Beauty & Essex Las Vegas Review
An Oasis of New York Glamour in the Heart of the Strip
Beauty & Essex Las Vegas brings the celebrated New York City concept to The Cosmopolitan with its signature speakeasy-meets-luxury-dining experience. Hidden behind a faux pawn shop facade, this restaurant delivers a theatrical dining experience that perfectly captures Vegas' love for spectacle while maintaining exceptional culinary standards.
Ambiance & Design
The moment you step through the "pawn shop" entrance, you're transported to a world of vintage glamour. The two-level space features soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, plush velvet banquettes, and a stunning central bar that serves as the social hub. The design cleverly blends industrial elements with luxurious touches, creating an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming. The upstairs dining area offers more intimate seating, while the main floor buzzes with energy, especially when live music fills the space during evening hours.
Culinary Experience
Executive Chef Chris Santos' menu showcases modern American cuisine with global influences, presented as shareable plates. Standout dishes include the famous Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings – a perfect fusion of comfort food and sophistication. The Yellowfin Tuna Tartare with avocado, crispy shallots, and spicy soy is exceptionally fresh and well-balanced. For main courses, the Dry-Aged Ribeye for two is worth the splurge, perfectly cooked and served with bone marrow butter.
The pastry team excels with desserts like the S'mores Bread Pudding, which arrives with toasted marshmallow and chocolate sauce for a dramatic tableside presentation. The cocktail program is equally impressive, featuring creative concoctions like the "French 75" with gin, lemon, prosecco, and edible glitter.
Service & Staff
Service is generally attentive and knowledgeable, though can become slightly stretched during peak hours. Servers are well-versed in the menu and offer excellent pairing suggestions. The host team manages the often-busy entrance efficiently, though wait times can be substantial without reservations.
Value Consideration
While certainly on the premium end of Vegas dining, Beauty & Essex delivers value through its exceptional atmosphere, creative cuisine, and memorable experience. The shareable plate format allows groups to sample multiple dishes, though costs can add up quickly. Expect to spend $100-150 per person for a full meal with cocktails.
Special Features
The hidden entrance creates an immediate sense of discovery and exclusivity. The live music programming (typically Thursday through Saturday evenings) adds tremendous energy to the space. The restaurant also features a private dining room for special events and a beautifully designed patio with Strip views.
Practical Information
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:00 PM-11:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 5:00 PM-12:00 AM
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially on weekends
Dress Code: Upscale casual (no athletic wear or beach attire)
Parking: Valet or self-parking at The Cosmopolitan