Cancel

Open app

Search

The Essential

4.4 (494 reviews)
ModerateBars, New American
Closed • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Updated 3 months ago

Order The Essential Takeout or Delivery

The Essential Photos

THE ESSENTIAL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
Trendy

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - The Essential

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Fried Chicken Sandwich
Charity P.

Great Bar, Disappointing Kitchen I really wanted to love The Essentials, but the food was a major letdown. It has the look of a high-end, chef-driven restaurant, but the execution just isn't there. I started with the rigatoni, which arrived with crunchy, undercooked noodles. I swapped it for the chicken biscuit, but the chicken was severely overcooked and the biscuit was just "meh." Even my husband's hash wasn't really a hash--it was a bland potato bowl that desperately needed seasoning. To top it off, the plating was surprisingly sloppy. The only saving grace is the bar. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and make a fantastic cocktail. My advice: Stop in for a drink and the vibes, but head elsewhere if you're actually hungry.

Charmaine C.

Our Friday Day date option was a goodie! I was told the burger was amazing but wasn't in a burger mood so went with the pasta. Still a good choice. The chicken I added was a little overcook but the pasta was perfect. I also tried the Rueben which was better than I expected. The service was great! Loved the atmosphere as well. Such a vibe! I'll be returning to finally try the burger soon.

Mushroom Toast
Kelsey C.

I had to go back again for the mushroom toast and they have changed the recipe slightly. It was still great but I did enjoy the beurre blanc sauce more. The cheeseburger was stellar!

Linda R.

The Essential is now on my essentials list! This place definitely has all the feels especially if you take the time to sit back and let your senses take over. We were able to make a reservation online which was helpful, but not needed because there were a few tables left when we arrived. The service was a great. Our waitress checked on us just enough to be helpful, but not annoying. The lighting was perfect. Just enough to keep it cozy, but not too dark that you needed your phone flashlight to read the menu. The restaurant itself had an upscale diner/cafe kind of feel with booth seating and marble tables. I loved the background music it added to the experience, and made me feel like I was somewhere in Europe. The food gave off an Italian vibe with a bit of a French and American flair, and what I really liked about the menu was that they were more than just the same fancy chicken, pizza, corn dogs and hamburgers that a lot of restaurants offer. I loved the fact that they offered homemade pastas and homemade ice cream. For my entree I ordered the spaghetti,and this was not your typical spaghetti. The desription was cacio e pepe', spelt flour, miso butter, parmesan brodo, with zanzibar peppercorns, and it was absolutely delicious. Let me give you a tip, when the waitress asks if you would like to add bacon to the dish, say yes! This really added to the flavor. I also recommend the sour dough bread for a starter. It goes really well with the spaghetti. Both were full of flavor and warm. The perfect comfort food for a cool evening. For dessert, my husband and I shared the rocky road ice cream. The presentation was beautiful, but I was hoping the toasted marshmellow would be mixed in the ice cream rather than sitting on top.

Cappuccino
Gabe P.

Birmingham do not play about weekend brunch! Me and two of my friends came here at 10 am on Saturday and the place was buzzing! The hostess got us on the wait list since we did not have a reservation. The wait wasn't long at all . We were seated at the bar and we had comfortable space. The bar service was outstanding and fast! The mimosa and coffee was flowing. We had the chicken biscuit , steak and eggs and potato hash. The food was outstanding!!! Everything was well made and delicious! I l love the new location and the aesthetics here. I definitely recommend adding the essential to your brunch or lunch lineup! You're welcome.

Mimosa, grits and tomatoes brunch
Lauryl B.

Came here for brunch and got an orange mimosa and the grits and tomatoes. Both were delicious. The pork belly on the grits and tomatoes melted in my mouth. 10/10 service and super cute decor.

Emily C.

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 already dreaming of my next visit. What we ordered: -5 Grain Salad: quite y the BEST salad I've ever eaten. Filled with quinoa, farro (chef's kiss), avocado, walnuts, whipped feta, this salad is perfectly crafted. -Essential Burger: the bites I tried of this were incredible! Absolutely delicious burger atop a fresh, homemade bun. The fries were quite mediocre for this type of restaurant... maybe this was a one-off thing? I cannot wait to return!

Raspberry sorbet
Xhané P.

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 were seated promptly and service was efficient with making it, getting drinks and food, and sitting for a while before heading out all within an hour's time. We made it during brunch and shared a burger and fries, all of which was great and 5/5! I love teas and wanted to try something different, but unfortunately the jade green was a bit too fresh for me and I could not finish it. Our dessert was complimentary for our anni weekend which is always so sweet to experience because, of course, not all restaurants/facilities can do that. Wonderful brunch visit!

Caesar Salad
Christina B.

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 effortless charm that makes you want to linger a little longer. The food is always fresh and beautifully done, with dishes that feel elevated without trying too hard. Whether you're stopping in for a pastry and coffee or a full meal, everything tastes thoughtful and well-crafted. The cocktails are also a highlight -- balanced, creative, and worth ordering every time. Service is warm and attentive, and the energy of the restaurant just feels good -- relaxed but polished. The Essential continues to be one of those places that reminds you how special Birmingham's dining scene really is.

Tayler M.

Came back for brunch! I got the hash and my friend got the steak and eggs. Both were delicious and the oat milk latte was great. We sat at the bar and had prompt service. Overall, would recommend for any meal of the day!

Agnolotti with goat cheese
Iseo Y.

I was there for lunch today with friends and this is my first time, I tried their Risotto with lumps of crab meat and Scallops. it was good, very rich and creamy, service is fast and the server is very sweet. The ambiance is a little back in time sort of, my friends ordered haft chicken Piri Piri, it was good but not for me and the portion is huge, and the last order is Agnolotti, it looks good but I am allergic to goat cheese, my friend says it was delicious. All in all, my first experience is good, I will be back to explore some their foods.

Cheeseburger

The food was really good. Service was a bit slow, but our waiter was excellent! The ambience was good. Of note- only one check for parties of 6 or more and parking is difficult. Their website states valet available, however that is not accurate.

Eggs Benedict and Grits
Randy B.

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 diner. The one good thing that didn't change was the quality of the food! There Egg's Benedict are unbelievable, the Bloody Mary is off the charts. If you're in the 'Ham for brunch, you really should treat yourself.

Cheeseburger

See all

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

21 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

28 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

14 days ago

Great food and great service! The menu is not so run of the mill brunch but some wonderful creations that will make you come back!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 5
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

18 days ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

13 days ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Matthew H.
2
130
287

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Kristen H.

Kristen H.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of John P.
408
158
37

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kurt M.
3
13
11

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Abby M.
116
51
11

5 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Evelyn b.
0
40
102

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mitzi W.
107
21
17

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Angela M.
96
41
52

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 13

The Essential Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Essential

Is there a gluten free bread option?

Is the pasta made in-house?

Always

What weekday breakfast do y'all server?

They only serve pastries for breakfast during weekdays. Lunch starts at 11 on weekdays.

Do you have a lunch menu?

There is 1 menu served from 11am-10pm

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

The Fennec - 3:10 to Yuma available in The Foxhole Lounge

The Fennec

(117 reviews)

$$

Cool place for college games. You get a good variety of fans cheering for there teams. Huge screens…read moreto watch the games. They have a great SEC drink menu (recommended by our server) and the food was great with big portions.

2:30pm on a Saturday and it was not busy at all. Walked in and it looked nice, nothing super fancy…read morebut nice. I sat down and maybe the wobbly table should have been my first red flag. The chairs sucked to add to it. I find the bathroom, whoever thought it was such a good idea to put a faucet that high was special because you have to turn the water low enough or push the faucet to the side to prevent from it splashing all over you. My in-laws got there a few mins before us and got everyone waters which that was good. The waitress, it took her forever to come back by to ask for drinks or starters. Granted we were waiting for a few other people but my husband wanted a soda and we were going to go ahead and get an appetizer. I decide to stick with my water because I just felt like I would get a drink if I asked for something different. Which I was right. My husband had to wave the waitress down for his soda. She accidentally brought him diet. She never brought back his drink. I had to get up and ask the hostess about our his drink and that we were wanting to order an appetizer. The hostess apologized and said they were really busy. I know I had to fix my face because I looked around, saw our table, and two other tables, about 6 people at the bar that the bartender handled, and looked back at the hostess like, "wtf?" The rest of our group shows up. Waitress comes back. Still no drink for my husband and gets our appetizer orders along with the remaining drink orders. When the appetizers comes out, it was a guy who brought it to us and we asked him about the soda and he apologizes and gets it for us...finally. Nothing special about the appetizer just chips and dip. We finish it and once again...the waiting game. The rest of our group still had yet to get their drinks. She comes back after another long wait, drink less, and gets our orders. My father in-law mentions the drinks, she apologies, and gets them. The wait it took for our food to come was ridiculous. I hate to imagine how long we would have had to wait if it was actually busy. Maybe it might have been worth my wild if the food was phenomenal but the moment it was sat in front...I knew it was not gonna be good. I got the Alfredo with shrimp. It looked like some soup. The sauce to noodle ratio was not good. The sauce was so runny that I had to lean it and eat the noodle like Naruto eating ramen. 5 measly pieces of shrimp. The sauce was also very gritty. How something that is so runny also be gritty, I don't know but I've had lean cuisine frozen alfredo dinners better than this $29 plate. 3 of us ordered Alfredo, only one got a piece of bread but I'm not asking for bread because I don't want to wait 30 mins to get it. My son looked at me and legit said, "we should have just gone to Olive Garden" knowing good and well I don't care for Olive Garden but also knowing it would have been better than whatever this plate in front of me was called. When walking to my car, I looked at everyone and said, "I'm sorry but this place sucked. I've been curious about it and now that I've experienced it...there is nothing here that would bring me back." So I suggest spend your money elsewhere because there is nothing that makes this place standout enough to have the audacity to have nonexistent service and charge $29 for soupy Alfredo

Bygones Cocktail Bar

Bygones Cocktail Bar

(35 reviews)

I finally got to check out Bygones! My friend and I went for a late night bite and a cocktail, and…read morewe sat at the bar. The service was quick and the hospitality was unmatched. They have a food truck that I've heard wonderful things about and I ordered the chicken Caesar salad. It was almost like a chopped Caesar salad and it was just the right amount for a small girl dinner. If you like Parmesan cheese, this is a must order as they do not skimp on that! What was really nice however was that you couldn't tell the food was from a food truck. It was great quality and you are able to order from inside the bar and they deliver it to you. That was a great service. I can't quite remember which cocktail I got, but it was very delicious and at one point the server had even given me a new chilled glass so my drink would remain cold as I sipped on it. This is definitely a great date night spot or just a place to grab a drink with friends, definitely a little more upscale as we were there in the evening, so the lights were dim. I won't drop my rating as it's spring time in the South but I remember being cold immediately as I walked in- but that's typical for a lot of places.

Yall! Get down here!!! The absolute best SEXY bar ever. Sophisticated. Dark wood…read morecabinets....exposed brick walls ...black and brass fixtures...great music. But the real jam! The mixologist! These guys aren't bartenders! They have science in the back! I'm talking Suvied fruits and centrifuges! It's fabulous. So much so, my plane was delayed and I was thrilled to find out while I was still there! Drake and Dustin....Dustin and Drake they are Pros!

Paramount - Downtown Birmingham

Paramount - Downtown Birmingham

(477 reviews)

$$

I wanted to love this place SO BAD!! There's an attached arcade!!…read moreAnd the staff was SO NICE and friendly and helpful and I loved the industrial, creative decor. But we'd spent the day at McWane Center and we were starving so we were there to EAT! The food looked gorgeous but it tasted very meh. The onion rings had too much breading on them, which I didn't think was possible, but here we are. The part of the breading next to the onion was mushy so that threw off the texture of the whole thing too. The burger was very much like a Whataburger. Even the lettuce smelled the same. I got The Standard and the bun of the burger was a little mushy (similar to Whataburger) and there was not much meat. For an $11 burger, I'm expecting more than a Whataburger. My middle kid likes everything on her burger and isn't picky at all and the loaded kid burger looked impressive but it was about the same as mine. Not awful, but not very good either. Very close to the same amount of meat. She's the queen of the Clean Plate Club and she only ate half. The fries were good but a somewhat too salty, the dip that came with the onion rings was excellent and we ended up using it for the fries. We had 2 adults and 3 kids and our meal was $63 before tip for 5 waters, 2 adult burgers, 2 kid burgers, a kid grilled cheese, and a basket of fries and onion rings (I thought I was ordering a "side" of fries, not realizing I actually ordered a basket and it was a lot of fries and onion rings). We don't mind spending money on good food, but the prices here don't align with what you get. No one was more disappointed than me, I've been wanting to eat here for FOREVER!!!

We sat at the bar. Nice selection of beers. We had the three hander and my wife had a gourmet hot…read moredog called West Virginia. The food was perfectly prepared and surprised us how good. The bar was very busy but the bartender was very attentive. Great service. The ambiance was perfect for a corner bar downtown.

Tucana Tiki Bar - Tiki light

Tucana Tiki Bar

(46 reviews)

Tucana Tiki is a great experience from start to finish when you walk in it's like traveling to an…read moreisland oasis. They have multiple seating options; the first floor has booths that can accommodate smaller and large groups. The bar area is very inviting and fun to be able to watch your drinks being made and upstairs offers a more private area. When not seated at the bar they do have someone to come around to make sure you have what you need. The servers are very nice and tend to remember you, which is a great feeling. The menu rotates seasonally, which makes it easier to try new things. My favorite menu item so far has been the cheeseball that was on the menu around Christmas time. It had a great flavor served with crackers the only thing is when we came back after the first of the year it wasn't on the menu anymore. On my most recent visit I had the queso which also had great flavor, served with blue corn tortilla chips. When it comes to the drinks I like how on the menu they let you know how strong it is using toucans. Many of the drinks feature rum, but they do still offer some gin and tequila options. Everything I've had has been good and something I would try again. I would like to note that many of the drinks are fruity and can be somewhat sweet. At Christmas time they even had holiday themed drinkware which I felt was a nice touch. If you are not a drinker, they also have options for mocktails. Which has been great for me the last couple of months. I didn't care for the Phony Negroni, but I think Negroni itself might be an acquired taste

We have been watching to visit Tucana for a while now and finally got the chance tonight! We were…read morenot disappointed!! The service, staff, and ambiance were perfect for an early drink before dinner. The drinks are inventive and delicious! Drinks devoured: Breakfast in Pago, Melon Marauder, Bee So For Real, and Demerara Dry Float

The Essential - bars - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...