Essex Ice Cream Cafe

There aren't a lot of options if you're waiting for the ferry and I appreciate this business working to stay open during the pandemic. It doesn't seem like the owner is comfortable working right now. The sandwiches were good.

These reviews are mixed so to help others interpret this one I'll say my family and I take COVID-19 seriously and wouldn't intentionally violate a policy or common sense, etc. and I totally respect a business owner's need to set and reiterate policies. That outlook didn't save us from being berated and spoken to like bold children any time we did something slightly out of line.

But I don't expect this "customer service" issue is just related to COVID-19- the owner also acted like our placing a "large" order (5 sandwiches) right after another group had ordered 6 was a big inconvenience and almost gave us the option to change our mind because it was all too much for her? I ordered an ice cream for my kid along with our food order and she said "yeah OK but it will be half an hour because I need to make these sandwiches." I'd think don't even put something like ice cream on your menu if it can only be served in between half hour sandwich orders. I hate to think what would have happened to this woman if a third group had come along to place an order (even for ice cream?)!

I started my review by saying there aren't a lot of options open here but I would still not go back to this spot, it just wasn't worth it. We felt uneasy for hours afterward and overheard the other group (who were masked and had absolutely been trying to distance) mulling over the same exact experience, going through everything they did and why they were berated for it.

My wife and I tried the eggplant pinwheel, Calzone and the caprese sandwich. All were excellent, I'm sort of upset I didn't get extra to take home. The clerk was very friendly and even gave us a free chocolate bar. Now yes, she did yell at a womam not wearing a face mask that was within six feet or her. That's not an indictment of her, there are signs all around her business and ya know, it's kind of a global pandemic. Be respectful, wear a mask, and enjoy some delicious food.

Fantastic baked goods, especially pies. The shop has a wide selection of excellent treats. Customer service can be brusque, as the owner is very sensitive to covid protocol, BUT great care is put into everything served- from the milkshakes, to coffee and the aforementioned pastries and pies. Don't listen to the haters on here.