Essex - Reviews

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food was good, I was surprised to find a 20% tip already included in the service charge. To make matters worse, a tip line was still present on the bill, which made it difficult to notice the pre-included gratuity. I wish they would place the itemized receipt on top to make these details more visible.

We 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!

I want to like this restaurant, but they are understaffed, which unfortunately leads to poor service. The staff genuinely try their best, but it's an unrealistic situation with such a low staff-to-customer ratio. The drinks are okay. Given the many other cocktail bars available, and after visiting a few times with hopes for improvement, we've decided to remove it from our list.

This is a cute little spot right next to Delancey Pizza. It's a great place to stop by for a cocktail while waiting for your pizza, grab an appetizer, or simply enjoy the vibes. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the food and service are top-notch.

My experience at this restaurant was marked by abysmal service. While the cocktails were fine and standard, the wait times were indefinite. I experienced the same lengthy waits at both the bar and the tables. The sole bartender seemed to prioritize chatting with friends and taking personal photographs over serving customers, which was particularly frustrating given the automatic 20% gratuity. This practice makes it feel like they can ignore you and provide poor service because they are guaranteed a tip. I would advise against visiting if you are in a rush or if automatic gratuities are a concern, as you will likely be disappointed.