Essie's - Poughkeepsie

I had the pleasure of dining here with friends last night for a belated birthday celebration, and it was a fantastic experience. From the cocktails to the desserts, everything was outstanding. We started with grit croquettes, a cheese platter accompanied by apple preserves and honey, and grilled octopus, all of which were superb. My steak was grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor, and our shared desserts—a dark chocolate cremaux and a cheesecake—made for a delightful conclusion. The overall quality and atmosphere of the restaurant were excellent and very relaxing. After our meal, Chef/Owner Brandon Walker took the time to come out and chat with us, which was a nice touch. This is a small, elegant spot offering top-notch food and drinks. I would definitely return!

If you want to experience the best meal of your life, go to Essie 's, order one of their delicious cocktails (any will do), order grits croquettes (1 serving per 1-2 people), the earth-shatteringly delicious pork loin over a melange of grilled corn, broad beans, red peppers, and bacon, and end the evening with the stunning 'melon berries, ' which consists of amazingly light fruit sorbets, watermelon, ground cherries (the yellow midwestern fruit, not chopped up sweet cherries), mint, and candied grapefruit zest (plus superfluous but delicious sugar cookie bits). The chef has an extraordinary way with layered flavors and you will not be disappointed. But hurry! The menu changes seasonally. If you don 't like your food to touch/mix and you 're not a fan of trying new things, don 't go here. Everyone else? Call to make sure they have tables open (the place is small but not at all cramped) and get there in a hurry. Everything on the menu is excellent, but that pork loin dish was DIVINE. I can 't stop thinking about it.

I've visited Essie's a few times for drinks, but I finally had the opportunity to enjoy a meal there. This restaurant truly deserves five stars; it brings to mind the charming little eateries in New York City's Village. The food, service, and wine selection are all top-notch. It's a wonderful addition to Poughkeepsie. Congratulations to Brandon and the team!

We loved our visit and meal. Service was first rate. Enjoyed the Hudson Valley Mule cocktail. Adored the dinners: We had pork osso bucco, escolar and the goat meat bolognese. First class meals. The mixed berry dessert with tarragon was mouth watering. Great restaurant.

I've had the pleasure of dining at Essie's Restaurant on two occasions, and both times, the food was absolutely delightful. I particularly loved the ricotta toast of the day, the sweet corn soup, the pasta Bolognese, and the dry-aged steak. The menu is seasonal and evolves based on the creativity of Chef Brandon Walker, who is trained at the Culinary Institute of America.