I recently visited Essence Bar & Grill for a casual co-worker hangout, and unfortunately, the experience left a lot to be desired.
First off, the location is in a rougher area, which we already knew — but we’ve frequented this spot before, hoping the service and vibe would make up for it. Sadly, that wasn’t the case this time.
Their “happy hour” was misleading. There were no real happy hour prices, and the drinks were overpriced and underwhelming. I paid $12 for a cocktail that wasn’t even strong. Later, I ordered four chocolate martinis and was shocked to see a $112 charge — apparently, they weren’t part of the package we had already paid for, which was never clearly explained. On top of that, they charged $12 for a single shot of Baileys — an ingredient already included in the martini.
To make matters worse, they added a $20 tip automatically on a bar tab, which felt excessive considering the poor service and lack of transparency.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Joss H
Food is really good it’s just super greasy. If they cooked with less grease and maybe more health conscious, I’d be here daily.
N Bennett
Ordered Chicken Rasta Pasta ..take out waited forever only to … get home .. I got pasta with some Alfredo sauce and some chicken that look like it came out a prepared already chicken bag ..Not an onion , green pepper or red pepper in sight .Its not hard to sauté some veggies ..like cmon .never again waste my money here .
Food: 2
Service: 3
Pamelaj Payne
The BK Girl Friends had their annual fundraising event here. The members and guests played games, participated in Karaoke and enjoyed the music, bar and buffet!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Pamela Payne
I was here for a special event. The food was tasty and satisfying. I especially enjoyed the baked and jerk wings, rice&peas and collards. The drinks were good too. This event included a DJ for karaoke, which was a lot of fun. The staff was welcoming and attentive.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Wings, Rice and Peas
Vera Finerson
Always one of my favorite spots in BK. NYC The waitress served me and my guests in a timing manner and definitely with a smile. The food and the drinks were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
U Sowerby
I've never tried their food. Jenny, the Bartender, is explosive with her energy and charm. The atmosphere is vintage bar-saloon style with a few modern amenities.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 5
Alexandra Gade
Man the worse type of service. Would not recommend. Bartender was rude and unhelpful. Ordered a drink, she kept having to double back for my order again and again. Never received it. They said order food before the bar closed as the DJ was actively making the announcement she was refusing to take orders. Waited 30 minutes just to pay our tab only to get chased down the street for “skipping our bill” Harassed by the bouncer to give him “cash” so he would settle our bill outside the bar.!!!!!! Awful awful bars!! I can’t ever return the whole experience was a terrible birthday night
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Antonella Wilson
I use to order Shrimp Rasta Pasta religiously a few years ago on Uber eats when I didn’t feel like cooking. It was pretty good. Today I stopped in for the first time. It was an old underwhelming feel in the establishment. Decided to still proceed with order. Honestly , it was a flop. Super disappointing man. Wish I saved my money.The rasta pasta was super watery, lacked creaminess , lacked flavor and just not good. Broccoli bland. The shrimp were decent, probably the only thing I halfway enjoyed.
The vibe was off — really empty and kind of awkward. I got my food fast, but only because there was nobody else there besides another guy at the bar. Meanwhile, the manager and an employee were arguing behind the bar, which just made things more uncomfortable.All in all, not a great experience for me, nor is it my kind of establishment. Definitely won’t be back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 4
idella madison
It was my first time there had a ball great entertainment
Love going there Friday nights for Karaoke 🎤. The staff are friendly and it's never too crowded in which I appreciate.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
NaeNae Cas
Visited for the first time and it was awesome! Love the singers and the band!! I heard the food is below standard so I didn't try it!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
D.J. Philippe
The ambience here definitely hits—got that nostalgic feel with a nice touch of modern flair. My crew and I pulled up, and we all agreed: the drinks were solid during happy hour. No complaints there. But the food? Yeah… let’s say it didn’t live up to the hype and wasn’t what we expected ... at all. I’ll leave it at that.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Vincent Best
After a show at the barclay, this is the spot to be, great R&B music food and atmosphere
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Gods Favorite
People that's lien about they food 😒 is crazy cause u all don't wanna spend that bread is bug. They food is always Amazing they like the other bars or restaurants switching up cooks. The food been tasting the same for years on now. The owner is amazing had a pleasure meeting with him. Had a party for my mom 54 birthday was great. I tell anybody about this place grown and sexy vybz if ur looking for an older crowed vibe. Blessings to u all that invested in the bar and the employee's
I recently visited Essence Bar & Grill for a casual co-worker hangout, and unfortunately, the experience left a lot to be desired.
First off, the location is in a rougher area, which we already knew — but we’ve frequented this spot before, hoping the service and vibe would make up for it. Sadly, that wasn’t the case this time.
Their “happy hour” was misleading. There were no real happy hour prices, and the drinks were overpriced and underwhelming. I paid $12 for a cocktail that wasn’t even strong. Later, I ordered four chocolate martinis and was shocked to see a $112 charge — apparently, they weren’t part of the package we had already paid for, which was never clearly explained. On top of that, they charged $12 for a single shot of Baileys — an ingredient already included in the martini.
To make matters worse, they added a $20 tip automatically on a bar tab, which felt excessive considering the poor service and lack of transparency.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Food is really good it’s just super greasy. If they cooked with less grease and maybe more health conscious, I’d be here daily.
Ordered Chicken Rasta Pasta ..take out waited forever only to … get home .. I got pasta with some Alfredo sauce and some chicken that look like it came out a prepared already chicken bag ..Not an onion , green pepper or red pepper in sight .Its not hard to sauté some veggies ..like cmon .never again waste my money here .
Food: 2
Service: 3
The BK Girl Friends had their annual fundraising event here. The members and guests played games, participated in Karaoke and enjoyed the music, bar and buffet!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
I was here for a special event. The food was tasty and satisfying. I especially enjoyed the baked and jerk wings, rice&peas and collards. The drinks were good too. This event included a DJ for karaoke, which was a lot of fun. The staff was welcoming and attentive.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Wings, Rice and Peas
Always one of my favorite spots in BK. NYC The waitress served me and my guests in a timing manner and definitely with a smile. The food and the drinks were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've never tried their food. Jenny, the Bartender, is explosive with her energy and charm. The atmosphere is vintage bar-saloon style with a few modern amenities.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 5
Man the worse type of service. Would not recommend. Bartender was rude and unhelpful. Ordered a drink, she kept having to double back for my order again and again. Never received it. They said order food before the bar closed as the DJ was actively making the announcement she was refusing to take orders. Waited 30 minutes just to pay our tab only to get chased down the street for “skipping our bill” Harassed by the bouncer to give him “cash” so he would settle our bill outside the bar.!!!!!! Awful awful bars!! I can’t ever return the whole experience was a terrible birthday night
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I use to order Shrimp Rasta Pasta religiously a few years ago on Uber eats when I didn’t feel like cooking. It was pretty good. Today I stopped in for the first time. It was an old underwhelming feel in the establishment. Decided to still proceed with order. Honestly , it was a flop. Super disappointing man. Wish I saved my money.The rasta pasta was super watery, lacked creaminess , lacked flavor and just not good. Broccoli bland. The shrimp were decent, probably the only thing I halfway enjoyed.
The vibe was off — really empty and kind of awkward. I got my food fast, but only because there was nobody else there besides another guy at the bar. Meanwhile, the manager and an employee were arguing behind the bar, which just made things more uncomfortable.All in all, not a great experience for me, nor is it my kind of establishment. Definitely won’t be back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 4
It was my first time there had a ball great entertainment
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Love going there Friday nights for Karaoke 🎤. The staff are friendly and it's never too crowded in which I appreciate.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Visited for the first time and it was awesome! Love the singers and the band!! I heard the food is below standard so I didn't try it!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
The ambience here definitely hits—got that nostalgic feel with a nice touch of modern flair. My crew and I pulled up, and we all agreed: the drinks were solid during happy hour. No complaints there. But the food? Yeah… let’s say it didn’t live up to the hype and wasn’t what we expected ... at all. I’ll leave it at that.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
After a show at the barclay, this is the spot to be, great R&B music food and atmosphere
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
People that's lien about they food 😒 is crazy cause u all don't wanna spend that bread is bug. They food is always Amazing they like the other bars or restaurants switching up cooks. The food been tasting the same for years on now. The owner is amazing had a pleasure meeting with him. Had a party for my mom 54 birthday was great. I tell anybody about this place grown and sexy vybz if ur looking for an older crowed vibe. Blessings to u all that invested in the bar and the employee's
Food: 5
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