Where to Eat Near: Penn Station (Guide)

Ahh Penn Station. The toilet of New York City.

I can say that, I’ve lived here my entire life and also it’s just true. When people ask me where to eat around here I usually say “20 blocks down and 2 avenues over”. But hey, I’m here to enlighten people through food so here you go. This is a pretty comprehensive list of both casual and fine(ish) dining near Penn Station. If you think I’ve missed any, add a comment and I’ll look into it!

PS the phone links are links to the Google Search for the restaurant. You’re welcome.

Penn Station Dining Guide

  1. Skirt Steak
    If you’ve been anywhere in the area and have seen a longggg line wrapping around the corner of 6th ave and 30th street, it’s probably for this place. Brought to you by Chef Laurent Tourondel, Skirt Steak offers a Prix Fixe all you can eat steak and fries scenario for $39 pp. That’s about it. They also have salad (yawn but it was good) and a garlic bread so rich you may want to run away with it.
    Menu
    835 6th Ave, New York NY
    No Phone but here’s the Google
  2. Bar Primi Penn District
    Yes, the same Bar Primi from Andrew Carmellini on Bowery has opened near Penn Station and it is MASSIVE. I honestly didn’t expect such a huge indoor AND outdoor space, but they really made it work. Great corporate HH or party spot too. The pasta is what they’re known for, and I can confirm that if you’re in the mood for some semi-fancy Italian, this is a great option. They also have “Solid Negroni” jello shots that were surprisingly delicious. Check my IG post here for more of the food roundup!
    Menu
    349 West 33rd St., New York NY
    212-233-6100
  3. Little Dipper
    This little astrology-themed speakeasy was so cool! All of the drinks were created with the different signs in mind, and the decor was on point. I made a TikTok video about it, if you want to check that out here, but I believe this is a reservation-only sort of place, ideal for a date or catching up with a friend or two. In terms of eating, it’s basically snacks (not a big food menu), but do not sleep on the Chicken Bites with Caviar Dip or the hand rolls!
    Menu
    135 West 30th St, New York NY
    No phone but here’s the Google
  4. Legasea
    I can’t believe I forgot this one on the first go-round! Legasea is a great spot in the Moxy Hotel, literally two blocks from Penn Station on 36th and 7th. Great bar and an inviting space that’s not too big or too small. The Spicy Crab Beignets are their staple; four savory little bites and a perfect way to start the meal. Don’t sleep on the mac n cheese either. Absolutely delicious. I was dipping my fries in the cheese sauce all night..
    Menu
    485 7th Ave, New York NY
    212-268-1888
  5. Piggyback by Pig & Khao
    If you haven’t been to Pig & Khao downtown (first off, fix that) and you find yourself in Midtown, try their sister restaurant, Piggyback. Chef Leah Cohen is amazing (check out her IG for great recipe vids); I love the Korean Honey Butter Wings, the Brussels Sprouts, and the Lumpia. Pretty much any dish I’ve had there is great. They also have a massive space in the back that you can rent out for private events/parties.
    Menu
    140 West 30th St, New York NY
    212-239-0570
  6. Turntable Chicken Jazz
    If you’re looking for a lively night filled with awesome chicken wings and perhaps a side of karaoke, check out Turntable Chicken Jazz. Make sure to try the Twister which is a spiral shaped potato on a stick with parmesan cheese, spicy mayo, and ketchup. If you come with a big group, get their beer tower which glows in the dark!
    Menu
    20 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001
    (212) 714-9700
  7. Keens Steakhouse
    Although it may be a bit pricey, Keens Steakhouse has some fresh and good quality meat. It is perfect for dates and special occasions. Try the mutton chop with some sautéed mushrooms or creamed spinach.
    Menu
    72 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
    (212) 947-3636
  8. Pennsylvania 6
    Great classic American restaurant with a wonderful ambiance and good for big groups. Reminds me of the days of Mad Men in here. And they do a great martini. The blue crab mac and cheese has been my favorite near Penn for a long time.
    Menu
    132 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
    (212) 727-3666
  9. Tavola
    It says Hell’s Kitchen, but it’s really not. Does 9th ave mean Hell’s Kitchen?? If it’s in the 30’s, it’s “near Penn Station”. Solid wood-fired Neopolitan pizza here in a no-frills, cozy spot (yes that means small). The house-made pasta is delicious too, try the “Lasagna Della Cassa”.
    Menu
    488 9th Ave (btwn 37th and 38th st), New York, NY 10018
    (212) 273-1181
  10. Jongro BBQ
    Love grilling your own meat? Check out Jongro BBQ which is one of the best Korean barbecues in the city. It’s popular late at night and great for big groups.
    Menu
    22 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
    (212) 473-2233
  11. Izakaya MEW
    Izakaya is known for their udon which is perfect on a cold day in NYC. They have a great lunch special with sushi and teriyaki bowls as well. Lunch specials are good prices but they take cash only.
    Menu
    Basement, 53 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001
    (646) 368-9384
  12. L’Amico
    Stop by L’Amico for some heavenly pizza and pasta. And don’t forget the wine. This is a cute date spot and is popular late at night too (probably because the pizza is perfect). In the summer it’s one of my faves for dining al fresco. Make sure to try their white mushroom pizza!
    Menu
    Eventi Hotel, 849 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001
    (212) 201-4065
  13. Black Iron Burger
    If burgers and craft beer are your thing, this is the place for you. Casual, lots of wood and (you guessed it!), iron decor. The namesake burger (The Black Iron Burger) and the Mushroom Truffle Burger are my faves, and don’t sleep on the aioli fries either.
    Menu
    245 West 38th St, New York, NY 10018
    (646) 476-3116
  14. The Ragtrader
    Paying homage to the Garment District days of yore, The Ragtrader and Bo Beep Cocktail & Highball Store (lounge) serves up awesome cocktails and snacks in a very spacious, vintage-style den. Their brunch is pretty awesome too and the Bacon Pizza alone is worth going back for.
    Menu
    70 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018
    (917) 261-5495
  15. La Pecora Bianca – I always recommend LPB to friends and followers alike; they make all of their pasta in-house, and I have trouble picking a favorite. The gramigna is most popular, with sausage, broccolini, garlic, and pecorino, but I also love their cacio e pepe, rigatoni with ricotta, and garganelli with mushrooms, pesto and parm. Don’t sleep on the whipped ricotta and truffle honey either, and wash it down with their house rose, white or red!
    Menu
    1133 Broadway (at 26th), New York, NY 10010
    212-498-9696
  16. Friedman’s
    There are so many delicious meals with gluten free options at Friedman’s! The gluten free chicken and waffles are popular here along with the pastrami hash. My favorites are the salmon salad and the fish tacos.
    Menu
    132 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
    (212) 971-9400
  17. Beyond Sushi
    Looking for some vegetarian/vegan sushi? Check out Beyond Sushi with favorable delicious options. They have very creative and unique rolls. Try out the spicy mango roll with the black rice or the mushroom roll. They have great tofu sauces as well.
    Menu
    134 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
    (212) 564-0869
  18. Citizens of Chelsea
    This café decorates their plates beautifully and each one is unique and colorful. They have abundant healthy selections such as the smashing avocado and salmon eggs. Perfect for brunch with a group of friends.
    Menu
    401 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001
    (646) 649-3079

One Comment

  1. When I went to New York last summer I took my husband and his brother to The Pennsy. We absolutely loved it!

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