People talk
Our Guestbook
“ The Chicken and Waffles here are heaven on earth! Cocktails too! Lovely atmosphere. Great service. ”
“ We had an excellent experience all around. Service was friendly and professional, the atmosphere comfortable, and above all the food was well-conceived and well-made. The dishes were not trying to do too much but also were far from boring. A perfect balance of distinguishing ingredients and accessible composition. The grit coquettes, beet nachos, plantains, veg pasta, and burger were all inspired and delicious. Ultimately when spending the time and money to go out it’s nice to be rewarded with great food and experience as well as care taken on the part of the owner and staff. That was certainly the case here and we will be back asap to enjoy more! ”
“ Black owned Essie's. Chef Brandon Walkers food is nothing short of Amazing!! Vegan options also! My favorite is his jerk ribs! Best damn ribs in Poughkeepsie NY. If you have not been to or support this restaurant? Your stupid! By far one of Poughkeepies top teir places to dine! ”
“ I flew on a private plane from NY just to have dinner at this restaurant. There were four of us, and although Easter dinner service closed at 6 pm, the staff kindly waited since our reservation was at exactly that time and we arrived about 15 minutes late. I was truly impressed by their outstanding level of service; most places would have been eager to close, but not here. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner and Executive Chef, Mr. Brandon Walker, who was incredibly friendly and gave us a warm welcome. The jambalaya appetizer was out of this world, and both the burger and steak exceeded our expectations. The drinks were delicious, and our waitress provided exceptional service, thoughtfully recommending menu items and beverages. It ended up being the best Easter dinner flying experience of our lives. We will definitely return! ”
“ Everything we ate at Essie’s was delicious, including that cheesecake option for dessert Food seemed freshly made upon order which mean some wait time but no complaints here. Staff was friendly, chef stopped by to say thank you, a nice touch and reminder of why we should support small businesses. Dining room is beautiful, music volume perfect, all around amazing place for a date night dinner. ”
“ Had brunch here with a small group this past weekend and we all loved our time at Essie's. The food was exceptional and the vibe was great - we loved the grit croquettes, frittata, and cornbread in particular. Brandon, the owner and head chef was great to chat with and I look forward to coming back. Essie's should be on every "must do" list for Poughkeepsie. ”
“ The beet nachos were delicious and refreshing. I really liked that they weren't heavy. The chicken sandwich was juicy and tasty, and for fried chicken it was relatively light. I'm looking forward to tasting more menu options. ”
“ The flavors were excellent. The service phenomenal. I will be back again once my daughter is at CIA. ”
Menu
Elaines CheeseCake #1
US$9.50Garlic Aioli #1
US$2.00Coke
US$5.00BLACK CHERRY
US$5.00Puttanesca
US$30.00
About
Essie's Restaurant
Welcome to Essie's Restaurant, a culinary gem nestled in Poughkeepsie, NY. Located at 14 Mt Carmel Pl, this establishment shines not just as a dining spot, but as a celebration of flavors inspired by the creativity of its Black-owned executive chef, Brandon Walker. Essie's offers an inviting atmosphere that balances warmth with sophistication, making it an ideal choice for everything from casual dinners to intimate date nights. With a phone line open at +1 845-452-7181, your fabulous culinary experience awaits!
From the moment you step inside, the ambiance enchants. Patrons rave about the friendly, professional service, and it is evident that the staff goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels valued. This commitment to exceptional service extends to the carefully curated menu, where each dish is thoughtfully crafted to impress without overwhelming.
Essie’s is best known for its standout dishes that celebrate both classic and innovative flavors. The Chicken and Waffles, described as "heaven on earth," perfectly showcases the restaurant's blend of comfort and culinary expertise. Dive into the grit coquettes or the vibrant beet nachos for a delightful twist on traditional dishes that are simple yet far from mundane. Vegan diners will also find a welcoming array of options, including the much-lauded jerk ribs, which have garnered high praise as the best in town.
And let's not forget about the drinks! Guests have been enchanted by the cocktail selection that complements the menu beautifully. The vibrant drinks paired with extraordinary dishes such as the jambalaya appetizer create a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Patrons often remark on the restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients, with dishes practically made to order. Yes, there may be a brief wait, but the quality of the food makes every second worthwhile. As K M expressed, "Food seemed freshly made upon order." This dedication to freshness shines through, as does the personal touch from Chef Walker, who often mingles with diners, adding to the small business charm that keeps customers coming back.
Essie's Restaurant is not just a meal; it is a complete experience. From the beautiful decor and perfect music volume to the inspired cuisine and exceptional service, every aspect works in harmony to create memorable dining moments. Whether you are a local or visiting from afar, make Essie’s your next dining destination—you won't regret it!
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