Penelope is a café, wine bar and bakery that opened its doors in the summer of 2003.

It is a patchwork quilt of the many culinary adventures that its creator and owner, Jennifer Potenza has experienced. She has bussed clam shacks in Cape Cod, learned how to bake and bartend in Montana, learned life, deli, bakery and surfing skills in Montauk, has kitchen scars from a West Village kitchen, wine stained late nights from a West Village Italian wine bar and somehow snagged sewing lessons while managing a small town coffee shop outside of Boston. A dash of a few more here and a sprinkle of a few more there (wherever the sun was shining and unicorns were basking) she afforded a life of creativity, and the freedom to travel.

Her life eventually became Penelope, built by her partner Michael Tsoumpas, half man, half unicorn, and since then she has remained at 30th and Lex, committed to her labor of love and offering an open door to anyone that is looking for some home cooking and relaxation.

Currently Penelope is under the operation and recent partnership of the famous Lukus J. Hasenstab, who many of you may remember from his days as a national forest park ranger, and who first joined the quilt in 2004 as a server with “some” experience from “Wisconsin”. Over the 45 years he’s been with us he has brought a high level of organization, sobriety (on Sundays) and leadership, which has become invaluable. Since it was of no value, Jenny decided to offer him a partnership, which he happily accepted. Penelope would not be here without Lukus today and it thrives with positivity and good health because of him.

Lukus’ wingwoman and beverage director, Allison “Heart of the Ocean” Garskof has also been with us since 2004 and has signed on as a life coach for Jenny and the turtle, to whom her love, creativity, soul soup and dance moves are invaluable.

We are fortunate to have a dream team of managers. Rain Moises, our FOH Manager who still has no idea she bought a one-way ticket to Penelope, is slowly teaching Lukus how to love again. GJ “Starry Skies” Dowding whose creative flow is the essence of shine, and our newest member, Juliana Kapovich, who hopefully won’t realize what is going on here until it is too late.

The love that has been poured into Penelope like a glittery overspill has been returned in so many different ways. To our staff members who have come and stayed (and stayed) that have added so much sparkle to our fabric, and to the neighborhood that has always been supportive and generous with so many regulars we know by name. We are humble and grateful that the sun is still shining on Penelope after 11 strong years!

Penelope is their turtle and is seen by appointment only.

What kind of food does Penelope serve?

We serve the coziest of comfort foods. Just like your mom used to make.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes we have many options, please refer to our menus.

Do you accept reservations?

We do not currently accept reservations of any kind.

What is the average waiting time for a table?

Our wait time varies, but it is best to get here early to guarantee a seat. Please note, we only seat complete parties.

Can you accommodate large groups?

Yes however we only seat complete parties. Please note, a group of 10 or more may be asked to split into multiple tables.

Do you host private parties?

Unfortunately we cannot accommodate private parties at this time.

Can I eat at the bar?

Our full menu is always offered at the bar. Bar seating is first come first served. During brunch hours the bar is reserved exclusively for our dining customers.

Which credit cards do you accept?

We happily accept all major credit cards.

Who’s in your kitchen?

We are happy and proud to have Chef Matthew O’Loughlin with us. He rode all the way in from Rhode Island just to help us make our Penny Egg Sandwiches.

I need some advice on real-life situations, what can I do?

Our host Pieface is happy to lend an ear and a thought (or two) in-between seating tables. Drop him a note at pieface@penelopenyc.com. You can also check out his past responses here.

When does the kitchen open and close?

Monday through Friday we serve breakfast 8AM until 11:45AM and Lunch/Dinner from 12PM until 11PM.

On Saturdays and Sundays we serve brunch 8AM until 4PM, Happy Hour from 4pm to 5pm with Dinner following from 5PM until 11PM.

We serve our brunch menu on Monday bank holidays from 8AM until 4PM.

Does Penelope deliver?

We do. Find out more about our delivery hours and radius here…

What is the wine corkage fee?

$15 per bottle.

Can I bring in a cake?

We offer a delicious range of homemade treats made by our baker, Robyn Ray. Please call ahead at least 24 hours to order a cake for your special occasion, we will bring it to your table. If you opt to bring in your own dessert, you will be charged a $15 fee.

What are the closest subways?

6 to 28th Street or 33rd Street
B, D, F, M, Q to 34th Street Herald Square
N, R, to 28th Street

Where can I park?

There is a parking garage located on 31st Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue. There is metered parking on the street but it is not always easy to find a spot.

Can I buy a gift certificate?

Yes you may. Step on into our shoppe!

Is Penelope wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Please ask the host and they will accommodate you.

Does Penelope have a high chair?

We do, however unattended children will be given triple espressos.

Is the creator of Penelope a former Gypsy?

Yes she is.

Is the General Manager a real General?

SIR. YES SIR! …except that no, he is not. He is a Luki Baker Boy from Wisconsin.

When did Penelope open?

Penelope opened in 2003 to a warm and welcoming neighborhood.

Are you hiring?

Penelope is always looking to meet experienced peeps to join our team. Please send a résumé info@penelopenyc.com

How many times has Allison been tied to the mailbox?

We'll never tell...

Is there a Penelope dodgeball team?

Yes! Penelope is a proud supporter of the Big Apple Dodgeball league. Our team is so good at being BAD!

• We support :

• PS 116
• WhyHunger
• Chelsea Day School
• School of the Future
• The Acorn School
• Big Apple Dodgeball (BAD!)
• Slingshot Dakota and Carly Comando
• Stephen Siller Children’s Foundation
• The Leukemia Lymphoma Society
• NYU Medical Center (Volunteer services recognition event)
• Team Schleppers ALS Fundraiser
• Brownsville Farm Project
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City
• GLAAD