When you approach Beauty & Essex at the Cosmopolitan Resort in Las Vegas, don’t be put off by the pawn shop that doubles as a secret entrance. It is not one of those places that tries to hide its true intentions to make things more interesting. There is no clandestine environment behind the secret door. That pawn shop is actually a real store. Go ahead and buy something if you don’t believe me. Once you get past the cool artifacts and collectibles in the store, you’ll understand that the Pawn Shop could be part of the decor or perhaps serve as a stopping point for those with no sense of adventure.
Either way, you’ll be happy to have found the secret door the moment you retreat to a dark booth at the bar and immerse your evening in a series of mini experiences that will put a true Vegas stamp on your night. Make sure you go to the living room before dinner, and then give her an idea of the space after lunch. They will be two different experiences.
What should you expect?
Be prepared, it can be loud. The restaurant has an energetic atmosphere, so you’ll love the idea of whispering into someone’s ear for a chat or spending the night talking at full speed. This is not a bad thing, just a lively dining room with lots of action. The living room is quieter and perfect for a date night. You will find that the bar is ideal for a pre-dinner drink and offers an excellent view of the surrounding activity. If you go alone this might be a good place for a small meal.
Since most dishes are shareable, the ideal party would be two, maybe three. Four people require a second order of any of the favorite dishes.
Food and cocktails at Beauty & Essex Las Vegas
The food that comes out of the kitchen is perfect for sharing, so you’ll find that ordering a few items works well for a social table. The noisy dining room and cocktail program require a lot of interaction anyway. There are a few surprises on the menu that will leave you wanting more, but on each of my visits there have been some glaring mistakes. The kitchen can be a bit inconsistent. That said, what they do well is done very well, and when combined with the atmosphere, the cocktails, and the service, it becomes a place that must be visited more than once.
What you must try at Beauty & Essex Las Vegas:
- The Yellowtail Sashimi with pickled jalapeño and a barrel aged ponzu is flavorful with flavor and within reach of addiction. Yes, everyone makes yellowtail sashimi these days, but that doesn’t mean they’re doing it right. This is well done.
- The Rioja braised shallot jam that flows over the roasted marrow will have you licking your fingers. It will leave you with the desire to lick the bone. Anytime you want to actively spread warm fat on a piece of bread it should be considered a successful meal.
- Thai-style fried shrimp will make you happy, but the gem is the green mango papaya salad that the shrimp resides on. Ask your server if you can get a little more of that because it is a treasure.
Cocktails: The Woodsman seems a bit too grown-up for this place, but once you settle in, you realize that the extra sweet they have added to the bourbon and citrus makes it fit well in this setting. The Emerald Gimlet with Elyx Vodka dances to a laid-back version of its gin cousin, but floats more notes of basil and lemon to keep you from getting carried away by the haze of the sun. Instead, it fits well into this pseudo nightclub atmosphere. If you feel like you should have a classic cocktail, but Las Vegas is making you feel adventurous, order the traditional Oaxacan style and savor the flavor of mezcal fire along with tequila and a little spicy liquor to complete what would normally be your classic Old Fashion.
