If you are in the mood for a vibrant, modern, boozy brunch, Essex Restaurant on the Lower East Side should be your first stop. I had the opportunity to make this my first brunch stop of the year. During Brunch, Essex offers a prix fixe menu with your option of one brunch item and three brunch cocktails (screwdrivers, bloody mary, or mimosa), for under $30. The ambiance was notably fun, the service was friendly and the music kept us jamming throughout brunch. The food was also tasty, highlighted by the angus hanger steak and eggs covered in a delicious spicy ranchero sauce, accompanied with delicious, well-seasoned, crunchy home fries. Although I didn’t get a chance to try it, I’ve heard that the “The Southern” (biscuit + sausage patty +eggs + sausage gravy) is fantastic and is definitely worth a try.
Perfect for : girl’s brunch, boozy brunch, large groups
