Essex

This is a small neighborhood bar restaurant that is adjacent to Delancey (see my other review). So, it’s a coin flip as to which place to frequent.
That said, it’s really kind of easy as Essex is a bit more hopping with a full bar and booths along the wall where there’s quite a big happy hour business going on. I didn’t have food so now review of food (yet), but it looks really good as they use Delancey pizza oven to put some great char on the burger I saw.
The mixed drinks here are top notch and there’s a really good vibe going on here where you’ll feel relaxed and can stay for a while. The bartender is well trained and you get great drinks at just the right pace and strength.
The only challenge is street parking, so you’ll need to either campout and wait for someone to leave or circle around a few block radius to find one. Very congested neighborhood street parking so carpooling or using Über is a smart move.

Cute bar attached to Delancey (makes it nice while you’re waiting for your table) They have some great drinks and it’s a real low key inside. I loved that. Also the bar tender is rad. He works as a distiller at Big Gin Co. (where we had a tour… HIGHLY recommend that) Definitely wouldn’t have waited 2 hours for pizza had Essex not been right there.

I can’t comment on the food… but the drinks were OUT OF THIS WORLD.
Nick, our bartender, crafted cocktails like a boss. Tell him what you like, and he will use his skills to create something spectacular. Four drinks later, we were feeling great. We can’t wait to go back and check out the food!

A lovely little cocktail bar right in the heart of mini-​Ballard; Watch the specials board — I once had some mussels which were outstanding. Be warned — the «special» sauces on the house burger are spicy; too spicy for me to eat, in fact. But the bartender was able to replace it with a tuna melt for me, and that was fine.

Tiki… Taco…Tuesday??? My new favorite day!
I’ve heard about this night but when one has to work a hectic solo 12 hr shift on Wednesdays, drinking tiki drinks in a place not too close to home is not ideal.
So glad I rallied! The tiki drinks were the real tiki style deal. Check out my pics. The Curl in the Burl sips I took along with the Mai Tai and the low alcohol proof drink tiki drink the bartender made for me were phenomenal! I LOVED and LOVE this night of tropical getaway. The bartender is top tiki notch.
Flashback to a few months later and another visit in between, the tacos there are great! the Fish ones are yummy and tend to sell out fast, the pork ones were tasty and the carne asada ones were fine. They have a special side dish I think because one night it was shisito peppers and another it was chicharrones.
It’s a tiny space but packed with so… much…tropical…fun. I need to get the shareable tiki drink that comes complete with giant flames on top one day when I don’t have to work 12hrs the day after… Tiki Taco Thursdays perhaps???

Fun little hipster spot. Great for drinks and a quick meal. My group got a bunch of their specialty cocktails and was very happy with all the variety. The servers are happy and enthusiastic about the menu and are happy to make suggestions. I got the pineapple margarita on tap, and it was surprisingly spicy? Not bad. But prob wouldn’t order it again.

Came here for some late night drinks at 11pm and they said they were closing shop but were kind enough to seat our party for one round of drinks even though they were closed!
Our group of 7 took a seat and we all ordered a round of drips. I don’t remember what everyone ordered but all the drinks looked awesome! Would totally come here again. Next time, I’ll document what I get.

We made a point to find this place while vacationing in Seattle. After a beautiful proposal at Green Lake, my new fiancée and I wandered about the beautiful neighborhoods around Phinney Ridge! I feel like people too often make the mistake of using Essex as a «waiting room,» of sorts. The pizza place directly next door (and connected by a hallway and shared bathroom) is an AMAZING place, with great service and food. That being said, Essex is a shining jewel among the treasures of Seattle. The drinks are so expertly hand-​crafted and the food (a completely different menu than the one you’ll find next door) is like nothing I’ve ever had. The Tamarind chicken wings were a delightful surprise. never would have imagined those flavors when you think of «wings in a bar»!! Give this place your undivided attention, and be open to their adventurous fare and I PROMISE, they won’t disappoint. Enjoy!

Nice little spot with friendly service. Menu is pricey though that’s not unexpected in this ‘hood. Had some tasty brews while waiting for our table at adjoining Delancey. Would like to come back to try for the food.

As many others have noticed, this is a delightful little neighborhood bar that acts mainly as the waiting room for Delancey Pizza. The space is quite pleasant, both cozy and airy (if that is possible). And unlike several other reviewers, we did not have any problems with our server, who was attentive and friendly. I would not hesitate to come here for a drink and a light snack.
However, I would not come here again for dinner. It really is about the drinks and small plates. Actual meals are an afterthought, and the menu is quite limited.
In a nutshell: I ordered the baked zucchini — literally, 1 small zucchini with some pesto that was way too salty — and no beverage. My wife ordered a non-​alcoholic beverage and a burger without a bun, which came with a small salad (lettuce and a few radish slices) and arrived about 20 minutes after my zucchini. Total with tip: $ 44. Left hungry.
I can imagine some place might exist where the food was so extraordinary that I would not feel like an idiot for having spent so much for so little. This is not that place.

We sampled a handful of their drinks over the course of an evening and all were delightful, never overly sweet or harsh. The house sazerac is really fantastic. Service is a little on the slow side, I do agree with other reviewers on that. We look forward to returning for tiki tuesday!

It’s really hard to give such a low rating. I actually really like the bar and the drinks are spot on. However, our experience last night was so odd, that I had to give a review. My husband and I dropped in at 9:15 to grab a couple drinks. Like I said, their cocktails are solid. I’ve never had any issues, although usually the bartender is male.
It wasn’t too busy… maybe 5 other groups of 2. The female bartender with her hair piled high on her head (kinda like a unicorn) literally did not acknowledge us for 10 minutes. No menu, no water, no nod, no, «I’ll be with you in a sec.» Nothing. Were we invisible? She walked past us multiple times, but still nothing. WTF?
After 10 minutes, we just walked out. The horrible service will keep me from coming back. Delancey will always have our heart, but Essex (as long as the shitty bartender is there) can suck it.

Amazing! Came here before pizza next door and had what might be the best baked oyster of my entire life. So good.
I love the way this place was decorated. The mood was calm but fun. Will definitely be going back!

TIKI TUESDAY. I repeat. Tiki Tuesday.
Essex is a cute little Italian food and cocktail place that just so happens to have the second best tacos in Seattle.
I do have to say that everything was under salted, especially the guacamole which was a big disappointment. But their Al Pastor tacos (Set of 3 $ 9) set inside wood fired tortillas were a thing of beauty. Perfectly seasoned, not over dressed and nicely charred.
AND YOU CAN GET A DRINK IN A PINEAPPLE WITH A FLAMING LIME.
The tiki drinks are awesome, if a bit expensive. But don’t expect a bunch of sugar syrup here. Everything was well crafted with very mature tasting profiles.
Essex did a great job winning my heart with what seems like a gimmick but bodes well for the quality of their regular menu. I will be back!

After a recent streak of cocktail bars with sub-​par offerings, my wife and I went with a few friends to Essex for food and drinks, and I must say, it was a breath of fresh air.
Over the course of 3 or so hours, each of us had a handful of their cocktails and three or four small plates, all of which were delightful.
Cocktails are all made with carefully thought out ingredients and prepared masterfully. People can rave about Cannon as much as they want, but honestly, from what I have tasted, I would choose Essex every time (taboo to say, I know — but the truth nonetheless). The food was right on the same level as the drinks. As mentioned before, we pretty much ordered the entire menu and were not disappointed by any of the choices.
I loved the bespoke décor as well as the service, which was the perfect mix of attentive but not the «In your face» feel that so many restaurants err on the side of these days.
Bottom line: For top-​notch cocktails and food without the pretentious atmosphere, Seattle doesn’t get much better. Highly recommend.

Perfect atmosphere for a neighborhood cocktail bar. Nothing is overstated and there are nice touches from the white tiles to the wallpaper. The cocktails are incredible, as are the bartenders. I’ve only had the duckfat potatoes, but they were unbelievably good. I’m sort of glad I live 3,000 miles away or all of my money would be frittered away on cocktails and appetizers.

Charming neighborhood cocktail bar with gourmand bar snacks and friendly staff. Not sure why I waited so long to check out Essex, but better late than never. If you head to Essex while waiting for Delancey, beware Essex’ charm, you might not want to leave!
Essex’ menu stands on its own and is by no means an afterthought:
— The charcuterie plate with La Quercia prosciutto & coppa and Olympic Provisions salame is simply handsome, and I can never resist snacking on Castelvetrano olives (fave).
— The cauliflower toast is well-​constructed and nicely charred, making for excellent texture and flavor in each bite.
— Say yes to the chocolate chip cookie with gray salt, you won’t be disappointed.
Cozy bar seats 15 – 20. Bartenders know a good pour and the cocktail program keeps it classy with Negroni, Manhattan and Americano. Or if tiki is calling your name, Hurricanes on tap. Draft list features local brews from Stoup, Reuben’s, Hood River, Chuckanut. Last but not least, housemade bitters and shrub, RGB, Anthem cider, Slate coffee available because Seattle.
Will be back!

I adore Essex. It’s my favorite neighborhood bar, not in my neighborhood. Whether it’s gentle candlelit glow, the cocktails on tap, the outrageously tasty bites from Delancey’s kitchen, or the friendly yet attentive service. I’M OBSESSED. (READ: don’t everyone start going there and taking my seat at the bar.)
I started going here while waiting for my table at the equally fabulous sister restaurant Delancey, but it’s such a great experience all on its own that I’ve started coming in just to enjoy Essex. Whether it’s a gorgeous summer day or a stormy Seattle night, Essex is the spot.
Here’s some tips on what to eat and drink:
Food:
— Wings… these are not your average bar wings. Full of smoky flavor, covered in a gorgeous Asian style glaze… YUM
— Brussel sprouts… How does wood fire take these humble vegetables to little nuggets of flavor explosion.
— seasonal toasts… they are hitting seattle like a craze, and Essex is bringing it strong.
— SUNDAY NIGHT SNEAK: BURGERSSSSS!!!
Drinks:
— Love the pamperol (sp?) one of the excellent cocktails on tap
— Looooove the beer menu! You really can’t go wrong!
— Bartender’s choice… tell him what you liek and prepare to smile
The service here feels like friendly european. The first time you come you’re guests, second time your friends… I’m working toward becoming part of the family!

This is a great place to grab a drink and a light bite. The bar is small, but there is plenty of seating. It is basically the «waiting room» for Delancey. We came a little later in the evening and the bar, while still busy with Delancey patrons, had room to sit.
They have a nice selection of drinks and snacks. The space has an old, well kept feel to it.
Our drinks were made well; pricey, but good flavors.

We ordered the chocolate chip cookie. We were given the option or cookie dough or baked. Those options led me to believe the cookie was fresh baked, but nope. We got a cold cookie that was a little over cooked. It was not that good.
I think Essex is good for what it is a «waiting room», but I don’t think it is worth the trip just for the bar.

What a warm, inviting place! From jump, the staff were funny and accommodating. We sat at the bar and were greeted by all the staff and immediately attended to by a bartender. All of our drinks were tasty and the bartender offered great suggestions based on our favorite flavors.
The food reminds you that are you still in the Brandon and Molly’s world – yeah I’m on a first name basis with the owners… just kidding, never met them but obsessed with their food! You’ve gotta have the wings. They are tangy, spicy, and sweet. I may or may not have licked my plate. Then we had the brussels sprouts. They are roasted perfectly and topped with shaved cheese and a warm sriracha sauce.
Get ready for my Essex bartenders, fully intend to come back and hope you just as many inventive drink options as you did tonight!