0 Followers
Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar
8.8
Penumbra is a Latin-influenced steak and seafood restaurant engineered almost entirely around romance, with curtain-draped booths, low lighting, and surf-and-turf plates built for celebrations. Steaks, jalapeño shrimp, and a deep wine list keep it in steady rotation for anniversaries and milestone dates in Logan Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flat Iron Steak & Lobster combo, Shadow Shrimp, Penumbra Ice Cream
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A Latin-influenced steakhouse designed specifically for romantic, curtain-draped dinners.
Who should go: Couples planning anniversaries or serious date nights.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full lights-dimmed atmosphere.
What to order: Flat Iron Steak & Lobster, Shadow Shrimp, Penumbra Ice Cream.
Insider tip: Request one of the fully curtained booths when reserving for maximum privacy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Milwaukee and nearby residential blocks; can be tight on weekends — allow extra time (no dedicated lot).
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses feel appropriate; jeans are fine if polished.
Noise level: Low-to-moderate — conversation is easy in curtained booths and softer during later seatings.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins may face 45–75 minutes or be waitlisted during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — generally dinner-focused with no typical lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — a few salads and seafood-adjacent plates; mains skew steak and surf-and-turf.
Vegan options: Very limited — menu is not designed for vegan diners beyond small sides or modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several steaks and seafood dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; confirm with server for sauces and sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the curtained booths, low lighting, and slower pacing create an intimate setting that works especially well for serious or milestone first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early evenings and weeknights offer the best shot, but weekends are reservation-driven and walk-ins may be waitlisted.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the room is quiet, romantic, and paced for adults; older teens may be fine for special occasions.
Best For
Better for: Romantic privacy, celebratory surf-and-turf, and a slower, more intimate dining pace than louder steakhouses or bar-forward spots.
Skip if: You want a lively, high-energy steakhouse, a casual group dinner, or a menu with broad vegan/vegetarian coverage.
Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Penumbra is a Latin-influenced steak and seafood restaurant in Logan Square where candlelit booths, semi-private nooks, and a deep wine list make it one of the city’s go-to romantic dining rooms. Since opening in 2016, it has built a large, multi-platform following for its consistently executed steaks, composed shrimp plates, and polished, special-occasion service.
Must-Try Dishes:
NY Strip Steak with Shadow Shrimp, Creole Jalapeño Shrimp, Molten Brandy Truffle Dessert
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A candlelit Latin-influenced steakhouse where intimate booths and a strong wine list turn dinner into an occasion.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning romantic, upscale dinners.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full energy and live guitar.
What to order: NY strip with shadow shrimp, Creole jalapeño shrimp, molten truffle.
Insider tip: Reserve a semi-private booth and budget time to linger over dessert and after-dinner drinks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks and Milwaukee Ave; can be competitive on weekends — plan a few extra minutes to circle. No on-site valet reported.
Dress code: Smart casual that leans dressy; most guests opt for date-night attire (dark jeans, dresses, jackets).
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally conversation-friendly, with a livelier hum during peak weekend seatings and live guitar.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked during prime hours; without a reservation, expect a long wait or bar seating only.
Weekday lunch: No regular lunch service; waits are uncommon on early weekday dinners.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (salads, sides, and select pasta or vegetable plates); confirm preparations with your server.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes include dairy, butter, or seafood; ask about possible modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free steak and seafood plates; staff can advise on substitutions, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, semi-private booths, and attentive pacing make it well-suited for a relaxed, conversation-forward first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes early or very late — but prime weekend hours typically book out. If you’re walking in, aim for early evening or ask about bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? It skews adult and special-occasion; older teens are fine, but there are no kids’ menus or casual-dining amenities.
Best For
Better for: Romantic dinners with privacy, polished service, and well-executed steak and seafood in an intimate, candlelit room.
Skip if: You want a loud, casual tapas scene, large-group energy, or a menu with extensive vegan or budget-casual options.
Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Penumbra is a Latin-inspired steak and seafood restaurant in Logan Square where owner Rita Vargas pairs New York strip, ribeye, and surf-and-turf platters with an unusually intimate, curtain-draped dining room. Since opening in 2016, it has become a go-to for celebratory steak dinners, thanks to 4.8-star reviews across thousands of visits and national attention as one of the country’s most romantic restaurants.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flat Iron Steak with chimichurri, New York Strip Steak, Surf and Turf with lobster or shrimp
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A Latin-inspired steakhouse where romantic cabana-style booths frame surf-and-turf plates and strong value-for-quality steaks.
Who should go: Couples seeking romantic steak dinners with serious ambiance.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full cabana energy and buzz.
What to order: Flat Iron Steak, New York Strip, Surf and Turf.
Insider tip: Request a semi-private “cabana” when reserving; it feels like your own mini room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Fullerton/Kimball; can be limited during peak dinner hours. No consistent valet service reported.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — most guests lean date-night polished (jeans ok if styled up).
Noise level: Moderate — intimate booths help conversation, but peak weekends feel lively.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked — expect long waits or no seating without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily a dinner-focused restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few appetizers and sides; mains skew steak and seafood focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — plan to call ahead if vegan dining is required.
Gluten-free options: Some steaks and proteins can be adapted; ask staff for guidance on sauces and sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the semi-private cabana-style booths and candlelit lighting create a romantic, conversation-friendly environment that works especially well for milestone or impression-making first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally on weeknights, but weekends are typically reservation-only. If you’re trying to walk in, earlier seatings have the best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the room is designed for romantic and celebratory dinners. Older teens may be fine, but it’s not geared toward small children or families with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Romantic, special-occasion steak dinners with intimate seating, attentive pacing, and a surf-and-turf leaning menu that feels celebratory rather than corporate-steakhouse formal.
Skip if: You want a loud, high-energy bar steakhouse, broad vegan/vegetarian choices, casual weeknight pricing, or large-group seating without advance planning.
Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Penumbra is a Latin-influenced steak and seafood spot where dim lighting, semi-private booths, and a deep wine list make seafood platters and surf-and-turf feel like a proper night out. Since opening in 2016, it has become a Logan Square standby for romantic dinners built around scallops, crab cakes, and steaks rather than white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Cakes, Shadow Shrimp, New York Strip Steak
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A Latin-leaning steak and seafood house built for candlelit, wine-driven dinners.
Who should go: Couples wanting romantic seafood with serious steak and wine.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners when the room feels fully lit and buzzing.
What to order: Crab cakes, Shadow Shrimp starter, New York Strip with sides.
Insider tip: Ask about daily seafood specials; some of the best plates never hit the printed menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking and nearby residential blocks; can be competitive on weekend evenings, plan extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual — most guests lean dressy (blazers, dresses, polished denim).
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is possible in booths, but peak hours feel lively.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–75 minutes at peak times.
Weekday lunch: N/A — dinner-focused restaurant; early week evenings usually have minimal waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, sides, and a small number of non-meat entrées depending on specials.
Vegan options: Very limited — best to call ahead or rely on customizable sides/appetizers.
Gluten-free options: Several proteins and seafood dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; ask your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — dim lighting, semi-private booths, and attentive pacing make it a strong first-date setting if you want a romantic, dinner-forward atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early evenings and weeknights are your best chance. On weekends, expect a wait or limited bar seating if you walk in.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the room skews adult, quiet, and date-night focused. Older teens may be fine, but it’s not designed for young children.
Best For
Better for: Romantic seafood-and-steak dinners with wine, intimate booths, and a polished, special-occasion feel without formal white-tablecloth service.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual, loud group dining, strictly vegan menus, or budget-first seafood platters.
Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar
8.7
Penumbra is a Latin-influenced steak and seafood restaurant where sheer curtains, low lighting, and spaced tables are engineered for anniversaries and proposals. The menu leans into surf-and-turf plates and saucy shrimp, backed by a long wine list and lingering, unhurried pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Surf & Turf, Shadow Shrimp, Creole Jalapeño Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Steakhouse-level surf-and-turf in one of Logan’s most deliberately romantic rooms.
Who should go: Couples planning milestone celebrations or serious date nights.
When to visit: Weekend evenings; book ahead for prime curtain-draped tables.
What to order: Surf & Turf, Shadow Shrimp, Creole Jalapeño Shrimp.
Insider tip: Ask for a curtained two-top along the wall for maximum privacy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in the surrounding residential blocks; availability can be tight on weekends and during peak dinner hours. No widely reported dedicated lot or valet — plan extra time to find a space.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets, dresses, and polished outfits match the romantic setting; jeans are acceptable if styled up.
Noise level: Low to moderate — lighting is dim and tables are spaced so couples can comfortably hold a private conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face long waits or limited availability for preferred seating.
Weekday lunch: Not typically a lunch destination — service is oriented around dinner and special-occasion evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few salads and non-steak entrées may work with modifications; confirm with the server.
Vegan options: Minimal — menu is seafood- and steak-forward; call ahead if strict vegan accommodations are required.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — several proteins and seafood dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request, but cross-contact controls are not explicitly advertised.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, spaced tables, and slower pacing create an intimate atmosphere that encourages conversation, especially for serious or romantic first dates rather than casual meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but it’s risky on weekends — walk-ins may be seated at less-private tables or asked to wait. Book ahead if you want a curtained two-top or a milestone-worthy setup.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the room is quiet, pacing is slow, and most guests are celebrating date nights or anniversaries. Older teens accompanying adults may be fine for special occasions.
Best For
Better for: Romantic, milestone dinners where privacy, ambiance, and unhurried pacing matter more than variety or trend-driven menus.
Skip if: You want a lively crowd, budget-focused dining, or a wide range of casual entrées — choose a broader, louder steakhouse or neighborhood bistro instead.
Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar
8.5
Penumbra is a Latin-influenced steak and seafood restaurant engineered for anniversaries, with sheer curtains, spaced tables, and a long wine list. Since opening in 2016, it’s become a Logan Square standby for surf-and-turf plates, Shadow Shrimp, and slow, unhurried service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Surf and turf platter, Shadow Shrimp, Creole jalapeño shrimp
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Latin-leaning steakhouse built around candlelight, curtains, and wine.
Who should go: Couples planning proposals or milestone celebrations.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners; reserve curtain-draped tables early.
What to order: Surf and Turf, Shadow Shrimp, and a bottle of red.
Insider tip: Note celebrations when booking; staff often personalize the night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; can be tight after 6–7pm on weekends; no dedicated lot or regular valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses fit the room; jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Low to moderate — designed for conversation, with quieter two-tops and curtained sections.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–75 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Not typically open for weekday lunch; no lunch wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, sides, and a few pescatarian-leaning plates can be adapted on request.
Vegan options: Very limited — menu is protein-forward; call ahead if you need a fully vegan entrée.
Gluten-free options: Several steaks and seafood dishes can be prepared gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, spaced tables, and unhurried pacing create a relaxed, intimate environment where conversation comes easily.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early or late seatings are your best bet, but during peak weekends walk-ins should expect a significant wait or bar seating only.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the room skews adult and celebratory; older teens may be fine, but there are no kids’ menus or stroller-friendly layouts.
Best For
Better for: Romantic milestone dinners, proposals, and lingering, wine-driven surf-and-turf meals in a softer, more private setting.
Skip if: You want a fast, casual dinner, broad vegan options, or a high-energy scene with louder crowds.
Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar
8.8
Penumbra is a Latin-inspired steak and seafood restaurant in Logan Square where candlelit booths, sheer drapery, and a tucked-away entrance create one of the city’s more romantic dining rooms. Steaks, surf-and-turf plates, and saucy shrimp dishes pair with a deep wine list, and steady high ratings plus national attention as a romantic destination underline how consistently it performs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Surf & Turf (steak with lobster tail), Shadow or Creole Jalapeño Shrimp, Pan-Seared Salmon with caper butter reduction
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A low-signed, candlelit steak-and-seafood room locals use for proposals and big anniversaries.
Who should go: Couples planning milestone date nights or romantic celebrations.
When to visit: Prime Friday and Saturday seatings; midweek for calmer pacing.
What to order: Surf & Turf, Shadow or Creole Jalapeño Shrimp, lava cake.
Insider tip: Request a curtained booth when booking; it’s where regulars sit for proposals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; can be tight during peak dinner hours — arrive early or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses fit the room; clean denim is acceptable but feels informal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — intimate enough for conversation, especially in curtained booths.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–75 minutes or be turned away during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: N/A — primarily a dinner-focused restaurant; confirm hours if planning a midday visit.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads and a few pasta or seafood-adjacent plates can be adapted on request.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes are butter- or cream-based; call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several steak and seafood entrées can be prepared gluten-free; inform your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit room, private-feeling booths, and slower pacing create a romantic, conversation-friendly first-date setting if you’re looking for something formal and memorable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but it’s risky on weekends — walk-ins are occasionally seated at the bar or late slots; for booths or celebrations, reserve well in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the atmosphere is tailored to couples and celebrations; older teens may be fine, but it’s not well suited for young children or large family parties.
Best For
Better for: Romantic milestones, proposals, and special-occasion steak and seafood dinners where ambiance, privacy, and service matter as much as the plate.
Skip if: You prefer casual dining, energetic group dinners, or broad vegan/vegetarian menus — faster, louder spots or modern steakhouses may suit those needs better.