Essie's Restaurant

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't have all the ingredients for a handmade mix. You know what? Not mad about that. But now I want to try it when I come back! Ordered the mushroom and potato frittata and the chicken sandwich. The side salad for my frittata was super sized and perfectly dressed. There was nothing left on my plate when I done. My husband had the chicken sandwich and it was that perfect crispy outside with that tender and juicy inside. Our cocktails were so well crafted that you didn't taste the alcohol so much as felt the giddiness later. It was the perfect way to start our day in Poughkeepsie!

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 so fresh). We had to take leftovers with us but still found room to thoroughly enjoy a slice of cheesecake. Plan to spend extra time and enjoy your company while the delicious food is being prepared. The servers are very friendly and attentive. We will definitely be back when we are in the area again.

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 burger they 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 them to come out. It was dry and not flavorful at all. I added cedar cheese which brought my burger to $29. So 2 burgers and an appetizer turned into a $75 lunch. I can't vouch for how other menu items are but this was very extreme, a great app followed by at best a mediocre and EXTREMELY overpriced burger. So I started with 5 stars, took 1 off for the long wait when it was not busy, 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, and the 3rd star for the burger being tasteless and mediocre.

Absolutely delicious food. Every single thing myself and my company ate was scrumptious! I have celiac disease and they were able to accommodate. I had one of the best seasoned steaks I have had and vegetables and salad. It is a bit small inside and uniquely decorated. It is welcoming. Thank you Chef Brandon. We will be back.

OUTSTANDING! We stopped at this gem after walking over the bridge. The atmosphere is welcoming, modern, and clean. The staff is very knowledgeable about all areas of their menu. Food came with generous portions and I couldn't put my fork down. Beer selection had a bit of everything on it and was from surrounding breweries. If you're in the area, make a point to stop here.