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Beauty & Essex- New York, New York, NY

Beauty & Essex- New York

4.5
4.5
9393 Reviews
$31 to $50
Unspecified
Beauty & Essex has an innovative design that starts in the restaurant’s entrance, a well-curated modern-day pawn shop replete with a saxophone, boom­box, quirky artifacts, vintage treasures, and an eclectic array of “one-off” pieces of jewelry. Continuing past the pawnshop, guests encounter a grand, circular staircase wrapped around a two-story custom chandelier, but only the adventurous will discover all that Beauty & Essex has to offer. With four distinct dining rooms (one private), two bars, a lounge, and a women’s bathroom complete with a salon including a luxurious sofa, and antique perfume bottles. The cuisine, much like the design, is intended to set a new course. Chef Chris Santos was one of the pioneers of the small, share plate dining trend that has swept the nation, and with the Beauty & Essex menu, he once again has created waves on the food scene.

Make a reservation

2 people

9:30 PM


Booked 69 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Unspecified
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (212) 614-0146
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chris Santos
  • Private party facilities
    Chef Chris Santos' sophisticated, mutli-ethnic sharing menu lends itself perfectly to celebrations and group dining for parties of 10 to 400 guests.
  • Private party contact
    Natalie Barragan: (212) 614-0126
  • Neighborhood
    Lower East Side
  • Cross street
    Stanton & Rivington
  • Parking details
    Street parking is available in the neighborhood. There is also a parking lot on Essex between Houston and Stanton Streets or a municipal garage between Delancey and Rivington Streets.
  • Public transit
    by Train: F, J, M, or Z train to Delancey/Essex Street.<br> <br />by Bus: M9 or 14A to Essex Street
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • New Year's Eve 2024

    $250.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    Our final seating will be for guests looking to join us through the New Year! Seating in our Main Dining Room will be $250 per person, not including beverages, tax, and gratuity. This will feature a special New Year’s Eve menu that will consist of our greatest hits. There will be a DJ, dancers, a countdown to midnight, and a complimentary champagne toast! All guests joining us for the final seating must be 21+ years of age. All guests attending our final seating must prepay the per person amount. In the event that you need to cancel, we ask that all cancelations be made by Saturday, December 23rd in order to receive a full refund. After the 23rd, they are non-refundable. Decreases in party size cannot use remaining minimum towards beverage.
    New Year's Eve 2024 Photo

What 9,393 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New York / Tri-State Area

    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

  • Manhattan

    Unspecified

  • Manhattan

    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

9,393 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place. Food was awesome. Kinda fooled us a little. The entrance is a pawn shop. Definitely recommend

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  2. JamesE

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall2food1service5ambience3
    The food was terrible. Worst meal we had in NYC. They should be embarrassed to charge what they charge! Our server was lovely and attentive but the overall experience was a waste of money.

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  3. Renee

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The restaurant is beautiful. The reveal from the entrance to the restaurant is perfect. There were small issues with my reservation. My table wasn't ready and my party had to wait despite us being early. The person who seated us wa not pleasant and didn't make a great first impression with the staff for my party. However, our server was very kind. The food was great. I would try it again.

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  4. YolandaW

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    I would highly recommend Beauty and Essex to my friends. I had a great time with my family.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Upstairs floor was slippery and table was not leveled so we had to switch tables, however, the food was amazing.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Norfolk/Suffolk

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    Didn't overlly rate our experience. It was very busy and loud with music - had to shout at partner to talk. The service was slow, having to ask for our drinks on 2 occastions. And they didnt have any vanilla ice cream for my partner. Really expected better.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible service and food. Amazing night out. Great ambience!

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    It is a very trendy place and fun. The menu is ok and the food we had was good, but the menu is over complex and the selection a bit odd. We were upstairs and as people arrived it was hard to speak as it got so loud. Service was friendly and the ambience lovely. Fun entrance through a Pawn shop was entertaining

    Is this helpful?

  9. Cellomama

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Delicious and filling! Staff was very accommodating for food allergies and everything was beautifully presented. A great place for a celebration.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Place was very busy and very noisy.. cramped table and it took the barman 25 minutes to serve us our drink which was a ploy to make us wait for our table which was 40 minutes late. The barman also used his hands to handle all the fruit for everyone’s drinks and was regularly just wiping them on his shirt….. not the kind of start to an evening I had hoped for.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service1ambience4
    Great food, great vibe, horrible service. Waiter had an attitude the whole time, was not knowledgeable, and forgot to bring out the birthday cupcakes.

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  12. Aliyah

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Unfortunately due to subway delays, we showed during the last minute of our 15 min reservation grace period… and still were told that we had missed our window and would have to be worked back in. We waited in the lounge and fortunately only had to wait 5-10 mins for our table. Service was a bit slow but overall, delicious food, friendly service and beautiful ambiance for a birthday celebration!!

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  13. LindaF

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I haven’t been to B&E in almost 10 years. It was even better than I remember. The service is amazing, food is fabulous and drinks are delish. I can’t wait to go back!!

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The place was DARK like i could barely see in front of me let alone see my food to eat it. But the light level did not match the noise level...the music was so freaking loud that i couldn't even have a conversation with the person i was with. Now for the reservation at 815; i entered the restaurant starving at 812 with bags of shopping i had done and my FOUR YEAR OLD CHILD who i had TOLD THEM i was bringing. They immediately took my bags and made me check them, they had me sit on some couch and wait 15 more minutes for my table while some other patron sitting there rudely advised me that i would need to move when her guests showed up. I told her i wasn't wanting to wait there and that i wanted to be eating at a table that i had reserved. Finally, at around 830 i was seated with my child in a very big comfortable booth and left there for dead...no water, no server, no acknowledgment until about 845 when the woman approached us and told us that she would be right iver with some water. Then she came back within 2 or 3 minutes WITH NO WATER and asked what we wanted to drink...wtf!? WATER WE WANT WATER LADY the water you said you were bringing and never did. At that time i told the woman that we would be leaving, that the place was not child friendly and taking 25$ from me for a reservation when i specifically said i have a small child is robbery. They should have advised the restaurant is not child friendly because it absolutely is not. We got up from the table and were forced to wait another 10 minutes while the staff SLOWLY retrieved my belongings that they forced me to check. Out to the street after 9pm starving with no place to go, we got a cab back to the hotel and door dashed some food from The Smith, which was prepared beautifully and delivered very timely and super yummy even though we weren't eating until 11pm because Beauty & Essex was so HORRIBLE!! I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT TO ANYONE because not only was it loud and dark, the menu isn't good.

    1 person found this helpful

  15. JJoseph2

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service, delicious food, beautiful environment. It was a perfect spot for a date.

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  16. Archie

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food drinks ambiance Great for all occasions

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  17. megan

    New York Area

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite way of eating. Small sharing plates to take in the variety of creations. Creative flavors and varied offerings.

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  18. HeatherQ

    Portland

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beauty & Essex never disappoints! It’s our favorite place in Vegas and now it has become our favorite place in New York. 20 million stars if I could give it 💖⭐️

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Sydney

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    Our party of 6 arrived to dine at Beauty and Essex NYC from Australia. Customer service was appalling. 1.We ordered pre dinner drinks and cocktails and a bottle of wine.The wine did not come until the food was delivered. 2.Our mains were delivered before our starters....I consequently asked them to bring our starters first...they finally arrived over an hour after ordering. 3.We ordered another bottle of wine during our mains .The waiter(Edgar)finally brought the wine to our table ...but we had finished our meal so consequently asked him to cancel that bottle. 4.After re checking bill when we left the premises extremely disappointed with the experience, we noted that we were charged for the second bottle that we had cancelled. 5.Follow up -asking for our wine to be refunded-2 phone calls later one being escalated, and an email and no response from them. A disappointing and expensive night. Beauty and Essex is NOT what is used to be...this is a place over subscribed by influencers with staff going through the motions. Unfriendly, cold and direct.A true conglomerate company -just too big!!!

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  20. Thiego

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience2
    Visited a unique restaurant with a concept that initially intrigued me: the entrance is cleverly disguised as a secret speakeasy behind a pawnshop. However, the dining experience was underwhelming. The food was mediocre, lacking in flavor and presentation. It didn't live up to the excitement set by the entrance. Service was decent, with attentive and polite staff, but it couldn't compensate for the culinary disappointment. Another notable drawback was the lighting; it was poorly managed, either too dim or harshly contrasting, which detracted from the ambiance. While the concept is interesting, the execution in terms of culinary offerings and atmosphere needs significant improvement.

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  21. SophieC

    Montreal

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As expected. Great hidden place Great food Service impeccable Unfortunately New York has become expensive But this was worth the cab ride feom downtown

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  22. CORTNEYM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Was v impressed by the food and their ability to accommodate the amount per person (for example - adding pieces for # ppl at table for apps, etc.) thank you so much for making my moms 63rd birthday so special. Amazing service and drinks too. Can’t wait to go back :)

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  23. purplequeen

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great. The service was pleasant & they made my birthday special.

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  24. TracyD

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and great service! We love the speakeasy vibe!

    Is this helpful?

  25. Chuck

    Seattle

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the outside, this place is a nondescript gem on a nondescript block in the city. The signage looks like something from a forgotten era. Is the building even occupied? We were welcomed by the maîtres' d, and shown the way in. The thrift shop foyer is quaint. Inside, the ambience wows at each turn. The foyer theme extends into the parlor at the base of a sturdy marbled winding staircase. Muted beige and ebony tones roll into the first bar, where we waited for our party to gather. Once our party was together, we were escorted up to the second floor. Our sights took in another bar, and many full tables with happily distracted guests. They led us through the dining room and sequestered us towards the back. The din remained vibrant, but nothing surprising for NYC. The menu suits varied tastes. Their signature libations (we each tried at least 3) and menu options (shareable and ala carte) was delish. I am now a fan of eggplants! Theirs, at least. And the service... well, that's what brought me to this review. It was excellent. Our server (Billy) expertly handled our table. The rest of the team were helpful, yet invisible. We're coming back.. and with more friends next time.

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  26. EileenR

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    I visited your restaurant and brought my sister and partner as our 1st night in NYC for Thanksgiving weekend. To say my entire experience was awful is an understatement. I was SO disappointed. We were put into a corner table which was cramped but would have probably been fine had everything else been okay. We ordered a bottle of red and had to remind our server 3 times to bring the wine. We then ordered our food. I had the scallops which were cold, the brocoli also arrived cold. The automonal vegetables never arrived. It was a constant battle where I had to get up from my table and remind the servers about our food. A really terrible experience for our 1st night in NYC.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Kent

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Arrived early and asked to have a few drinks before the booking, was told no problem at all. Sat down and ordered some drinks. Was then asked to leave the table as they needed it for someone else. At this point not an issues we was an hour early. At 7pm when our booking was we asked to be seated to be told no your booking was at 5:15. We explained the situation and had to wait another 20 minutes for them to sort out. In the end of we eventually got a table but left a sour note like it was our fault for arriving early to have a pre drink.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My girlfriends and I loved the Thanksgiving dinner! It was so delicious, filling, and amazing. Our waitress was lovely and explained clearly how to best enjoy our evening - and she was right! From the drinks to the appetizers, the main course to the desserts, we loved every moment of it. We will definitely be back on our next trip.

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  29. Mellll

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was phenomenal! All of the apps blew our mind

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  30. Bria

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    The ambiance is lovely if you're seated in the main dining room. But the seating near the bar or kitchen is drag. Servers were very kind but not attentive and service was slow. Our food took an hour to come out and more than once we had to flag down another employee and ask if they could sent our server over because we wanted another drink or dessert or the check. The food when it came out wasn't hot, more room temperature like it had been sitting for a few minutes before staff brought it to us. It tastes delicious, but wish it had been properly hot. Maybe it was just a particularly busy night, but it was disappointing especially since id brought my aunt there for her birthday and it was her first time in NYC.

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  31. NYCBob

    New York Area

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friendsgiving at Beauty & Essex was a meal and an evening that will not soon be forgotten. One plate after another, each course amazing, served family style. I'd sign up for next year now if I could. A great twist on the traditional Thanksgiving meal! Very reasonable with drinks included. Service was great and we left with enough turkey and stuffing to feed a small army!

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Yorkshire

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Nice bar, but quite pretentious. Security came over every time we tried to take a photo to make sure we weren't using a flash (it got a little much!) and we understood the first time. Took the fun out of the evening

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Amsterdam

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and atmosphere

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience5
    We loved the restaurant, but we came early to enjoy the lounge and instead were seated early. We waited about 10 minutes until finally asking for service. Also, we were seated right at the kitchen, when there were plenty of good tables for two seated after us. The food was fantastic. It is a beautiful lively restaurant with a great vibe.

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  35. LyndaF

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great speakeasy! Food is delicious! Atmosphere is perfect and service is outstanding!

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    This was our third time dining here but this time we had to wait 30 minutes before being seated. With no true waiting area, it was tight as other parties were also waiting and/or frequenting the bar. Our experience once seated however was excellent as always. Servers were attentive and courteous despite a shift change and food was delicious as expected. Thank you!

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  37. CarolK

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the mine opened the door, the fun began! Great vibe, friendly staff, we got a booth as remand the dinner was spectacular! Our friends had never been before and they loved Beauty and Essex!

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  38. AshleyS

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Not my first visit but first having brunch and the food was great and my waitress was excellent

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  39. NiraliP

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall4food2service4ambience4
    Ambiance and service were amazing! Food however, was very disappointing! We had Shakshuka Baked Eggs which were way too salty and the breakfast potatoes were cold and lacked flavor and seasoning! We got few others plates which were underwhelming to say the least! Went for my daughter's 11th Birthday so she really enjoyed the pastry Ferris wheel. Ambiance and service make up for it but definably would not go back again! Went for the hype but one and done!

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  40. RevB

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Great place! Fun ambiance, good food. Enjoyed the desert wheel!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Beauty & Essex- New York using the Order Online button. Beauty & Essex- New York also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 614-0146.

Beauty & Essex- New York is rated 4.5 stars by 9393 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

9:30 PM


Booked 69 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Beauty & Essex- New York

146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Stanton & Rivington
  • Neighborhood
    Lower East Side
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Unspecified
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street parking is available in the neighborhood. There is also a parking lot on Essex between Houston and Stanton Streets or a municipal garage between Delancey and Rivington Streets.
  • Public transit
    by Train: F, J, M, or Z train to Delancey/Essex Street. by Bus: M9 or 14A to Essex Street
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Chris Santos
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (212) 614-0146
  • Private party facilities
    Chef Chris Santos' sophisticated, mutli-ethnic sharing menu lends itself perfectly to celebrations and group dining for parties of 10 to 400 guests.
  • Private party contact
    Natalie Barragan: (212) 614-0126
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