Tags
AvroKO, Beauty and Essex, Design, Drinks, Food, Lower East Side, Manhattan, NYC, Restaurant, speakeasy, Tapas, The Stanton Social
I’ve passed Beauty and Essex on 144 Essex Street on many of my walks, but I never realized that the specialty pawn shop wasn’t just a shop, but a speakeasy that opens into a beautiful and super trendy white bar that consumes the entire bottom floor and an eclectic tapas restaurant that is just up the curved marble and iron staircase. You know this place will be amazing when it’s launched by the Stanton Social team and decorated by AvroKO.
Come here for: drinks/dinner with friends, client/business dinners. Do not bring children, and please, dress up for your meal (no jeans!).
Price: It’s pricier…a conservative estimate would be $30 a person, including drinks. There are selections on the menu called “jewels on toast” and “accessories” that range from $7-$18, if you come over to Beauty & Essex, you should order one of the incredible entrees ranging between $16-$24 like the Seared Nori Spiced Tuna or the Crispy Sweet & Sour Pork Belly. Don’t forget your specialty cocktail ($12-$16).
What should I order?
Drinks: Beauty Elixir, Cranberry Flower, Earl The Pearl, or the Pino Noir from Heron, California (my personal favorite).
Food: Crispy Sweet & Sour Pork Belly, Lobster Tacos, Lobster Mac-N-Cheese, Crispy Chicken Croquettes, or the Seared Nori Spiced Tuna.
Dessert: The box of doughnuts are a MUST; they are filled with nutella or raspberry jam, doused in sugar, and served warm.
Say What?! Free champagne is served in the women’s bathroom. I’m serious!
PS: reservations are a must (212-614-0146) if you don’t want to wait 3-4 hours for a table. Also, make sure to book your reservation in advance.
