Always a treat, the owner/ chef is amazing we try to get a table as often as possible especially at the change of seasons when the menu tends to shift. And th4 cocktails are devine!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sam Stewart
We dined at Essie’s on our first trip to Poughkeepsie, and what a treat it was! Chef Brandon serves up scrumptious cuisine in an unpretentious manner. The cornbread (and especially butter) was great. We had the popcorn chicken as a starter and the gochujang and stilton were nice additions. The jerk ribs were the star; super flavorful and incredibly tender. Chicken and dumpling was a nice dish, too. We were bummed they were out of the jambalaya croquettes, but we’ll try them next time. A must eat in Poughkeepsie! ????
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Ribs
Helen Serafin
A truly excellent dining experience! My husband and I found this spot while visiting Poughkeepsie. Food was delicious, service was attentive and the ambiance was modern/cozy. Highlights were the Jerk Ribs, Chicken and dumplings, Steak and Cheesecake for dessert. Everything was simply delicious. This place is not to be missed and we will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesecake, Jerk Ribs
David Beverly
Creative southern cooking in a lovely local restaurant with a CIA graduate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jambalaya Croquettes
Nabila Shervington
Service was fantastic; atmosphere was chill and delightful; , Food was flavorful and delicious, however, I was left wanting more because of the portion size, which was the only disappointment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Joseph Obermeyer
My girlfriend and I love to travel just to get away for a day or two and up to a week sometimes. Our main focus is to try different restaurants along the way and at our final destinations. I can't even count how many establishments we have been to but one thing I will say is Essie's made its way to the top of our list. We pride ourselves on good food and great atmosphere which Essie's more than delivered.
We were warmly greeted by the owner Brandon who is also the head chef of this amazing restaurant. We were told the story of how Essie's came to be and that alone is very special to me. Daniella was our server and she was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the restaurant and the menu. We had great conversation between both her and Chef Brandon which you don't experience often. As soon as we looked over the menu I knew we were in for a real treat that night. All of the ingredients that were listed let me know the flavors were all going to layer and compliment each other and really pack a punch.
We started off with the fried plantains which were cooked perfectly. Crispy on the outside and soft in the center. The sauce had a very warm and zesty kick to it which I am a huge fan of. Topped with a generous helping of cojita cheese it was the perfect appetizer.
Our entrees consisted of the chicken and dumplings which I had. My girlfriend had the veggie pesto pasta. Both were outstanding and cooked perfectly. I had the most tender and juicy chicken I've ever had in my life. The mixed veggies went perfectly with that and the soft fluffy dumplings which were also perfect. The real star of the dish was the sauce. A natural jus from the cooked chicken was so glossy and rich it was to die for! As for the lady, her pasta and veggies were delicious. The pesto was so creamy but not too heavy. Very tasty mix of veg as well.
Last but not least we had the homemade cheesecake. Best I've ever had in my life! Very light, creamy and a little zesty from the orange slices. The apple preserves and cinnamon crumbles went perfectly with it as well.
In conclusion I give this establishment a 10/10! Amazing food, prices, service and atmosphere. We will be coming back to try everything on the menu. Thank you so much Daniella and Chef Brandon for a wonderful dining experience. We will see you soon! - Joe and Nina
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesecake
LA
Great food. It wasn't terribly crowded, so folks weren't on top of one another. Off to a good start. However, our server was likely the bartender, so drinks were much better than service. Never checked on our table unless we flagged. When a person in our party found an insect in her drink, had to ask multiple times for it to be replaced. Our entrees came out at wildly different times with no explanation. We'd finished our meal and had to ask for the appetizer to be removed from the check since it hadn't arrived. Good service is not easy. Why have someone who isn't a strong server be one of two on the floor for wknd brunch?
Parking: I had a bit of a trek. Others in our party pulled right into a space about a half block away.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Bob Lafayette
Had brunch (or lunch) with a friend and this was my experience:
Was charged $4 for a 5 oz can of seltzer water... you know something's going on.
They had no bottled Perrier or sparkling water.
I don't drink tap water in a restaurant. Any restaurant.
Since I was driving there was no wine to be had or any alcoholic beverages.
I was thirsty so I had four (4) 5 oz cans of seltzer water which means I had 20 oz of seltzer water and was charged and paid $16. Plus tax of course.
I had an $18 breakfast special (plus tax) which included two eggs a couple of pieces of bacon and one thin slice of toast upon which the eggs and bacon were placed. Oh there was some kind of tomato base (a spoonful or so) surrounding the toast or whatever, also with the eggs. And one tiny croquette. Maybe there was two. You'll see it all on the menu.
At least I think that's what was on the plate.
Ordered a side order of cornbread which was $7 and what was given was two 3x3 in. by 1/2 inch slices of cornbread. I ate one piece in my friend had one piece.
Paid $7 plus or minus for some potato wedgies which was tasty. I'll give them a thumbs up on the potatoes.
The cheesecake dessert at $9.50 was very tasty for sure.
All told it was a disappointing experience.
I've eaten there several times in the past with more pleasant gastronomical experiences.
I have not eaten there in the past year. I doubt if I'll be going back anytime soon.
Those previous experiences were five-star experiences.
This was certainly not one of them.
I get it that because of inflation and the high cost of labor and rent and heat, power and light, prices are exorbitantly high for everything.
I don't think the meal was worth what I was charged plus tax and tip (and paid).
There's a surcharge if you pay by credit card. I paid in cash.
I'm not writing about the ambiance being of The Plaza Hotel restaurant, the Waldorf Astoria or the Carlisle Hotel restaurant. Or the old Palm Restaurant on 2nd Avenue in Manhattan.
Or even the Eveready Diner in Hyde Park, New York.
The ambience was more akin to the Pancake Factory in Pleasant Valley.
I hope you have a better experience than I did today.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 3
L Amaker
Great food. It wasn't terribly crowded, so folks weren't on top of one another. Off to a good start. However, our server was likely the bartender, so drinks were much better than service. Never checked on our table unless we flagged. When a person in our party found an insect in her drink, had to ask multiple times for it to be replaced. Our entrees came out at wildly different times with no explanation. We'd finished our meal and had to ask for the appetizer to be removed from the check since it hadn't arrived. Good service is not easy. Why have someone who isn't a strong server be one of two on the floor for wknd brunch?
Parking: I had a bit of a trek. Others in our party pulled right into a space about a half block away.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
William Mckenna
Overall flavor of the food was mediocre. The croquettes were better. Mt waffle was not put together well at all,don't know if there was an issue with the cook or the machinery but it was pitifully. I did see waffles on other tables that looked correct. I was not going to ask for another after waiting 45 minutes for a waffle! Our check was 120.00 before tax with three juices. I told the waitress the issue before asking for the check, no offer to at least take one 20.00 $ plus waffle off the bill or discount. I think there is potential at this place, but no kitchen worker who considers him/herself a professional would ever let someone go out of their kitchen like that.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Jimmy Red Corn Belgium Waffles, Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Very hip, great music. The food is elevated but down home. I had chicken and dumplings. The sauce was other worldly great! It sounds like a dish grandma made, but grandma didn't know anything compared to these dumplings!
Food was very good with an excellent server. Loved the atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ann Vigne
We had chef Brandon cater our daughters backyard graduation and it was outstanding. Everyone was complimenting the food, especially the jambalaya croquettes. My favorites were the chicken marsala and salmon Piccata. Everything was well-seasoned, flavorful and ready to be served when delivered. I would recommend chef Brandon for your catering needs. Thanks for a memorable party.
Dail MT
Lovely cozy place. Not a large menu selection at all, but quite a yummy one! Drinks are very strong watch out. They are also quite delicious. Try the ribs… you’ll wish you had a bucket of them to take home?. owner is a wonderful host. And server Was as pleasant as can be. I’ve enjoyed sitting both outside and inside on my previous visits
Always a treat, the owner/ chef is amazing we try to get a table as often as possible especially at the change of seasons when the menu tends to shift. And th4 cocktails are devine!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We dined at Essie’s on our first trip to Poughkeepsie, and what a treat it was! Chef Brandon serves up scrumptious cuisine in an unpretentious manner. The cornbread (and especially butter) was great. We had the popcorn chicken as a starter and the gochujang and stilton were nice additions. The jerk ribs were the star; super flavorful and incredibly tender. Chicken and dumpling was a nice dish, too. We were bummed they were out of the jambalaya croquettes, but we’ll try them next time. A must eat in Poughkeepsie! ????
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Ribs
A truly excellent dining experience! My husband and I found this spot while visiting Poughkeepsie. Food was delicious, service was attentive and the ambiance was modern/cozy. Highlights were the Jerk Ribs, Chicken and dumplings, Steak and Cheesecake for dessert. Everything was simply delicious. This place is not to be missed and we will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesecake, Jerk Ribs
Creative southern cooking in a lovely local restaurant with a CIA graduate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jambalaya Croquettes
Service was fantastic; atmosphere was chill and delightful; , Food was flavorful and delicious, however, I was left wanting more because of the portion size, which was the only disappointment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
My girlfriend and I love to travel just to get away for a day or two and up to a week sometimes. Our main focus is to try different restaurants along the way and at our final destinations. I can't even count how many establishments we have been to but one thing I will say is Essie's made its way to the top of our list. We pride ourselves on good food and great atmosphere which Essie's more than delivered.
We were warmly greeted by the owner Brandon who is also the head chef of this amazing restaurant. We were told the story of how Essie's came to be and that alone is very special to me. Daniella was our server and she was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the restaurant and the menu. We had great conversation between both her and Chef Brandon which you don't experience often. As soon as we looked over the menu I knew we were in for a real treat that night. All of the ingredients that were listed let me know the flavors were all going to layer and compliment each other and really pack a punch.
We started off with the fried plantains which were cooked perfectly. Crispy on the outside and soft in the center. The sauce had a very warm and zesty kick to it which I am a huge fan of. Topped with a generous helping of cojita cheese it was the perfect appetizer.
Our entrees consisted of the chicken and dumplings which I had. My girlfriend had the veggie pesto pasta. Both were outstanding and cooked perfectly. I had the most tender and juicy chicken I've ever had in my life. The mixed veggies went perfectly with that and the soft fluffy dumplings which were also perfect. The real star of the dish was the sauce. A natural jus from the cooked chicken was so glossy and rich it was to die for! As for the lady, her pasta and veggies were delicious. The pesto was so creamy but not too heavy. Very tasty mix of veg as well.
Last but not least we had the homemade cheesecake. Best I've ever had in my life! Very light, creamy and a little zesty from the orange slices. The apple preserves and cinnamon crumbles went perfectly with it as well.
In conclusion I give this establishment a 10/10! Amazing food, prices, service and atmosphere. We will be coming back to try everything on the menu. Thank you so much Daniella and Chef Brandon for a wonderful dining experience. We will see you soon! - Joe and Nina
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesecake
Great food. It wasn't terribly crowded, so folks weren't on top of one another. Off to a good start. However, our server was likely the bartender, so drinks were much better than service. Never checked on our table unless we flagged. When a person in our party found an insect in her drink, had to ask multiple times for it to be replaced. Our entrees came out at wildly different times with no explanation. We'd finished our meal and had to ask for the appetizer to be removed from the check since it hadn't arrived. Good service is not easy. Why have someone who isn't a strong server be one of two on the floor for wknd brunch?
Parking: I had a bit of a trek. Others in our party pulled right into a space about a half block away.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Had brunch (or lunch) with a friend and this was my experience:
Was charged $4 for a 5 oz can of seltzer water... you know something's going on.
They had no bottled Perrier or sparkling water.
I don't drink tap water in a restaurant. Any restaurant.
Since I was driving there was no wine to be had or any alcoholic beverages.
I was thirsty so I had four (4) 5 oz cans of seltzer water which means I had 20 oz of seltzer water and was charged and paid $16. Plus tax of course.
I had an $18 breakfast special (plus tax) which included two eggs a couple of pieces of bacon and one thin slice of toast upon which the eggs and bacon were placed. Oh there was some kind of tomato base (a spoonful or so) surrounding the toast or whatever, also with the eggs. And one tiny croquette. Maybe there was two. You'll see it all on the menu.
At least I think that's what was on the plate.
Ordered a side order of cornbread which was $7 and what was given was two 3x3 in. by 1/2 inch slices of cornbread. I ate one piece in my friend had one piece.
Paid $7 plus or minus for some potato wedgies which was tasty. I'll give them a thumbs up on the potatoes.
The cheesecake dessert at $9.50 was very tasty for sure.
All told it was a disappointing experience.
I've eaten there several times in the past with more pleasant gastronomical experiences.
I have not eaten there in the past year. I doubt if I'll be going back anytime soon.
Those previous experiences were five-star experiences.
This was certainly not one of them.
I get it that because of inflation and the high cost of labor and rent and heat, power and light, prices are exorbitantly high for everything.
I don't think the meal was worth what I was charged plus tax and tip (and paid).
There's a surcharge if you pay by credit card.
I paid in cash.
I'm not writing about the ambiance being of The Plaza Hotel restaurant, the Waldorf Astoria or the Carlisle Hotel restaurant. Or the old Palm Restaurant on 2nd Avenue in Manhattan.
Or even the Eveready Diner in Hyde Park, New York.
The ambience was more akin to the Pancake Factory in Pleasant Valley.
I hope you have a better experience than I did today.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 3
Great food. It wasn't terribly crowded, so folks weren't on top of one another. Off to a good start. However, our server was likely the bartender, so drinks were much better than service. Never checked on our table unless we flagged. When a person in our party found an insect in her drink, had to ask multiple times for it to be replaced. Our entrees came out at wildly different times with no explanation. We'd finished our meal and had to ask for the appetizer to be removed from the check since it hadn't arrived. Good service is not easy. Why have someone who isn't a strong server be one of two on the floor for wknd brunch?
Parking: I had a bit of a trek. Others in our party pulled right into a space about a half block away.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Overall flavor of the food was mediocre. The croquettes were better. Mt waffle was not put together well at all,don't know if there was an issue with the cook or the machinery but it was pitifully. I did see waffles on other tables that looked correct. I was not going to ask for another after waiting 45 minutes for a waffle! Our check was 120.00 before tax with three juices. I told the waitress the issue before asking for the check, no offer to at least take one 20.00 $ plus waffle off the bill or discount. I think there is potential at this place, but no kitchen worker who considers him/herself a professional would ever let someone go out of their kitchen like that.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Jimmy Red Corn Belgium Waffles, Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Restaurantji Recommends
Very hip, great music. The food is elevated but down home. I had chicken and dumplings. The sauce was other worldly great! It sounds like a dish grandma made, but grandma didn't know anything compared to these dumplings!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food! Excellent service! Highly recommend!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was very good with an excellent server. Loved the atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had chef Brandon cater our daughters backyard graduation and it was outstanding. Everyone was complimenting the food, especially the jambalaya croquettes. My favorites were the chicken marsala and salmon Piccata. Everything was well-seasoned, flavorful and ready to be served when delivered. I would recommend chef Brandon for your catering needs. Thanks for a memorable party.
Lovely cozy place. Not a large menu selection at all, but quite a yummy one! Drinks are very strong watch out. They are also quite delicious. Try the ribs… you’ll wish you had a bucket of them to take home?. owner is a wonderful host. And server Was as pleasant as can be. I’ve enjoyed sitting both outside and inside on my previous visits
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Sandwich and Fries
Loading...