Richmond's Millennial Slop epidemic strikes again. Overpriced, barnyardy hipster wine at a 500% markup and more over salted, unsubtle Richmond cuisine that can craft a cluttered plate but has not nailed down the basics of protein cooking or ingredient sourcing. My "Korean short rib" was a beautiful cut, first sliced and over marinated, ruining it with salt, then cooked on a high temp flat top, rendering the delicious beef tough, mouth-burning in its saltiness, and chewy. Absolute protein abuse. Thus was served on a rice cake that was ice cold cooked white rice seared and pressed in a pan. Could have worked if it was still warm, with a fluffy or chewy interior. As it was, it was brittle, hard, and unpleasant, just waiting to chip a tooth or dislodge a filling. Wildly overrated. Sorry to the very kind bar and kitchen staff. I took a few bites and rejected the food. I was not forced to pay. read more

This review is LONG past due, but I still talk about it. A Black-owned wine shop with good food, sign me up! I had wanted to go when I had heard about it online, so I had to try it when I was in town. Now, I'm not sure if it's on the menu still, but the mushroom conserva and the pappardelle with braised lamb, collard greens, cumin oil; So good! Well-balanced flavors, nice spice, and not overly oily. If they ever bring it back, get it. Such a welcoming atmosphere with great customer service! It does get very busy, so make a reservation. If I'm ever back in Richmond, this will be my first stop. read more

Clearly we love date night at pennys ! A black owned wine shop that had endless items and ideas for pairings. Let them know your flavor profile and they will hook you up. Service is always pristine. I love coming in! read more

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great vibe, staff were attentive and knowledgeable. Clean, cozy, wonderful smells emanating from the kitchen. I am so glad we stumbled upon this gem after a lackluster dinner up the road. WIll definitely return And probably try that delicious smelling roast chicken we saw heading to another table. read more

From the moment we stepped into Penny's Wine Shop, we were welcomed with genuine warmth. The cozy space, soft lighting, and relaxed ambiance made it feel like dining at a friend's home--if that friend had an impeccable wine collection and a talent for exceptional cooking. The staff was not only knowledgeable but also effortlessly helpful. The meal itself was a journey of bold yet balanced flavors. We started with the honey butter and bread, a deceptively simple dish that left a lasting impression. The bread was served with a small bowl of whipped butter, lightly dusted with sea salt. At the bottom of the bowl, a pool of dark, rich molasses-honey infused the butter with a gentle sweetness, making every spread a perfect bite of salty, creamy, and sweet. The braised cabbage was an unexpected standout. Cooked in broth and miso butter, it had a melt-in-your-mouth texture and was elevated by manchego crunchy bites and a smear of olive paste. The flavors were deep and umami-rich. Next came the cavatelli Bolognese, a comforting and hearty dish. The pasta had a satisfying chew, coated in a rich, slow-simmered meat ragu and finished with fresh herbs. Every bite was deeply flavorful, making it the kind of dish that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over. If you're up for it, I dare you to dip the cavatelli into your leftover honey. One of the most creative dishes of the night was the pho-inspired beef and broth. The tender beef was paired with a subtly complex broth that was both deeply flavored and delicate. The balance of richness and warmth made it a true standout--an inventive take on a classic that felt both familiar and refreshingly new. No meal at Penny's would be complete without dessert, and the sweet offerings were just as memorable as the savory ones. The horchata Basque cake with ube was a masterpiece--creamy, caramelized, and infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. The addition of ube added a subtle earthy sweetness that made it even more special. The pink pearl apple dessert was another highlight. Thinly sliced pink pearl apples were arranged beautifully and topped with a silky saltan, caramel sauce and crunchy manchego bites reminiscent of granola. The combination of textures and flavors was both elegant and satisfying. From start to finish, Penny's Wine Shop delivered an exceptional dining experience. The thoughtful execution of each dish, the welcoming service, and the intimate setting make it a true gem in Jackson Ward. Richmond may not have a Michelin-starred restaurant yet, but if it did, Penny's would certainly be in the running. Can't wait to see the menu offering for April! read more

We had a really nice evening. Lance was our server/sommelier. We enjoyed his time to talk about the wines. While all of the dishes were very good, the celery root soup really stood out. Maybe it was the bacon and shallot crumble. Regardless, get it. This is definitely a date night spot. We will be back. PS - The restroom was spotless. Well done, Penny's. read more

Walking up you'd think you're on a little European street. Inside the vibe is great, delicious food, awesome wine selection and good music. Everyone there is super helpful and friendly. The prices were a little higher but I believe it's worth it! Every single dish we got was superb. The loaf with honey and butter was liquid gold. Beef rendang was cooked so well and melted in your mouth. The dessert was a savory sweet blueberry, whipped ricotta and toffee situation and just get it, it was very unique! We will be back!! read more

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Penny's Wine Shop is my favorite wine bar in Richmond. They have incredible wine and food at this local gem. Owners Lance and Kristen are part of what makes this space so special. Lance always makes a point to say hello and ask how your day is going. This spot oozes charisma, both in the people who work here and the atmosphere. The exposed brick, cozy decor, and stoplight all add to its charm. It offers the best vibe possible. You're probably wondering about wine. This is an organic and natural wine dream come true. They rotate between so many incredible wines. Belle is one of my favorite servers here. She always goes along with my weird requests and brings me something perfect. I especially love their Lambruscos. A recent favorite of mine has been the Rosso Matilde (got this after asking for a wine that would be perfect with chocolate cake). I feel like I live my French girl fantasy when I come to this amazing shop. You're able to buy a bottle to go or enjoy it in the shop. There is no additional corkage fee. The food is amazing here. Whether it'd be the classic Sub Rosa bread and honey butter or mushrooms & brassicas it's all so good. My friend recently got the short ribs and they were divine! Their menu changes a little with the season. I cannot recommend this place enough. read more

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A friend and I wanted to go here on a Friday, but because it's so small, we didn't want to chance it with a walk-in. Instead, we made reservations for the next night. Our server, Irene was so sweet and patient with explaining all the menu offerings and making wine suggestions. She gave us samples too, which was nice because I generally don't love the taste of wine, though I do drink it for ~vibes~. For food, we tried the duck fat potatoes (amazing), the pork chop, the mushrooms & brassicas. I also got a dessert, this un-crusted cheesecake - can't remember the scientific name but it was light and fluffy and absolutely bomb. The menu and wines change often, so come in with an open mind. And make a reservation! It's quite small, but cozy and intimate. And the playlist! Gush! Everything was SO good and then I fucked up and left my to-go box behind. *Sob* But I live in walking distance, so I'll be back for sure! read more

Penny's Wine Shop - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I had such a great time here and can't wait to visit again. Parking is a pain in this area but I managed to find a spot on the street nearby. Everything was fantastic. From the sparkling white wine, to the rosé, the bread with butter and hot honey, the short ribs, potatoes, and squash soup... I have zero complaints about everything I consumed. Since the menu is small and seasonal, here are the deets for that night (Mar. 2, 2024): -- Bolet Cava Brut -- Borell Diehl -- subrosa country loaf: butter, hot honey, maldon -- kabocha squash bisque, brown butter carrot, pistou, creme fraiche -- potato dauphinoise, dubliner, fuji apple, green peppercorn, soubise -- beef short rib, sweet potato, sesame, scallion, braised vegetables They have a small rotating selection of wines by the glass but an array of wine by the bottle. I gladly ventured outside of my comfort zone based on the descriptions provided by our server, and both wines were crisp and refreshing. The space is quite small and can only seat about two dozen or so people at a time, so reservations are recommended. I can see myself popping in for a quick sip at the bar on a slow evening (if that even exists for this establishment). Adding to the chill atmosphere, the music was on point. The vibe is intimate but not necessarily quiet since a few tables can accommodate large parties. It's perfect. read more

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My friends and I had a truly awesome time on a Friday night at Penny's. We sat at the end of the communal table and delighted on delicious food and drink. The space is very cool. It's small, and there are pockets of nice and cozy. There are spots at the bar and about 10 seats around a central communal table. There are lots of historic signs and wine-inspired mementos. Do yourself a favor and get the bread with butter and honey as well as the whipped ricotta. Both were absolutely delicious. If all bread and spreads were like this out in the world, the world would be a happier place overall. We also got the potato dauphinoise - so good and pretty - as well as the kabocha squash and mushrooms. The veggies had some great textures, but the winner at the table was definitely the beef short ribs with grits. We shared one, and I feel like I could have had one all to myself. We got some great wine recommendations from Kendall - definitely wine we wouldn't have picked out ourselves. Lance came out to say hi a few times, which was also a nice touch. The place was very busy but did not feel overcrowded. Everything felt intentional. If you're lucky enough to snag a spot, go right away! read more

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I really love this little wine shop! Located in Jackson Ward (a quick 2 minute walk from Quirk Hotel/Broad Street), be advised that it is street parking but so worth a trip in! We did a tasting and were able to try four different wines - all natural. Our waitress was very knowledgeable of the wines and had great recommendations for other types of wine. It's a small shop but feels so comfy and welcoming. We will be back and telling all our friends about it! read more

Penny's Wine Shop - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I wish it was possible to give six stars, this place is by far one of the most vibrant and fun spots in RVA. We came in without a reservation (do NOT recommend - make a reservation before you go, it gets busy!), and our server was very kind and recommended a time we come back. We managed to snag a table then and ordered as much as we could! I love that the servers bring a bottle to you based on your preferences. He asked us for flavor notes, price range, and other details before bringing a great chilled rose under the price we'd asked! Really fantastic service. The food here too is excellent. Even the simple buttered bread with pepper honey is all very high quality components to make an excellent snack. We particularly loved the whipped cheese, which they prepared with nuts on the side per an allergen request. This is an excellent place for a nice dinner, for a wine picnic, for a special occasion, or to make any day feel like one! I can't wait to go back. read more

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Penny's is an intimate wine shop tucked on Brook rd near Gallery 5. My friends and I visited a little after 5 and it was empty, but by the time we left closer to 7 it was pretty packed. The service, immaculate. Our server helped us find the perfect wine that we would both enjoy. That was a grinder vetliner, which was crisp with hints of fruit. Half way through we decide to get the bread app. Of course the sub rosa bread was delicious, but the mix put it over the top! Honey, salt, and butter - amazing. I'll have to come back when I have room for dinner, because everything that came out the kitchen looked and smelled great. read more

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Penny's wine shop is an all around spectacular experience!! I attended a private event recently and every part was incredible. The art on the walls can capture your attention for the entire meal, and the energy is so warm and inviting! As someone who doesn't drink alcohol, I felt included in the meal with delicious non-alcoholic options. Every bite was packed with flavor. The potato dauphinois was perfectly crispy on all sides. And the tamarind short rib melts in your mouth!! The team is so knowledgeable and friendly. I will definitely be going back! read more

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Love this wine shop! I have a gift card that I won in a fund-raising auction and they helped me pick out three great wines... 2 reds and a white. All were delicious!! I did not eat the food there as I had to get back home but the menu looked appetizing and will return for the food and wine. read more

I was visiting my sister in Richmond and my sister follows local chefs and food influencers on instagram. She said one local chef had just gone here and recommended it. This place is truly unique. It used to be a gelato shop and has a few nods to the previous owner with the decor which I thought was a really nice touch. Our waitress was also extremely nice and knowledgeable. We got a melon salad, octopus appetizer, and a cheese board. All were paired nicely with a bottle of rose which was perfect for the humid weather that night. Can't say better things about this place! read more

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I *loved* my first visit to Penny's and will def be back! It's located in the old Stoplight Gelato spot in Jackson Ward. They've kept the stoplight and gelato, which was sweet of them to do. I walked in first and was greeted by Lance. He remembered me from a January YEE and said that we could sit either on the cute little two person couch or at the bar. I chose the couch. He gave an energetic explanation of each of the available wines by the glass, and it was obvious he loved his job. I ordered the rose and my friend had a dry white. They were delivered by Megan, and she was just as nice as Lance. I also ordered the marinated olives -- delightful. I'd love to head back and try more food and wine varieties. It's such a cozy spot! read more

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Super cute, quaint wine shop on Brook Rd! Penny's is a black owned wine shop that offers a variety of natural wines, tapas, and dinner options. My husband made reservations for Penny's on a Friday night and it was jammed packed. I will say that the space isn't very large and ideally would work for parties of 2-4. While we were waiting to be seated we were greeted by the staff and offered a space near the bar to order wine. I tried a natural Rose' which was delicious. We ended up ordering a bottle once we were seated. We also ordered a charcuterie plate with speck, cheese, spread, and baguettes. I also added sourdough bread from sub Rosa bakery, because why not!? Our waitress was extremely knowledgeable and friendly! Her knowledge of all of the wines was superb! She was extremely personable and made us feel very comfortable. We also had a chance to meet the owner and he was also very friendly! This is definitely a place you should try! I would recommend getting a reservation because seating is limited. read more

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Great wines, great service and great food. Can't go wrong. We did a wine tasting and had the cheese plate, everything was great

Visited this brick and mortar on Valentine's Day and it was a great start to the night. The staff was aaammmmaaaazzziiinnngg!! They gave us our suggestions, kept the glasses filled, educated us on the wine selections. Love the decor, the art, the plants, and the tapas!! Would totally recommend and the BIG plus ... Black owned! read more

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Birthday date night, so welcoming, lovely vibe, full of happy, friendly people, and the food and wine are outstanding. My favorite place downtown. read more

Penny's Wine Shop delivers excellent service, delicious food, and a charming space full of character (and wine!). The five of us snagged the second half of the communal table, and while the restaurant was busy that Friday night, it didn't feel overly crowded. Our server shared helpful recommendations to ensure we had the best food and wine experience possible. Lance - the owner - also came to our table to say "hi" a few times, which added a personal touch. I'm not much of a drinker so the food stole the show for me. We started with the bread and butter and whipped ricotta - the bread was warm and fresh, and the butter and ricotta were lightly whipped and delicious. We also got the mushroom served atop of a stellar romesco sauce, potato-layered dish, and squash. As a main entree, we got the short ribs over sweet potato grits - this was one of the table favorites! Go with friends and be merry! read more

Stopped in with my guy on a rainy Saturday afternoon. We were warmly greeted and advised to choose our own spot. Luckily the white couch by the window was available and a comfy seat for two. I was surprised to find only one offering for each type of wine (bubbles, white, red, rose) on the menu but the place IS listed as a wine shop, not a wine bar. The red was chilled which we aren't fans of so were suggested a bottle from their shelf offerings. The staff was very helpful and made suggestions based on our preferences in wine. But due to the corkage fee and not wanting to commit to a bottle of wine from an unfamiliar region, he decided on the glass of red and I had the rose. We enjoyed our time and the quiet environment. Hope to go back to check out the food menu! read more

Penny's Wine Shop - Rose and chilled red (bottled wine offerings in the background) - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Stopped in for a quick visit on a solo trip, before heading back to DC and Penny's is definitely a gem. I saw on their IG that they were hosting a tasting and I was right on time. I am particularly interested in learning more about the surrounding neighborhood which is what drew me. Parking is on the street but no issue for me. I was greeted warmly by the owner as soon as I walked in. And even though I knew noone, it's a very communal space so I struck up convos w/ a few as I sampled different varieties. I love the ambience and decor and the beautiful natural light. And they offer amazing selections. Oh and a dj was spinning amazing tunes! If I had more time I definitely would've hung out longer. I will dine next time. Lance was wonderfully attentive and so friendly. I bought 3 bottles and hit the road jack. Can't wait to come back. read more

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Absolutely wonderful! The service, the food, and the wine were the best. The food is innovative and an explosion of flavor. It was super chill, never felt rushed. The team working were amazing and so friendly! read more

My husband and I had drinks at Penny's Wine Shop when were visiting Richmond a few weekends ago! We were staying in an airbnb a few blocks away, so we walked over after dinner. It's small, but they have a few tables inside and a few outside as well. It was a gorgeous evening and an outside table opened up just as we arrived - what luck! The service was great - our server walked us through what was available by the glass (they also have a lot of bottles for sale inside). We ended up choosing a skin contact/orange wine that we really enjoyed and each had a second glass of before we had to leave to catch a concert at a music venue nearby! I wish they had a few more options by the glass, but it was a great little wine bar with a great selection of interesting wines, very good service, and chill vibes. I'd happily return when I'm back in Richmond! read more

Penny's Wine Shop - Orange/skin contact wine by the glass - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

A natural wine bar tucked in an artsy street, Penny's definitely has its own unique flair and style. The small intimate shop could probably seat 20 at full capacity, with quirky decor like a full size stoplight hanging from the middle of the ceiling setting the tone for a fun experience. That being said, the variety of natural wine in stock and on display also set the tone that at Penny's, wine is taken seriously. We were recommended a bottle of Italian red to go with our dinner and the medium body and vanilla notes paired very well with our food. Our server was attentive and brought several bottles to the table for us to learn about before choosing one. The food itself was very well executed no frills delicious food. The oyster mushrooms with garlic conserva and focaccia was a nice burst of flavor, definitely a simple dish in its design but executed nearly as well as it could've been done. The olives we ordered were also a nice surprise as they packed a very citrus forward flavor unlike any olives I've had before. The swordfish with rice, collards, and pear slaw was a surprising flavor bomb of a dish. The swordfish was poached perfectly and the seafood flavored broth sitting at the bottom of the dish was packed with an unctuous seafood umami that added, not overwhelmed the dish as a whole. The confit chicken thigh with cherry tare and fried rice was also executed very well. The chicken was crispy, the fried rice was cooked perfectly with a complex flavor profile reminiscent of mirin and soy, and the cherry tare balanced out the whole dish with pops of acidity and sweetness. Finally, the dessert was excellent and had a good savory/sweet balance. The slightly acidic savory pears contrasted with the sweet fluffy torched meringue made the dish unique and memorable. The menu is small but this kind of menu is my favorite kind, straightforward food executed well. Definitely worth a visit. read more

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Please add this to your place you HAVE to frequent. The atmosphere, wine and service are beyond reproach. Lance, the owner didn't miss a beat. We had a private affair at this establishment and not only was the music, wine selection best bar none, but the appetizers were also five (5) yes 5 STARS - the presentation was beautiful. We will be back - this business deserves to be put in rotation! Cheryl read more

Penny's is a hidden gem that we are so glad we found out about! This place is our new favorite restaurant in Richmond!! The food is hands down amazing. We started dinner with the marinated olives and whipped ricotta - both delicious! For our entrees we had the braised short ribs, best in Richmond, and the duck confit special, best duck we've ever had. For dessert we took our waitress's suggestion and tried the spicy mango gelato and it did not disappoint! It was like a flavor explosion in your mouth! We are so excited to come back and try more food. If I could give this place 100 stars I would, it was that good! read more

Penny's Wine Shop - Short Rib - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

My wife and I tried this hidden gem for our anniversary and were not disappointed. Our server was through and efficient and offered suggestions based on what wines we typically go for and asked if we had any allergies when going over the food selections.Everything was delicious and tasted thoughtful paired. We even tried some new ingredients for us and left leaving with new favorite dishes, and all in a beautifully cozy shop! We will be coming back to try more seasonal items as they come along. read more

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One of the best meals I've had in Richmond. This place is definitely becoming a staple in our rotation. I have no photos to show because we were having such a good time at dinner with friends and everything was so delicious we couldn't wait to dig in. The cheese plate was a great start. We shared the trout, short ribs, asparagus, and beet salad. All were delicious but the short ribs were the standout for me. So tender and the sweet potato grits were out of this world. Our waitress recommended two different bottles of wine for us to share and both were fantastic. Don't miss the gelato for dessert. Pure perfection. read more

Just wow! The environment is cozy, lively and filled with greenery and thoughtful knick-nacks. I wanted to sit at all of the tables because they each had something different to offer. I adore the way there is a map of where the wine is sourced, which brings me to the fact that the owner is wildly knowledgable. Have you ever met someone that knows a little bit about everything? Someone that could hold a conversation for a good while and bring friendly, authentic energy? That is the owner of Penny's Wine Shop. I am a picky wine person and the owner helped me find something that tasted delicious! I visited from out of town and I want to go backkkk!!! Don't delay, check them out! read more

I am so grateful for this black owned business in the city. I love wine and recently got a chance to check out the food menus. I suggest trying the rosé. It is delicious The chef is great I'm familiar with his work because I follow him on Instagram. The establishment is somewhat new, so the staff are tweaking things to better provide service to the customers. I love the aesthetic inside. They have a great playlist for music and many wine bottles to purchase to take home. This is a great spot before or after dinner or when you are with your girls or if you are working remotely. read more

Penny's Wine Shop - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Ok, so this is my favorite restaurant in Richmond the food is absolutely amazing, they change menu very often so there I always smth new to try. But! THE WINE! The amazing selection of natural wine, so yummy. Also always smth new to try can't recommend this place enough! The stuff is super friendly and the decor of the place is such a vibe, if you love high quality food and wine - this is the place to be! read more

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Cute and quaint wine shop! The ambiance is very welcoming with smiling faces, light playing music, pictures throughout, exposed brick, fresh flowers, different colored themes and textures, and shelves filled with wine! This review is being written at 6:07pm on a Wednesday, and it wasn't super busy. When we walked in, we were greeted by Carolann (forgive me if I didn't spell it correctly) and Mel. A greeting goes a long way even in the busiest of times. Carolann offered us some waters, menus, and informed us of the drinks of the day displayed on the wall. We told her our preference in Red Wines. Mel then came over to the wall of wines and helped us to choose a wine comparable to Cabernet. It was a perfect choice! We enjoyed the wine with the Sobrosa Country loaf hot honey and butter. I will say is that it wasn't actually a loaf but three slices from the loaf. The bread tasted fresh, warm, with a hint of cheese flavor. The honey, butter, and sea salt really set it off perfectly! Overall, great atmosphere, customer service, and quality food and wine selection. We will be back again to try something different probably during dinner time. read more

Penny's Wine Shop - Grifalco Gricos Red Wine - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Immaculate vibes and delicious food!! I came with some friends on a Friday night and was so impressed by everything. The server was knowledgeable and helped us picked great wine and was really friendly. The food was also so flavorful and some of the best bites in Richmond. I'm so happy that they opened and I will definitely be back. read more

Penny's Wine Shop - Korean beef short rib - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I've already written a review for this amazing place but today I had something different that I wanted to rave about. I typically had ordered this delicious mushroom dish that sadly is no longer on the menu (I almost cried) so I went for the duck. And holy......It was INSANELY delicious. The different variety of textures and taste all blended so well together. It was seriously 10000 stars!!!! Bummed I didn't get to see the ever so friendly- Lance (to beg him for the mushroom dish to come back) but it was still an excellent visit once again to Penny's. A pure gem! Thank you to everyone there who makes the experience so great! I was so hungry I didn't take a picture. :( read more

Great find. Walked over from hotel for night cap. Got a beautiful outside table. The server was excellent and knew his wines. Really neat spot. read more

Run. Don't walk to Penny's. The wine is positively delicious. Its summer. Try a rose. Get the whole bottle. The food lives rent free in my head. Definitely, have the shrimp and braised short ribs. And also have dessert. I don't know where the Gelato is from but the mango and passion fruit were bursting with flavor. I may have forgotten my own name. The inside of the shop is small but cozy and feels like a warm hug from a dear friend. Great for date night or just a Kiki with some girlfriends. And the service is the best part. Attentive, knowledgeable staff will make you forget that you are spending probably more money than you want but its all ultimately worth every penny. read more