The Essex House - West Orange

A great place. Loves the employees who always make sure you are comfortable. Brunch with Santa is a tradition that we have for a few years.

I came in from California to visit, and took my 94 year old mom out for lobster tails. Delicious. Great service. The place wasn 't busy at all a Wednesday 6pm), which I figure is normal for a pretty high end steak, etc. house. Lobster tails twin) were awesome. A limited selection of wines by the glass but the two I tried $11 and $13) were both rather nice for the price. Our waiter, if possible over a leisurely two hour dinner was overly attentive something that rarely happens anywhere, but the small crowd made it possible. We also ordered a porterhouse steak, massive, and plenty of left overs i plan to thoroughly enjoy. I highly recommend. My only complaint: we wanted to check and get a reservation, and I had to call a few times because they don 't open until dinner. They don 't use Open Table, although they say they used to. But then I 've heard from some other good restaurants, that Open Table can be much like the Better Business Bureau, which is if you don 't 'join ' and pay them more, they often don 't post the best reviews. True or not, I 've heard that at, from a couple of great restaurants, which like Essex House, have been around decades with a great local reputation. Bottom line: take your appetite, and enjoy. Expect Ruths Chris type of prices, but the tails, the porterhouse, the french onion soup and definitely the french onion rings are easily worth the trip and the price. Worth the price! at

One of the most amazing restaurants I have ever been to! The decor and ambiance is absolutely stunning inside. They don't build restaurants like this anymore because it would cost business owners an arm and a leg. From wood carvings, to original stained glass detailing, all the way to tin ceilings! Oh my! They even have a train you can eat in, which has been beautifully kept! It is breathtaking inside! Please contact me if ever they plan to sell any of the interior design in this place. GREAT EXPERIENCE!

Came for dinner with my wife two other couples. Service was friendly and great, and the food was amazing. We started with some apps and their seafood tower for 6, fresh and delicious. My wife and I split the 42 oz porterhouse and it was fantastic. Cooked perfectly and basically melted in your mouth. There was a great band playing at the bar, and we headed that way after dinner to enjoy some more cocktails with the music. You can't beat the atmosphere, we all felt like we were in an old-time speakeasy lounge. Will definitely be back.

We went here on New Years eve as a contigicancy plan. It's an older place with an older crowd. The food was good, but entirely to expensive for what was served. The wine list was limited and they didn't have the bottle we asked for, however the manager/ owner gave us a better bottle for the price of the one we wanted, but then they ran out of that wine. It was okay, but i don't think I'll be going back.