Located at 124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, Essex stands as a quintessential destination for those looking to experience the vibrant culinary landscape of the Lower East Side. This neighborhood has long been a melting pot of cultures, history, and artistic expression, and Essex captures that spirit by offering a dining environment that feels both sophisticated and deeply rooted in the local community. Whether you are a long-time resident of Manhattan or a visitor exploring the iconic streets of New York City, the restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere that invites guests to slow down and enjoy the art of dining.
The philosophy behind Essex is centered on the belief that a great meal is defined by the quality of ingredients and the warmth of the hospitality provided. By focusing on seasonal availability and classic culinary techniques, the kitchen team works to create dishes that resonate with the diverse palates found throughout New York. The interior design reflects the industrial charm of the Lower East Side, featuring elements that pay homage to the area's architectural heritage while maintaining a modern, comfortable aesthetic suitable for any occasion, from casual weekday dinners to celebratory weekend gatherings.
What Makes Essex a Local Favorite
A Prime Location in the Heart of the Lower East Side: Situated on Rivington Street, the restaurant is perfectly positioned for those who want to immerse themselves in the energy of one of New York City's most dynamic neighborhoods. It serves as an ideal starting point or a relaxing conclusion to an evening spent exploring nearby galleries, boutiques, and historic landmarks.
Commitment to Culinary Quality: The kitchen prioritizes the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft a menu that balances traditional flavors with contemporary culinary trends. This dedication ensures that every dish served is consistent, flavorful, and reflective of the high standards expected in a city known for its world-class food scene.
An Inviting and Versatile Atmosphere: The space is thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of dining experiences. Whether you are looking for an intimate corner for a conversation or a lively setting to share a meal with friends, the layout and ambiance are curated to ensure comfort and ease for every guest who walks through the doors.
A Reflection of New York Culture: Essex embodies the eclectic and resilient spirit of the Lower East Side. By fostering a space that welcomes everyone, the restaurant has become a staple for those who appreciate authentic service and a genuine connection to the local community.
A Culinary Destination Worth Visiting
Choosing where to dine in a city as expansive as New York can be a daunting task, but Essex offers a reliable and memorable experience that stands out for its consistency and character. By focusing on the fundamentals of excellent service and a thoughtfully prepared menu, the restaurant creates a sense of place that is both familiar and exciting. It is not just about the food on the plate, but the entire experience of being part of the neighborhood's ongoing story.
If you find yourself wandering through the streets of the Lower East Side, consider stopping by 124 Rivington St to see what makes this establishment a cherished part of the local landscape. With its blend of classic charm, professional service, and a commitment to quality, Essex remains a testament to the enduring appeal of neighborhood dining in New York City. We look forward to welcoming you to our table, where the focus is always on providing a pleasant and satisfying experience for every guest who visits us.
Came here for late night dinner and was greeted and rested quickly by friendly staff. My partner and I had the 16oz steak to share and the fried calamari to share with 2 others. The food was really good, steak cooked perfect, juicy and tender. The calamari was also great, and delicious crispy badder. More
Aaron C.
30-05-2026
This was a good resturant took my good friend here and we had a time enjoyed the food service was okay and the food was delicious would definitely come back More
Sage Dignan
30-05-2026
Went for restaurant week and the food was (mostly) a hit. I ordered the eggplant option and honestly it tasted like ash in my mouth —my partner tried it too and he agreed. It was tough and just not really edible. The service was astounding … More
William Gibson
30-05-2026
I tried their sweet and sour pork dish, and it was absolutely delicious perfectly balanced flavors, tender meat, and a touch of tang that kept every bite exciting. I paired it with a refreshing fruit cocktail, a mix of citrus and berry … More
Brittney Mitchell
30-05-2026
Had an amazing time at bottomless brunch. The mimosas are definitely strong and i loved that ! The food on the other hand was tasty but nothing exciting. Nonetheless my friend and i enjoyed ourselves More
Brent
30-05-2026
Overbooked and uncomfortably loud. The staff appeared burnt out, and unfortunately the food reflected that. Once our dishes were dropped, service completely stopped—no refills, no check-ins. After waiting 45 minutes for the bill, we had to … More
GLORIE ROMANIELLO
30-05-2026
Nicole was our server and was the MOST attentive and pleasant server I could have asked for in my birthday brunch!! This is our place moving forward! Oh baby the way did I mention the stunning atmosphere?!!!! More
Juan Diaz
30-05-2026
The place is nice and the people who work at the restaurant are excellent. Unfortunately, the food is not good. Some dishes are very greasy, and the small details don’t add up—for example, serving bread straight from the refrigerator, cold and without any consideration. The food is also not flavorful; it’s salty and poorly presented. More
Michelle Grove-Shaffer
30-05-2026
This place is a weekend brunch VIBE - amazing food, the bottomless drinks are surprisingly top notch, and Nicole was a fantastic server... We literally never saw the bottom of our glasses! Highly recommend 10/10! More
Nagma Shrestha
30-05-2026
I’m starting this review with the drink because it truly deserves the spotlight. I ordered the Purple Rose Martini, and it was exceptional — beautifully balanced, fragrant, and honestly one of the best drinks I’ve had in a long time. … More
Sabrina Brea
30-05-2026
This was a very interesting experience; the espresso martini was definitely a 9/10 for my partner and I - however, it just fell short in other aspects. Granted it seemed to be short on staff, as our service was slow but attentive, and … More
Travel With Chyna
30-05-2026
Decided to go on a solo date here and I really enjoyed my time! The staff were so friendly and welcoming. The place itself is lovely, spacious with bar seating, table seating, making it perfect for a solo visit, a date night, or hanging out … More
Farah Veerjee
30-05-2026
Came here on a whim but would come again for the service! Helena was amazing in so many ways. I participated in the bottomless option and Helena honestly never let me see the bottom of my glass the entire time I was here. She is incredibly sweet, friendly, and bubbly. More
Cam
30-05-2026
We had brunch here and went with the bottomless option for $47 which included mimosas, Aperol spritzes, Bloody Marys, and Narragansett beers. We got the burgers (one vegan beyond burger, one regular). Both were pretty good. Overall good service and atmosphere. More
Paul Kelly
30-05-2026
Apologies upfront for the length of this review. However, a lot went awry whilst we we “dined” here…We dined here as a party of three (my son, his girlfriend, and I) on Nov. 8. We ordered a number of shared plates and one entree. One of the … More
Samina Chowdhury
30-05-2026
Just found one of NYC’s newest Mediterranean steakhouses and it’s stunning from the moment you step inside! … More
Laura Diorio
30-05-2026
We got the champagne brunch and it was a fantastic deal! Great drinks, delicious food, the manchego mac and cheese is a must. The interior is stunning after the renovation, perfect place for a date or large parties. Service was super attentive — my water was never empty lol. And Katie was a doll. Such a fabulous gal. Highly recky More
Monique Robinson
30-05-2026
We ordered the Mezze (hummus, tzatziki & feta-garlic spread), Essex Kofta Meatballs, Seared Dayboat Scallops, Roasted Baby Heirloom Carrots, and the Purple Rose Martinis (not pictured). … More
Reviews Essex