Upper East Side nightlife newcomer Le Bar Penelope has already made a scene by hosting a swanky, star-studded U.S. Open afterparty. The cocktail bar and piano lounge located at 14 East 60th Street (between Madison and Fifth) held the event, hosted by Maestro Dobel Tequila, this past Saturday, September 7.
Le Bar Penelope, operated by Avra Hospitality Group, will officially open this week but certainly garnered a lot of buzz with the event. Although the party was planned ahead of the tournament, women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka and men’s finalist Taylor Fritz are both Maestro Dobel Tequila partners.
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Neither of the players attended the event, but plenty of celebrities were there. Tennis icon Maria Sharapova and retired players James Blake and Juan Martín del Potro were joined by actress Issa Rae and socialite Nicky Hilton Rothschild to sip on cocktails like the Fritzy Spicy Margarita and the Marg-Aryna, named after the pros. Guests were also served upscale bites including “bumps” of caviar.
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Soon, this luxe spot will be open for all to enjoy. Le Bar Penelope describes itself as a venue that “transports its guests to old-world Europe” where “opulence and glamour prevail.” The menu will feature “assorted caviars and raw bar favorites.” Although Avra restaurants have always been Greek, like the adjoining Avra Madison, Penelope will break from that tradition and the private dining room will offer elevated American and Chinese dishes. Drinks will include hand-crafted cocktails along with wines and champagnes by the bottle and glass.
While their Instagram and website give little away, photos show lush green banquettes and draperies, animal print table lamps, colorful wall murals, and plenty of palm leaves, an atmosphere they call a “dreamy ambiance of whimsy and flair.” The grand opening is a private event on September 12 and they will be open to the public starting Friday, September 13, with operating hours of 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. You can keep track of what’s happening on their website or Instagram.
