The Essential

Phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal. The decor here is chic and cozy, the menu options are delightful, and the quality-to-price ratio is respectable. This was my first time dining here and I'm...

Beautiful setting of the restaurant in the heart of downtown BHM. The entry and walk was pleasant with a small buzz of traffic, and as soon as we arrived the host asked if we had a reservation. We...

The Essential on 1st Ave is truly one of Birmingham's standout spots. The vibe is bright, stylish, and cozy -- perfect for brunch, a casual date, or catching up with friends. It has that...

We have eaten at The Essential seven times, but this was our first time at the new location. This is a nice upgrade. We really like the Art Deco style. It felt like we were eating in a 1940's...

We decided to give The Essential another try after their recent renovation, and overall, we had an excellent meal. The Caesar salad and sourdough bread were both outstanding. For entrées, we...