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Penelope
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (New) Bars, American (New) [Edit]
555 12th StSte 120
(at )
Oakland, CA 94607
Neighborhood: Downtown Oakland
(510) 834-0404
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 11 pm
Sat 7 pm - 11 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Alana L. said: "Oh, Terrace Room! I've passed you by for years during my power walks around Lake Merrit and I've always been curious to know more. Despite your extremely convenient location, you're never on my radar to visit. However, my curiosity…" read more »
124 reviews for Penelope
Review Highlights
"The customized cocktails are amazing from what I hear."
(in 32 reviews)
"I had a blackberry margarita with fresh blackberries."
(in 5 reviews)
"...they do their own habanero infused vodka and tequila."
(in 3 reviews)
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124 reviews in English
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Review from Jon B.
Excellent drinks. Cool bartenders. Yelp Drinks participant!
I love this place. I used to pass it all the time on the way home without noticing it, it's a little hard to see without knowing what you're looking for. Fortunately a friend started checking in there, and I stopped by.
The drinks here are a little on the pricey side (usually about $10 apiece, although I may just be used to dive bars), but Penelope is the first bar I've been to where it was worth every penny. Luckily I was able to try a few drinks for half off during the Yelp Drinks promotion, but I will have no problem coming back again and paying full price. Dan put together some of the tastiest cocktails I have ever had. And I've had a lot. A LOT.
The three drinks I've tried so far are the Oaktown Heat (Hangar One Mandarin Blossom Vodka, muddled ginger, lime, a kick of habanero vodka), the Pepinos del Amor (Tequila, cucumbers, lime, habanero tequila, spiced salt rim), and the signature Penelope (Tequila, fresh beets, apples, pears, lime). The Oaktown Heat is my favorite. I'm not even a ginger fan, but it works so well in this drink. It's refreshing, has a nice bit of heat to it, and has a good amount of booze without tasting too much like it. The Pepinos del Amor is similar with tequila and a less sweet flavor, with some of the habanero heat tempered by the cucumber. Genius.
Did I mention they do their own habanero infused vodka and tequila??!
The bartenders are extremely cool guys that make everyone feel welcome.
On Thursday nights, Rolando and his FiveTen Burger truck come by to serve up some good grub.
I haven't tried Penelope's food yet, but I can't wait to. Maybe on a day off I'll try it for lunch.
I think I've finally found my regular neighborhood bar. I will definitely be back! -
Review from Lana C.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
Cute little spot under the ASK building. Came with my friend and some of her work peeps. They have a neat selection of often rare beers, and the prices are pretty good.
Worth stopping in for a cocktail/beer. -
Review from cindy c.
Oakland, CA
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was introduced to Penelope by a LivingSocial Voucher. The bartenders are very friendly and give a generous pour. I would come back to try out their other drinks. Which from the reviews of other yelpers look and sound delish!
I went during happy hour 4-6pm, their well drinks are $5, and some tap beers are $4. They also have a HH special that is listed on their counter. Otherwise their cocktails are listed on a menu
Cute and Quaint place. The entrance is actually on Clay, on the corner of clay and 11th st. The spot is very small and it has many patrons but is not overly crowed where you are gasping for air. The outside has some tables for small group of people to sit and relax to have their drinks. -
Review from Lara W.
1/6/2012
CUTE and COZY, in that I'm-wearing-pajamas-with-lingerie-underneath way.
I saddled up to the bar with two senoritas to try the famed Pisco Sour. I had to take 'er easy with this bevvie because, whoa nelly, that was strong.
::end cowboy theme now because it has nothing to do with the place::
The bartender became more of a buddy then just a drink doctor when he noticed me run up to the door and press my cheek against it, not out of drunkenness but because I thought I saw a Warrior baller walking by (their practice facility is kitty-corner to the bar...good to know if you plan on stalking Klay Thompson in the new year). I really enjoyed the friendly conversation and attentive service. And concern for my cheek.
I wasn't sure I wanted to have a drink that night, both for caloric and work related considerations, but I am glad we stopped by.
And I signed up for a membership at the nearby Club One gym that very evening so I hope to treat myself to more of Penelope in the future.
Note: the patrons were playing some game of dice on the counter and not using it as a pickup, "notice me I'm smart" tactic as I've seen chess players do at Lukas. I like this.Listed in: Cool in your cup
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Review from Caitlin L.
Oakland, CA
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
I feel a bit ambivalent about this place. I loved the unusual and fresh-sounding cocktails (I had a scrumptious blackberry margarita with big chunks of blackberries); the bartender was really nice and friendly, but not too chatty; the decor is nice and I LOVE the big mossy "P" in the window. But I didn't love the noisy random dice game happening on the bar. It would have been a completely different experience without the dice game, but from the other reviews, it sounds like it might be hard to avoid. It made the place seem a little seedy and rowdy, but without the dice, I think it would seem cozy and chic.
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Review from Joe B.
12/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A wonderful, if small, spot for tasty, fruity, spicy, complex drinks in downtown Oaktown. Love the décor, and the cocktails are a kick in the pants and the palate. You'll end up sharing drinks to taste some of the more exciting flavors they've conjured up, fair warning. I had the Pisco Portón cocktail (don't know what it was blended with, but it was a sour drink) and it was excellent. She had the spicy drink - Pepinos del Amor I think - and it was a spicy relief from the Pisco cocktail. Any time I'm in the neighborhood Penelope will be high on the list, especially on a hot summer day.
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Review from Albert H.
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stopped by this little place when we visited a food truck parked out front. Just before six on a Thursday night, we had to pay for a half hour of parking, but were able to park right out front. Not crowded, but comfortably full.
There were two friendly guys behind the bar - no problems getting their attention or ordering drinks. We got a couple beers and a cocktail, all happy hour prices. Beers on draft included Stone IPA, Sierra Nevada, Dos Equis, Franziskaner and Chimay ... all except Chimay were $4 during happy hour. The $6 cocktail was made with muddled fresh fruit and a generous pour of rum.
They seemed to be having some foam issues with their beer lines, but our pours ended up just fine.
Overall, a nice spot for a drink after work, with some decently made cocktails and a couple good beers on tap. Would come back again. -
Review from Shiloe B.
Oakland, CA
9/17/2011
Went here last night specifically because I wanted a spot with food and drinks. Got to the bar, ordered a drink and asked for a food menu. Bartender brought my drink, charged me for it, and then said that they're not serving food tonight, they have a food truck.
Hold up. You're a restaurant and you've just decided to not serve food? On a Friday night?
Ok, so I order a super heavy breakfast sandwich from the food truck, not at all what I had in mind for dinner, but too hungry to go look for a new spot, plus I already bought a drink.
Go back inside to eat and there is this group of like 6 fools playing dice at the bar, which here, is about 18" away from where I'm eating. Dice seems innocent, I know, but imagine that every 45 seconds there is a crazy loud disconcerting noise behind you that sounds like a car backfiring (the thing being slammed down onto the bar) and then a bunch of middle aged drunks screaming like they just won in vegas. Add to that super loud sports on the TV, the radio blasting a stand-up comedy show (really guys?), and you get an environment is just painful.
Also, cold. Doors open all night, people huddled up on the patio, heaters can be seen but are not on. And bright.
All in all, I can't figure out for the life of me why this place has so many stars. No food, terrible ambiance. So so drinks. -
Review from Winnie C.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 9/2/2011
I suppose the owner Tung T. (who is not registered as the business owner so I am unsure) has informed me that "1) We are small yes, but we actually have 25 seats inside and 18 seats outside not 8 and 6 like in your review."
My apologies on that note. I did not mean to incredibly mess up the amount of seats available. No intentions of doing that, but it did look small.
I am also lowering my rating because I was falsely accused of wreaking havoc on their bathroom, which I am extremely miffed by since I did no such thing or anything like. I have much more respect for other peoples' property even if it is something revocable.
Tung T. states and I quote, "Lastly, one of the guys in your party went in our bathroom and pulled out all the drawers and left them out for no good reason. Why did you guys do that? If we screw up on service or product, please let us know and we will rectify that, but to vandalize the place was not cool."
Thank you for also insulting me.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/23/2011
It is a nice place, but it is extremely tiny.
Possibly 8 seats inside, 6 outside. Outdoor seating =… Read more »
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Review from ChubbyBunny I.
Oakland, CA
7/28/2011
Identity Crisis.
I've been here 4 times. the drinks *are* nicely made and there isn't much in this part of the neighborhood.
Loved it the first time, the following three times the atmosphere was sports bar but the decor and cocktails are not - creating such a disconnect that I downed my drink and was out of there in less than 30 minutes.
All I could think was "identity crisis". Something very off putting about the chic interior mixed with the blasting television or the radio pop at top volume.
Television up very loud (not on "major game or news days" just general wednesday night) and it felt like a sports bar heart stuffed inside an urban loft. Like, my girlfriend is into this urban chic and ahi but I just want a cheeseteak and the game with my feet up. The experiences I've had there just don't mix with the look and feel of the bar or the cocktails or the pricing.
I thought it was just me or a mood or just once but I have a studio in the area and have been in several times.
I like loud, I like sports bars, I like chic, I like intimate, I like dive - I'm an equal opportunity bar goer. I've resisted reviewing this place, but it needs to be said...
One experience, I took a good friend from out of town thinking it was close to his hotel and it was nice for a lot of cocktails and a lot of talk at a little table... but with the tv blasting on high, the bartender eating take out BBQ in a plastic container on the bar with bbq sauce on his hand taking our order, the other proprietor egging on the sloppy drunk regular to sing songs, I thought I was just there on an atypical slow weeknight. We had a better time at another bar near the hotel that we expected to be loud & raucous, and that was great!
I guess I'd rather be at a bar that matches its advertised style than be aurally assaulted at one that looks like it will be quiet and chic and is anything but.
Anyway, I thought "well they had a bad night". The next two times I took friends it was basically the same - TV blasting and destroying the atmosphere making me feel like a chump with my $8 cocktail or as though I was steering my friend wrong and we moved on immediately after. The last time we were in and out without even having a drink, as we were waiting for the tender, we looked and said "you wanna go to "...other bar nearby..." and we scooted out.
I guess I won't be back.
Suggestion for the bar - just pick your style and go with it. Oakland will still want a bar in the area. Bars and Restaurants are often about "feeling" "style" and etc. Your style doesn't match the feeling I've had there 4 times, time for me to find another watering hole. -
Review from Nique F.
8/9/2011
Yes, Penelope as in Cruz. Bonus points!
I'd heard reliable rumors about Penelope's sexy cocktail list, which seemed a perfect way to kick off a Friday night. We had a hard time finding the place, as it's located at the base of a big corporate building, not quite what I expected...but hey, life's full of surprises.
There's about 12 seats at the bar and a few small bar tables, low lights, and sultry bosa nova. Intimate, for sure. If I had an extra liver or two, I would have ordered every spicy/ exotic/ ultra fresh cocktail on the menu. Feeling patriotic, I went with the Oak-town Heat: mandarin and habenero vodkas, ginger, lime, liquid happiness. The Saigoninha was another winner: Cachaca, fresh muddled lime, fresh orange. You'd almost think it was a smoothie shop, judging by all the fresh fruit and herbs hanging around. The cocktails are legit!
The owner chatted us up in a most genuine fashion, telling us about the huge Penelope Cruz mural that will be installed soon (hell yeah!) If they added some kind of plush curtains to the front windows, this place would be thoroughly smokin'.Listed in: Cocktailin' - Oakland, Uptown Girl!
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Review from melissa b.
New Orleans, LA
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is super cute, chill and fun to drop in for an after work (or workout) cocktail. My friends and I enjoyed ourselves and were so glad we stopped in. If I still lived in Cali...I'd be there more often. In fact, I wish I hadn't waited till my last visit to stop in. My only complaint is that there aren't any light snacks on the menu. There is a menu and I'm sure the food is delish but we really would have loved some nuts or popcorn to munch on while we drank.
However, I definitely recommend stopping in... -
Review from Heidi S.
Oakland, CA
7/14/2011
Nice cocktails and good service but nothing out of the ordinary. It was a bit corporate feeling...clean lines and glass... good for the crowd who likes granite counter tops in their lofts.
I like my watering holes to have a litte more flavor and to be a little quieter. It isn't a place to go if you want to hear what the person sitting next to you is saying. -
Review from Glenn M.
El Segundo, CA
9/21/2011
i'll try this again.
rude bartender. workers didn't know the rules of the promotions they run.
got charged for an alleged free drink. of course the owner explained the rules to me 2 weeks later. like that helps.
small. loud.
they do take care of locals from what i've seen, which is a definite plus. since i wasn't a local, i apparently got the shaft.
i hope this was substantial enough for yelp. if you remove this review, please feel free to delete my account.
k. thx. -
Review from Monica S.
4/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I subscribe to the school of thought that bars should be dimly lit, bartenders should be conversational, patrons ought to be unreserved and cocktails ever-flowering and aspirational.
Penelope, the intimate bar that it is, packs a mean punch and captures a slice of Oakland life I knew not existed. Imagine artisan cocktails and dopeness bartending meeting a jovial clientele (Roland, owner of the fivetenburger truck hangs out after selling out of his meaty creations).
A fantastic spot to hit day or night, don't miss the libation after their own namesake. The Penelope combines a homemade beet, apple and pear puree with tequila and then some. For a true hater of beets to regale you with stories of its grandeur should tell you something. Go here and you'll be pleasantly surprised. -
Review from Mariel F.
Alameda, CA
6/28/2011
Drink Recommendations: Pair-O-Melons, Penelope, & Blackberry Margarita.
Food Recommendations:
- Smoked Salmon Toasts with Pickled Shallots, Creme Fraiche, & Chives
- Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Cucumber, Goat Cheese, Pickled Onions, & Basil
- Chorizo & Apple Sandwich with Spicy Chorizo, Shaved Apples, Pickled Onions, and Herbs
I Love their Beverages & Food.
I am never disappointed when I come here. -
Review from Amy J.
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a really nice bar inside and out. If it's nice out, the sitting area in front is perfect for grabbing some drinks and chatting it up with friends. The customized cocktails are amazing from what I hear. I stopped here for the Old Oakland celebration and I was quite impressed by this place. I will be back with friends in tow.
Oh and it's supposedly named after Penelope Cruz...the actress. -
Review from Patricia M.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2011
Mmmmm..... for a drink with some kick to it, go to Penelope. This is a neat and hip bar very close to the city center. We all had different drinks. I had La Kristita which came in a pretty glass and tasted like a punchy screwdriver. I tried my friends' blackberry margarita and that was so yummy. I also sampled the Manhattan and the Oaktown Heat, both of which have been medically proven to grow hair on your chest.
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Review from Alicia O.
Oakland, CA
4/6/2011
Bartenders: Great
Drinks: Stellar and fresh and different
Yelp discount: Sweetness
Ambiance: Awful awful awful awful awful. The location is in what feels like a strip-mall (not a sexy place where people strip, but one of those Orange County feeling industrial spaces). I'd love to see this place in a much more appropriate location.
Returning: probably not, but only because I'm apparently an ambiance snob. The drinks really were fun! -
Review from Shalyn P.
San Francisco, CA
2/11/2011
Skip it unless you can't avoid it. It seems to be a place that was once passable, but has since lost that special thing that made people like it. Plenty of other diamonds-in-the-rough in downtown Oakland!
I stopped by as part of a trio, after work but before a Warriors game on a Wednesday night. There were only two other people at the bar and it was early, but half of their food AND drink menu was unavailable... unfortunate, because it wasn't impressive (or even mediocre) to begin with. The two males in my party were horrified by the size of the meal portions, and my salad was nothing to write home about. The boys' jack and ginger drinks were lacking the ginger; my happy hour drink, in contrast, was lacking liquor. Despite being the only other party in the bar, it took about 20 minutes to get our drinks, and then some to get our "food."
To top it off, we got our receipt on a hand-written sticky note... 20 minutes after we asked for it. Heat lamps only occasionally work, according to the barkeep, so if you're hoping to sit on the so-so porch on a chilly night - forget about it! -
Review from Danielle D.
San Leandro, CA
8/9/2011
nope I dont like it. hats, cup games and weirdos. not even close.
lame happy hour -
Review from Quinn S.
2/24/2011
I hate to say it, but this is close to my idea of the perfect bar. Simple and well designed, without feeling pretentious, and very comfortable. It's a small, manageable space that is laid out well to put one immediately at ease.
My first thought upon sitting down was, "I'd like to own a bar just like this some day."
The guy behind the bar was friendly, and it was slow so he was playing dice with a friend, but not at the expense of service. He whipped two great drinks, including the bright red Penelope, which was a well balanced tequila, beet and pear cocktail. Don't be scared by the beets. It really was quite lovely.
I thought the flat-screen was out of place, but otherwise I love Penelope. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Oakland, CA
7/16/2011
Came with a group of friends for happy hour. We grabbed a table outside and imbibed like crazy. The great happy hour specials definitely helped with this. The hang up, was that it was difficult to get service, and the food was pricey with small servings. It's location is great, far enough from downtown that it is quiet, close enough that it is easy to get to by BART.
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Review from Rich O.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Whats not to love about a bar that serves jalapeno mojito? i mean really, every year for the last two years i have hit this place up during yelp drinks week and every time i get there i kick myself for not coming more often. Its a great little place with a nice little outdoor area and a friendly staff. i mean what more could you want?
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Review from Susan C.
HAPPY SUSAN'S 200th REVIEW DAY!
This review is dedicated to my favorite bar in Oakland.
The Back Story--
Susan walks into a bar. The monologue in her head is running full speed. She is justifying drinking alone on a random weekday, at a bar, as totally acceptable behavior. The monologue was cut short as she began chatting with bartender Johnny and owner Tung. Witty banter, breath stopping jokes, and general good times ensued. I was hooked.
The Vibe--
Classy yet homey; professional yet relaxed; laid back but efficient. The atmosphere here just invites people to hang out and be themselves. This place is trendy without being pretentious and always a source of a great time.
The Consumable Items--
Mixed drink heaven! (On average $6-10):
Freshly squeezed, pressed, muddled and chopped fruits are combined to perfection with a vast array of alcoholic delights. There is something here for everyone. From quality wines to top quality liqueurs, it's all here on a giant wall. I challenge you to know what everything is...I'm sure you wont. Don't like the preset menu (with a bit of focus on tequila)? Don't want a classic drink? Ask Johnny Kobra--expert mixologist to whip you up something with your favorite flavors. He'll far exceed your expectations.
Don't forget the Cheese Plate ($10):
It is the best cheese plate deal in town. Plentiful meats and cheeses, a little cup of olives, and perfectly toasty baguette. Mmmm!
Keep and eye out on their facebook for special events and updates http://www.facebook.co...
This is an Old Oakland gem you really don't want to miss!Listed in: TOUCH DOWN! GOAL! SWISH!, My ROTD, Milestone Reviews
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Review from Tom R.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
Q: What can get Tom to take BART to Oakland on a weekday?
A: A cute girl inviting me to her birthday party
First off, this place is hard to find. There's something wrong with the address listed.
I traveled all the way to Oakland to hang out with a bunch of people that went to high school together, one of them I know a little, and a Chihuahua. They have dog friendly front porch seating.
I had a decent Old Fashioned; they make their own Maraschino Cherries. The food looked good. The staff was very friendly. If I remember correctly the beer selection wasn't great but I'm kind of a beer snob. There are a lot of bars in the area I like better so I probably wouldn't go back unless invited. -
Review from Nicole M.
Love, love, love this place. A friendly staff. Soothing tunes. Drinks featuring fresh, atypical ingredients like prickly pear cactus juice and beets. Plus really good bar grub. It was enough to make a cranky girl smile.
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Review from Jefe R.
Fremont, CA
1/19/2011
My friend that lives nearby brought me here. At first glance, I probably would have walked right past it, and when we entered, it seemed a little small with just us 2 and 3 other patrons there, but as I was hungry, I agreed to a drink and a sandwhich.
My friend ordered some raw tuna dish that I did not partake in, and we shared my order of a chorizo and apple sandwhich as well as hers of a steak sandwhich. The sandwhiches were VERY good and Tung (the bartender/chef at the time) was very kind, talkative, and explained where exactly he got the bread, meats, alcohol, etc.
I can't even remember the name of the cocktail I got, but my friend got some rosemary concoction that was light and delightful. My cocktail was a bit more stiff, but I love that they use fresh fruit , pulp, and juice for these drinks.
Thanks to Tung telling us about Hangar One vodka, we even went to the nearby distillery and had a great vodka tasting nearby the following week! -
Review from yeeman n.
1/26/2011
This place is small, modern, and cozy, with high warehouse ceilings. There weren't too many people here on a Saturday night. We didn't have to talk over anyone or any loud music.
They have interesting drinks. There's a couple drinks on their menu which use jalapeno peppers and gives you a nice little kick. I ordered a nice girly drink which was quite good and not too sweet.
Nice spot to close out a night. -
Review from Louisa S.
Oakland, CA
7/21/2011
This place may be good for downtowners after work, but is kind of lame come 7 pm.. When we arrived at 7:15 they were already out of the ingredients for their signature drink (d'oh) and bread for any sandwiches on the menu. It took forever to get the bartender's attention, and the food we ended up ordering showed up before we ever received any drinks. When the drinks did finally arrive one of them was not even what we ordered. Sigh. I wanted to like it, but with so many other great places to eat and drink in Oakland these days, Penelope is one you can miss. (They do have some swank wallpaper however.)
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Review from Xav V.
4/16/2011
From decor to the specialty craft cocktails, this place is swank. The drinks have fantastic vibrant color and the sips I stole from my drinking companions were tasty. Not enough so though to get me to rethink my order Clase Azul neat. The meat and cheese plate was pretty sparse, but the little given was good. With it's outdoor patio and upscale vibe, Penelope would be a great place for a second date.
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Review from Trixie N.
Oakland, CA
5/23/2011
I like a good cocktail. I also like a good cock. Here I can get both.
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Review from Strinkie P.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2010
I ordered the salad with mixed herbs and vinaigrette. It was literally a tiny handful of greens and it set me back 5 dollars.
I'm only giving it an extra star because the salad dressing tasted pretty good, but this place had such an unfriendly guy working there. Some of the reviews here said 1 of the 2 guys here is really cool and nice. Guess I got unlucky.
Haven't tried the other food and I haven't been there for drinks, and now I'm not sure I want to. -
Review from Estella T.
Oakland, CA
7/17/2010
I admit it. I'm addicted to Penelope's. Partner and I go to this place at least twice a week now. We just LOOOVEEE the company of Tung and Johnny!
I knew they were creative geniuses when I came in one night and asked them if they happened to have ice cream. They didn't have ice cream but they whipped up this SUPER delicious drink that really tasted like a slushy ice cream! z-o-m-g.
Oh, the E&C is pretty amazing too. Whoever invented that (and named it) is a genius....
And get their steak sandwich. -
Review from Brent T.
Downtown Oakland, Oakland, CA
7/13/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Not only do Tung and Johnny know how to make a drink, they provide some pretty decent entertainment as well. Both of these guys keep the place fun, hip and the place to be!
Whether you want to grab a drink after work to unwind or have a get-together with your friends, Penelope is a great place to do it. Unique drinks, stylish and comfortable decor and just overall nice atmosphere. If you're in the mood for something custom-made just for you, I've seen both Tung and Johnny whip up some crazy delicious inventions using fresh fruits and ingenious creativity.
Oh and if you get a chance, try their steak sandwich. Their custom marinated beef with the fresh Acme bread is a powerfully scrumptious combination. Have that with a Duvel Green (which they have on tap!) and you're good to go. -
Review from Christine W.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2011
Tung and Johnny are AMAZING!!! Hehee...always have a great time here as I've been here with my friends who are regulars here... We always have a great time and I am always sneakily trying to get my name on their drinks list.
I haven't been there in awhile since I don't live in Oakland, so when I made my triumphant return I said they should name a drink after me....didn't work but they did make a delish fruity but strong shot called 'The Revenge of the C' ask for it and see what happens :)
Sometimes John Street Eats stops by here and so this completes the night, Great street food, great friends, great drinks = perfect night :)
I'll be back soon Tung and Johnny and get the Revenge of the C shots ready!!!!!
:) -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
5/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm kind of glad I don't live in Oakland, because I would literally be at Penelope every day for their delicious cocktails! The use of fresh ingredients and interesting combination of flavors set them aside from any other regular bar or lounge.
My favorite was the La Kristita - sooo tasty. Brought me back to my childhood summers in Hawaii - minus the vodka of course. Their Penelope with beet juice and tequila was surprisingly refreshing! As for the Jali Berry - never thought jalapeno would taste great in a cocktail, but paired with the gin, it was nice!
I miss you Penelope!Listed in: My Home Away From Home..., Tasty (Ass) Cocktails
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Review from Emily M.
11/24/2010
I *loved* Penelope. Even though we were there on a quiet night before a show at the Fox, the drinks and the food were really really tasty, and the service attentive.
The steak sandwich was really nicely flavored, even though the toast shredded my mouth a bit. The chicken sandwich was good too. Since they don't have their menu online, I don't remember specifically which drink I got, but while it was conceptually a "girly" drink, but when I got it it was actually quite refined and yummy.
Next time I go to a show at the Fox, I'd love to come back. Between Penelope and Flora, I am loving the downtown Oakland food scene! -
Review from Tracy A.
Oakland, CA
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Small space inside and out. Despite the cozy interior, it is still warm and inviting. The drinks here are original and tasty. You have to try the Penelope: Tequila and beets. Enough said!
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Review from Elizabeth T.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 6/19/2011
Johnny is the king of mint.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/25/2011
Love beets. Loved the beet drink.
I was really spoiled by a fresh-squeezed cocktail bar in Seattle,… Read more »
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