When I’m home for the holidays, hitting the town in NYC is a must! It’s my time to explore the vast terrain that I miss so much, being that I’m a suburbanite. I crave checking out the happening, party restaurant scene in NYC that I hear all about from the teenagers…wait! Wasn’t that supposed to be a reverse situation??? As funny as this sounds, my kids rave about how cool, fun and so 20-something Beauty and Essex is, so of course, I had to see for myself what all the “OMG, what a great place that is,” is all about.

As you enter Beauty and Essex, you first pass through a pawnshop, then you enter the restaurant, how very kitschy! There is a stunning spiral staircase entry way and then you are in a bar/lounge area, circa the 50s or 60s, I think? Past that, is a hugh dining area. WE were sent to eat upstairs, at first I’ve got to admit, I wasn’t too psyched, but soon realized it was just as fab. It also has a bar area and two separate dining areas. The restaurant overall is best described like this…It’s one of those places where you don’t know what to do, where to be or who to look at first, Yah! You know the place! Lovin’ it!

I haven’t even written about the food yet! Everything was beyond delish. Most of the dishes are served as appetizers and each one is amazing! Some dishes to order are, Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos, Empanadas, Onion Rings and Ribs to name a few.

Even my 11 year old had some fun, check out his 33 sec video below.

So, next time you want to travel to the lower east side, don’t miss Beauty and Essex (beautyandessex.com) at 146 Rivington Street.