In the case of dining at high-profile destinations such as New York City, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, very few restaurants come up that combine all three factors – glamour, secret entrance, and exquisite multi-ethnic cuisine – as the Beauty & Essex does. Founded by Chef Chris Santos in collaboration with Tao Group Hospitality, this speakeasy-style restaurant provides a one-of-a-kind experience for guests with its communal dining menu offering a wide range of international cuisines, steaks, raw bar offerings, and rich dessert options.
Whether you are planning a romantic dinner or an evening out with friends and family, this guide will cover every single dish featured in the menu of Beauty & Essex with detailed description, prices, and vegan menu options.
Why Beauty & Essex is Uniquely Different?
Before entering the actual dining area, patrons will pass through the functional pawn shop with vintage guitars and antique jewelry among other things. Beyond a secret door there will be a multi-level dining haven decorated with velvet banquettes, antique chandeliers and lively bar.
The core of the concept is the eclectic shared dishes enabling guests to explore several flavor profiles of different cuisines.
1. Raw Bar & “Jewels on Toast”
Start the meal with fresh seafood selections or Beauty & Essex’s signature “Jewels on Toast”.
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
| Shrimp Cocktail | $25.00 – $26.00 | Served with charred jalapeño cocktail sauce and lemon. |
| Roasted Beets & Whipped Goat Cheese | $19.00 | Chili honey balsamic and candied hazelnuts over crusty toast. |
| Rhode Island Lobster Roll Toast | $25.00 | Topped with “The Only” white sturgeon caviar. |
| Grilled Spanish Octopus | $24.00 | Oven-dried tomatoes, whipped feta, cucumber, and olive salt. |
| House-Made Pastrami & Rye Toast | $26.00 | Napa cabbage kraut, horseradish aioli, Swiss cheese, and dill. |
2. Shareables & Appetizers
These small-to-medium plates are designed for table sharing.
- Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings ($23.00)
A fan favorite—crispy soup dumplings filled with rich tomato soup and topped with grilled cheese and bacon bites.
- Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos ($21.00)
Crispy wonton shells stuffed with fresh tuna poke, cilantro, radish, and wasabi kewpie.
- Korean-Style Fish Tacos ($27.00)
Chilean sea bass, chili crisp, and red cabbage gochujang slaw.
- Thai-Style Deep-Fried Shrimp ($28.00)
Crispy jumbo shrimp tossed with a vibrant green papaya slaw.
- Caesar Salad ($23.00)
Endives, little gem lettuce, grana padano, chives, lemon breadcrumbs, and anchovy crumble.
- Kale and Apple Salad ($18.00)
Candied pecans, shaved goat cheese, pancetta, and apple cider vinaigrette.
3. Chef’s Signature Entrées
For larger portions or main courses, the entrée section offers gourmet land and sea dishes.
- Beauty & Essex Burger ($29.00): Custom beef blend topped with warm beer cheese, house-made crispy bacon, and cherry pepper fancy sauce.
- Oven-Braised Chicken Meatballs ($26.00 – $28.00): Whipped ricotta, wild mushrooms, and black truffle oil.
- Gochujang Salmon ($37.00): Pan-glazed salmon over black garlic risotto, kimchi slaw, and ginger aioli.
- Lobster Carbonara ($49.00): Bucatini pasta, crispy guanciale, fresh lobster meat, and Calabrian chili espuma.
- Pan-Seared Scallops ($44.00 – $45.00): Served alongside toasted orzo salad, seasonal green vegetables, and green goddess dressing.
- Sweet Pea Ravioli ($29.00): Sheep’s milk ricotta, tender asparagus, and lemon butter sauce.
4. Prime Meats & Steaks
For meat lovers, Beauty & Essex presents dry-aged steaks and chops paired with signature sauces like roasted garlic-bacon sauce and chimichurri.
- Classic Beef Wellington ($68.00): Prime filet mignon, foie gras mousse, mushroom duxelles wrapped in golden puff pastry, finished with truffle bordelaise sauce.
- Grilled Double-Cut Lamb Chops ($60.00 – $74.00): Served with pistachio chimichurri and creamy leek puree.
- 14oz. Aged NY Strip Steak ($90.00): Prime cut served with red chimichurri and roasted garlic-bacon sauce.
- 24oz. Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye ($98.00 – $115.00): 35-day dry-aged ribeye topped with charred spring onion gremolata.
5. Plant-Based & Vegan Menu
Beauty & Essex has some vegetarian and vegan dishes that are included on the menu:
- Grilled Tofu ($23.00) – Black garlic risotto, kimchi slaw, ginger aioli.
- Thai BBQ Portobello ($24.00) – Pickled carrot & bean sprout slaw, lemongrass sambal vinaigrette, crispy rice.
- Vegan Bucatini ($21.00) – Broccolini, caulilini, marinated tomatoes, lemon vinaigrette.
- Miso Glazed Crispy Eggplant ($16.00)
6. Accessories & Side Dishes
You can add to your main dish these popular accessories:
- Truffled Mac & Cheese ($17.00 – $19.00) – With Sicilian bread crumbs.
- Patatas Bravas ($15.00 – $18.00) – Potato pavé, chorizo, bravas sauce, roasted garlic aioli.
- BBQ Fries ($16.00) – House blend seasoning.
- Blistered Haricot Verts ($16.00) – Za’atar, labneh, toasted seeds, crispy shallots.
- Broccolini or Sautéed Caulilini ($15.00 – $16.00)
7. Desserts & Cocktails
Desserts
- “LES, NYC” Doughnuts ($15.00) – Hot doughnuts with dark chocolate fudge, berry, and caramel dipping sauces.
- Berries & Cream ($14.00) – Butter cake, fresh berries, chantilly cream.
Craft Cocktails (~$18.00 – $22.00)
- Beauty Elixir: Gin, cucumber, strawberry, lemon, sparkling rose.
- O.D.O.B. (Old Fashioned): Bourbon, brown sugar, angostura, orange oil.
- Earl The Pearl: Vodka, Earl Grey tea, lemon, peach puree.
8. Additional Signature Appetizers & “For the Table” Dishes
Beyond the standard menu, Beauty & Essex features several high-demand shareable plates and premium raw selections:
| Menu Item | Price | Ingredients & Description |
| Roasted Bone Marrow | $32.00 | Served with Rioja-braised shallot marmalade and toasted sourdough. |
| Spicy Salmon Tartare | $23.00 – $25.00 | Orange and black tobiko, pickled daikon radish, and avocado mousse. |
| Chicken Parmigiano | $32.00 | San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and micro basil. |
| House-Made Deep Dish Focaccia Bites | $18.00 | Fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce, and Fresno garlic relish. |
| Hamachi Aguachile | $24.00 – $26.00 | Fresh yellowtail, sliced cucumber, avocado, red onion, and guajillo chili oil. |
| 38oz. Dry-Aged Tomahawk Ribeye | $155.00 – $185.00 | Prime shareable cut served with salsa negra, charred gremolata, and seasonal peppers. |
9. Chef’s Tasting Menus & Fixed-Price Experiences
Beauty & Essex offers structured prix-fixe menus for guests seeking a curated dining journey:
- “Greatest Hits” Chef’s Tasting Menu ($68.00 – $85.00 per person): A multi-course tasting experience showcasing the kitchen’s top-rated creations, including Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos, Tomato Soup Dumplings, Chicken Meatballs, and the Signature LES Doughnuts.
- “Beauty Mondays” Locals Special ($55.00 per person – Select Locations): A discounted chef’s selection menu available early in the week for local residents, often accompanied by complimentary lounge perks like champagne service for ladies’ nights.
- Holiday & New Year’s Eve Prix-Fixe ($125.00 – $195.00 per person): Multi-course holiday dining featuring luxury additions like Oscietra Caviar Eggs, Foie Gras, and Truffle Filet Mignon accompanied by a midnight champagne toast.
10. Beauty & Essex “Social Hour” / Happy Hour Specials
For guests visiting early in the evening, the Pawn Shop Lounge hosts a popular Social Hour with discounted small plates and signature spirits:
- $10.00 Small Bites: Includes mini tomato soup dumplings, shishito peppers, and truffle fries.
- $10.00 Cocktails & Wine: Select house red/white wines, prosecco, and special Social Hour cocktails (e.g., Garnet Gimlet or classic Highballs).
11. Allergy-Friendly & Custom Dietary Menus
Special dietary requirements are handled at Beauty & Essex as follows:
Gluten-Free Dishes:
- Almost all of the dishes served in the raw bar (Shrimp Cocktail, Hamachi Aguachile) are free of gluten by nature.
- Steak and chop dishes are available without the use of wheat-based sauce on request.
Dairy-Free Alternatives:
- Tofu Risotto and Thai BBQ Portobello dishes can be made totally dairy-free.
Nut and Shellfish Intolerances:
- A cross-contamination policy is in place in the kitchen, though community-style fried foods are cooked in the same oil as other foods.
12. Large Group & Private Dining Menus
For groups of 12 or more, individual ordering is typically replaced by family-style prix-fixe menus:
- Tier 1 Group Menu (~$95.00/person): 3 Appetizers, 2 Entrées, 2 Sides, and 1 Dessert served family-style for the table.
- Tier 2 Premium Group Menu (~$135.00/person): Includes raw bar platter, prime steaks (NY Strip / Bone-In Ribeye), seafood entrées, and wine pairings.
- Exclusive Venues: Private rooms such as “The Jewelry Box” accommodate up to 24 guests with custom-tailored food and cocktail menus.
Tips for Dining at Beauty & Essex
- Make Reservations Early: Due to high demand in NYC, Las Vegas, and LA, book 2–4 weeks in advance.
- Dress Code: Smart casual to chic evening attire is enforced. Avoid gym wear, beachwear, or athletic tank tops.
- Ordering Strategy: Plan for 2 to 3 shareable plates per person to sample a diverse variety across the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Beauty & Essex expensive?
Beauty & Essex is considered an upscale, high-end dining establishment. Shared plates generally range from $18.00 to $35.00, while prime steaks and large shareable entrées can range between $60.00 and $185.00. Expect an average spend of $90.00 – $130.00 per person excluding taxes, tip, and drinks.
2. How many plates should you order per person at Beauty & Essex?
Because the menu is designed around a multi-ethnic multi-course sharing concept, servers typically recommend ordering 2 to 3 shareable plates per person for the table to sample a variety of signature flavors.
3. What is the dress code for Beauty & Essex?
Beauty & Essex enforces a Smart Chic / Fashionable Evening dress code across all locations (NYC, Las Vegas, LA). Athletic apparel, beachwear, flip-flops, tank tops, and overly casual gym wear are strictly prohibited.
4. What is the most famous dish on the Beauty & Essex menu?
The restaurant’s signature dish is the Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings, created by Chef Chris Santos. Another iconic favorite is the “LES, NYC” Hot Doughnuts for dessert.
5. Does Beauty & Essex have vegetarian and vegan menu options?
Yes, Beauty & Essex features dedicated plant-based offerings including Grilled Tofu with Black Garlic Risotto, Thai BBQ Portobello, Vegan Bucatini, and Miso Glazed Crispy Eggplant.
6. Do you need reservations for Beauty & Essex?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend dining and prime evening hours. Reservations typically open 30 days in advance through OpenTable, SevenRooms, or the official Tao Group website.
Conclusion
The Beauty & Essex menu goes much beyond the typical luxurious dinner experience; it is a full culinary experience that is concealed behind the true-to-life pawn shop façade. Bringing together the novel concept of sharing plates developed by Chef Chris Santos and influences from around the world, from dishes at the Raw Bar to 35-day dry-aged steaks, the menu caters to various tastes and special occasions.
One can visit Beauty & Essex either for the famous Tomato Soup Dumplings during the Social Hour or have a full Chef’s Tasting Experience meal.
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