Essie's - Wood River Junction

Had brunch (or lunch) with a friend and this was my experience: Was charged $4 for a 5 oz can of seltzer water... you know something's going on. They had no bottled Perrier or sparkling water. I don't drink tap water in a restaurant. Any restaurant. Since I was driving there was no wine to be had or any alcoholic beverages. I was thirsty so I had four (4) 5 oz cans of seltzer water which means I had 20 oz of seltzer water and was charged and paid $16. Plus tax of course. I had an $18 breakfast special (plus tax) which included two eggs a couple of pieces of bacon and one thin slice of toast upon which the eggs and bacon were placed. Oh there was some kind of tomato base (a spoonful or so) surrounding the toast or whatever, also with the eggs. And one tiny croquette. Maybe there was two. You'll see it all on the menu. At least I think that's what was on the plate. Ordered a side order of cornbread which was $7 and what was given was two 3x3 in. by 1/2 inch slices of cornbread. I ate one piece in my friend had one piece. Paid $7 plus or minus for some potato wedgies which was tasty. I'll give them a thumbs up on the potatoes. The cheesecake dessert at $9.50 was very tasty for sure. All told it was a disappointing experience. I've eaten there several times in the past with more pleasant gastronomical experiences. I have not eaten there in the past year. I doubt if I'll be going back anytime soon. Those previous experiences were five-star experiences. This was certainly not one of them. I get it that because of inflation and the high cost of labor and rent and heat, power and light, prices are exorbitantly high for everything. I don't think the meal was worth what I was charged plus tax and tip (and paid). There's a surcharge if you pay by credit card. I paid in cash. I'm not writing about the ambiance being of The Plaza Hotel restaurant, the Waldorf Astoria or the Carlisle Hotel restaurant. Or the old Palm Restaurant on 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. Or even the Eveready Diner in Hyde Park, New York. The ambience was more akin to the Pancake Factory in Pleasant Valley. I hope you have a better experience than I did today.

Great food. It wasn't terribly crowded, so folks weren't on top of one another. Off to a good start. However, our server was likely the bartender, so drinks were much better than service. Never checked on our table unless we flagged. When a person in our party found an insect in her drink, had to ask multiple times for it to be replaced. Our entrees came out at wildly different times with no explanation. We'd finished our meal and had to ask for the appetizer to be removed from the check since it hadn't arrived. Good service is not easy. Why have someone who isn't a strong server be one of two on the floor for wknd brunch? Parking: I had a bit of a trek. Others in our party pulled right into a space about a half block away.

Overall flavor of the food was mediocre. The croquettes were better. Mt waffle was not put together well at all,don't know if there was an issue with the cook or the machinery but it was pitifully. I did see waffles on other tables that looked correct. I was not going to ask for another after waiting 45 minutes for a waffle! Our check was 120.00 before tax with three juices. I told the waitress the issue before asking for the check, no offer to at least take one 20.00 plus waffle off the bill or discount. I think there is potential at this place, but no kitchen worker who considers him/herself a professional would ever let someone go out of their kitchen like that.

Very hip, great music. The food is elevated but down home. I had chicken and dumplings. The sauce was other worldly great! It sounds like a dish grandma made, but grandma didn't know anything compared to these dumplings!

Excellent food! Excellent service! Highly recommend!!!