Penelope

Small, friendly, fun space with great drinks! Interesting ingredients and superb execution - also, plenty of actual liquor!!! (Penelope pleasantly does not bend toward the more-juice-less-alcohol trend.) Maybe the best Manhattan ever. The Appassionatta was also lovely! Buzzed after the first round; quite happy after the second.

From Penelope's Web site: "We specialize in awesomeness."

We were there on a Tuesday night and the place had some solidly happy regulars. It was busy, but not packed. There was baseball on in the corner and social people throughout. There were a few board games off to a side if your group wanted additional reason to sit around and be contented. Bartender was welcoming and warm. Ample outdoor seating, for smokers or nicer weather.

It's not a place I find myself in very often, but it's just a few short blocks to Swan's Marketplace, other downtown spots, or Chinatown.

Penelope is an adorable, tiny spot. I got there with a friend around 3:30 and it was totally empty.

We got a strawberry and blackberry magarita...yummm.

Decor is adorable and girly, and once it turned 4 or 5 ish the place became packed. Super laid back and casual.

our check was hand written on a post it note...real casual!

Overall, a cute spot.

Very good drinks! If you like spicy, try the oaktown heat! Also, ask Johnny the bartender to tell you his awesome jokes! :)