I was actually pleasantly surprised with the Penny. Â I was in Salinas visiting a friend, and she suggested this place. Â When we walked in, it looked like many an other British pub (at least in the US), not something I'd expect from Salinas. Â
When we walked in, we were greeted by a server who asked us if we wanted a booth, tall table, or to sit at the bar. Â Once we sere seated, another server came over with drink menus. Â I was pretty impressed. Â This sort of service is rare! Â BUT we did get there at like 9:30pm, which might have had something to do with it. Â We had an early morning the next day so we left at 11:30pm, as larger groups were starting to arrive.
My only complaint: the gummy bear did not quite taste like a gummy bear. Â But I loved that they put real gummy bears in the drink! Â Nice way to finish such a girly drink.
The little blonde female bartender (christine maybe?) Was super nice! I had a great time on a really hot day. I enjoyed a cold beer at the price of $, but when they told me to check-in with 4square I could get ten dollars off. I don't know if that option is still avail. I never 4square, so I have no idea what the hell I did.
It seemed pretty crowded there for an early day. Mixture of ages mostly 50 +, but as it got later the younger crowd seemed to be entering. Full bar and I think 10 beers on tap?
They had people eating food. Must be good? I don't eat at bars. I know I should, but I'm just a heavy drinker.
I met the owner. Kind of an ass, passive aggressive, but its just because he doesn't know better. I found him to be friendly. He is actually a brit that complains about everything. Love it. He flew up from atlanta, georgia he has a lot of locations, but he complains of money. Love it.
Anyway, its cute. Place has history. Ask one of the old men in there...they will tell you.
Cheers!