Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Charlotte
  4. Charlotte
  5. Uptown
Essex, Charlotte, NC

Essex

4.2
4.2
1379 Reviews
$30 and under
International
Top tags:

Welcome to Essex Bar & Bistro, where the cocktail is king. Charlotte’s newest uptown craft cocktail bar and gastropub, Essex is part bistro, part lounge, and part meeting place. We’ve put as much care into the craft of cocktailing as we do our menu of international cuisine, which are designed to complement master mixologist’s liquid creations. Located in the heart of uptown Charlotte at Trade & Tryon, and only steps away from Spectrum Center. Essex is the perfect place for happy hours, evening cocktails, after-dinner drinks, or a late night rendezvous.

We reserve the right to allow only one check on parties larger than 10.
We reserve the right to add a service charge on parties of 6 or more.

Make a reservation

2 people
June 2022
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
7:00 pm
Booked 2 times today
Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    International

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am

  • Phone number

    (980) 406-3857

  • Website

    http://www.essexnc.com/

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Contactless Payment, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Business Casual

  • Executive Chef

    Haim Aizenberg

  • Catering

    Please email Ashleigh at events@essexnc.com for information on catering.

  • Private party facilities

    Welcome to Essex Bar & Bistro. We’ve put as much care into the craft of cocktailing as we do our menu of international cuisine, which are designed to complement our master mixologist’s liquid creations. Located in the heart of uptown Charlotte at Trade & Tryon.

  • Private party contact

    Lauren Shoaf: (855) 982-0866

  • Location

    101 S Tryon St Suite 14 Charlotte, NC 28202

  • Area

    Uptown

  • Cross Street

    Trade St

  • Parking Details

    Essex Bar and Bistro offers valet parking! Valet Hours:Mon-Fri: 5pm until 11pm Sat & Sun: 2pm until 11pm*Please call to confirm as some days it is not available.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 1,379 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.1Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

  1. NY

    NagarjunaY

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    overall1food1service4ambience3

    No cocktails. food was okay but great selection of wines

  2. CL

    CLTFoodie

    Columbus

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    Great food, service felt a little rushed and the wait staff uses computers at the table which felt less personal. Great people watching spot. Also had three different people try to our order. Food was great, not a full bar just beer and wine.

  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined today

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Wish they were still serving cocktails.

  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food4service4ambience4

    Food and service were great but entrees were very small so make sure you get a few appetizers. We had shared the calamari and each got entree and we were still kinda hungry afterwards.

  5. F

    Foodlover

    Charlotte

    34 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    34 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall1food3service3ambience3

    Hostess was cold as ice and acted put out that we asked for a booth. Waiter was barely understandable as the noise level was crazy. We tried to order a cocktail to be told their liquor license has "lapsed.". We have loved Essex but not sure we'll go back. We ended up leaving. Gave 3 stars on food but inly because we had to put down something.

  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    20 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    This was one of the worst dining experiences I have ever had. First, we are seated & ask for the cocktail menu. Answer: WE DONT HAVE A LIQUOR LICENSE. Then: we would like a bottle of Kim Crawford Sav Blanc. Answer (after checking with bartender) WE ARE OUT. So we order a different Sav Blanc. It arrives warm. Answer: it was just delivered so it wasn’t chilled. We ask for ice. Waitress looks at us like we are speaking a foreign language. Comes back with a small glass of ice for our warm water & warm wine. We order the flatbread pizza with sausage & bacon. Food arrived: SHORT RIB PIZZA. Server disappeared. After a LONG wait, we eat some of the pizza & busboy comes to take dishes from appetizer & grazes my friend’s plate with a dirty fork from another table & leaves. Another long wait & waitress comes by & we ask her about the flatbread. Reason we got the wrong one - she put in the order for the wrong one. So sad to see what was a great restaurant on such a sharp decline.

  7. G

    Good

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    We wanted to like and were excited to go. They don't have a liquor license right now, so that was disappointing. They still serve beer and wine. Menu options are great, but the food was just "okay". Portions are small (one friend asked if she accidently had ordered an appetizer instead of a meal, she hadn't!) I ordered the chicken skewers, the flavor was good but not all of my chicken was cooked thoroughly and again, small portion.

  8. SR

    SenthilR

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience4

    We went there for shwarma but not offered on Sundays. Every else we ordered, we did not like any of them. The worst part is the waitress never showed up after delivering food. We asked for a check three times and were tired of waiting and paid with the reception and left. Whatever we ordered to try it out, variety fo 5 dishes we ordered only the grouper was ok and nothing was good.

  9. BP

    BennalP

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 June 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Great beginning of night out with amazing food to start off night!

  10. SR

    SRE2018

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 17 June 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    Not the best visit I’ve had…trio dip….guacamole doesn’t really go with a Mediterranean vibe. Fried cauliflower was really heavy in sauce and not the prettiest of presentations and the chicken skewers were just ok. I’d have to be uptown to ever go here again, I wouldn’t travel back just for this restaurant. I did have a better experience a few years ago for lunch pre-pandemic.

  11. AH

    AH1970

    Charlotte

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 16 June 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Good food, good service. Can be very loud when crowded. Seats seem to sit too low, can be hard to reach the food on the table.

  12. JM

    JenniferM

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 14 June 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    Frustrating the lack of alcohol or wine available

  13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 June 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience1

    Very quick which could be good for you depending on your needs. However, the food was downright atrocious. The trio dip app was disgusting. The guacamole was not edible. Not sure how you mess that up. The shrimp tacos could be ok but not worth cost. They also did not have any liquor.

  14. VB

    VangieB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Service was great and the food was phenomenal. Great atmosphere, a little loud but I enjoyed my visit

  15. GG

    GlenG

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 June 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    Nice eating outside. Entrees were very good. Out of many of the beers on tap and the waiter was not particularly helpful or knowledgable about what was available. That being said everyone was friendly. Service was prompt.

  16. CB

    ChreeBaker

    Charlotte

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 June 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Server was nice but not amazing. Food was meh and for the price I would expect exceptional and portions are very small for the price.

  17. JH

    JulieH

    Western NC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 June 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience3

    Every time I go by I see people and wanted to try it. I was disappointed. The server was very nice and attentive. The dirty martini was served in a champagne glass and I am pretty sure they forgot to put anything in it except the olive juice, no taste of vodka at all! We didn't finish it. The food was edible but definitely not worth going back for. I had the beet salad which had too much dressing and beets were from a can. The butter chicken was ok, comes with no rice and only naan. It was about 10 small bites of food including the rice we had to order. Checked off our list, will not return.

  18. C

    Calypso

    Charlotte

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on 3 June 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Nice place to meet for dinner before a show! Fast service and great food!

  19. AP

    APRILLB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 May 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    Food and cocktails were both good. I had the lamb chops and they were delicious! The margherita flatbread pizza was also good. I will be back!

  20. JM

    JohnM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 May 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience3

    I have the butter chicken, No flavor, the chicken was reheated based on the texture.

  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 22 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and great service! Would definitely go here again.

  22. R

    Rachaux

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food, the view, and the ambiance was fantastic. I really recommend

  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 21 May 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Husband and I go out to eat before jazz and symphony shows, and we hit up Essex again on this occasion. Food is always good, even if a little pricey (uptown rent!). Reservation was ready for us on time, and service was good. Highly recommend the butter chicken and the babaganoush-like dip.

  24. t

    taniae

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 20 May 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5

    Excellent food. Service was good. Great ambiance and location.

  25. r

    roberth

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 20 May 2022

    overall3food1service2ambience4

    Very mediocre food. Small portions and pricey. Service was ok.

  26. L

    Logan

    Raleigh

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 May 2022

    overall2food1service1ambience3

    Seated immediately for lunch reservation and drink/food order was taken. This was the last time I saw the waiter.

  27. AB

    AngieB

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service y our waitress and the Ahi Tacos were AMAZING!

    EssexResponded on 21 May 2022

    Thank you Angie for the positive feedback!! Our Ahi Tacos are one of my favorites!! We hope to see you again soon!

  28. L

    Linda

    Charlotte

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on 13 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a great server Kaitlin and all the shared small plates were very good

    EssexResponded on 21 May 2022

    Thank you Linda for the 5 star review!! We are so happy to have Caitlyn apart of our team. Come back soon!

  29. KM

    KristenM

    Charlotte

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 May 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience4

    The location was fun and the energy of customers was good. The servings were small. My meal was very bland, the other meal at our table was good. We only saw the server twice before I requested the check from the hostess. Our server never came to the table (or even by the table) after the food was delivered (by someone else). No drink refills from any other servers who came by, no teamwork from the servers/team to check on customers or even try to make eye contact with customers. Not a good experience.

  30. WO

    WayneO

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food and service was excellent! Lamb lollipops and Asian skirt steak.

    EssexResponded on 14 May 2022

    Thank you Wayne for the 5 star review!! We are so happy you enjoyed your time with us. We hope to see you again soon!

  31. C

    Chipmunk

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience2

    Food was overpriced, bathroom trash was overflowing, very crowded and music was to loud.

  32. S

    Starr

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall3food2service1ambience4

    Very poor service- The server made no attempt to make us feel welcomed and acted very rushed. He didn't even say "thank you" after receiving the tip he didn't earn. The quinoa salad which is normally delicious, was dry and lacked flavor.

  33. LT

    LaurenT

    Atlanta

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing A+! Mothers Day lunch and my first time at Essex. Wonderful service from being greeted at hostess check in and our waitress (Caitlynn)! The first table was chilly and we were moved w/no issue. The meal was excellent from cocktails to our lunch. Caitlynn continued to stop by, make recommendations….just lovely. Essex delivered why we go out for meals:)

    EssexResponded on 14 May 2022

    Thank you Lauren for the 5 star review!! We are thrilled you enjoyed your time with us on such a special day. We are so happy to have Caitlyn apart of our team and that everything was great for you. We cannot wait to see you again!

  34. H

    Harry

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience4

    The server was inattentive. The portion size for the calamari was poor for the price. The cocktails were very good. What set the experience off was the shenanigans the server played with the bill. The bill showed the price of our meal and suggested a 20% tip amount. When the server returned with the bill for signature, she fast talked her way explaining she ran the card for the total including the 20% tip and presented her electronic devise for signature stating to “select the tip amount below” options were 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, other, or no tip. The server was rude when I asked, “how do I just pay the bill that includes the 20% her reply was select “no tip”. That’s misleading and like I said shenanigans. Won’t be back.

  35. MG

    MaryG

    Charlotte

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    We arrived at noon for Mother's Day brunch only to find that the only menu was for "dinner". Unfortunately it was too late to change our reservations. The service was adequate but not worth the 20% mandatory tip. Just not the experience that we had envisioned. The food was ok but was no better than Yafo, Cava.

  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience2

    The environment was great and so was the food. However, the Managment/host did not make us aware there was a large wedding party renting half of the restaurant. It was very loud and made the experience a poor one. Also, the customer service by the waiter and manager was not a pleasant one once we made a request that the music be turned down. Just poorly handled imo.

  37. HJ

    HendriaJ

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing experience..vibe was nice. Food was delicious

    EssexResponded on 14 May 2022

    Thank you Hendria for the positive feedback!!! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience with us! We hope to see you again soon!

  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was excellent!

  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 May 2022

    overall1food1service5ambience5

    Food was completely overpriced for small portions. I think this place will end up closing down soon due to consumers finally catching on to what goes on here

  40. SM

    SteveM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 May 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    Unusual menu, difficlult to assemble complete dinner from items offered. Food was OK.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Essex offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (980) 406-3857.

Essex is rated 4.2 stars by 1379 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
June 2022
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
7:00 pm
Booked 2 times today
Google Map for Essex

101 S Tryon St Suite 14 Charlotte, NC 28202

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Trade St

  • Area

    Uptown

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am

  • Cuisines

    International

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress Code

    Business Casual

  • Parking Details

    Essex Bar and Bistro offers valet parking! Valet Hours:Mon-Fri: 5pm until 11pm Sat & Sun: 2pm until 11pm*Please call to confirm as some days it is not available.

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Contactless Payment, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive Chef

    Haim Aizenberg

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.essexnc.com/

  • Phone number

    (980) 406-3857

  • Catering

    Please email Ashleigh at events@essexnc.com for information on catering.

  • Private party facilities

    Welcome to Essex Bar & Bistro. We’ve put as much care into the craft of cocktailing as we do our menu of international cuisine, which are designed to complement our master mixologist’s liquid creations. Located in the heart of uptown Charlotte at Trade & Tryon.

  • Private party contact

    Lauren Shoaf: (855) 982-0866

Featured in

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
Delight more diners
Join us on
Copyright © 2022 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo