Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Essex – Seattle
Essex - Seattle
Photo from Essex
Essex at a glance
Seattle Whittier Heights
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 12 of the guests
#161 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#17 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
167
Reviews
85.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Beverages
- Inviting Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Value Concerns
- Service Variability
The bar & pub Essex in Seattle’s vibrant Whittier Heights neighborhood offers you a truly memorable experience. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for unwinding.
With a great wine list, you can explore a variety of selections, or perhaps you’d prefer their impressive beer selection. This is a place where you can enjoy delicious food, hard liquor, and expertly crafted cocktails, all within a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Essex
Essex offers a compelling experience, frequently lauded for its expertly crafted cocktails and delicious food offerings. The atmosphere also receives high praise, creating a comfortable and stylish setting for guests.
However, patrons should be aware of the value proposition, as some feedback points to concerns regarding the pricing structure, particularly the inclusion of an automatic gratuity.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
167
Reviews
85.6%
Satisfaction
16
negative
8
neutral
143
positive
Essex achieves a strong overall score of 8.3, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. This is further supported by a good customer satisfaction rate of 85.6%, indicating that the majority of visitors leave content.
These insights are drawn from 167 customer observations, with 143 positive remarks outweighing just 16 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Food (8.9) stands out as a clear strength, with many appreciating the quality of both drinks and dishes.
The Ambience (8.2) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, offering a chic yet comfortable setting. While Service (7.8) is generally well-regarded, some isolated comments suggest occasional inconsistencies.
The primary area for consideration is Value (3.5), which lags behind due to concerns about pricing and automatic gratuity.
What people like
- Exceptional cocktails
- Delicious food options
- Chic, comfortable atmosphere
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
- Occasional service issues
- Limited space
Essex presents itself as a strong contender for those prioritizing quality drinks and a pleasant setting. With a recommendation score of 8.3, it generally delivers on its promise of a good experience, especially if you’re looking for a spot with well-crafted beverages and tasty small plates.
However, if budget is a primary concern or you prefer full control over tipping, you might want to factor in the pricing structure. It’s a place to enjoy a refined evening, but perhaps not for those seeking an inexpensive outing or expecting flawless service every time.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Essex
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink, this spot truly shines! With an 8.9 score, its clear guests are consistently impressed. An outstanding 93.3% customer satisfaction rate, based on 83 positive remarks, speaks volumes.
Reviewers rave about the inventive cocktails, the artistry in presentation, and the incredible blending of flavors. Dont miss the fantastic burgers, delicious appetizers, or the delightful desserts. Interestingly, out of 89 total comments, there were absolutely no negative mentions regarding the food or drinks.
This suggests a remarkably consistent and high-quality experience across the board, leaving customers with nothing but praise. It's rare to see such unanimous approval, indicating a truly exceptional culinary offering.
Food
89
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
0
negative
6
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inventive cocktails
- Exceptional flavors
- Delicious food options
What people don't like
Often praised
- cocktailsMy experience at this bar was exceptional. It's one of the best in Seattle, offering a charming atmosphere, great cocktails, and delicious food. The staff were delightful, contributing to a wonderful overall experience.
- foodMy experience at this bar was exceptional. It's one of the best in Seattle, offering a charming atmosphere, great cocktails, and delicious food. The staff were delightful, contributing to a wonderful overall experience.
- drinkstried a wide selection of drinks, all of which were made to a very high standard
- cocktailWe consider it good news to learn there's a wait at Delancey because that means we get to hang out here for a bit. We always get a cocktail and some apps and quickly lose track of time as we get lost in flavors and conversation. It's a seriously yummy place to be and I'm so glad they're back from their hibernation!
- appsWe consider it good news to learn there's a wait at Delancey because that means we get to hang out here for a bit. We always get a cocktail and some apps and quickly lose track of time as we get lost in flavors and conversation. It's a seriously yummy place to be and I'm so glad they're back from their hibernation!
- burgerThank you for your service and the conversation with you. Regarding the food, I can say it was the best burger and Caesar salad of our trip. I can also recommend the dessert; the salty cookie with ice cream was very delicious.
- custom cocktailsmake custom cocktails based on your tastes
- flavorsWe consider it good news to learn there's a wait at Delancey because that means we get to hang out here for a bit. We always get a cocktail and some apps and quickly lose track of time as we get lost in flavors and conversation. It's a seriously yummy place to be and I'm so glad they're back from their hibernation!
- AppetizersAppetizers are generously portioned
- Burattabest Buratta anywhere
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where the food and drinks are consistently excellent and universally loved, this is it. From creative cocktails to delicious burgers and desserts, youre in for a treat. Definitely worth a visit for a memorable culinary experience!
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.5%, it's clear many guests have had delightful interactions. Out of 40 total remarks, 31 praise the super friendly staff and attentive service.
Many highlight skilled mixologists and bartenders who create a great experience with their extensive knowledge and passion. However, not everyone leaves with the same glowing impression. There are 8 comments noting poor service and concerns about the place being understaffed, which can lead to wait time issues.
Some experiences describe the service as abysmal or a sole bartender prioritizing friends, suggesting inconsistency in an otherwise well-regarded aspect.
Service
40
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Skilled, knowledgeable bartenders
- Great customer experience
What people don't like
- Poor, abysmal service
- Understaffed issues
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceThe establishment boasts a great selection of booze, all of which were well made. Complementing the excellent drinks was the top quality service we received.
- staffI had one of the best Negronis I’ve ever tasted. We visited while waiting for our table at Delancey and were impressed by the really lovely vibe and super friendly staff. The drinks were simply stunning.
- ServiceService is friendly and attentive
- bartenderWe enjoyed a delicious glass of wine while waiting for a table next door. The bartender was quick and helpful, and we enjoyed the easy standing and stool space outside. Thank you!
- Aubryask for Aubry she's the best
- SophiaOur server Sophia was simply great.
- attendant serviceAttendant service and very well made drinks
- bar tendersbar tenders who pay attention to details
- bartender HarleeOur bartender Harlee and the kitchen was the most knowledgeable and helpful
- companythe reason to sit at the bar is for the company and Jano delivers that in spades
Frequently criticized
- Bartenderthe sole bartender prioritizes talking with their friends
- Servicethe service truly is abysmal
- Wait timeYou will wait an indefinite amount of time
- kidsDoesn’t allow kids? Rude.
- poor servicecausing poor service
- serviceService is not really their thing.
- staffStare down from the male bare tender.
- understaffedthey are understaffed causing poor service
Overall, if youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and knowledgeable staff, youll likely find it here. Just be mindful that on busier days or if they seem short-staffed, you might encounter some delays or less attentive service. It's worth a visit for the good vibes, but keep an eye out for those potential hiccups.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner! With a good score of 8.2 and 87.5% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks love the "atmosphere" and "vibe. " Many of the 28 positive remarks praise it as a "cozy spot" thats relaxed and laid-back, perfect for conversation or just unwinding.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 3 negative comments point out that the "place" can feel "small, " and some found the "music" a bit "weird. " It might not be the best fit if youre looking for a spot for large groups.
Ambience
32
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Cozy, relaxed vibe
- Chic, sophisticated bar
What people don't like
- Small place
- Weird music
- Not for groups
Often praised
- atmosphereenjoy the vibes. The atmosphere is fantastic
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a bit small, but it's a nice place to sit around for a bit while waiting for the line at Delancey's.
- vibeI experienced a very cool 1940s vibe at this place. Our bartender was hospitable and on top of everything.
- vibesMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great drinks, great food, and great vibes. It's also a relief to know it's a nut free kitchen.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceMy experience was super relaxed and trendy. The music was a bit weird, but the cocktails were great.
- casual and comfortableThis is the neighborhood bar you dream of. It's casual and comfortable yet chic and sophisticated. We consider it good news to learn there's a wait at Delancey because that means we get to hang out here for a bit.
- chic and sophisticatedThis is the neighborhood bar you dream of. It's casual and comfortable yet chic and sophisticated. We consider it good news to learn there's a wait at Delancey because that means we get to hang out here for a bit.
- conversationlost in conversation
- cozy spotlooking for a cozy spot to enjoy some great cocktails
Frequently criticized
- musicWeird music
- parkingparking is a challenge
- placeMy experience at the restaurant featured creative drinks with bartenders who pay attention to details. The place itself is small and not a great spot for large groups.
If youre seeking a charming, relaxed spot for a drink and good conversation, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware its a cozier setting, so large groups might find it a tight squeeze.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, there's a small positive note among 6 total comments, with one person finding the prices pretty normal for Seattle. This suggests that at least one customer felt the cost was reasonable for the area. However, this positive sentiment is largely overshadowed, as the overall score for value is a rather poor 3.5.
The overwhelming sentiment, however, points to frustration with money matters. Five negative comments specifically call out the automatic 20% gratuity and the confusing presence of a tip line on the bill. Customers also wished for itemized receipts.
This leads to a very poor customer satisfaction of just 16.7%, indicating significant disappointment.
Value
6
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are normal
What people don't like
- Automatic 20% gratuity
- Confusing tip line
- No itemized receipt
Often praised
- pricesfor Seattle the prices are pretty normal
Frequently criticized
- 20% tipbe aware they include a 20% tip
- Automatic gratuityconsidering the automatic 20% gratuity
- itemized receiptwish they would put the itemized receipt on top
- moneyI guess you don’t want my $?
- tip linestill include a tip line on the bill
If youre heading here, be prepared for an automatic 20% gratuity and check your bill carefully, as the value proposition isnt sitting well with most customers. It seems the pricing structure, especially around tipping, is a significant point of contention.
How are the prices at Essex?
You’re looking at roughly 42 per person – reported by 12 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a pretty wide range. While many visits are more budget-friendly, often in the 11 – 30 $ range, a few higher tabs pull the average up, suggesting there’s a mix of quick stops and more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 12 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub stacks up against similar spots in Seattle when it comes to value for money.
Considering its a Bar & Pub, we think the pricing feels fair for the options it provides. It offers flexibility for different budgets, which is always a plus. You can likely grab a quick, cheaper bite, but theres also the potential to spend a bit more for a fuller experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Essex
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Top Notch Cocktails and Cozy Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed top notch and creative cocktails crafted by Jono, a highly skilled mixologist. The neighborhood setting was nice and cozy, creating a great atmosphere.
It was a wonderful experience to get premium cocktails and pair them with pizza from Delancey's, which we ordered to go. I will definitely be back!
- cocktails10
- mixologist10
- neighborhood setting9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Cozy Cocktails and Friendly Vibes
If you’re in the Ballard neighborhood and looking for a cozy spot to enjoy some great cocktails, Essex is a solid choice. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, making it the perfect place to unwind or start your evening off right. The staff here is super friendly, and they’re not just about serving drinks—they’re genuinely passionate about creating a great experience.
I usually like to ask for a bartender’s choice when I’m in a new spot, and Essex didn’t disappoint. Every cocktail I tried had a little creative twist, which is always a treat. While it’s a great bar to grab a drink at, it’s also a bit of a placeholder for diners waiting on their table for the restaurant next door, so you might get a mix of folks coming and going.
It doesn’t take away from the vibe, though—it’s part of the charm. I’d definitely recommend Essex if you’re in the area. Whether you’re just grabbing a drink or hanging out with friends, it’s a great spot that I’ll definitely be returning to.
- cozy spot9
- great cocktails9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Fantastic Burrata and Rye Manhattan
My experience at Delancey was fantastic. I recommend sitting at the bar and enjoying a rye Manhattan while you wait for your table. If you can't wait, spoil yourself with some of the best Buratta anywhere.
It's one of our favorite things to do in Seattle.
- rye Manhattan9
- Buratta10
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Service and Drinks!
My experience at the restaurant for a casual date night on a Sunday was absolutely outstanding. Our bartender, Harlee, and the kitchen staff were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful with our dietary restrictions, which truly impressed us. We were simply blown away by the best service we’ve ever had.
Harlee also made us the best drinks we’ve ever had. It was an 11/10 experience!
- bartender Harlee10
- kitchen10
- dietary restrictions9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Service from Harlee!
As visitors from out of town, we received the best care from Harlee. Our experience was a perfect 10/10, with Service, Atmosphere, and Food all rated at a 5.
- Service10
- Atmosphere10
- Food10
What Essex offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Essex?
At Essex, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed outing. You can enjoy a wide range of offerings including food at the bar, hard liquor, wine, beer, and expertly mixed cocktails. They are particularly known for their great wine list and impressive beer selection.
Does Essex offer accessible dining options and what payment methods are accepted?
Yes, Essex is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom for your convenience. For dining, you can enjoy comfortable table service. When it comes to payments, they accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making your visit smooth and hassle-free.
How does Essex generally perform according to customer feedback?
Essex receives a strong overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at 85.6%. Its Food (8.9) and Ambience (8.2) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (7.8) is good, but Value (3.5) is an area where some customers express reservations.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Essex?
Customers frequently describe the atmosphere at Essex as charming , casual and comfortable , and chic and sophisticated , often noting a cool 1940s vibe that makes it a pleasant place to relax.
Are there any common concerns about the pricing at Essex?
Some customers note concerns regarding value , specifically mentioning the inclusion of an automatic 20% gratuity on bills, which can impact the overall perception of cost.