Wood River Junction
Essie's

Essie's

14 Mount Carmel Place, City Of Poughkeepsie, 12601, United States Of America, Wood River Junction

Cafés • American • Fast Food • Vegetarian


"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."