Essen

What is Essen? Operating at 3023 Bathurst Street just south of Lawrence Avenue West, Essen is a kosher fast-casual takeaway and sandwich shop from the team behind neighbouring Bubby's Bagels. The utilitarian, brightly lit room focuses squarely on efficiency, featuring grab-and-go coolers and limited casual seating geared toward quick lunches and neighbourhood takeout runs.

Essen Menu & What to Order The COR-certified glatt kosher meat kitchen focuses on indulgent comfort classics, anchored by griddle-seared smash patties like the Double Essen layered with grilled onions and tangy house sauce. Deep-fried poultry is equally central, from the cornflake-crusted Lakewood Schnitzel Club to glazed Fire Poppers and tenders. Thursday nights bring traditional Ashkenazi weekend staples to the forefront, drawing regulars for hearty slow-cooked cholent, peppery yapchik, and overstuffed hot pastrami subs.

Know Before You Go Service is strictly walk-in, take-away, and delivery via online apps, with zero table reservations. Expect substantial rushes on Thursday evenings for late-night food runs and Friday mornings as neighbours pick up meals ahead of the Sabbath. Street parking along Bathurst can be tight during rush hour, but the 7 Bathurst bus stops steps from the front door.