor. My boyfriend couldn’t stop raving about it! We also enjoyed the chicken meatballs, which were tender and delicious, and the kale and apple salad was a fresh, delightful surprise. Highly recommend this spot for a memorable dining experience!

Kenya McCrae

Google

The speakeasy-style ambiance of the restaurant was absolutely captivating, making it an ideal setting for a romantic date night or a delightful dinner with friends. My friends and I had the pleasure of dining during Restaurant Week, which has been extended until the end of August 2025. Among the delectable dishes offered, the Birria Empanadas, Gochujang Salmon, and the “LES,NYC” doughnuts stood out as the best from each category. The doughnuts were so delectable that we couldn’t resist ordering them separately. In a last-minute decision, we decided to try the lobster Mac and cheese, but it had a twist, resembling a truffle pasta rather than traditional mac and cheese. One thing that ladies should definitely take advantage of is pictures in their gorgeous bathroom!

Isabella Montoya

Google

where to start… service was incredibly slow. long wait between ordering/drinks/starters/mains. they forgot items or brought wrong items out multiple times. they served undercooked salmon (it was… mushy and sticky). it was SO COLD inside the restaurant. the lights were so dim we couldn’t even see what we were eating: it was 1 small candle for a 9-person round table and food on black and dark blue plates. the music was like 2010s pop? it didn’t really match the ambiance. all that said the women’s bathroom was pretty cool, the drinks were interesting, and the entrance was pretty.

Trent Laster

Google

Great Speak easy restaurant, you enter through a vintage guitar store and the door is in the back of the shop. Did was a fusion of Asian and American with a French presentation. The only downside were the cocktails needed to be stronger the cocktail I had was the Old dirty bramble. Great flavor, complexity and texture were great on the palate on but needed to be a touch stronger. Food we had Peruvian chicken, Korean style fish taco, grilled shishito peppers.

Nina S.

Yelp

Brunch Bliss at Beauty & Essex We just wrapped up an unforgettable brunch at Beauty & Essex, and we're still swooning! From the moment we walked in, the vibe was chic and welcoming--but what truly made the experience shine was our phenomenal server, Jonathan. Attentive, warm, and effortlessly cool, he made us feel like VIPs from start to finish. And he played my birthday game with me. I had the frittata, which was a dreamy blend of fluffy eggs, fresh herbs, and perfectly roasted veggies--light yet satisfying. Vicki went with the shakshuka, and let's just say: bold flavors, rich tomato goodness, and the ideal amount of spice. Both dishes were beautifully plated and bursting with flavor. Can you say Bacon. The bacon is perfection with the perfect blend of Smokey and light maple glaze!!!

Mia H.

Yelp

Jolie S.

Yelp

After hearing great things about this LES gem, I finally made it to Beauty and Essex for dinner. We were a group of four, and took advantage of their Restaurant Week menu, which did not disappoint. Upon entering the breathtakingly beautiful space, my eyes were drawn to the sultry, sophisticated, and dimly lit main dining space. I knew immediately that we were in for a treat. In addition to choosing items from the Restaurant Week menu, we also ordered the Roasted Beet toast, but were mistakingly brought the French Dip toast, which turned out to be delicious. The server, (who was very attentive,) rectified the mix-up, bringing us the Beet Toast as well, while removing the French Dip from our bill. Upon leaving, we were deciding when to return! Definitely worth a visit, and the hype.

Sarah B.

Yelp

I had the most magical experience here with delicious food and my ever so favorite "emerald giblet" or 4..lol. I have only been into the Las Vegas location inside the cosmopolitan so it was really cool to find out that this was actually the original location and the difference yet similarities between the restaurants. I personally preferred this one over the Las Vegas one because the ambiance was STUNNING everything was pretty even their bathroom! Yes I said it, they serve champagne in the corner of their cute bathroom I couldn't believe it! The food is overwhelmingly delicious we usually just get a buuunch of small tapas which is kind of a little bit of everything but one thing that always sticks out to me is their grilled cheese, smoked bacon, and tomato soup dumplings OMG those are incredible!!! Everything is delicious but those take the cake! Speaking of cake I can't say we had a dessert here or if I ever did in the Vegas location but I bet whatever is on their dessert menu is FUEGOOO The service is incredible super upscale environment has usually shown the most upmost professionalism that is attained! Our server was on top of all of our drinks, food, everything! Everyone is so nice! As I said earlier they have lovely ladies that serve champagne in the bathroom! But it's a fancy one I promise it's that cute!! 100000/10 I will come to this location absolutely everything I'm staying in Lower Manhattan, NY because it's for the win!!! Everything is SO worth it!!!

Dianna S.

Yelp

There were five of us in our party. We had a reservation for dinner. We were seated in the rear of the restaurant which was kind of far in the back. We requested a more lighted area that was further away from the kitchen. People kept bumping into my chair. Our waiter did accommodate and moved us to a booth. It was a tad tight but much better. We ordered eight different dishes to share amongst our party. We had the Branzino, roasted broccolini, crab Rangoon soup dumplings, truffles mac and cheese, fried bbq baos,, apple kale salad, chicken meatballs, and little french dips. The food was quite tasty. We especially enjoyed the baos and salad. The service was on point for the most part. Wish our waiter checked on us more. Near the end of our dining experience there was a new person helping us. It was quite busy so perhaps everyone was sharing tables. The server who cleared our dishes was very nice and the gentleman at the pawn shop entrance/exit asked about experience. He was quite pleasant and friendly. The restaurant is decorated nicely with an intimate decor. It was cozy and comfortable. Reminded me of an old dining club from the 1940's. We had a great time..

Binoy V.

Yelp

A classy & buzzy restaurant tucked away inside a pawn shop - Beauty & Essex is a lovely restaurant that offers the hip vibe from Tao with a sophisticated dining experience. The ambiance is warm & upscale with two stories complimented by pristine chandelier spiraling a staircase. It's definitely loud & you can't really listen much while dining. So let the food & drinks talk while you blink, smirk & banter with your peeps. We tried the tasting course - definitely hit or miss but menu is mostly pleasant. Standout items were grilled cheese bacon tomato soup dumplings, gochujang salmon, strawberry shortcake & black bottom butterscotch pot de creme. Service is quick & sharp - they also gladly let you bring your own birthday cake, cut & serve them to you. Overall, there's certainly beauty out here but with its flaws - you just gotta appreciate it :)

Innae Julia K.

Yelp

I came here last week to celebrate my husband's 33rd birthday. The speakeasy feel of this restaurant and the overall decor was very nice and made it feel even more special. The food is pretty pricey but the happy hour menu makes up for that which was a pleasant surprise. We shared the oysters, kale salade, scallops entree, the bone in ribeye, and the black forest for dessert which was all incredibly delicious. A great spot for special celebrations. Our server also took notes and made sure no pork was served as requested and we were treated with a little birthday cupcake along with a card. Highly recommend!!

Cedric J.

Yelp

Imagine walking into a vintage shop with a speakeasy-like door that then opens into sultry-lit dining space. Beauty & Essex was the highlight of my trip to NYC. Hit the Highline, the Whitney and head over for dinner. I enjoyed some great shareable small plates and cocktails that made the perfect ending to my birthday trip. Definitely recommend!

Kathy K.

Yelp

This speak-easy style venue in the East Village part of NYC has a very unique trendy atmosphere. This hidden gem located through a nicely curated pawn shop has actual items for sale. We entered at the hostess and bar area with a grand circular staircase and a fancy chandelier. We shared the Scallops $42 and shared several happy hour menu items offered Monday to Wednesday all evening. We had the Tuna Poke, Salmon Tartare, Soup Dumplings and Fish Tacos all $6. The scallops, tuna and fish were my favorites but everything was delicious. Our server was exceptionally nice.

Naz K.

Yelp

ad an amazing meal with some truly standout dishes and drinks. The Beauty Elixir cocktail was refreshing with a sweet strawberry flavor--solid 8/10. But the real winner was the Green With Envy cocktail--a perfect balance of flavors that earned a full 10/10 from me. For food, the grilled cheese with smoked bacon and tomato soup dumplings were an absolute revelation--100/10 for that perfect mix of savory, salty, and tomato goodness. The style deep-fried shrimp were crispy and delicious (9/10), and the gochujang salmon was flavorful and well-prepared (8/10). The lamb chops were nearly perfect--tender and juicy with great seasoning (9.5/10). The BBQ fries were tasty but a bit heavy on the spice (7.5/10); if you're craving salt, these hit the spot. The panko onion rings were solid and crispy (8/10). For dessert, the NYC donuts were a fantastic way to end the meal--light, fluffy, and flavorful (9.5/10). The strawberry shortcake shots were okay but didn't quite hit the mark for me (7/10). Overall, a delicious experience with some real highlights. Highly recommend trying the grilled cheese dumplings and the Green With Envy cocktail!

Cam A.

Yelp

Usually, I really love the food here. This is one of my go to spots, so I will definitely be back this time around the food was just subpar . Highlights - tuna wonton tacos - Salmon -Doughnuts and shortbread shots Pass -the Shishito peppers tasted like they were missing something needed more salt more acid just overall not a great bite. -the dumplings tasted as if the ingredients did not go together, the bite was not uniform

Steve M.

Yelp

Beauty & Essex is always a gem in nyc for a nice cute date night or group setting for celebration. We had the tuna tacos, Thai fried shrimp, chicken meatballs, lamb chops, dessert donuts. Food: the food is tasty and very delicious. The portion is very moderate and shareable if needed. Service: the services were great. The waiter Randy was very attentive, provided insight on specials, recommendations of some of his favors. The manager came over to follow up and check in. Ambiance: very cutesy, chic, trendy with nice dim light setting. It's cozy and intimate especially for date night. The music is a nice low-medium tone and settling. I give an overall 4.8/5

Abby W.

Yelp

Went on a weekday for dinner with a large group. The restaurant has a speakeasy vibe (it's hidden within a pawnshop). Upon entering, there's a bar area, and the main dining room is further back. The ambiance is great, though it was a bit too dark -- you can barely see the menu. For larger groups, there are a couple of big dining tables in the center, and for smaller groups, there are booth seats on both sides. It did get quite loud as more people arrived. The restaurant serves mostly creative American dishes. We tried a variety of shareable plates. The apple & kale salad was refreshing. We were told you could purchase a book with the recipe at the front. The soup dumplings were bite-sized but packed with flavor. The meatballs were delicious, especially with the sauce that accompanied them -- earthy but not too heavy. The steak was also cooked well. The salmon was paired with sticky purple rice and kimchi, creating a unique sweet/spicy combination. Another highlight of the meal was the peanut butter cake. It's a three-layer cake, so it's quite large, which explains the price. The cake was moist, with a strong peanut butter flavor, but not overly sweet. In comparison, the donuts felt rather plain. I have mixed feelings about the service. Our waitress was friendly and gave us good recommendations, but we were only poured one glass of water. We didn't receive any refills the entire night, and they only came over to ask about alcohol refills. While this may seem minor, I think refilling water is a basic service that a good restaurant should provide, so I was surprised they didn't do that at all. Overall it was a cool dining experience!

Andrew G.

Yelp

Unique, delicious, classy, worth the wait. This is my second time here, and I was so blown away. The pawn shop front still is the coolest entry and when you step inside, the decor just blows me away every time. The bar is fantastic with really classic cocktails. Choosing a Vesper was one of the good decisions during my trip. The second good decision was asking the server what they recommended and how to go through the menu. The shared plates were incredible. East Coast half dozen oysters, roasted bone marrow, chicken meatballs, and tacos all went over so well. The flavors are totally unique and the preparations were all top notch and presented so perfectly. Great place for a fancy dinner, a unique experience, and a great place for dessert if it's your birthday. Would come back in a heart beat.

Melkys V.

Yelp

I had been here before a couple of years ago but didn't quite remember my experience - I returned yesterday with my girl friends and it was awesome! The food is SO good! We got a couple of dishes to share and they made sure to put 6 of each items (appetizers) so all of us could have one! I asked the waiter if they did it because we were six or if originally comes with six and they did did it because of us, that is very thoughtful! The drinks were also very good and cute. For dessert, we got the Ferris Wheel, also amazing! Edgar, our waiter, was amazing. All team members were great. 5/5!

Jerica H.

Yelp

Beauty & essex is a speakeasy that looks like a jewelry store and turns into a secret restaurant. It's really dark inside but also looks very elegant . The bathroom is nice for pics , i took so many lol . The Ribeye steak was everything i needed !!! The appetizer was delicious Those espresso martinis were perfect . My only complaint is the mac and cheese . It was literally good at all . But literally everything was good . The staff was great , literally so many people made sure we were okay and helped with recommendations.

Solveig E.

Yelp

From the moment you walk through the pawn shop entrance, Beauty & Essex feels like a secret you're lucky to be in on. The vibe is glamorous without trying too hard - dim lighting, velvet booths, and just the right amount of buzz in the air. We came for dinner and drinks, and everything was chef's kiss. The grilled cheese and tomato soup dumplings? Absolutely iconic. The tuna poke wonton tacos were super fresh, and the truffle mac & cheese was rich but not too heavy. Cocktails were creative and strong (highly recommend the "Emerald Gimlet"). Service was also on point - attentive without being pushy. It's a perfect spot for a birthday dinner, girls' night, or even a cute date night if you're looking to impress. Bonus: the bathroom lounge has free champagne - need I say more? Definitely one of my top picks in the Lower East Side. Will be back

Claude W.

Yelp

O jad not been here in a very long time. Forgot how nice it is and how good the service is. They have quite unique selection of food here with many twists. The Kyoto Carrots are amazing! Our server was Nicholas and he really took good care of us! We were a decent sized group and not easy to cater, but he did an excellent job with patience and knowledge. He was constantly checking in on us. We also had the Salmon tartare, the house salad, the Peruvian chicken, which was a little dry, and the truffle mac and cheese. We also had quite a few drinks there as well. My mezcal margarita was soo smooth!!! It was certainly a great evening for dining and yes i would return and so said other guests. We also met the GM Jesse who has such a welcoming demeanor and is the perfect host as well. What a nice experience.

Alana S.

Yelp

The lil French dips were buttery and delicious; 9.3/10. The roasted beets and whipped goat cheese good but nothing over top and the toast was a little burnt; 6.8/10. The grilled cheese and Tomato soup dumplings were slightly overhyped but still good; 8.4/10. The salmon tartar was absolutely amazing; 8.6/10. The Peruvian chicken was some of the best chicken I've ever had it melted in my mouth and the sauce and veggies were just perfect. Had a great amount of spice but nothing overpowering; 9.7/10. The chicken meatballs were delicious and the sauce was incredible; 8.9/10. The 24 ounce ribeye melted once it hit your mouth; 9.8/10. The Mac and cheese was not a family favorite; 8.0/10. The onion rings were the best onion rings we've ever had; 9.6/10. The peanut butter and chocolate cake was a 10/10 best dessert we've ever had. Great experience!

Erica M.

Yelp

Was in town for a friends wedding and decided to come here on a Sunday morning to check out the brunch menu. Nice little hidden gem! Loved the interior design - it's speakeasy meets upscale club. Service was great and the food was tasty. I tried: - coconut chia seed parfait: very nice way to start my meal. Liked the toasted coconut and bits of mango. - New Orleans style breakfast potatoes: these were delicious. What's not to love about cheesy potatoes and a good dose of cajon style seasoning? - shakshuka baked eggs: I wanted to love this, but the tomato sauce was a bit too salty and my eggs were overcooked. I did enjoy the slice of bread that came with it though. If I'm ever in the area again I'd happily swing by to check out at the dinner menu and grab a cocktail or two.

Lakwan H.

Yelp

This was my fourth time at Beauty and Essex, but my first time experiencing their brunch. We arrived late in the brunch hour as walk-ins, and while they prepared our table, we grabbed a drink at the bar. The wait was super short, maybe 8 to 10 minutes. The bartender, Jose, was amazing--so personable! He even took a photo for us, which was a really nice touch. We ended up seated in the back in a big, cozy booth that we absolutely loved. Our waiter, Auz, was fantastic. They were super helpful in guiding us through the menu and very attentive throughout our meal. We were offered a shot of something we think was coffee, but I can't quite remember what it was (check the pics!). We ordered the bacon, chicken sliders, steak and eggs, and New Orleans potatoes. We enjoyed everything, though the potatoes were our least favorite--the only plate we didn't completely clear. For the steak and eggs, we asked for scrambled instead of poached eggs, and it was delicious. The sliders and bacon were my favorites--packed with flavor! I'm a big fan of Tao restaurants, and Beauty and Essex is definitely a favorite. I'll be back again, no doubt!

Shamario P.

Yelp

I was recommended this place a couple times and I finally went for my friends birthday. The space itself looks amazing. Even though it's narrow, they make good use of the space and it does look upscale. The pawn shop in the front was also really cool as well. The hosts and our server were extremely kind and helpful throughout our experience even though we were kind of a difficult group with less people than on the reservation and a baby. I'm leaving a 4 because the food portions could've been better for how much you'll end up paying, I left hungry. I have a lot of allergies which stops me front eating A LOT but I have been to a lot of places that have made amazing substitutions. The server was great at communicating what I can and can't eat. It could have been my selections as well. I had the peppers, which didn't really taste like anything to anyone, the Peruvian chicken which was really good and the sorbets were amazing. The pizza they had was different and amazing as well! Chicken without any side is kind of unfulfilling and my gf got the ravioli but it just came with 6 raviolis and no side. I guess this is one of the places you go to once for the aesthetic. Overall, I had a decent experience and would recommend trying once for like a special occasion.

Denise A.

Yelp

I read that this restaurant is considered one of the most beautiful restaurants in NYC, so we decided to give it a try for NY restaurant week 2025. We easily made reservations online for a Sat night at 6:45p.m. We walked through the store front pawn shop and a gentleman opened the door to Beauty and Essex, with its high ceilings, chandeliers and spiral staircase. We checked in with reception and were instructed to wait in the bar and someone would seat us. The bar and waiting area was quite crowded while a staff person asked us 3 separate times how many were in our party before we were finally seated. The restaurant was filled to the brim and bustling. Tables are quite close together. The restaurant is dimly lit. We were informed that the restaurant week menu was not available on Saturdays, (if the website indicated this we missed it), but we could do the tasting menu for $62. We instead ordered from the regular menu, each choosing an appetizer and a main dish. We ordered the little French dips and shrimp cocktail for appetizers and the Beef Wellington and brown butter scallops as entrees. As neither came with a side, we ordered the roasted Kyoto carrots. The food was very good, although the scallops were a just tad undercooked. Really also needs at least another scallop or small side salad or slaw. The onion sauce with it was fantastic. My dining partner did not at all care for the carrots, but was very impressed with the Wellington. Our server was attentive and pretty consistent throughout the night and other staff removed plates and filled water glasses. The restaurant is quite loud just given the amount of activity going on, but at 8pm the music was so loud both tables next to us and we felt the vibrations and commented we felt like we were in a club. It was really difficult to have a conversation or even relax as this was not soothing, easy listening dining music. Very off-putting. The restaurant is very nice and there are lots of instagrammable photo ops to be had. Great for celebrations or a date night. However, it's very busy and crowded, it's expensive, and and that music was just too loud. While the food was very good, there is nothing that we ordered or saw on the menu that would compel us to return. Overall 3.75 stars.

Paula R.

Yelp

The ambiance is reason enough to go here. The bar and restaurant are hidden behind a working pawn shop. The ladies restroom downstairs occasionally has a pink champagne bar in the lobby. The food is ment to be shared so everyone at the table gets different bites. The grilled cheese dumplings and the wonder wheel dessert should not be missed.

Sammy D.

Yelp

One of my favorite please when in NY. Gives a hip elegant vibes. Perfect for date night or girls night. Love how the front of the store is a pawn shop and enters into the main dining area. Food was amazing. The salmon was well seasoned. Service was very good and waiter was helpful

Tracey S.

Yelp

This place is such a vibe! It has a speakeasy vibe. The service is excellent. Our bartender was friendly and the drinks were on point. My entree was the squid ink linguine with lobster. It was so delicious! I highly recommend this restaurant.

Chris S.

Yelp

Came by for a friend's birthday on Saturday night. We had a reservation for 815pm but didn't end up getting sat until after 9.. We sat upstairs at the bar while waiting to be sat so it was alright. The place is like a speakeasy so you walk through a jewelry store facade and into the back door to get in. Once inside it's a pretty nice foyer and large spiral staircase with a huge chandelier. Upstairs has more seating and another bar to parallel the downstairs. Once sat, we got our drinks and food orders in. They have a prefixe menu for $68 which is worth it if you're planning on the lamb chops or salmon (though I suspect they probably change out the menu every so often so YMMV). Between my partner and I we got the chicken meatballs, peruvian chicken, tomato grilled cheese soup dumplings (appetizer), and the burger. Star of the show was definitely the peruvian chicken - it was nicely grilled and juicy on a bed of julienned veggies atop a lightly spicy sauce. The sauce was so incredible I was dipping everything in it. The burger was pretty sizable and medium like we asked. It came with BBQ fries which were delicious but VERY seasoned. The chicken meatballs were pretty good. The "soup dumplings" were actually really unique and nice - like a mini grilled cheese with bacon bite on some tomato sauce - a very cute bite-sized appetizer. We finished off with a mango sorbet which was super creamy and delicious. And a pretty good size! I will say the seating downstairs was a bit cramped. Being seated at the center table the walkway was pretty narrow so we kept getting bumped. Service was pretty good (loved the waiter) but waiting an hour after our reservation wasn't the best. Food was pretty good though and a cute environment for a birthday dinner with lots of photo op places along the spiral staircase.

Gel S.

Yelp

The experience was a hit from the start. We put a birthday and the occasion and under special requests, and the staff ensured it was communicated! That made everything feel special and personalized. Nicholas was our waiter whom was knowledgeable and respectful of our ideal portions and how much to order. The food was amazing and delicious! We had the grilled cheese and tomato soup dumplings, the ahi poke tacos, the bone marrow, the scallops, and the burger! Drinkwise, the pawn shop was delicious.

Ivan P.

Yelp

This restaurant just came to my attention and it's truly outstanding. Their employees handle service expertly. The restaurant's appearance elevates the experience. They used uncommon ingredients and served without waiting. The restaurant exceeded my highest hopes.

Sarah B.

Yelp

Wonderful experience! Absolutely loved Beauty & Essex. Their Beef Wellington hit the spot!

Katie G.

Yelp

Upon entering, we asked the hostess to take a photo of our group, but she refused to turn on the flash. I asked why and she said people have epilepsy, but there was a group of people at the bar taking photos with the flash on. She had a nasty attitude from the beginning. Speaking of the bar, none of the liquor in the specialty cocktails can be substituted for another, which I found weird. I asked why and the bartender said the specialty cocktails are pre- made! Pre made $21 cocktails, lol. Anyways, the dishes are small and expensive. I had a party of 6 and we all got 1 bite of each dish. The food was good but for all the money we spent we were still hungry. They claim to be "family style" but you only get 1 bite of each app/ entree. I won't be returning. Didn't get a good bang for my buck.

Lauren R.

Yelp

We had a truly fantastic experience at Beauty & Essex during a visit from out of town. We had a party of 11, which included several mobility-impaired family members. The staff took SUCH good care of us. The restaurant ambiance is beautiful and sexy, and the menu has diverse options for various food preferences (we had several vegetarians in the group and they were very pleased). My daughter and I got the Peruvian chicken, fried eggplant and kale salad to share; everything was very flavorful and unique. The table next to us got a dessert that was in a lit up Ferris wheel. Looked amazing! Overall a very special dinner.

Ty H.

Yelp

Oh my God. Now I understand the hype of this place. First of all, yes, you do walk in through this pawn shop area that makes you question if you're even in a restaurant. Then you open another door and you're in this beautiful restaurant. Service was phenomenal. And the food.... Oh, the food. Truly out of this world. The tomato soup dish is truly sublime. I would return there just for that. The beets were spectacular. The kale salad was incredible. I thought the ribeye was pretty good. We had a medium rare and it was more on the rare side, but I did love the sauces. Especially the garlic one. The. Branzino was out of this world. The chicken on flatbread with cheese dish that would probably pass on, but it's also cause we had a lot of food for the six of us. But then there was that chocolate peanut butter dessert. Talk about wow!!! I wish I walked home after all that. I'm still full a day later. The vodka martini was made perfectly. The Cabernet was excellent. And overall, the price point was not terrible at all. This is a great place to return to over and over again.

Caroline Whitney M.

Yelp

Don't recommend. A few years ago me, my little sister and her friend couldn't get in. The bouncer was rude. We looked around and left.

Lauren Y.

Yelp

I came here for restaurant week for girls night!! we nabbed one of the last reservations for dinner on a Sunday night. Literally had to come when they opened, but the inside is beautiful. You have to walk through a pawn shop to get inside and then the lobby/foyer is gorgeous. The ambience is very old New York, and looks like a hotel. We got the restaurant week deal for dinner, so an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I went with the brisket bao buns, skirt steak over fried rice, and the ice cream sundae for dessert. my friends also got the brisket bao bun, and one of us got the soup dumplings!! honestly we picked here partially because of the nacho/taco inspired soup dumplings. we were really excited to try them; appearance wise they looked really elegant and were easy to share since the dumplings each had their own spoon. however they were definitely more of a western interpretation on a dumpling, just floating in soup within the spoon. the dumpling was just a little dough ball, versus a thinner wrapping with filling. still yummy but just was a little disappointed by that. as for mains, i had to take off a star because of the skirt steak over fried rice. the steak was cooked and seasoned well, but the fried rice... it was so, so wet. i couldn't get over it, it was also seasoned in kinda a meh way, i mostly tasted bell pepper?? the wetness was super offputting. it was actually damp. at least they gave a very decent portion of it, i was lowkey stuffed halfway through the steak, but even if i hadn't been i probably wouldn't have been able to finish the fried rice. i opted NOT to take the main home because of how bad the fried rice was, even though i had over half the bowl remaining lol. the desserts were all delicious, one of my friends got the milk and cookie shot, which according to her was delicious. i got the ice cream sundae, which was one of the most beautiful sundaes i've ever seen, and it was almost as good as it looked. the ice cream was super creamy, although not super strongly flavored, but generally no complaints. i think this was worth the money, but next time i would get a different main. the ambiance really makes the meal feel special, next time i come i have to try the drink menu as well!!

Maliyka M.

Yelp

Last night was a vibe! Celebrating with one of my girls as she turned a new year. Hanging with some dope women while enjoying a good meal. It was a good vibe. We laughed and laughed some more. The food was sooo good. We ended up going with the chef menu. The only thing that I missed out on because it wasn't on that menu and I didn't want to pay extra was the Korean style tacos. S/o to them for having virgin cocktails and non-alcoholic wines. In 2025, they get it. There are so many people who don't drink but want a beverage. The peach Bellini was amazing. Tasted just like one without the alcohol. The truffle Mac was different but good. I was starving going in and had to stop eating because I got so full. Side note: my girls got a salad. It was a lot of salad. They couldn't even eat their Mac because they were so full. While I'm not an oyster girl, they had them and said they tasted delicious. Dessert was so tasty! I should've ordered some to go. My only tiff with them was that our reservation was for 8pm. Our table wasn't ready until about 9. Other than that, I will be back. I might even buy something from the shop. They had some cute clutches oh and the ball is signed by Jim Brown!

Alyssa E.

Yelp

Beauty & Essex is a LES classic, cleverly tucked away inside of a pawn shop. The waiting area is beautiful and adorned with rich curtains, and the chandeliers take you back in time. I am a sucker for chic, classy restaurants so there's no surprise I come here with friends new to the city. It's a perfect mix of upscale elegance + unpretentious comfort. The beef wellington was excellent, but unsure if I can justify the price. Oddly enough, the miso glazed eggplant side was my favorite thing we ordered. The portion was more than generous, and each piece was fried to perfection without becoming greasy. The dessert wheel -- wow. It was just two of us, and we didn't know it would come with 4 of everything. I was pleasantly surprised though, as they were all incredible. My favorite was the lemon cake pop; the icing was delicate and not too sweet, and the cake was airy. Least favorite was probably the peanut butter brownie since it was too rich and dense. Honorable mention: the jelly filled donut -- it was served warm and was super fluffy.

Ashley D.

Yelp

A time was had here! I'm glad I finally got to check it out. I was not disappointed. It was elegant, tasteful, the food was lovely and service was on point. Honestly, the name should be changed to BILLY and Essex because he's the best server I've ever had in my LIFE. He elevated the entire experience and I truly appreciate that. As soon as we sat down the couple beside us said that we were in for a treat with Billy. They were right. We tried so many things. The east and west coast oysters, the soup dumplings, the beef Wellington, the Peruvian chicken, and the lobster Mac and cheese. It's worth a visit.

Sam B.

Yelp

This is a very cool speakeasy bar which happens to have an extensive menu. The food is actually pretty good. I would not select this restaurant for food (since there are plenty of better restaurants in town). However if you are looking for a unique speakeasy experience then this is a great spot.

Emily F.

Yelp

Came tonight for restaurant week and had a nice experience. I found the employees okay-not rude but not very friendly or welcoming either. Enjoyed the kale and apple salad once again and the Peruvian chicken was amazing- beautifully presented and lots of flavor. The strawberry shortcake shot and donuts to me were fine. Fresh donuts and fresh fruit = yummy but neither were very flavorful. This restaurant is gorgeous and big, even the bathroom is stunning! My friend got the tuna poke wonton tacos, the short ribs, and the donuts and liked everything.

Carolyn C.

Yelp

Nice service and a fun vibe can't compensate for what this place really is...heavy passed around appetizers served on large platters at your table. If multiple tacky bachelorette parties and the bridge and tunnel crowd are your thing, then you will enjoy. Otherwise, it's kind of tacky.

Jennie M.

Yelp

I came here for the vibes on New Years Eve with a large 12 person group. The decor was classy and elegant as we were expecting. The women's bathroom has a couch and is beautiful too haha. But I was not expecting the food to be that good!!! The ribeye steak, scallops, and miso eggplant were delicious. They were very attentive to dietary restrictions and even made special individuals of the shareable dishes for those of us with allergies. So good!! The only thing was that on the phone they told us they had a maximum of 10 people per table but they could put us at two tables and push them together. When we got there we found out they couldn't push any tables together so we had to split up the group. But the delicious food and service made up for it!

Asia T.

Yelp

The food is excellent. Every dish we had was filled with of flavor. Most dishes are served tapas style. Still a very popular restaurant for birthdays and other celebrations. For a place that used to be quite a scene back in the day (10 years or so) it's amazing how they have stayed consistently good all these years.

Nicole K.

Yelp

Went for a friend's birthday dinner and had a great time. We started out with drinks at the bar while waiting for the entire party to arrive and the cocktails were strong and tasty. This restaurant is hidden behind a pawn shop and has great interior decor. The food here is meant to be shared so it's great to order different dishes to try. Also went for brunch upstairs which has a different vibe than downstairs (at night, it turns into a lounge/dancing area).

Damani H.

Yelp

Beauty & Essex is always a great adventure! The food is beautifully plated and rich in flavor and aroma. The ambience is surprise and delight with open areas for dining and an upstairs lounge for chilling before or after your meal. The service is great as well.... This spot is Certainly not what you'd expect when entering the shop at Beauty & Essex! But once you get past the door keepers of the restaurant..... be prepared to be wow's!!

Devina C.

Yelp

10/10 a top favorite restaurant in NYC. I think it's impossible for this restaurant to make something that tastes bad. Every dish that was brought out to us tasted complex, creative, and delicious. I live in queens but find myself frequently dreaming of their salmon risotto. Their chicken also tasted as if every bite was seasoned individually. Their rockstar of the meal were the apple cider donuts at the end. The music selection was impeccable but most importantly the volume was kept at a minimum so we weren't screaming across the table to one another like most restaurants nowadays. Customer service was 10/10! What really impressed us was that we were celebrating an anniversary and the chef came out personally to congratulate us and we were given a complimentary cupcake and card. I will be spending many special occasions at this restaurant.

Leah G.

Yelp

Beauty and Essex is one of my favorite bars in New York City. It's a great place to get drinks and lounge with friends. This was my first time getting dinner, and now I can say I would return for a meal as well! I really enjoyed our appetizers, and highly recommend the roasted bone marrow. I also loved my salmon dish. I know salmon is common in many restaurants, but it's hard to find a well cooked salmon that's not dried out, and in my opinion, theirs was cooked beautifully. I'm excited to come back and try more dishes!

Chloe M.

Yelp

We visited as a group of 8 for Easter Brunch and had the BEST experience. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and so unexpected! Our group tried a variety of menu options, and all raved of the food. Highlights of our meals included the Chicken and a Biscuit, Kale Salad (still dreaming of this one), Shrimp and Grits, and THE WONDER WHEEL! We had so much fun with that silly wheel. Our group had a variety of cocktail options which were all great. Service was also excellent. One of the servers even noticed when a member of our party dropped a small piece of food on their pants and immediately brought over hot water to get out the stain. I couldn't recommend the restaurant more highly.

Jennifer G.

Yelp

I went back for another birthday brunch and same great food, ambiance and service. Ordered the BEC sandwich and Espresso Martini flights. All was wonderful.

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Wonderful experience! Absolutely loved Beauty & Essex. Their Beef Wellington hit the spot!

Katie G.

Yelp

Lauren R.

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Ty H.

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Caroline Whitney M.

Yelp

Don't recommend. A few years ago me, my little sister and her friend couldn't get in. The bouncer was rude. We looked around and left.

Lauren Y.

Yelp

Maliyka M.

Yelp

Alyssa E.

Yelp

Ashley D.

Yelp

Sam B.

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Emily F.

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Carolyn C.

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Jennie M.

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Asia T.

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Nicole K.

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Damani H.

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Devina C.

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Leah G.

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Chloe M.

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Jennifer G.

Yelp

I went back for another birthday brunch and same great food, ambiance and service. Ordered the BEC sandwich and Espresso Martini flights. All was wonderful.

Beauty & Essex

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Jalen Brunson's Favorite Post-Game Restaurants - New York - The Infatuation

What Is Fun? America’s Restaurants Have the Answer - Eater

19 Award-Worthy Cocktail Spots in Los Angeles | Eater

20 Best dineLA Restaurant Week Dinners to Try in Fall 2021 | Eater LA

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Jalen Brunson's Favorite Post-Game Restaurants - New York - The Infatuation

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