If you’re in the Ballard neighborhood and looking for a cozy spot to enjoy some great cocktails, Essex is a solid choice. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, making it the perfect place to unwind or start your evening off right.
The staff here is super friendly, and they’re not just about serving drinks—they’re genuinely passionate about creating a great experience. I usually like to ask for a bartender’s choice when I’m in a new spot, and Essex didn’t disappoint. Every cocktail I tried had a little creative twist, which is always a treat.
While it’s a great bar to grab a drink at, it’s also a bit of a placeholder for diners waiting on their table for the restaurant next door, so you might get a mix of folks coming and going. It doesn’t take away from the vibe, though—it’s part of the charm.
I’d definitely recommend Essex if you’re in the area. Whether you’re just grabbing a drink or hanging out with friends, it’s a great spot that I’ll definitely be returning to.
Kevin Kennedy
Sit at the bar and have a fantastic rye Manhattan while waiting for your table at Delancey. If you can't wait, spoil yourself with some of the best Buratta anywhere. One of our favorite things to do in Seattle.
Ben Morino
Went in for a casual date night on a Sunday. Our bartender Harlee and the kitchen was the most knowledgeable and helpful with some dietary restrictions and we were simply blown away. Best service we’ve ever had. Harlee made us the best drinks we’ve ever had as well. 11/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Bandura
We are from out of town, and Harlee took the best care of us! 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leigh Boone
Great place but be aware they include a 20% tip in the service and still include a tip line on the bill. My fault for not looking at the itemized receipt closely. It’s not easy to see. I wish they would put the itemized receipt on top, so you would see it.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Isaac Risseeuw
We enjoyed a delicious glass of wine while waiting for a table next door. The bartender was quick and helpful and we enjoyed the easy standing and stool space outside. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Heidi Rettke
I want to like it, but they are understaffed causing poor service. The staff try but it’s not realistic with such low staffing/customer ratio. Drinks are ok. There are so many other cocktail bars to chose from. We have visited a few times, hoping it will be better, but now have taken it off our list.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Marinated Olives
ClawingTrends
Cute little spot right next to delancey pizza. Stop by for a cocktail while waiting on your pizza, grab an app, or just enjoy the vibes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hannah Changi
Cocktails are fine and standard, but the service truly is abysmal. You will wait an indefinite amount of time for someone to acknowledge your presence here. I have sat at both the bar and the tables and had the same experience of waiting. I appreciate the community feel, but the fact that the sole bartender prioritizes talking with their friends annas taking personal photographs over serving you really isn’t cool. Especially considering the automatic 20% gratuity. They know they can do whatever and ignore you and give you poor service because they are gonna get tipped regardless. In all sincerity, do not go here if you are in a rush or if automatic gratuities upset you because you will be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 2
Jen Deal
This is a pet and human friendly place with straightforward cocktails and appetizers set up. The beautiful pizza smells are from the connected cousin next door but there's no dining cross over. However, the apps do not disappoint. We had the meatballs, burrata, and cauliflower. All flavorful, no competing over overpowering flavors or seasonings, and satisfying. That said, the complexity of their cocktails are incredible. I had the local botanical gin-based cocktail, Birch. Fantastic. A second will definitely hit you. ?. I had a sample of the local gin neat. It's clean, slightly sweeter than a Gray Whale from CA. I would order the gin straight or the cocktail again. The team is incredibly nice!so sorry i forgot to take pics! i was hungry.
Vegetarian options: delicious cheese and veg options: birrata, cauliflower and more
If you’re in the Ballard neighborhood and looking for a cozy spot to enjoy some great cocktails, Essex is a solid choice. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, making it the perfect place to unwind or start your evening off right.
The staff here is super friendly, and they’re not just about serving drinks—they’re genuinely passionate about creating a great experience. I usually like to ask for a bartender’s choice when I’m in a new spot, and Essex didn’t disappoint. Every cocktail I tried had a little creative twist, which is always a treat.
While it’s a great bar to grab a drink at, it’s also a bit of a placeholder for diners waiting on their table for the restaurant next door, so you might get a mix of folks coming and going. It doesn’t take away from the vibe, though—it’s part of the charm.
I’d definitely recommend Essex if you’re in the area. Whether you’re just grabbing a drink or hanging out with friends, it’s a great spot that I’ll definitely be returning to.
Sit at the bar and have a fantastic rye Manhattan while waiting for your table at Delancey. If you can't wait, spoil yourself with some of the best Buratta anywhere. One of our favorite things to do in Seattle.
Went in for a casual date night on a Sunday. Our bartender Harlee and the kitchen was the most knowledgeable and helpful with some dietary restrictions and we were simply blown away. Best service we’ve ever had. Harlee made us the best drinks we’ve ever had as well. 11/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We are from out of town, and Harlee took the best care of us! 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great place but be aware they include a 20% tip in the service and still include a tip line on the bill. My fault for not looking at the itemized receipt closely. It’s not easy to see. I wish they would put the itemized receipt on top, so you would see it.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
We enjoyed a delicious glass of wine while waiting for a table next door. The bartender was quick and helpful and we enjoyed the easy standing and stool space outside. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I want to like it, but they are understaffed causing poor service. The staff try but it’s not realistic with such low staffing/customer ratio. Drinks are ok. There are so many other cocktail bars to chose from. We have visited a few times, hoping it will be better, but now have taken it off our list.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Marinated Olives
Cute little spot right next to delancey pizza. Stop by for a cocktail while waiting on your pizza, grab an app, or just enjoy the vibes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cocktails are fine and standard, but the service truly is abysmal. You will wait an indefinite amount of time for someone to acknowledge your presence here. I have sat at both the bar and the tables and had the same experience of waiting. I appreciate the community feel, but the fact that the sole bartender prioritizes talking with their friends annas taking personal photographs over serving you really isn’t cool. Especially considering the automatic 20% gratuity. They know they can do whatever and ignore you and give you poor service because they are gonna get tipped regardless. In all sincerity, do not go here if you are in a rush or if automatic gratuities upset you because you will be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 2
This is a pet and human friendly place with straightforward cocktails and appetizers set up. The beautiful pizza smells are from the connected cousin next door but there's no dining cross over. However, the apps do not disappoint. We had the meatballs, burrata, and cauliflower. All flavorful, no competing over overpowering flavors or seasonings, and satisfying. That said, the complexity of their cocktails are incredible. I had the local botanical gin-based cocktail, Birch. Fantastic. A second will definitely hit you. ?. I had a sample of the local gin neat. It's clean, slightly sweeter than a Gray Whale from CA. I would order the gin straight or the cocktail again. The team is incredibly nice!so sorry i forgot to take pics! i was hungry.
Vegetarian options: delicious cheese and veg options: birrata, cauliflower and more
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great drinks, great food, and great vibes. Plus it's a nut free kitchen! We had a great time and will definitely be back.
Not many special cocktails but what they have is very good. Bar snacks from Delancy next door are super.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prosciutto, Marinated Olives
Very pure dishes with great local products. Cosy atmosphere and nice beers on tap.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Heirloom Tomato Salad
Great cocktails
Love this place! The cocktails are to die for and they put so much love into them!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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