Essex — Restaurant in Seattle

If you’re in the Ballard neighborhood and looking for a cozy spot to enjoy some great cocktails, Essex is a solid choice. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, making it the perfect place to unwind or start your evening off right.

The staff here is super friendly, and they’re not just about serving drinks—they’re genuinely passionate about creating a great experience. I usually like to ask for a bartender’s choice when I’m in a new spot, and Essex didn’t disappoint. Every cocktail I tried had a little creative twist, which is always a treat.

While it’s a great bar to grab a drink at, it’s also a bit of a placeholder for diners waiting on their table for the restaurant next door, so you might get a mix of folks coming and going. It doesn’t take away from the vibe, though—it’s part of the charm.

I’d definitely recommend Essex if you’re in the area. Whether you’re just grabbing a drink or hanging out with friends, it’s a great spot that I’ll definitely be...

This is a pet and human friendly place with straightforward cocktails and appetizers set up. The beautiful pizza smells are from the connected cousin next door but there's no dining cross over. However, the apps do not disappoint. We had the meatballs, burrata, and cauliflower. All flavorful, no competing over overpowering flavors or seasonings, and satisfying. That said, the complexity of their cocktails are incredible. I had the local botanical gin-based cocktail, Birch. Fantastic. A second will definitely hit you. 😉. I had a sample of the local gin neat. It's clean, slightly sweeter than a Gray Whale from CA. I would order the gin straight or the cocktail again. The team is incredibly nice!

so sorry i forgot to take pics!...

Cocktails are fine and standard, but the service truly is abysmal. You will wait an indefinite amount of time for someone to acknowledge your presence here. I have sat at both the bar and the tables and had the same experience of waiting. I appreciate the community feel, but the fact that the sole bartender prioritizes talking with their friends annas taking personal photographs over serving you really isn’t cool. Especially considering the automatic 20% gratuity. They know they can do whatever and ignore you and give you poor service because they are gonna get tipped regardless. In all sincerity, do not go here if you are in a rush or if automatic gratuities upset you because you will be...