Seemor
The Penrose BarB+Worth Trying
1590 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
· Bar, Bar & grill, Brewpub
· 4.4/5 Google (2387 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively UES gastropub with standout cocktails and solid comfort-food plates; busy vibe, good for groups and events, with occasional service inconsistencies.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Penrose Bar delivers competitive neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by a beloved burger and polished cocktails, but inconsistent execution and uneven service attentiveness during rushes prevent a higher grade. The lively setting appeal and loyal local following make it a solid destination for cocktails and casual dining, though it lacks the distinction to compete with the area's premier establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The Penrose hums with warm neighborhood energy—glowing lights, a fun crowd, and bartenders shaking polished cocktails. Guests rave that the team is friendly and on it when the room is flowing, though a few report hit-or-miss attentiveness at peak times. One diner summed it up: "A cozy, lively spot where the drinks feel special and the vibe just works." The cooking leans elevated comfort more than flashy: a beloved dry-aged burger, crisp shareables like bang bang shrimp and tots, and brunch plates from stuffed butternut pancakes to steak and eggs. Flavors are bold and satisfying, with occasional notes that some dishes run salty or a dip can miss the mark. This is a place for cocktail lovers and casual dates, where you can mix plates and linger without pretense. Families fare well here thanks to approachable crowd-pleasers: burgers, fries, mac and cheese, pancakes, and simple sides. While there is no dedicated kids menu, the options are flexible and familiar, making it easy to feed younger diners without a fuss.
At a Glance
- Standout cocktails and a reliable burger
- Lively neighborhood vibe great for dates and groups
- Strong private-event execution with attentive coordination
- Service can be uneven during rushes
- A few dishes read salty or inconsistent
What Sets It Apart
- robust_cocktail_program
- popular_private_event_space
- late_night_menu
What People Love
- Well-crafted cocktails with personality
- A juicy, dry-aged burger that anchors the menu
- Brunch plates that feel indulgent
- A warm, rustic room that buzzes without pretense
- Helpful staff when the floor is in sync
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency at peak times; occasional long waits or curt interactions
- A few reports of oversalted items or watery spinach-artichoke dip
- Pricing on cocktails can feel steep even if quality is high
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Tuxedo Hummus, Veggie Burger, Little Gem Salad, sides like tots and mac & cheese
- For shareers: Poutine Au Poivre and Bang Bang Shrimp
- For brunchers: Pancakes or Shrimp & Grits; add a cocktail special if offered
Perfect For
- A cocktail-first date night
- Weekend brunch with friends
- Casual birthday or engagement party
- Late-night bites after a show
Location Insights
Area: Affluent residential corridor with heavy evening foot traffic, popular for casual date nights and group meetups.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady pedestrian flow into late evening.
Nearby: Near Second Ave bar-and-bite stretch; close to neighborhood shops and other pubs.
YorkvilleYorkville offers a more relaxed and residential atmosphere compared to the rest of the Upper East Side, with a growing number of casual and mid-range dining options alongside traditional eateries. The dining scene is diverse, catering to local families and professionals seeking comfortable, neighborhood-focused restaurants rather than high-end or tourist-centric venues.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–04:00
Tuesday11:30–04:00
Wednesday11:30–04:00
Thursday11:30–04:00
Friday11:30–04:00
Saturday09:30–04:00
Sunday09:30–04:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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