Beauty & Essex at Mohegan Sun is one of those rare restaurants that manages to blend modern sophistication, elevated cuisine, and playful mystery into one seamless dining experience. From the moment you arrive, you know you’re in for something special. The entrance is through a pawn shop façade, setting the stage for the speakeasy-inspired design that defines the restaurant. Behind the shop’s unassuming doors, guests step into a world of elegance and glamour.
The first space, the Pearl Lounge, serves as both a cocktail bar and a stylish social area. It features plush upholstered couches, low tables, and an inviting glow from the dim, romantic lighting that fills the room. Just beyond lies the Peacock Dining Room, where we were seated—a beautifully designed space with refined, modern décor, rich textures, and thoughtful details that give the restaurant a luxurious, high-class ambiance without feeling pretentious.
Beauty & Essex’s menu and bar offerings are as creative as its design. The restaurant serves a range of classic and innovative cocktails, along with a well-curated selection of wine, beer, and spirits. The vibe is chic and vibrant—perfect for a date night, special celebration, or an evening out when you simply want to treat yourself.
The service was exceptional from start to finish. Our waiter was friendly, professional, and impressively knowledgeable about the menu. He checked in regularly, made excellent recommendations, and went above and beyond to ensure that one member of our party—who has an onion allergy—was accommodated, even noting which dishes were completely onion-free. The entire staff shared the same attentive and genuine approach, enhancing the overall experience.
We began our evening with a round of cocktails—a martini, dirty martini, and martini with a twist—all crafted perfectly and served with flair. For appetizers, we shared several dishes, each beautifully presented and ideal for sharing:
- Oven-Braised Chicken Meatballs with whipped ricotta, wild mushrooms, and truffle – rich, tender, and deeply flavorful.
- Roasted Beets & Whipped Goat Cheese with chili honey balsamic and candied hazelnuts – a perfect balance of earthy and sweet.
- Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Dumplings with smoked bacon and chives – playful, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious.
- Red Snapper Tacos with creamy avocado, mango salsa, and chili crema – light and refreshing with a tropical twist.
- Shishito Peppers with lemon-barista vinaigrette, sesame seeds, turmeric-spiced yogurt, and mint – bold, tangy, and addictive.
- Miso-Glazed Crispy Eggplant – sweet, savory, and crisp with perfect texture.
- Gochujang Salmon- Perfectly seared salmon glazed with a bold and slightly spicy gochujang sauce, served over a rich and savory black garlic risotto that adds deep umami flavor. Accompanied by a refreshing kimchi slaw for a touch of acidity and crunch, and finished with a drizzle of ginger aioli for a bright, aromatic balance. A harmonious blend of Korean-inspired spice, modern flair, and comforting textures — beautifully layered and full of flavor.
For the main course, we shared the 24 oz. dry-aged bone-in ribeye, cooked to perfection and served with Beauty & Essex’s signature sauces: roasted garlic and bacon, smoked tomato demi-glaze, and classic BBQ with mayo. The steak was juicy, rich, and beautifully complemented by the crisp French fries served alongside.
Dessert was a fitting finale: the Black Forest Cherries, featuring vanilla mousse, cherry compote, and chocolate hazelnut cake—a luscious and elegant finish to an outstanding meal.
Beauty & Essex at Mohegan Sun is a culinary and sensory experience—where style meets substance. Between the impeccable service, inventive menu, and stunning ambiance, it’s the kind of place that turns an ordinary night into something truly memorable. Every detail, from the speakeasy entrance to the refined presentation, is crafted with intention. We all highly recommend Beauty & Essex and would absolutely return again.
Rating 9.5/10
