Ресторан · New York · ⭐ 9.7/10 · 8901 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 19:08:17
Address: 124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Essex: A Quarter-Century of Lower East Side Style
Institutions age in one of two ways: into museums or into legends that keep evolving. Essex chose the second path. Twenty-five years after it started feeding the Lower East Side, it now pairs dry-aged steaks with Mediterranean grace notes inside a century-old former winery — and still hosts the most famous brunch downtown.
History
Born inside the historic Essex Street Market, the restaurant grew up with the neighborhood around it. In 2019 it crossed into the landmark Schapiro’s winery building at Essex Crossing — a hundred-year-old space where kosher wine once aged in casks — bringing its brunch legacy and a more ambitious kitchen with it.
What to Order
The evening menu leads with dry-aged bone-in steaks and wagyu, framed by Mediterranean-inspired plates: kofta meatballs, burrata flatbread, bright salads and charred vegetables built for sharing. Weekend brunch remains the signature ritual — eggs and pancakes with unlimited mimosas, spritzes and bloody marys carrying the table into the afternoon.
The Space
Industrial bones softened with warmth: multiple levels, a mezzanine bar overlooking the floor, and heated outdoor decks for long evenings. The scale is generous — an easy room for two that expands gracefully into celebrations for twenty or two hundred.
Who It’s For
Stylish brunch tables, girls’ weekends, downtown birthday dinners and anyone who wants the Lower East Side’s energy served with real polish rather than nostalgia.
Good to Know
What makes the brunch special? It is the original bottomless brunch party — a fixed window of unlimited mimosas, Aperol spritzes and bloody marys that turns a meal into an event.
Is it right for a celebration? Very — semi-private spaces, group menus and a team practiced at birthdays and showers.
Can dietary needs be met? Easily: vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes get their own real estate on the menu.
When should I book? Days ahead for weekend brunch; dinner is calmer midweek.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — heated decks keep the open air in play well beyond summer.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Tuesday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Wednesday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Thursday | 17:00–00:00 |
| Friday | 11:00–02:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00–02:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00–23:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 19:08:17
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: manhattanka.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
Oh my, what a meal!
My favourites were the chimichurri steak and the calamari.
The honey-apple martinis were also incredible.
Quick service and a lovely atmosphere for a girls' night.
Came here spontaneously, but I'd come again for the service! Helena was wonderful in many ways. I took the 'bottomless' option, and Helena honestly never let me see the bottom of my glass the whole time I was here. She's…
I'm starting this review with the drink, because it truly deserves attention. I ordered the Purple Rose Martini, and it was exceptional — wonderfully balanced, fragrant and honestly one of the best drinks I've had in a l…
A stunning place! Very tasty oysters!
We had brunch here and chose the cheapest option at $47, which included mimosas, an Aperol Spritz, a Bloody Mary and a Narragansett beer. We ordered burgers (one vegan Beyond Burger, one regular). Both were fairly tasty.…