Set the Scene
Step through the doors of Le Bar Penelope and into a world where the glamour of old-world Europe meets the irreverent charm of a Victorian theatre.
Conceived by designer Genevieve Lake of Love Lake Studio, this 3,000-square-foot lounge–nestled just off Madison Avenue–feels like a secret whispered through velvet curtains.
With custom furnishings, hand-blown Italian glass fixtures, and murals that evoke a surreal, dreamlike elegance, every corner is rich with story and texture.
The original stained-glass skylight, uncovered during renovations, gleams like a jewel from the Gilded Age, while whimsical touches–think monkeys, leopards, and tigers tucked among the décor–add a sense of playful opulence.
What’s the Food Like?
Equal parts indulgent and inventive, the menu is a celebration of luxe bites and worldly influence. The menu is a globe-trotting affair–equal parts European allure and contemporary flair.
Early in the evening, guests can graze on signature lounge offerings created for sharing: the cult-worthy Caviar Pizza, indulgent Lobster & Caviar Roll, jewel-like Caviar Bites, and the Raw Bar Sampler that feels plucked from the Riviera.
Come nightfall, the spotlight shifts to Miss Penelope’s Chinese Kitchen–a bold, unexpected twist that defies lounge norms. From silky Pork Dumplings and a luscious Baked Crab Roll to Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, the menu delivers complexity and surprise in every bite.
But the culinary experience doesn’t fade with the evening–it evolves. As the night deepens, a tailored late-night menu emerges, offering refined yet crave-worthy bites designed to pair perfectly with cocktails. Think rich, satisfying sliders, elegant nibbles, and raw bar delights–ideal companions for a second round (or third) under the velvet-draped canopy.
Let’s Talk About the Drinks
The cocktail list here reads like a cast of characters–each with its own intrigue, drama, and allure. The Fire Before Smoke arrives with a seductive swirl of spice and smoke, setting the tone for the evening.
The Cafetini is a jet-set nod to late-night rendezvous–bold, rich, and bracingly elegant. And Penelope’s Secret? All mystery and finesse, revealing itself sip by seductive sip.
Champagne, naturally, is in no short supply–poured freely for those who understand that sparkle and bubbles are a part of the ambiance. The wine list spans Old World treasures and New World stunners, with selections by the glass or bottle to suit every mood and moment.
Whether sipping beneath the jewel-toned glow of the restored skylight or perched along the whimsical bar, every evening here is cloaked in enchantment.
Final Thoughts
Sophisticated, sultry, and transportive, Le Bar Penelope is where Manhattanites go to flirt with fantasy.
Fast Facts
Location: Lenox Hill
Cuisine: Cocktail Bar
Pricing: $$$
Takes Reservations: Yes–Resy
Our Favorite Dish & Drink on the Menu: All of the cocktails on the menu offer something special, but for those who like Dirty Martinis, Le Bar Penelope’s is not to be missed. Pair the first round with a Caviar Pizza.
The Attire: Smart Casual
Hours: Le Bar Penelope is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
