Reviews for Essie's Restaurant in Poughkeepsie, NY
What a fantastic little gem in Poughkeepsie NY! We came here for brunch and had a splendid time. We got a same day reservation... for a table for four, which was super convenient (glad we did!). Our server was incredibly friendly and knowledgable, weabsolutely loved her! We ordered the ribs and jambalaya croquettes to start, which were both so so tasty! Their brunch disheswere simple, yet delicious in every way. The chef truly knows what he is doing, as the food is so fresh with bold flavors. Wewill definitely be back here, highly recommend for a great meal! Read more
I ordered the Chicken and Waffles. Great flavor but a measly portion of chicken. I received a half of a wing, a scrawny leg and... a small thigh. There was no white meat! For $25 at least give me a breast. Our server, though quite pleasant, was a bit absentminded. We ordered our drinks and meal. About 10 minutes later she asked if we were ready to order. There were only two othertables of diners at that point. And she had written it all down. Huh? I ordered a local beer from the beer list. It came roomtemperature warm. I then had to settle for a canned beer ( not local). My wife and I were visiting my brother who lives intown. The dinner was my treat. It was tough to pay the high price for the experience that wasn't what it could have been. Read more
Chef/owner/bartender Brandon is worth the gas prices to drive to his restaurant! Although he was super busy in the kitchen, he... took the time to come out of the kitchen to talk with us and make sure we were happy. The rum punch is strong and delicious. Theribs are fall off the bone tender. The lemon butter from the waffles should be spread on everything I eat from now on! Ourserver Asia was on point and made our experience at Essie’s flawless. Highly recommend this place whenever you want a mealthat satisfies your heart and soul Read more
We were drawn to eat at Essie, after viewing Samantha Brown's travel show. Our meal was delicious! We enjoyed the bison burger,... jerk ribs (oh so tender and tasty), grit croquettes, a shareable salad ( the dressing was delightful and the greens were sofresh). We had to take leftovers with us but still found room to thoroughly enjoy a slice of cheesecake. Plan to spend extratime and enjoy your company while the delicious food is being prepared. The servers are very friendly and attentive. We willdefinitely be back when we are in the area again. Read more
COZY COMFORT Stopped here on the walk toward the Walkway Over the Hudson. Incredibly charming and the sweetest staff! Even for... brunch, the bartender put in his all for our cocktails. I wasn't able to get the Bloody Mary I wanted because the kitchen didn'thave all the ingredients for a handmade mix. You know what? Not mad about that. But now I want to try it when I comeback! Ordered the mushroom and potato frittata and the chicken sandwich. The side salad for my frittata was super sized andperfectly dressed. There was nothing left on my plate when I done. My husband had the chicken sandwich and it was that perfectcrispy outside with that tender and juicy inside. Our cocktails were so well crafted that you didn't taste the alcohol so muchas felt the giddiness later. It was the perfect way to start our day in Poughkeepsie! Read more
We were looking for a place for lunch and stopped in to Essie. We had the plantains as an appetizer and that was AMAZING. If... that was where the meal ended they would have 5 stars, but... My girlfriend and I both had a special bison burger. The burgerthey have on the menu is $19 so I figured bison would be a bit more.... But it was $27!!! And it took about 30 minutes for themto come out. It was dry and not flavorful at all. I added cedar cheese which brought my burger to $29. So 2 burgers and anappetizer turned into a $75 lunch. I can't vouch for how other menu items are but this was very extreme, a great app followedby at best a mediocre and EXTREMELY overpriced burger. So I started with 5 stars, took 1 off for the long wait when it was notbusy, 1 star off for a rip-off price for a burger which as a house special, if it's that crazy priced they should tell you, andthe 3rd star for the burger being tasteless and mediocre. Read more
Chef Brandon has a wonderful place in Poughkeepsie. The environment inside is welcoming and decorated well. The brunch cocktails... are a must! We got the grits croquettes and the texture was perfect. The crispy chicken sandwich was fried well and full offlavor. Can’t wait to come back! Read more
Came for brunch and had the chicken and waffles. The place is small, but doesn’t have the feel of a tight fit. Our waiter was... very friendly and on top of it. I had a glass of champagne with my brunch and it was perfect. The fried chicken was the maincharacter of this dish, well seasoned, crispy and juicy. The waffles were good but they weren’t special, and I truly wish theywould have been so that the dish would have a 5/5 rating. I believe the butter was a vanilla butter and I could have gonewithout it. Read more