UNCASVILLE, CT (February 11, 2025) – Mohegan Sun and Tao Group Hospitality proudly announce the grand opening of Beauty & Essex, a stunning new restaurant
and lounge that fuses opulence with intrigue. The highly anticipated dining destination officially opened on Friday, February 7th, 2025, drawing a crowd eager to experience its award-winning cuisine, inventive cocktails, and signature speakeasy vibe.
With an 11,000-square-foot footprint inside Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Sky, Beauty & Essex seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern luxury. Guests enter through a curated modern-day pawn shop—a signature element of the Beauty & Essex brand—before discovering a multi-room dining event featuring:
- Pearl Lounge & Bar – An intimate cocktail haven
- Peacock Dining Room – A stunning space with artful design
- Locket Private Dining Room – An exclusive setting for private events
“Mohegan Sun has built a reputation for exceptional dining and nightlife, and Beauty & Essex takes it to the next level,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “In partnership once again with Tao Group Hospitality, we’ve blended top-tier cuisine and craft cocktails, creating an atmosphere unlike anything else on the property. Rockwell Group and JCJ Architecture have done an incredible job bringing this vision to life, ensuring every space – from the pawn shop entrance to the private dining room – feels captivating and inviting. We can’t wait for our guests to experience it.”
A Menu of Elevated Global Flavors
Beauty & Essex, co-founded by celebrity chef Chris Santos, has gained worldwide acclaim for its shareable plates, globally inspired flavors, and immersive dining. The Mohegan Sun location introduces a curated selection of signature dishes and shareables, with highlights like:
- Red Snapper Tacos with creamy avocado, mango salsa and chile crema
- Wagyu Steak Tartare with mustard and chive sticky rice
- Grilled Double-cut Lambchops with creamy polenta, port wine glaze.
- 24 oz. Dry-Aged Bone-in Ribeye with Beauty & Essex’s signature roasted garlic & bacon or smoked tomato glaze
- Little French Dips with slow-roasted prime sirloin, gruyère cheese, horseradish-garlic aioli, house-made au jus
- Gochujang Salmon with black garlic risotto, kimchi slaw, ginger aioli
- Oven Braised Chicken Meatballs with whipped ricotta, wild mushrooms, truffle
The restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu for guests seeking plant-based options, including Miso-Glazed Crispy Eggplant, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Kale & Apple Salad, and more.
“At Beauty & Essex, we take a playful approach to fine dining,” said Chef Chris Santos. “We want our guests to feel like every meal is a discovery—whether it’s a first bite of our famous Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Dumplings or sipping a craft cocktail that surprises the senses. Opening at Mohegan Sun is a dream, and we’re beyond excited to share this experience with new and returning fans.”
Handcrafted Cocktails & Curated Wine Selections
The beverage program at Beauty & Essex is just as captivating as the cuisine, featuring favorites like:
- Beauty Elixir – Bombay Gin, La Marca Sparkling Rosé, cucumber, strawberry
- O.D.B. (Old Dirty Bramble) – Casamigos Reposado, smoked blackberries, honey, ginger, lemon
- Earl the Pearl – Wheatley Vodka, Earl Grey tea, lemon, mint nectar
- The Woodsman – Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, muddled pear, allspice maple syrup, lemon
- Ice Spice – Patrón Reposado Mohegan Sun Edition, Ancho Reyes Liqueur, peach purée, Thai chili, lime
The wine list also features over 20 hand-selected labels, including Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (Italy) and BenMarco Malbec (Argentina).
A Speakeasy with a Hidden Entrance
At the heart of Beauty & Essex is its pawn shop-inspired entrance, a signature feature that surprises and delights first-time visitors. Curated by Lauren Kaminsky, aka “Gold Girl,” the modern-day pawn shop showcases a stunning collection of vintage treasures, all available for purchase. Guests can browse unique items such as
Fender, Ibanez, Gretsch, Gold Tone and D’Angelico guitars, classic Vox amplifiers, retro wall art, vinyl records, and rare jewelry. Among the standout pieces are Beatles memorabilia and other one-of-a-kind collectibles that make for the perfect conversation starters.
Beyond this unexpected retail experience, the restaurant unfolds into a multi-room dining and cocktail haven, where dim lighting, vintage décor, and plush seating create a transportive and unforgettable atmosphere.
A Thrilling New Chapter in Mohegan Sun’s Dining Evolution
Beauty & Essex marks another exciting chapter in Mohegan Sun’s partnership with Tao Group Hospitality, joining the highly successful TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge. As Mohegan Sun continues to expand its dining and nightlife portfolio, Beauty & Essex stands out as a must-visit destination for food lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and those seeking an unforgettable night out.
Reservations at Beauty & Essex can be made by visiting taogroup.com/venues. For more information and updates on special events planned at Beauty & Essex, guests can visit mohegansun.com.
To view and download additional imagery of Beauty & Essex at Mohegan Sun, click HERE.