Penny

- 90 E 10th St 1st Floor, New York, NY 10003

In the bustling and dynamic East Village, Penny has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. More than just a restaurant, it's a dedicated seafood counter and raw bar that elevates fresh ingredients to an art form. Located directly above its acclaimed sister restaurant, Claud, Penny has carved out a distinct identity with its light, bright, and high-acid cooking. The atmosphere is intimate and trendy, with a long marble bar as the centerpiece, where you can watch the chefs meticulously prepare each dish. It's a place that feels both exciting and bustling, perfect for a dinner that feels special without being overly formal.

The menu at Penny is a concise but expertly curated selection of raw bar classics and innovative cooked dishes. The focus is on pristine, expertly sourced seafood, with many of the dishes being "untouched by heat" to highlight the ingredient's natural quality. From fresh oysters and clams to a stunning tuna carpaccio, the flavors are clean and satisfying. But the kitchen also shines with its cooked items, such as the whole Maine lobster poached with brown butter and herbs, a dish that has become a legend among regulars. The beverage program is equally impressive, boasting a refined and expansive wine list with a focus on small-production French bottles, perfectly curated to complement the seafood-forward menu. This dedication to both food and drink ensures a well-rounded and exceptional dining experience.

While some diners note that the prices can be high for the portion sizes, the consensus is that the quality is top-tier and the flavors are absolutely delicious. The service is often praised as excellent, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff that adds to the overall enjoyment. It's the kind of place where every bite feels like a discovery, from the simple perfection of a shrimp cocktail to the complex flavors of a roasted fish. For New Yorkers in search of a new favorite seafood spot, or for visitors wanting to experience a unique slice of the city's culinary scene, Penny offers a memorable and elegant dining experience that is well worth the visit.

Penny is located at 90 E 10th St 1st Floor, New York, NY 10003, USA. Situated in the heart of the East Village, the restaurant is a convenient and desirable destination for a night out. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse culinary offerings, and trendy atmosphere, making it a perfect setting for a sophisticated seafood counter. Penny is easily accessible via public transportation, with multiple subway and bus lines serving the area. This makes it a great choice for those looking to dine out without the hassle of driving and finding parking.

The restaurant has taken steps to ensure it is accessible to all guests, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance. The space consists entirely of bar and counter seating, which creates an intimate and interactive dining environment. While this layout is perfect for solo diners or small groups, it's a key detail to note for larger parties. The cozy and trendy ambiance is a major draw, and the design, with its beautiful marble counters and plush seating, makes it a comfortable place to spend the evening.

Penny's service model is focused on providing a high-quality, streamlined dining experience centered around its counter seating. It's an ideal spot for those who appreciate seeing their food prepared and interacting with the staff. The restaurant is a walk-in friendly spot, but also takes reservations, giving guests flexibility in how they plan their visit. Here is a breakdown of their primary services:

• Dine-in: The entire dining experience is at the counter, offering a unique and interactive setting where you can watch the chefs at work and engage with the staff.

• Accepts Reservations: Dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a spot at the popular counter. Reservations can be made on platforms like Resy and are typically released 14 days in advance.

• Walk-ins: For those who are more spontaneous, a portion of the seating is reserved for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a great opportunity to get a table even without a prior booking.

• Counter Service: The dining model is primarily counter-based, which adds to the trendy and casual atmosphere. It's a great spot for a solo meal or a date night where you can truly appreciate the craft of the kitchen.

Penny’s success is a result of several key features that set it apart from other seafood restaurants in the city. It’s a place that pays attention to every detail, from the freshness of its ingredients to the curated wine list. This commitment to quality and a unique vision makes it a standout destination. Here are some of the most notable highlights:

• Incredibly Fresh Seafood: The restaurant is celebrated for its pristine, high-quality seafood. Diners consistently praise the freshness of the oysters, shrimp, and other raw bar items, often noting that the quality is some of the best they've experienced in NYC.

• Unique Menu Offerings: Penny goes beyond the typical seafood fare with creative dishes. The Ice Box and Ice Box Plus are signature seafood towers that are highly recommended, featuring a curated selection of shellfish. The Sesame Brioche with Anchovies is another unexpected favorite that has garnered rave reviews.

• Award-Winning Wine List: The restaurant holds a Michelin Guide Sommelier Award, a testament to its exceptional and expertly curated wine list. The selection is refined and expansive, with a focus on small-production bottles that pair perfectly with the menu.

• Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The space itself is a major part of the experience. With its plush seating, long marble counter, and open kitchen, it's a stylish and intimate setting that's ideal for a romantic dinner or a night out with fellow foodies.

• Small Plates: The menu is designed for sharing and trying a variety of items. The small plates format allows guests to sample more of the kitchen's creative dishes, from the stuffed squid to the baked razor clams.

For more information or to inquire about a reservation, you can reach Penny at the following details:

Address: 90 E 10th St 1st Floor, New York, NY 10003, USA

When dining at Penny, a few dishes consistently stand out and are well worth choosing. The Ice Box is a fantastic way to start, offering a beautiful selection of fresh, raw seafood that's perfect for sharing. However, the Shrimp Cocktail is often highlighted as a showstopper in its own right—praised for its delicious texture, perfect poaching, and incredibly fresh flavor. Another must-try is the Sesame Brioche with Butter and Anchovies. This simple-sounding dish is a revelation, with many diners calling it one of the best things they've ever eaten. While it might seem odd for a seafood spot, it's a testament to the kitchen's mastery of seemingly simple ingredients.

For cooked dishes, the Stuffed Squid and the Clams with Smoked Potatoes are both highly recommended and noted for their excellent flavor and execution. The Tuna Carpaccio and Scallop with Morels are also praised as examples of the menu's clean and satisfying flavors. While some have found the Black Bass to be less than perfect on occasion, the majority of the menu, particularly the raw bar and small plates, is consistently outstanding. The dessert options are limited but delicious, with the Chocolate Mousse and Ice Cream Sandwich being popular choices for a sweet finish.

Ultimately, Penny is a place where you can trust the freshness of the seafood and the skill of the kitchen. While it's a splurge, the experience is a cut above many other restaurants in the city. The unique atmosphere, exceptional wine list, and commitment to high-quality ingredients make it a perfect spot for a special occasion or a memorable night out. Choosing to dine at Penny means choosing an experience that is both elegant and delicious, a true gem in the heart of the East Village.

Penny

90 E 10th St 1st Floor, New York, NY 10003, USA