Essex
Steak house · 124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, United States · United States
★ 4.8 on Google · 8,934 reviews · View on Google Maps
Manipulation score
Likely ManipulatedCompleted Jul 19, 2026 · 620 reviews flagged
How this score works
The score estimates how strongly this place's review record matches known manipulation patterns, from 0 (no signs) to 100. Verdicts: Clean below 40, Suspicious from 40, Likely Manipulated from 70. It rises with the share of reviews flagged and how suspicious each one is.
- Burst
- — an abnormal spike of five-star reviews in a single day compared to the place's usual pace.
- Low activity account
- — the reviewer has almost no other reviews, photos, or Local Guide history; throwaway accounts look like this.
- Duplicate text
- — the wording is nearly identical to another review of the same place.
Verdicts are statistical estimates based on public review patterns, not accusations.
Review anatomy
Reviews examined
1,000
Flagged
620
62% of examined
Flagged avg rating
5★
place average 4.8★
Reviews per month
| Month | Reviews | Flagged |
|---|---|---|
| May ’25 | 14 | 13 |
| Jun ’25 | 65 | 48 |
| Jul ’25 | 56 | 32 |
| Aug ’25 | 83 | 52 |
| Sep ’25 | 31 | 13 |
| Oct ’25 | 68 | 52 |
| Nov ’25 | 104 | 73 |
| Dec ’25 | 109 | 65 |
| Jan ’26 | 99 | 53 |
| Feb ’26 | 50 | 23 |
| Mar ’26 | 62 | 42 |
| Apr ’26 | 115 | 96 |
| May ’26 | 85 | 32 |
| Jun ’26 | 24 | 0 |
| Jul ’26 | 35 | 26 |
Rating distribution
Evidence
-
burst
27 occurrences — worst: 46 five-star reviews on 2026-04-11 vs avg 1.2/day
weight 1
Show all 27
- 13 five-star reviews on 2025-05-31 vs avg 0.0/day
- 6 five-star reviews on 2025-06-07 vs avg 0.5/day
- 4 five-star reviews on 2025-06-08 vs avg 0.7/day
- 6 five-star reviews on 2025-06-21 vs avg 1.0/day
- 27 five-star reviews on 2025-06-28 vs avg 1.3/day
- 15 five-star reviews on 2025-07-19 vs avg 2.3/day
- 22 five-star reviews on 2025-08-02 vs avg 1.8/day
- 19 five-star reviews on 2025-08-23 vs avg 2.0/day
- 9 five-star reviews on 2025-09-27 vs avg 0.7/day
- 15 five-star reviews on 2025-10-04 vs avg 1.0/day
- 8 five-star reviews on 2025-10-11 vs avg 1.4/day
- 11 five-star reviews on 2025-10-12 vs avg 1.6/day
- 14 five-star reviews on 2025-10-19 vs avg 1.9/day
- 19 five-star reviews on 2025-11-15 vs avg 1.5/day
- 20 five-star reviews on 2025-11-22 vs avg 1.7/day
- 29 five-star reviews on 2025-11-29 vs avg 2.3/day
- 29 five-star reviews on 2025-12-06 vs avg 3.4/day
- 27 five-star reviews on 2025-12-13 vs avg 4.6/day
- 22 five-star reviews on 2026-01-24 vs avg 2.3/day
- 18 five-star reviews on 2026-02-01 vs avg 3.2/day
- 15 five-star reviews on 2026-03-07 vs avg 1.3/day
- 22 five-star reviews on 2026-03-14 vs avg 1.8/day
- 46 five-star reviews on 2026-04-11 vs avg 1.2/day
- 19 five-star reviews on 2026-04-12 vs avg 2.7/day
- 22 five-star reviews on 2026-04-25 vs avg 3.1/day
- 5 five-star reviews on 2026-07-05 vs avg 0.8/day
- 19 five-star reviews on 2026-07-11 vs avg 0.9/day
- low activity account 297 reviews flagged weight 0.8
- duplicate text 113 reviews flagged weight 0.9
Flagged reviews
Exhibit — 12 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena was the best!! Best bottomless
- caroline nicodemus ★★★★★ 2025-06-21 suspicion 95
- Lejla Torlakovic ★★★★★ 2025-06-28 suspicion 100
- Jeanine Khatib ★★★★★ 2025-08-23 suspicion 95
- Maya Denzel ★★★★★ 2025-11-15 suspicion 95
- Paige Twombly ★★★★★ 2025-11-15 suspicion 100
- Caroline Gingold ★★★★★ 2025-11-15 suspicion 100
- Saif Tariq ★★★★★ 2025-11-29 suspicion 95
- Liana Chait ★★★★★ 2025-12-13 suspicion 100
- Morgan ★★★★★ 2026-01-11 suspicion 79
- Julia Bonoan ★★★★★ 2026-04-12 suspicion 100
- Jenny Olivero ★★★★★ 2026-05-16 suspicion 100
- Julia Vito ★★★★★ 2026-07-11 suspicion 100
Exhibit — 10 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena was absolutely amazing great service food and atmosphere
- Sari Miller ★★★★★ 2025-07-26 suspicion 81
- Reid Dwiz ★★★★★ 2025-08-02 suspicion 100
- mia valeri ★★★ 2025-08-23 suspicion 56
- Pooja Dasgupta ★★★★★ 2025-08-23 suspicion 100
- Ghada Alkhaz ★★★★★ 2025-11-29 suspicion 95
- Hajer Ben mansour ★★★★★ 2026-01-03 suspicion 60
- Roberto Mercado ★★★★★ 2026-01-24 suspicion 95
- Avita Noronha ★★★★★ 2026-02-28 suspicion 54
- Daniel Ajabshir ★★★★★ 2026-03-14 suspicion 95
- Azaria Crawford ★★★★★ 2026-07-11 suspicion 95
Exhibit — 9 reviews, near-identical wording
LOVE HELENA SHE IS THE BEST
- Emmy Zobitz ★★★★★ 2025-08-24 suspicion 100
- Kate Van Houten ★★★★★ 2025-12-13 suspicion 100
- Sophia Mancinelli ★★★★★ 2025-12-13 suspicion 100
- Taina Gamory ★★★★★ 2025-12-13 suspicion 95
- Colleen Duffy ★★★★★ 2026-01-03 suspicion 100
- Emma Djoganopoulos ★★★★★ 2026-03-14 suspicion 96
- Lily OBrien ★★★★★ 2026-03-14 suspicion 100
- Jessica Min ★★★★★ 2026-03-14 suspicion 100
- Tara Bradley ★★★★★ 2026-05-10 suspicion 90
Exhibit — 7 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena was amazing! Thank you!
- Carrie Garcia ★★★★★ 2025-06-21 suspicion 95
- Fatema Zaman ★★★★ 2025-06-29 suspicion 81
- Kanithra Sekaran ★★★★★ 2025-12-06 suspicion 100
- caoimhe bogue ★★★★★ 2026-02-01 suspicion 100
- Patricia Campo ★★★★★ 2026-04-12 suspicion 100
- Alexis Riley ★★★★★ 2026-04-26 suspicion 100
- Kareema Alston ★★★★★ 2026-07-11 suspicion 95
Exhibit — 6 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena at Essex Brunch = good time
- Olujimi Scott ★★★★★ 2025-08-02 suspicion 100
- Nan Lin ★★★★★ 2025-08-23 suspicion 95
- Paige Townshend ★★★★★ 2025-12-13 suspicion 100
- Daniel Brill ★★★★★ 2025-12-13 suspicion 100
- Alex Beyer ★★★★ 2026-01-31 suspicion 75
- Benjamin Rivera ★★★★★ 2026-07-11 suspicion 95
Exhibit — 5 reviews, near-identical wording
Had a great bday brunch with Helena. She was amazing !
- Jennifer Laloma ★★★★★ 2025-05-31 suspicion 100
- Naomy Kaplan ★★★★★ 2025-08-02 suspicion 98
- Prashant Adhikari ★★★★★ 2026-01-31 suspicion 83
- Áine Kavanagh ★★★★★ 2026-02-01 suspicion 100
- Abigail Higgins ★★★★★ 2026-04-11 suspicion 100
Exhibit — 5 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena Essex brunch she was an amazing waitress
- Elisa ★★★★★ 2025-07-20 suspicion 85
- Antonio Junior ★★★★★ 2025-08-02 suspicion 95
- Jacqueline Chao ★★★★ 2025-08-23 suspicion 85
- Mike Joscelyn ★★★★★ 2025-11-15 suspicion 100
- Matt Davis ★★★★★ 2026-01-17 suspicion 65
Exhibit — 4 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena is the best waitress! she is so sweet and attentive
- Dan Cohen ★★★★★ 2025-08-24 suspicion 64
- Melissa Weber ★★★★★ 2026-01-11 suspicion 65
- Alysta Paneque ★★★★★ 2026-04-11 suspicion 100
- judith modica ★★★★★ 2026-05-10 suspicion 59
Exhibit — 4 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena was so amazing best waitress ever!!
- Lindsay Germaine ★★★★★ 2025-08-03 suspicion 80
- Kirsten Sparkes ★★★★★ 2026-01-24 suspicion 95
- Esther Choi ★★★★★ 2026-03-14 suspicion 95
- Chelsea S ★★★★★ 2026-04-11 suspicion 100
Exhibit — 4 reviews, near-identical wording
Kevin is the man. Best bottomless brunch in the world.
- Timothy Opar ★★★★★ 2026-03-07 suspicion 95
- Shweta Krishnamurthy ★★★★★ 2026-04-11 suspicion 97
- Vivek Kumar ★★★★★ 2026-04-11 suspicion 100
- sneha krishnamurthy ★★★★★ 2026-04-11 suspicion 97
Exhibit — 4 reviews, near-identical wording
Our server was Sofia, the best server everrr
- Willa Troy ★★★★★ 2025-10-04 suspicion 100
- Keren Kurian ★★★★★ 2025-10-11 suspicion 100
- Mary O'Grady ★★★★★ 2025-11-22 suspicion 95
- Nishi Shah ★★★★★ 2025-12-06 suspicion 95
Exhibit — 3 reviews, near-identical wording
maria was the best thank you maria
- Shira Linkow ★★★★★ 2025-10-26 suspicion 63
- Mehrad Alibabaei ★★★★★ 2026-05-23 suspicion 63
- Caroline Brutocao ★★★★★ 2026-05-23 suspicion 61
Exhibit — 3 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena was a great waitress! Excellent service.
- Thomas Perkins ★★★★★ 2026-01-31 suspicion 54
- Lauren Wolf ★★★★★ 2026-04-11 suspicion 100
- louise dalmais ★★★★ 2026-05-10 suspicion 75
Exhibit — 3 reviews, near-identical wording
First time visiting. Thanks to Helena for the great service.
- Prem K ★★★★★ 2025-06-08 suspicion 95
- Luz Sanabria ★★★★★ 2026-01-03 suspicion 79
- McKayla Taylor ★★★★★ 2026-01-24 suspicion 95
Exhibit — 3 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena was great, she was to the point and attentive!!
- Maggie Medvetz ★★★★★ 2025-08-23 suspicion 100
- Maria Fermin ★★★★★ 2026-01-03 suspicion 54
- Colin Simmons ★★★★★ 2026-01-17 suspicion 79
Exhibit — 3 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena was awesome! We love her
- Meaghan ★★★★★ 2025-07-27 suspicion 100
- Simar Chawla ★★★★★ 2025-12-06 suspicion 100
- Lauren Moussaid ★★★★★ 2025-12-13 suspicion 95
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Food and service were amazing! Maria was awesome
- Ariana Saavedra ★★★★★ 2026-05-23 suspicion 55
- Evie Agredo ★★★★★ 2026-05-23 suspicion 79
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Best service ever!! Helena is the best
- Rainnie He ★★★★★ 2025-12-13 suspicion 95
- Lizzie Harrison ★★★★★ 2026-05-16 suspicion 55
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena the goat - get her that tomahawk steak!
- Ryan Payne ★★★★★ 2025-11-15 suspicion 100
- Grace Ehrich ★★★★★ 2026-04-11 suspicion 100
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena was the best server! Great brunch
- Lindsey Schwasnick ★★★★★ 2026-01-24 suspicion 95
- Dara Fitteron ★★★★★ 2026-03-14 suspicion 100
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Helen at Essex was amazing! Came for Brunch and was amazing!! Would definitely come back! She is so cute ☺️
- Estefania Cook ★★★★★ 2026-03-07 suspicion 95
- Natalia Ocampo ★★★★★ 2026-03-07 suspicion 95
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Crystal is the best!
- Daniel Mazurek ★★★★★ 2026-01-24 suspicion 100
- Jesse Parker ★★★★★ 2026-01-24 suspicion 100
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena was an amazing server and we had such a great time with her!!!
- Erica Mao ★★★★★ 2025-12-07 suspicion 56
- Jill A ★★★★★ 2026-01-03 suspicion 56
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Best bottomless brunch in the city! Helena is the best!
- Melissa Lee ★★★★★ 2025-05-31 suspicion 100
- Shu Hao ★★★★★ 2025-12-13 suspicion 95
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Helena was the BESTTT! Great food and great vibes.
- Keya Ahrestani ★★★★★ 2025-08-23 suspicion 100
- Emily Milone ★★★★★ 2025-12-13 suspicion 100
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Our waitress Helena was so great!
- Sanjana Kuchipudi ★★★★★ 2025-08-23 suspicion 96
- Priya Nidamanuri ★★★★★ 2025-12-06 suspicion 96
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Nicole was amazing!!! best bottomless brunch!!
- Jenn Coatney ★★★★★ 2025-10-04 suspicion 95
- giana dipierdomenico ★★★★★ 2025-11-09 suspicion 79
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Sophia was an excellent waitress! Food was great as well.
- Cassandra Hill ★★★★★ 2025-10-12 suspicion 95
- Michael Brooks ★★★★★ 2025-10-12 suspicion 100
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Sophia was a great server! Great time at Essex!
- Alexis S ★★★★★ 2025-09-27 suspicion 95
- Dominic Ritchey ★★★★★ 2025-10-11 suspicion 95
Exhibit — 2 reviews, near-identical wording
Nicole was the best server ever!!!! Love her so much
- sarah lavin ★★★★★ 2025-06-28 suspicion 100
- Catherine O'Donnell ★★★★★ 2025-06-28 suspicion 95
Showing the 10 most suspicious of 507 remaining flagged reviews.
Aditi Tavan
2 reviews
★★★★★
2026-07-11
Thank you so much! Great experience. Helena was great.
Duru Izzetoglu
activity unknown
★★★★★
2026-07-11
Dayana Torres
1 review
★★★★★
2026-07-11
Love it
Max Paparozzi
1 review
★★★★★
2026-07-11
Helena was amazing
Waleska Carrasco
2 reviews
★★★★★
2026-07-11
yasss helena, hope you get that tomahawk steak queen
Mikayla L
2 reviews
★★★★★
2026-07-11
Helen B was great. Very attentive, polite, and funny. Great experience at ESSEX.
Melissa Mata
1 review
★★★★★
2026-07-11
If I could give Helena 6 stars I would! Amazing service and so so attentive and kind
Brooke Baker
2 reviews
★★★★★
2026-04-25
Erika is the best
Ashton Roth
1 review
★★★★★
2026-04-25
Erika S was amazing
Yiraida Diaz
2 reviews
★★★★★
2026-04-25
Our waitress, Erica was phenomenal
Report generated Jul 19, 2026. Reviews change — you can request a fresh investigation.
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