The Essential
Review of The Essential
The Essential: A Trendy Contemporary American Cafe
The Essential is a trendy contemporary American cafe located in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. This popular restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with its diverse menu, specialty cocktails, and stylish ambiance. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a relaxing weekend brunch, The Essential has you covered.
The menu at The Essential is a true reflection of its "American bistro" concept. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, the chefs create innovative and flavorful dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. From classic favorites like avocado toast and salmon Benedict to unique creations like the Mushroom Madame, every item on the menu is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.
The Essential is not just about the food; it's also about the experience. The restaurant boasts a modern and inviting atmosphere, with stylish decor and comfortable seating. Whether you choose to dine indoors or enjoy the outdoor patio, you'll be surrounded by a vibrant and energetic ambiance that adds to the overall enjoyment of your meal.
One of the highlights of The Essential is its specialty cocktail menu. The talented mixologists craft a variety of creative and refreshing drinks that perfectly complement the flavors of the food. From handcrafted cocktails to carefully curated wine selections, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The service at The Essential is top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a regular customer or a first-time visitor, you can expect exceptional service that will make you feel welcome and well taken care of.
The Essential is open for lunch and dinner throughout the week, and also offers a delightful weekend brunch. The restaurant is conveniently located on Morris Avenue, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors alike.
If you're looking for a trendy and contemporary American cafe that offers delicious food, specialty cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere, look no further than The Essential. It's a must-visit destination for food lovers in Birmingham.
From the business
"American bistro"
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Rachel Panter
We love eating inside or out. If there is a line it moves fast. Eaten here many times since they open and it is always fantastic.
And a block a way from our condo makes it easy breezy.
Theresa Henson Creel
The Essential is a hidden treasure on historic bricked road of Morris Avenue in Birmingham, AL. My husband and I happened upon this restaurant after a lovely morning at Pepper Place Market. We chose to eat indoors. The floral wallpapers and cafe chairs brought me back to memories of my favorite cafe in Paris. The wallpaper is exquisite and every small detail down to the dishes had a touch of elegance. My husband had the pastrami sandwich and the homemade pastrami, sauce, and fried egg was absolutely divine. I had the hash and the conecuh bacon, pickled peppers, potatoes, and homemade salsa verde topped with two perfectly fried eggs was a perfect marriage of flavors. Absolutely delicious! We both had coffee and it was perked to perfection! Our waitress Margaret, was lovely and we had impeccable service. We will be back for brunch again soon!
Curtis K. Ward
On my way back to GA I stopped for a quick meal and it was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. Thank you…
Princess
Amazing downtown eatery! Not your typical brunch fare. This spot has an excellent menu with an option to fit every taste and budget. The service was great and the ambiance was wonderful.
Christie Ray Harrison
Super difficult to get a table during weekend brunch hours, but completely worth the attempt — try going really early or late to avoid the crowds, and only with a group of 2-3 people. The food is unbelievable! We shared a homemade croissant to start (amazing), as they ran out of homemade pop tarts during Sunday brunch). Highly recommend getting a pastry as they’re known for them (and rightfully so!).
For entrees we tried the breakfast sandwich, the steak & eggs, and the Essential Hash — and we all loved what we ordered! Highly recommend the hash if you need something super filling but still gluten free/ relatively healthy. The steak with the steak & eggs special was perfectly cooked and comes with delicious homemade salsa verde on it.
Super nice service and vibe (perfectly curated decor with a trendy vintage feel), and if you put your name down and have a wait, you can walk around to nearby shops downtown.
Paloma Delgadillo
The food here was delicious and the staff was very accommodating. I came with a fairly large group of 6 and while we couldn't sit inside, they fixed up some space heaters and so it was very comfortable for our party to enjoy our dinner outside. The waiter had helpful suggestions as well.
Bee Brewer
My friend and I were looking to try a new place. I'm always very wary of trying new restaurants since Im more of a picky eater. I don't enjoy bland food and when I eat I want it to be worth eating. This place has it DOWN! I had the Mushroom Madame, my friend had the avocado toast. I had a bite of theirs and both were so delicious. the croissant was so flakey and delicious. The espresso roast they use for lattes is earthy and not very acidic which I love. Our server Griff was very radical. He was attentive especially considering how busy it was this Saturday morning! I can't wait to come back and bring more friends along to experience!
Lindsay Brezina
I have a hard time understanding what the big deal is about this place. My party of 3 was shoved at a table meant for 2 (though we had reservations) while a party of 2 was seated at a table meant for 4. The yeast rolls were burnt and my friend’s Chardonnay was served warm. My pasta dish was good but nothing exceptional. The hostess was not friendly or engaging at all.
Darlene Passeretti
Delicious salmon Benedict and avacado toast! Great atmosphere. My only complaint; I asked to add tomato and was told no. Asked to add as a side and was told they don't usually do it, but the waiter would ask. No response.
A Levy
The Essential has quickly become one of my favorite brunch spots, as I have yet to have anything there that has been less than spectacular. Service is fantastic, food is always scrumptious, and the setting on Morris is just the icing on the cake.