UNCASVILLE, CT – Mohegan Sun and Tao Group Hospitality have opened Beauty & Essex, a new restaurant and lounge that fuses opulence with intrigue. The dining destination drew a crowd eager to experience its award-winning cuisine, inventive cocktails, and signature speakeasy vibe.
With an 11,000 sq. ft. footprint inside Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Sky, Beauty & Essex 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; Peacock Dining Room; and Locket Private Dining Room.
“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.”
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 such as red snapper tacos, Wagyu steak tartare, grilled double-cut lambchops, 24 oz. dry-aged bone-in ribeye, tittle French dips, Gochujang salmon, and oven braised chicken meatballs. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegan menu for guests seeking plant-based options.
“At Beauty & Essex, we take a playful approach to fine dining,” said Chef 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.”
The beverage program includes unique and creative cocktails and a wine list that features over 20 hand-selected labels.
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.
Beyond this unexpected retail experience, the restaurant unfolds into a multi-room dining and cocktail space, where dim lighting, vintage décor, and plush seating create a transportive atmosphere.