Essex Street Grille — Restaurant in Haverhill

First time trying Essex Street Grille and was not impressed. We went on Tuesday night and our waitress had zero personality. We told her it was our first time there and there was no expression on her face. A warm “Welcome” would have been nice along with maybe some menu suggestions. Nope. Stone faced. A friend we were with ordered a margarita and sent it back. The waitress seemed annoyed instead of apologetic. I tried it, it tasted terrible. My friend was super nice about it and that still didn’t soften this woman’s attitude. Our other drinks from the bar were just OK. The free bean dip that is offered had a weird sweet flavor that was not appealing at all. My reason for even giving this place 2 stars was because the Chicken Marsala was very good but that was one of the four meals ordered. The other three were mediocre and lacked flavor. I would probably would have given this place a second chance but really am not inclined to do so because the first impression...

So unfortunately I have to be one of those people. Food is exceptional, as well as the service. However, what what caused me to lose my faith in this place is what they use behind the bar. The spirits are, for the most part, all "bottom-shelf" selections. Went out with my girlfriend, we ordered Martinis to start. Asked what they use for their Lemon Drop and their Pear Martini. Waitress came back, and looked embarrassed to say Svedka Citron and Burnett's Pear Vodka. When I asked what they had for Whiskey, she said just some Canadian Whiskey being Seagrams selections, and Jameson. No bourbon at all. With all the competition in Downtown Haverhill, you with think they would hold their bar to higher standards. Not offering $9-$12 Martinis with truly awful vodka. Much rather go to other restaurants that offer premium spirits at the same price, and not offer a hangover...

Checked this place out over the weekend, and I cannot express how beautiful and cozy this restaurant is! And even though it was crowded, it wasn't too loud. It's easy to see why it's such a popular place, and the service is lovely. The bartender and the owner were chatting with us and really personable, and the drink menu is wonderful (especially the whiskey flight!). But I order the bistro pasta with shrimp, and unfortunately it just wasn't good. The sauce was more like a broth, and the pasta was thick and starchy, and still had starchy water inside the culrs of the pasta that was making the pasta kind of... gel. But my partner good the steak tips and they were awesome, cooked perfectly, she said they were scrumptious. I think this is a great place to go to, especially for drinks, but if you're getting dinner just avoid the...