I need to admit that I am NOT the demographic this place is appealing to. On first impression the outside looks like a guitar/jewelry/pawn shop. Step inside and it morphs into a crowded,dark, ultra trendy..very noisy restaurant. A romantic dining experience it is not. no Tony Bennett music in the background. They obviously know their clientele....its super packed on a Wednesday night! Cocktails are very good. My Manhattan Lemon was delicious and potent. Its all about tapas here.Food is to be shared. Small plates of mac and cheese, short ribs...grilled cheese bacon tomato soup dumplings..roast mushroom pizzetta...mexican street corn ravioli and molasses glazed pork belly. Myself and my wife as well as my two adult children enjoyed the food..all very tasty. I honestly believe our waitress(who was very good)...seemed intent on jacking up our bill. she had lots of food suggestions. portions are small,but pricey. I just think Beauty and Essex tries way too hard to be cool. Hipster hangout!