Essie’s Restaurant
Poughkeepsie , New York, Dutchess
(319)
Poughkeepsie , New York, Dutchess
(319)
Essie’s is an elegant yet casual dining American restaurant located in the heart of the Little Italy section of Poughkeepsie, NY under the direction of Executive Chef Brandon Walker a CIA graduate from Brooklyn, NY. Chef Walker's Modern American menu is inspired by global flavors and his family roots from the Caribbean and American South.
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319 customer reviews
Beau S.
Essies is where it's at, amazing food and always a great experience. Looking forward to dining there again tonight! Kudos to the chef!
Reviewed on Yelp
Tara W.
Another great meal. The scallops were superbly prepared. My husband's chicken dish was delicious. The service provided by Katherine was amazing. I'm never disappointed here.
Reviewed on Yelp
Voluntary C.
Let me tell you...I discovered such a gem in Poughkeepsie NY! While visiting from Atlanta..we stumbled upon Essies, an intimate restaurant near the Walkway over the river and not too far from the train station. We visited on a Sunday and enjoyed brunch, complete with bottomless Mimosas (always a plus). They totally accommodated our spontaneous group of 15 which included multiple children. The food was amazing! (Try the scallion grits) and we even got a chance to meet the owner/chef who was professionally personable. In a city of chain restaurants and the occasional diner, Essies was a delightful surprise that I hope you have a chance to experience for yourself. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Chris Mayer
Great food and great service.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Laura Mayer
Food was very flavorful and we had wonderful service. As a vegetarian from the south, this has been one of my favorite dining experiences. The meat-eaters with me were equally impressed. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Stephan Sheffield
Great food , superb service and a very extensive wine and drink menu .
Reviewed on Facebook
Bob S.
Experienced a Sunday brunch. Cozy environment except for the draft when the front door opens. Food was exceptional though you may wait for it a little. Believe me it's worth the wait. I would definitely recommend giving this place a try. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
wayne homsi
5 star no doubt. Chef Brandon puts his unique spin on every dish. Delicious
Reviewed on Google Maps
Verona Davis
Food was excellent. Service extraordinary. Perfect
Reviewed on Facebook
Jim D.
In town from Michigan, relatives brought us.Fantastic waitress,Destiny.Perhaps the best flavor I've ever had in a restaurant! ! I had the chicken, OMG!!The squash soup was wonderfulDeserts were superbHighly recommend More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Kent Santin
Delicious food. Good wine selection. Great service. Reasonable pricing. Would definitely recommend stopping by for dinner. The flavors are great, the chef uses many ingredients to create unique and complimentary textures. Will definitely come back when passing through town. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Thomas Appel
Chef Brandon puts love in every dish he make.
Reviewed on Facebook
Michele Riddle
It's a nice cozy place for a nice Brunch or lunch... gets pretty busy but the food is great.. service is good too
Reviewed on Google Maps
Joey L.
Great food great service and an important feel of welcoming for Poughkeepsie. Deffinately coming back with the family. My wife experienced it first and brought home rave reviews! Im looking forward to exploring their menu.Welcome. Joe Llanos MPOWER KARATE & FITNESS More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Nailah E.
Stopped in for brunch on a Sunday around 12:30.There were only about 2 tables seated. I ordered the chicken and waffles and the French omelet. It was all so delicious. The chicken and waffles was the BEST I've ever had. There were notes of citrus and vanilla but not overbearing to the the dish as a whole. The omelet was also scrumptious with a side salad dressed perfectly. I was so shook because everything was seasoned excellently(a rarity in the Hudson Valley) all the flavors just worked. By the time I left the restaurant was packed. I shall be back!!!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Fabio Danisi
Delicious food
Reviewed on Google Maps
jason eckley
Friendly people, great chef, amazing food
Reviewed on Google Maps
Nicole Louie
We had a lovely meal at Essie’s. The pan fried chicken was perfectly moist and flavorful, the skirt steak was amazing, the drinks were terrific, and the grits croquettes were the best things I’ve eaten in quite a while. If I lived in Poughkeepsie, I’d eat here all the time. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mel Lew
Chef Brandon Walker is a master mind behind delectable cuisine.
Reviewed on Google Maps
C Reynolds Parsons
Essie’s is a fabulous little place in the little Italy section of Poughkeepsie tucked under the Hudson River bridge walkway. Delicious fresh food and friendly staff. Bloody Marys are a must. If you are anywhere near Essie’s, do yourself a favor. Enjoy. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
David Garrett
The love is in the food!! Get people here!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Paula J.
Nice spot. Menu is somewhat limited but the food we ordered was very good. Burger was big enough to share. Service was a bit slow but the place was full.
Reviewed on Yelp
Kimberly Thyrre
This was beyond our expectations! The staff and service were top notch. Chef Brandon’s food was fantastic! We can’t stop talking about it and can’t wait to go back!
Reviewed on Facebook
Milene Olmo
Amazing food and great service.
Reviewed on Facebook
Karen Smith Denaro
This was our first time trying Essie's. From the Jerk Ribs, to the fish of the day to the Root Veggie Stew - absolutely delicious! Great atmosphere with an attentive, kind Wait Staff! 5 stars! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Margaret D.
Last evening-really nice. We had the Jerk Ribs and Local Ripened & Aged Milk for "nibbles", a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to celebrate my favorite BIL' s retirement ( long distance). Moved onto Grilled Octopus Stew ( sea island red peas, bacon, fennel, lemon, tomato, onions, garlic bread crumbs) and Willie had Fish of the Day ( don't remember exact name, but cooked to perfection). Waitresses were on spot (Ashlyn's first night, being trained by the expert Destiny). Very pleasant chatting, met great family (WMC Health- MHR) had laughs and warm feelings. Highly recommend More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Reyn P.
Essie's is a fabulous little place in the little Italy section of Poughkeepsie tucked under the Hudson River bridge walkway. Delicious fresh food and friendly staff. Bloody Marys are a must. If you are anywhere near Essie's, do yourself a favor. Enjoy. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Michael B.
This gem of a restaurant is enough to justify a trip up to Poughkipsie from Manhattan! Small, charming, with home-made food that is farm-to-table fresh and delicious. The chef, grandson of the namesake, started with 4 years at the Culinary Institute of America and then did a tour in NYC at top spots like Tribecca Grill and Park Avenue Café. Don't miss it! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Jason B.
A good spot for brunch....would have loved to taste their non brunch menu. The food was excellent but the waiter was a bit spacey.
Reviewed on Yelp
Maria F.
Wow. My husband and I did not expect the food to be this amazing. We sat outdoors with our pooch. Appetizer: Grit Croquettes. As the waiter said, and he was totally correct, "it's good for one but enough for two". The portion was just right for the two of us. We didn't want to order another serving considering it was just an appetizer and we were looking forward to our Entree.Entree: Belgium Waffles (wife) and Chicken N' Waffle (husband). The Belgium Waffles was so good. The portion was on point and the preserved apples was such a nice touch. Although I wasn't too keen on having chicken on a waffle, my husband loved his chicken n' waffle. The chicken was crispy, not burned, and tender. For him, it meshed well with the waffle, honey, and preserved apples. We are definitely coming back here whenever we are exploring the hudson valley towns. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Angelee S.
Just coming back a year later to say I went for brunch this time, and it was incredible. This is a really special place and I am glad it exists. The chicken fried chicken of the woods mushrooms (yes you read that correctly) were some of the best things I have ever eaten in my life. It also helps that they have the most PLEASANT and friendly staff ever. Run here!!!!!!!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Patricia Mears
This is top notch in the area. All the flavors are outstanding. Service is excellent and personal. Drinks are refreshing and unique. .. Check out their sours drink list. My favorite spot when I'm visiting the area from Brooklyn. Great place for a date or family dinner. Highly recommend. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Tricia M.
Hands down my favorite spot in Poughkeepsie. Chef Brandon puts so much love and care into every dish. Everything on the menu is made from scratch and delicious. This place has the best flavors beating so many popular places in Poughkeepsie like Crew and Millhouse. The vibe is personal and respectful. There is clearly a family history behind every dish. Hailing from Brooklyn, this is my go to dining experience in Poughkeepsie. Brunch is incredible. Dinner is superb. Don't overlook this place. Everything served is handled with care and spot on delicious. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Blair Ellis
Came to town for CIA alumni weekend and this was the highlight of our trip! Fantastic food and whiskey sours. Highly reccomend the Jerk Ribs and fried plantains! Ivan also took great care of us.
Reviewed on Google Maps
luis e carranza
fantastic find... surprisingly unconventional starters that really shine (ie. beet nachos and grits croquettes) and fantastic entries that were cooked to perfection (remembering fondly the osso buco, chicken, cod and duck). talking to chef walker after was a treat all by itself... More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Dara Silverman
Essie's is amazing. Easily the best restaurants I've been to in Poughkeepsie. The food is inventive, delicious and thoughtfully prepared. So worth it-a must visit!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jason Ball
This restaurant has great balance between atmosphere and food quality. You must try this place if you are in the area.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Angela Noelle
Fabulous, tasty food and drinks!!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Darius Yekta
Very good place. Parking can be a challenge but I was pleasantly surprised
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jess Bellissimo
Delightful restaurant in the historic Little Italy neighborhood. We were looking on our phones for a brunch spot in Poughkeepsie and the first few didn't seem too promising. Finally stumbled upon this place and we were glad we did. The bacon hash was delicious and my girlfriend enjoyed her belgian waffles. On the way out, we did catch a glance of the chicken & waffles, which make me debate ordering it to go. Alas, I did not and now live a life consumed by regret. Chef Brandon Walker was outside and we got a chance to chat for a few minutes. Highly recommend, would love to come back for dinner. Small operation in a cute neighborhood, would love to support in the future. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mike Crane
One of the best places in Poughkeepsie! Chef Brandon kills it
Reviewed on Google Maps
Richard G.
This restaurant is a hidden gem of Poughkeepsie. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and the server very friendly and accommodating. The plantains were very spicy with excellent flavor. The red snapper was seasoned and cooked to perfection! I like the fact they ask if you have any food allergies before you order. You don't want to miss this wonderful restaurant! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Carrie H.
Stopped in for brunch this weekend, and had nothing short of an amazing meal in a beautiful restaurant. My boyfriend had the hash and I had the Belgian waffles with a side of grits (can't help myself, my southern roots show at the sight of any grits). I would have licked the bowl of grits if that was socially acceptable. The ambiance is awesome, music was fantastic, we'll be back for dinner time next time we are in town. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Maizy Jaklitsch
Amazing flavors, funky atmosphere and great service!
Reviewed on Facebook
Stacey Kelly-Dublin
Today was my first visit but it won’t be my last. Wonderful dining experience. Everything was perfect and the server was very knowledgeable in regards to the menu.
Reviewed on Facebook
Jonathan H.
My wife, son and I are so happy we followed the recommendations we saw here on Yelp and went out of our way to have dinner at Essie's on our way back to our home in Brooklyn. Essie's is a gem - better than anywhere I've been in quite some time, and we dine out in NYC and travel quite a bit. It should be a destination for anyone visiting the Hudson Valley. Everything is done from the heart and with skill - from the standout salad to the perfectly cooked and seasoned steak and octopus to the carefully selected beer list (Threes on tap!) to a list of house-made sours (who knew that could be a thing?) to the innovative homemade desserts to the friendly service. We see so many places phone it in and hope owner-chef Brandon Walker will get the acclaim he deserves. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Carmine Giada
God food. Good staff. Good prices. Will definitely be a repeat customer
Reviewed on Google Maps
Matt B
I had the chicken and waffles at Sunday brunch which may have been the best fried chicken I've ever had. Wife got the burger which was solid but a little underwhelming otherwise great spot.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Emmett Edwards
Great food and atmosphere.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Michele James
The atmosphere was very pleasant. The wait service was great and the food was phenomenal. I will certainly recommend this establishment and return for another visit. I truly felt welcomed and valued as a customer More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
What’s your signature dish?
My signature dish is inspired by Italy and Morocco. I make a Goat Bolognese dish, that consist of ground goat, spices that are commonly used in Morocco, fresh pasta, dates, apricots, and aged goat cheese.
How do you go about creating the perfect menu for your clients?
I go about creating the perfect menu for my clients by getting as much information as I can about there event. And then tailoring the menu to there request. whether it price range, a specific cuisine, or theme.
What do you love most about your job?
I'm walking, working, and living in my passion and that is cooking. When you do this it's not a job it's a part of you, I love to see peoples reactions when we serve them great food.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I just felt that if I was going to put in 60-90hrs a week for someone else, why not do it for myself.
Why should our clients choose you?
Clients should choose me because I'm very passionate about food and service. And its our goal to exceed the clients expectation through excellent food and service.
Rehearsal Dinners
We provide an intimate, cozy dinning experience for all of your guest with superb food and service. Customizing menus that cater to your vision for your rehearsal dinner. Rehearsal dinners up to 40 people we can host at our restaurant space. Dinners bigger than 40 we can host at your desire off-premise space.
Weddings
We provide an intimate, cozy dinning experience for all of your guest with superb food and service. Customizing menus that cater to your vision for your wedding . We also have great relationships with local venues, vendors, and farmers to help create a lasting memory for your special day.
Birthday Party's
We provide an intimate, cozy dinning experience for all of your guest with superb food and service. Customizing menus that cater to your vision for your Birthday dinner. Birthday dinners up to 40 people we can host at our restaurant space. Dinners bigger than 40 we can host at your desire off-premise space.
Baby Shower
We provide an intimate, cozy dinning experience for all of your guest with superb food and service. Customizing menus that cater to your vision for your Baby Shower. Baby showers up to 40 people we can host at our restaurant space. Showers bigger than 40 we can host at your desire off-premise space.
Bachelorette/ Bachelor party's
We provide an intimate, cozy dinning experience for all of your guest with superb food and service. Customizing menus that cater to your vision for your Bachelorette/Bachelor party. Bachelorette/Bachelor party up to 40 people we can host at our restaurant space. Dinners bigger than 40 we can host at your desire off-premise space.
Anniversary Dinner
We provide an intimate, cozy dinning experience for all of your guest with superb food and service. Customizing menus that cater to your vision for your Anniversary dinner. Anniversary dinners up to 40 people we can host at our restaurant space. Dinners bigger than 40 we can host at your desire off-premise space.
Personal Chef Services
Celebrate that special occasion in the comforts of your own home with a chef curated menu using local farm to table ingredients. Prepared by Chef Brandon Walker and his team.
Corporate Lunch
We provide an intimate, cozy dinning experience for all of your guest with superb food and service. Customizing menus that cater to your vision for your Corporate Lunch. Corporate Lunch up to 40 people we can host at our restaurant space. Corporate Lunch bigger than 40 we can host at your desire off-premise space. Or If you are looking for a drop-off or pick up service we can provide that as well.
