(212) 481-3800
159 Lexington Ave
New York,
NY
10016
40.7437
-73.9815
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Kips Bay
Reviews & Ratings for Penelope
48 reviews
What users are saying:
Delicious Comfort Food
by MorrisonJames
Penelope is our neighborhood favorite dining spot. The food is always delicious and the service friendly. Their menu changes by the season, but they've always got their amazing chicken meatball. Their brunch is also a must - definitely worth the wait!
I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant looking for a casual, low-key place to dine.
- Pros: Fresh Healthy Food, Delivery
- Cons: One Small Location
Reliably good.
by sonofjorell
My wife and I usually go to Penelope's for breakfast, and we always enjoy our meal. Several times we have brought out of town guest, and they have also enjoyed the spot. Even after a year, one out of towners still comments on how much they liked Penelope's. I am bringing my mom and dad there today, as I know my mom will love the atmosphere, and my dad will love the food.
- Pros: Good food, cute atmosphere
Ignorant vs Indifferent
by Yanique
I went there with 2 other African American woman. The waitress brought out food and never came back. The waitor who was apparently covering for her was rude and ignored us. We had to ask the busboy to get him for our check. When he did come around, he referred to us as "girls." When he came with the check he through it on the table. To add to insult, we decided the service did not merit a tip and left. He followed us outside and asked why the waitress he was covering did not get a tip, if there was a problem with the service???? I emphatically responded, "YES, it was horrible."
- Pros: atmosphere was nice. Lots of sunshine and breeze
- Cons: service!
Mac and Cheese Me
by Nativeyork
Friendly service, quiet and low key. Fair prices and nice beer on tap selection. Best place in neighborhood.
- Pros: Example: best croissants in town
- Cons: What are the drawbacks?
West Village feel in Gramercy
by ajk1
Heard good thing about the brunch, but wanted to skip the lines, so decided to try it out for dinner. Was not disappointed. We ordered the fish and chips - very fresh - and the chicken meatballs. Doesn't sound very good, but was very delicious. Their hand-cut fries are good, too, so don't order them if you're on a diet! The ambience was very west village-ish: dim, loud atmosphere and casual waiters (and service). Very low key, but good food.
- Pros: Good food, casual atmosphere
- Cons: If you're looking for attentive waiters, go elsewhere
Best of the Best!
by tj1984
It is by far one of the best places to eat Brunch. Yes, the wait is long, but it is all worth it. The food is great, my favorite: The waffles, and also the fresh OJ.
You must go, it's addictive.
Best brunch in NYC
by KCB311
Looking for a brunch spot? Hungover? Too lazy to leave the house? This place has it all. Been here a few times, mainly New Years Day's over the past few years. The brunch menu is unbeatable.
- Pros: Brunch
Tasty,Cheap
by fflockk
Tasty, cheap, and a lot of meat. I ordered the chicken meat ball and it was perfect, --the portions are very generous here; so, come prepared to eat! All I can really say is the food here makes you full and happy. Downside to this place is the parking, although the later you come, the better, and service is great all the time.
- Pros: food,service
Must Go!
by huqleberryDOTcom
Upon a recommendation from close friends, I skipped work today and took a stroll up 3rd Avenue to 30th and Lexington. I have mentioned downtown campiness before and this eatery had a couple suspects, but for the most part I loved the crowd, wait staff and especially the food. After a short debate on the influence of their decor (French country or English cottage) we decided to f**k it and enjoy the meal with nice conversation. When entering Penelope there is a baked goods section directly in front of you. Apparently the carrot and red velvet cake is delicious.
We decided to forgo the treats though and jump right into our meal. First off we ordered what was definitely the best spinach artichoke dip I have ever had (came with assorted homemade breads). I thought this dish only existed in the realm of frozen foods and chain restaurants so I was somewhat skeptical but in the end I was eating off the spoon. I washed the dip down with an Arnold Palmer as my main course was just arriving. A classic lobster roll piled atop a fresh baked brioche and a side of homemade fries. It was a little heavy after the dip, but delicious nonetheless.
My date opted for the "really really good" (her words) chicken meatballs accompanied by a lemony dressing and an arugula salad. The way the menu read you would be hard pressed to find something you would not like. I cannot explain how enjoyable this meal was, you simply have to see for yourself. We ate at around 4 o'clock but I have heard the brunch is amazing/the best. Fair warning there is known to be a wait during lunch when the mid town power hour is in effect, but we had no problem. Lastly, probably some of the best service I have had in a while. I absolutely loved everything about this place so please don't take anyone who will annoy me.
Overpriced and Overhyped
by bmar137
Been there two times for breakfast. The food is average, but not worth the bill. The menu is extremely over priced, and you do not get what you paid for (small portions and french fries instead of home-fries). The staff isn't very friendly and seams to busy to deal with you. It takes a long time (45 minutes) to get a table and the food is not worth the wait. I don't think you would be able to tell the difference between diner food and this place. On a positive note, the place is clean and has a trendy feel to it. In my opinion, I think Penelope's is the flavor of the month and it's more hype than anything. Definitely, don't waste your Saturday morning waiting for a table at this place. Not worth it.
- Pros: Ambience
- Cons: Service and Prices









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