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Essex NYC—the spot that once ruled the Lower East Side with legendary bottomless brunches, unbeatable mid-week happy hours and a nightlife scene that could rival any club—is back. This Thursday, October 30, the landmark reopens at 124 Rivington Street with a bold new identity as New York City’s first Mediterranean steakhouse (a superlative we cannot confirm or deny).
For over two decades, Essex was the kind of place where Saturdays blurred into Sundays, mimosas flowed like water and brunch could turn into a day party at the clink of a glass. Now, the spirit that made Essex iconic returns, but sharper, sexier and with a whole new glow.
Under the creative direction of Nessaco Agency, Essex 2.0 blends open-fire coastal cuisine with the craftsmanship of a classic steakhouse. Think dry-aged meats, grilled seafood and Mediterranean flair. The menu’s showstoppers include a bone-in NY strip with crispy za’atar fingerling potatoes, a grilled whole branzino with a touch of lemon and olive oil smoke and seared diver scallops topped with marinated tomatoes and olive crumble.
And just like the original, the vibe is an essential component. The new space is cinematic, with elevated lighting, curated sound and an atmosphere that effortlessly shifts from brunch to late-night, reviving that downtown energy Essex helped create.
Adding to the excitement, Essex is joining forces with culinary heavyweights Mira Mediterranean and Wabi Nori to form The Surf & Turf Society, a tasting collective that fuses sushi artistry with steakhouse indulgence. It’s an ambitious, playful concept that nods to Essex’s roots while steering it into the future.
So yes, the Essex you remember is back. But it’s all grown up, and turned its party spirit into a dining experience built for modern New York.