The Penrose Bar
New York
The Penrose is dog-friendly on its outdoor patio, so bring a furry friend along for some outdoor relaxation.
The Penrose Bar, located on the bustling stretch of 2nd Avenue in New York's Upper East Side, presents itself as a lively gastropub combining a vibrant atmosphere with a robust menu. It offers a balanced blend of classic cocktails, craft beers, and a diverse food menu that aligns well with its gastropub label. The venue is known for its eclectic mix of vintage style and modern comfort, where patrons can enjoy brunch during the day or a vibrant nightlife scene until the early hours. The Penrose is particularly noted for its warm lighting and buzz, making it a dynamic choice for both casual gatherings and more celebratory occasions.
The menu at The Penrose spans various sections, providing a fresh take on cocktails, beers, and standard pub fare. Specialty cocktails feature unique ingredient combinations, while classics receive an artful twist. For those looking to unwind with a favorite brew, the beer and wine list is both expansive and thoughtfully curated. The food offerings, available for lunch, dinner, brunch, and late-night cravings, reflect the high standards of gastropub cuisine, designed to pair perfectly with any drink choice. Whether outdoors on the patio or seated at the lively bar, The Penrose consistently offers a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Reviews
Went recently went for brunch for a low-key family celebration (13 of us, with 3 little kids). We were perfectly seated, could enjoy our delicious food and drinks (nice, strong Bloody Mary's) in the relaxed atmosphere they've got going, could get up to talk to each other at the other end of the long table, and we had excellent service. We had such a nice time. We vowed to not wait too long to get together again, here. Thanks Penrose!
Had the best time here! Carson was super amazing to me and my group of 5. If you come, make sure Carson is your waiter! Food is delicious, drinks are yummy, and service is beyond amazing. Make sure you stop by!
The Penrose is an awesome and cozy spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner! They have delicious food, fantastic service, and plenty of seating. Their drinks live up as well, so definitely check this place out.
This restaurant is manly known as a quaint first date spot or a late night drinks destination. However, the Penrose has an underrated weekend brunch menu with a lively atmosphere and delicious creative food. The service can be slightly slow but understandable considering the crowds. It can also be a bit loud in the weekend but if that’s the vibe you’re going for, this won’t disappoint. The decor around the walls can also be very interesting if you take the time to look around.
We stopped by The Penrose for a late lunch after celebrating our friends’ wedding ceremony in Brooklyn — and honestly, what a gem! ✨ The vibe here is just perfect: warm lighting, upbeat music, friendly staff, and that true neighborhood energy that makes you feel instantly comfortable. I ordered the Penrose Dry Aged Burger & Fries, cooked medium — and it was incredible. Perfectly juicy, full of flavor, and easily one of the best burgers I’ve had in the city. We shared a few plates for the table, including the Spinach & Artichoke Dip and the Mac & Cheese — both were creamy, rich, and full of comfort. My wife had the Kale Caesar, topped with roasted chicken, and she absolutely loved it — super fresh, crisp, and perfectly dressed. I didn’t have any alcohol, just a club soda, but even that hit the spot — cold, bubbly, and refreshing. Everything about this place just feels right — from the food to the service to the atmosphere. If you’re anywhere near the Upper East Side, The Penrose is 100% worth a visit. We’ll definitely be coming back.
