Essex Bar & Bistro Menu (2025 Update)

Welcome to Essex Bar & Bistro, a delightful culinary escape nestled in the heart of Charlotte, NC. The menu showcases an exquisite blend of flavors, perfect for both casual lunches and elegant dinners. Each dish is crafted with care, from the rich Shrimp & Grits featuring creamy texture and bold creole sauce to the exotic Butter Chicken, marinated in authentic Indian spices.

  • Lamb Kefta, paired with tahini and hummus, is a must-try for meat lovers.
  • Don’t miss out on the Falafel and refreshing Quinoa Salad for a lighter option.
  • Indulge your sweet tooth with decadent desserts like Chocolate Fudge Cake or Cheesecake.

With consistently excellent service and a warm atmosphere, Essex Bar & Bistro is truly a hidden gem worth revisiting!

LUNCH - Appetizers/Soup/Salad

Hummus

chickpeas, harissa, olive oil, garlic naan

Fried Cauliflower

chickpea tempura, curry sauce, tamarind glaze, herb tomato sauce, candied pecans

US$17.00

FALAFEL

chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, Mediterranean mix, tahini, harissa

US$18.00

Essex Dip Trio

pimento cheese, guacamole, feta-yogurt, garlic naan

Bang Bang Grouper

fresh grouper, spicy mayo, scallions, Szechuan sauce, sesame seeds, kim-chi glaze

US$24.00

Fried Artichokes

Fried artichokes, Greek yogurt, balsamic glaze, arugula, parmesan, almonds

US$19.00

Cup Tomato Soup

served with half Essex baugette

Bowl Tomato Soup

Served with Essex baugette

US$10.00

Warm Brussel Sprout Caesar

grilled chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, asiago caesar dressing

US$19.00

Greek Salad

tomatoes, cucumbers, romaine, feta, vinegar, olive oil kalamata olives, zaatar

US$15.00

Beet Salad

arugula, candied pecans, feta-yogurt, shaved parmesan, Sherry vinaigrette

US$18.00

Quinoa Salad

quinoa, parsley, scallions, roasted almonds, feta cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, lemon juice, olive oil

US$17.00

Burrata Carpaccio

Fig jam, pistachios, extra virgin olive oil, served with house bread.

US$20.00

Salmon Sandwich

grilled salmon, house-made tartar sauce, arugula, roasted tomatoes, brioche bun

Essex Italian

Chicken Shawarma Pita

chicken shawarma, red cabbage slaw, tahini, harissa, house-made pocket pita

Chicken Brie 'LT

grilled chicken breast, candied bacon, brie spread, roasted tomato, arugula, on brioche bread

Pimento Cheese Burger

pimento cheese, crispy onions, brioche bun

Falafel Pita

House made pocket pita, red cabbage slaw, tahini, harissa.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

fried chicken, honey buffalo sauce, dill pickle, mayo, slaw, brioche bun

Philly Cheese Steak

sliced steak, onions & peppers, four cheese sauce

Essex Cheeseburger

American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, brioche bun

LUNCH - SANDWICHES

LUNCH - FLATBREADS

Mortadella & Arugula

US$20.00

Pistachio & Pesto

US$20.00

Braised Short Rib Flatbread

garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, herb ricotta, braised short rib, shaved parmesan

US$19.00

Margherita Flatbread

tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, oven-roasted tomato

US$17.00

Sausage Bacon Pepperoni Ham Fb

US$19.00

Blackened Grouper Tacos

Grilled Steak Tacos

three white corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa, red pepper salsa, avocado mousse, micro cilantro, queso fresco.

Tempura Shrimp Tacos

three white corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa, red pepper salsa, avocado mousse, micro cilantro, queso fresco.

Grilled Chicken Tacos

three white corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa, red pepper salsa, avocado mousse, micro cilantro, queso fresco.

LUNCH - TACOS

LUNCH - BISTRO PLATES

Mediterranean Bowl

bulgar wheat, Israeli salad, cabbage slaw, hummus, tahini. Choice or beef or chicken shawarma or falafel

Lamb Kefta

lamb kefta, tahini, hummus, red cabbage, grilled tomato, onion and zucchini

US$19.00

Grilled Salmon

creamy tomato sauce, grilled broccolini

US$26.00

Butter Chicken

marinated in Indian spices, herb tomato sauce. choice of rice or a garlic naan

US$20.00

Shrimp & Grits

creamy grits and shrimp, creole sauce, red peppers, andouille sausage, onions, chives, shaved parmesan

US$20.00

Chicken Schnitzel

breaded chicken cutlet, arugula, red onion, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, lemon olive oil

US$19.00

Broccolini

US$6.00

Carrots & Celery

US$3.00

Cheese Grits

US$6.00

Na'an

US$3.00

Regular Fries

US$6.00

Side Bacon

US$6.00

Side Chicken Shawarma

US$7.00

Side Falafel

US$6.00

Side Grilled Chicken

US$7.00

Side Grilled Shrimp Skewer

US$8.00

Side Harrisa

US$1.50

Side Rice

US$4.00

Side Salmon

US$11.00

Side Tzatziki

US$1.50

Small Brussels Caesar

US$6.00

Small Greek Salad

US$6.00

Sweet Potato Fries

US$6.00

LUNCH - SIDES

LUNCH - Beverages

Pepsi

US$1.75

Diet Pepsi

US$1.75

Sierra Mist

US$1.75

Mountain Dew

US$1.75

Dr. Pepper

US$1.75

Sweet Tea

US$1.75

Unsweet Tea

US$1.75

San Pelligrino Bottle

US$7.00

Aqua Panna Bottle

US$7.00

Hummus

chickpeas, harissa, olive oil, garlic naan

Fried Cauliflower

chickpea tempura, curry sauce, tamarind glaze, herb tomato sauce, candied pecans

US$17.00

FALAFEL

chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, Mediterranean mix, tahini, harissa

US$18.00

Essex Dip Trio

pimento cheese, guacamole, feta-yogurt, garlic naan

Bang Bang Grouper

fresh grouper, spicy mayo, scallions, Szechuan sauce, sesame seeds, kim-chi glaze

US$24.00

Fried Artichokes

Fried artichokes, Greek yogurt, balsamic glaze, arugula, parmesan, almonds

US$19.00

Cup Tomato Soup

served with half Essex baugette

Bowl Tomato Soup

Served with Essex baugette

US$10.00

Warm Brussel Sprout Caesar

grilled chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, asiago caesar dressing

US$19.00

Greek Salad

tomatoes, cucumbers, romaine, feta, vinegar, olive oil kalamata olives, zaatar

US$15.00

Beet Salad

arugula, candied pecans, feta-yogurt, shaved parmesan, Sherry vinaigrette

US$18.00

Quinoa Salad

quinoa, parsley, scallions, roasted almonds, feta cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, lemon juice, olive oil

US$17.00

Burrata Carpaccio

Fig jam, pistachios, extra virgin olive oil, served with house bread.

US$20.00

Appetizers/Soup/Salad

SANDWICHES

Salmon Sandwich

grilled salmon, house-made tartar sauce, arugula, roasted tomatoes, brioche bun

Essex Italian

Chicken Shawarma Pita

chicken shawarma, red cabbage slaw, tahini, harissa, house-made pocket pita

Chicken Brie 'LT

grilled chicken breast, candied bacon, brie spread, roasted tomato, arugula, on brioche bread

Pimento Cheese Burger

pimento cheese, crispy onions, brioche bun

Falafel Pita

House made pocket pita, red cabbage slaw, tahini, harissa.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

fried chicken, honey buffalo sauce, dill pickle, mayo, slaw, brioche bun

Philly Cheese Steak

sliced steak, onions & peppers, four cheese sauce

Essex Cheeseburger

American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, brioche bun

Mortadella & Arugula

US$20.00

Pistachio & Pesto

US$20.00

Braised Short Rib Flatbread

garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, herb ricotta, braised short rib, shaved parmesan

US$19.00

Margherita Flatbread

tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, oven-roasted tomato

US$17.00

Sausage Bacon Pepperoni Ham Fb

US$19.00

SAUSAGE BACON HAM PEPPERONI FB

tomato sauce, mozzarella, herb ricotta, sausage, bacon, ham, pepperoni

US$19.00

FLATBREADS

TACOS

Blackened Grouper Tacos

Grilled Steak Tacos

three white corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa, red pepper salsa, avocado mousse, micro cilantro, queso fresco.

Tempura Shrimp Tacos

three white corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa, red pepper salsa, avocado mousse, micro cilantro, queso fresco.

Grilled Chicken Tacos

three white corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa, red pepper salsa, avocado mousse, micro cilantro, queso fresco.

Mediterranean Bowl

bulgar wheat, Israeli salad, cabbage slaw, hummus, tahini. Choice or beef or chicken shawarma or falafel

Lamb Kefta

lamb kefta, tahini, hummus, red cabbage, grilled tomato, onion and zucchini

US$19.00

Grilled Salmon

creamy tomato sauce, grilled broccolini

US$26.00

Butter Chicken

marinated in Indian spices, herb tomato sauce. choice of rice or a garlic naan

US$20.00

Shrimp & Grits

creamy grits and shrimp, creole sauce, red peppers, andouille sausage, onions, chives, shaved parmesan

US$20.00

Chicken Schnitzel

breaded chicken cutlet, arugula, red onion, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, lemon olive oil

US$19.00

BISTRO PLATES

SIDES

Broccolini

US$6.00

Carrots & Celery

US$3.00

Cheese Grits

US$6.00

Na'an

US$3.00

Regular Fries

US$6.00

Side Bacon

US$6.00

Side Chicken Shawarma

US$7.00

Side Falafel

US$6.00

Side Grilled Chicken

US$7.00

Side Grilled Shrimp Skewer

US$8.00

Side Harrisa

US$1.50

Side Rice

US$4.00

Side Salmon

US$11.00

Side Tzatziki

US$1.50

Small Brussels Caesar

US$6.00

Small Greek Salad

US$6.00

Sweet Potato Fries

US$6.00

CELERY AND CARROTS

US$4.00

Churrasco Skewer

US$13.00

EXTRA CRISPY PITA

US$6.00

FRIES

US$6.00

Mediterranean Chicken Skewer

US$10.00

Mixed Veggies

US$5.00

RICE

US$5.00

Shrimp Skewer

US$11.00

Side Broccollini

US$6.00

Side Roasted Potatoes

US$6.00

Side Salmon Filet

US$18.00

Side Zucchini

US$6.00

Small Brussel

US$6.00

Small Greek

US$6.00

Pepsi

US$1.75

Diet Pepsi

US$1.75

Sierra Mist

US$1.75

Mountain Dew

US$1.75

Dr. Pepper

US$1.75

Sweet Tea

US$1.75

Unsweet Tea

US$1.75

San Pelligrino Bottle

US$7.00

Aqua Panna Bottle

US$7.00

Beverages

DINNER - TO START

FALAFEL

chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, Mediterranean mix, tahini, harissa

US$18.00

ESSEX DIP TRIO

pimento cheese, guacamole, feta-yogurt, Essex baguette

HUMMUS

chickpeas, garlic, harissa, Essex baguette

FRIED ARTICHOKES

greek yogurt, balsamic glaze, arugula, parmesan, almonds

US$20.00

CHEESE & CHARCUTERIE

chef’s selection of fine meats & cheeses, assorted accoutrements, Essex baguette

US$25.00

CHEESE PLATTER

US$20.00

CHARCUTERIE PLATTER

US$20.00

FRIED CAULIFLOWER

chickpea tempura, curry sauce, tamarind glaze, herb tomato sauce, candied pecans

US$18.00

MEDITERRANEAN DIP TRIO

hummus, tzatziki, spicy eggplant & butternut, squash salad, Essex baguette

BURRATA CARPACIO

US$21.00

WARM BRUSSELS CAESAR

house-made bread crumbs, parmesan, herbs, asiago caesar dressing

US$19.00

FRESH MARKET SALAD

cucumber, tomato, avocado, red onion, artichoke hearts, mediterranean olives, feta, zaatar, parsley, Greek vinaigrette

US$17.00

BEET SALAD

arugula, candied pecans, feta-yogurt, shaved parmesan, sherry vinaigrette

US$18.00

QUINOA SALAD

quinoa, parsley, scallions, roasted almonds, feta cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, lemon, olive oil

US$17.00

DINNER - FROM THE GARDEN

DINNER - FLATBREADS

SAUSAGE BACON HAM PEPPERONI FB

tomato sauce, mozzarella, herb ricotta, sausage, bacon, ham, pepperoni

US$19.00

BRAISED SHORT RIB FLATBREAD

US$19.00

MARGHERITA FLATBREAD

US$17.00

MORTADELLA & ARUGULA

US$20.00

PISTACHIO & PESTO

US$20.00

LAMB CHOP LOLLIPOPS

grilled lamb chops over tzatziki, olive oil roasted fingerling potatoes

US$37.00

ASIAN STYLE SKIRT STEAK

szechuan sauce, parsnip puree, candied pecans, cilantro

US$26.00

SHORT RIB SLIDERS

braised short rib, garlic aioli served on a brioche bun

US$25.00

CHURRASCO

chimichurri sauce, hanger steak, butternut squash cream, broccolini

US$26.00

BUTTER CHICKEN

chicken marinated in indian spices, micro cilantro, herb tomato sauce, Essex baguette

US$23.00

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN

grilled Mediterranean chicken, tzatziki, roasted fingerling potatoes

US$24.00

LAMB KEFTA

lamb kefta, tahini, hummus, red cabbage, grilled tomato, onion and zucchini

US$24.00

ESSEX GNOCCHI

US$35.00

CHICKEN DIM SUM

US$27.00

SHORT RIB RAVIOLI

US$25.00

FILET MIGNON

US$39.00

DINNER - FROM THE FIELD

DINNER - OFF THE DOCK

TEMPURA SHRIMP TACOS

corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa, red pepper salsa, avocado mousse micro cilantro, queso fresco

US$21.00

GRILLED OCTOPUS

parsnip puree, chimichurri

US$27.00

BANG BANG GROUPER

fresh local grouper, spicy mayo, scallions, Szechuan sauce, sesame seeds, kim-chi glaze

US$26.00

TUNA POKE TACOS

US$23.00

FRIED CALAMARI

fried rings and tentacles, Szechuan sauce

US$22.00

SHRIMP & GRITS

creamy grits, shrimp, creole sauce, andouille sausage, red peppers, onions, shaved parmesan

US$25.00

GRILLED SALMON

creamy tomato sauce, grilled broccolini

US$30.00

GORGONZOLA SHRIMP

US$28.00

CELERY AND CARROTS

US$4.00

Cheese Grits

US$6.00

Churrasco Skewer

US$13.00

EXTRA CRISPY PITA

US$6.00

FRIES

US$6.00

Mediterranean Chicken Skewer

US$10.00

Mixed Veggies

US$5.00

NAAN

US$4.00

RICE

US$5.00

Shrimp Skewer

US$11.00

Side Bacon

US$6.00

Side Broccollini

US$6.00

Side Roasted Potatoes

US$6.00

Side Salmon Filet

US$18.00

Side Zucchini

US$6.00

Small Brussel

US$6.00

Small Greek

US$6.00

Side Falafel

US$6.00

DINNER - SIDES

DINNER - DESSERTS

Apple Tart

US$9.00

Cheesecake

US$9.00

Chocolate Fudge Cake

US$9.00

FALAFEL

chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, Mediterranean mix, tahini, harissa

US$18.00

ESSEX DIP TRIO

pimento cheese, guacamole, feta-yogurt, Essex baguette

HUMMUS

chickpeas, garlic, harissa, Essex baguette

FRIED ARTICHOKES

greek yogurt, balsamic glaze, arugula, parmesan, almonds

US$20.00

CHEESE & CHARCUTERIE

chef’s selection of fine meats & cheeses, assorted accoutrements, Essex baguette

US$25.00

CHEESE PLATTER

US$20.00

CHARCUTERIE PLATTER

US$20.00

FRIED CAULIFLOWER

chickpea tempura, curry sauce, tamarind glaze, herb tomato sauce, candied pecans

US$18.00

MEDITERRANEAN DIP TRIO

hummus, tzatziki, spicy eggplant & butternut, squash salad, Essex baguette

BURRATA CARPACIO

US$21.00

TO START

FROM THE GARDEN

WARM BRUSSELS CAESAR

house-made bread crumbs, parmesan, herbs, asiago caesar dressing

US$19.00

FRESH MARKET SALAD

cucumber, tomato, avocado, red onion, artichoke hearts, mediterranean olives, feta, zaatar, parsley, Greek vinaigrette

US$17.00

BEET SALAD

arugula, candied pecans, feta-yogurt, shaved parmesan, sherry vinaigrette

US$18.00

QUINOA SALAD

quinoa, parsley, scallions, roasted almonds, feta cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, lemon, olive oil

US$17.00

LAMB CHOP LOLLIPOPS

grilled lamb chops over tzatziki, olive oil roasted fingerling potatoes

US$37.00

ASIAN STYLE SKIRT STEAK

szechuan sauce, parsnip puree, candied pecans, cilantro

US$26.00

SHORT RIB SLIDERS

braised short rib, garlic aioli served on a brioche bun

US$25.00

CHURRASCO

chimichurri sauce, hanger steak, butternut squash cream, broccolini

US$26.00

BUTTER CHICKEN

chicken marinated in indian spices, micro cilantro, herb tomato sauce, Essex baguette

US$23.00

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN

grilled Mediterranean chicken, tzatziki, roasted fingerling potatoes

US$24.00

LAMB KEFTA

lamb kefta, tahini, hummus, red cabbage, grilled tomato, onion and zucchini

US$24.00

ESSEX GNOCCHI

US$35.00

CHICKEN DIM SUM

US$27.00

SHORT RIB RAVIOLI

US$25.00

FILET MIGNON

US$39.00

FROM THE FIELD

OFF THE DOCK

TEMPURA SHRIMP TACOS

corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa, red pepper salsa, avocado mousse micro cilantro, queso fresco

US$21.00

GRILLED OCTOPUS

parsnip puree, chimichurri

US$27.00

BANG BANG GROUPER

fresh local grouper, spicy mayo, scallions, Szechuan sauce, sesame seeds, kim-chi glaze

US$26.00

TUNA POKE TACOS

US$23.00

FRIED CALAMARI

fried rings and tentacles, Szechuan sauce

US$22.00

SHRIMP & GRITS

creamy grits, shrimp, creole sauce, andouille sausage, red peppers, onions, shaved parmesan

US$25.00

GRILLED SALMON

creamy tomato sauce, grilled broccolini

US$30.00

GORGONZOLA SHRIMP

US$28.00

Apple Tart

US$9.00

Cheesecake

US$9.00

Chocolate Fudge Cake

US$9.00

Pear Tart

US$9.00

Dulce De Leche Cake

US$9.00

Churro Cake

US$9.00

Scoop Ice Cream

US$6.00

DESSERTS

DESSERTS - Desserts

Pear Tart

US$9.00

Cheesecake

US$9.00

Chocolate Fudge Cake

US$9.00

Dulce De Leche Cake

US$9.00

Churro Cake

US$9.00

Scoop Ice Cream

US$6.00

Athena Chardonnay

US$26.00

Davis Bynum Chardonnay

US$50.00

Olcaviana Organic Tempernillo

US$30.00

Orin Swift Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc

US$62.00

Rombauer Cabernet

US$95.00

Stags Leap Chardonnay

US$62.00

Twomey By Silver Oak Cabernet

US$110.00

Veuve Cliquot Rose 375ml

US$110.00

WINE BOTTLES - WINE BOTTLES

WINE BOTTLES

Athena Chardonnay

US$26.00

Davis Bynum Chardonnay

US$50.00

Olcaviana Organic Tempernillo

US$30.00

Orin Swift Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc

US$62.00

Rombauer Cabernet

US$95.00

Stags Leap Chardonnay

US$62.00

Twomey By Silver Oak Cabernet

US$110.00

Veuve Cliquot Rose 375ml

US$110.00