Just upstairs from hit wine restaurant Claud sits Penny, the second restaurant from co-owners Chase Sinzer and chef Joshua Pinsky. It’s a tiny space that fills up fast — there are only 30 seats, and it’s mostly walk-ins. (Some reservations are available two weeks ahead of time at 9 a.m.). If you’re willing to stand, you can prop up at the standing rails along the window overlooking the sidewalk.
Penny works as an elegant yet slightly kitschy seafood and wine counter. Behind the bar, look for a fish statue among the huge ice buckets and a collection of small toys. The marble bar counter is lined with adorable purple enamel lamps. The menu is all about elegant raw and cooked seafood, paired with wines from a thorough list.
Trust the staffers for recommendations. I enjoyed a mineral glass of Rioja blanco from winery Alegre Valganon. With the trout, I had a delightfully bubbly red wine, the Bukkuram sole d’agosto from Marco De Bartoli.
The Penny martini ($19) is made with barley shochu, sake, and dry vermouth. And the sole beer option is the Suntory premium malt for $12, but they also serve Cel-Ray, the celery soft drink.