Here you'll find the best places in Essex (Connecticut). We found 10 places.

Scotch Plains Tavern

Came here for lunch after a local boat and train excursion. There were 5 of us in our party. My nephew got the big pretzel as an appetizer. This was excellent! Among our group 2 of us got chicken 1 person got fish 1 person got a Burger and I got the peach grilled salad with shrimp. We all very much enjoyed our food. My niece got the cheesecake for dessert and she liked it very much. It's a great atmosphere inside. It's decorated to kind of make you feel like you're in a medieval castle hall or banquet area. But with modern touches. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Service was most efficient. We enjoyed our visit. ~Jennifer

(10 reviews)
restaurant american restaurant bar bar and grill beer garden delivery service fine dining restaurant seafood restaurant sports bar

Scoops

Okay place with ok ice cream. Prices are not too bad. No bathroom or anyplace to wash my kids hands. There's a Cumberland across the way. Found this place by chance. They do have sugar free vanilla and sugar free hot fudge. Might come back bc they were out of the flavor that was the first choice. Just not that impressed. Surprised it's connected to a gas station. I want to say something more or more positive but can't think of it. I forgot to mention cash only. ~Chi-Chi

(10 reviews)
ice cream shop

Hyacinth Nails & Spa

I knew I was in for an experience when i was greeted and treated to classic rock Peruvian flute band cover radio. I was trilled that they nailed the shape I wanted (pun intended) but i did not anticipate the application technique that resulted in uneven thin and spotty coverage (I've never seen so many brushes brushing the powder off and all over in between dips...so many dips, so much brushing, 2+ hrs, leave some on!) and that my color selection (green) was rubbed into and permanently stained my cuticles yellow which were cracked and horrid. I gazed in disbelief at the completed manicure and then at the tech and the lead as they compliment the color and took no issue with me walking out of their store with nails in that state and. Proceeded to charge $45. I happily paid as had little time to get to work and I needed a moment to reflect on this bizarre experience. ~Dominique

(30 reviews)
beauty salon

Subway

I ordered curbside pick up. I have 30 minutes to travel from one office to another and eat my lunch so yes curbside pick up so I can get it quick. I called as soon as I got there parked right at the door she said gimme a sec. I waited 10 minutes! There was two costumers and two workers and my sandwich was sitting there for 10 minutes. I walked in there and they put the empty cup in the bag, weren’t even gonna get me my soda. So not only did I wait 10 minutes before going in myself but I had to fill up my soda cup as well cuz my order wasn’t ready. She didn’t even apologize to me for the wait. Never again will I go back that’s the most disrespected I’ve felt from costumer service in my life. ~Sara

(60 reviews)
sandwich shop catering service fast food restaurant meal takeaway restaurant

The Oak Room

The food is the best I've had in Middlesex county. We love it so much we come once a week. I highly recommend the steak for dinner and trying the weekly breakfast specials. It is no question The Copper Beech Inn hires talented chefs. Call to make a reservation or sit at the copper bar! ~Lily

(10 reviews)
restaurant

Toys Ahoy!

A bag of Army Men and a Hardy Boys book. Just a couple of the nostalgic treasures I found at this gem of a toy store. I had such an amazing time at this incredible place in Essex, CT. Actually the oldest retail store in town. Toys from every decade can be found here, as well as modern gifts for all ages. This is truly one of a kind and I will be a regular visitor of Toys Ahoy. Thank you for helping me relive my childhood memories! ~Daniel

(10 reviews)
toy store