Penumbra

“Penumbra exceeded every expectation.”

Penumbra exceeded every expectation. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere set the tone for a truly romantic evening. The lighting was superb—warm, intimate, and thoughtfully adjustable within the booth area. The booths themselves were sectioned off with sheer, see-through drapes, which created a private, cozy feel without being isolating. It was beautifully done. The staff were exceptional. Attentive without hovering, and their timing was flawless—it genuinely felt like service down to a science. Every interaction was natural, well-paced, and professional. The food was outstanding. I ordered the chicken, and it was cooked to perfection—juicy, flavorful, and not dry in the slightest. Every element of the dish was on point. Between the ambiance, the service, and the quality of the food, Penumbra delivered a complete experience. An absolutely perfect location for a romantic night out. We’ll definitely be back.

Lawerence Cade

Dec 2025

“This is officially one of my new favorite restaurants!”

This is officially one of my new favorite restaurants!! I went here for my birthday, and I was so pleased with everything! The staff was so attentive and friendly! I really enjoyed the mood lighting that they said definitely gives it a nice romantic vibe in there So it’s great for a date night. But getting into the food— i was sooooooo Please, because every single thing was good! We started off with the complementary soup and I honestly could’ve went home with a gallon of it. It was so tasty, My only wish is that they had some bread to go with it lol. We ordered the crabcakes. They were thin and a little bit crispy Like a patty compared to other crabcakes, but I loved it, The sauces that it came with made it even better. For my entrée, I ordered the surf and turf with the poblano shrimp and grilled veggies (Definitely recommending the veggies over the complementary salad) Everything was so flavorful and juicy. I honestly can’t wait to go back if I could give it 5000 stars I would💚 I ended up making this place my number one on Beli!

Ashley Johnson

Nov 2025

“Wow! 🤩 This restaurant was magical. The food was extraordinary and excellent. We ate some of the...”

Wow! 🤩 This restaurant was magical. The food was extraordinary and excellent. We ate some of the best food we’ve ever had at a restaurant. Though the entrance to this place is very unassuming, we were lead to the dining area where the atmosphere was extra special and very private. We were made to feel welcome immediately and had amazing service. We can’t wait to come back!

Becky Joy Villar

Oct 2025

“Really amazing food and wine selection was so diverse and seclusions.”

Really amazing food and wine selection was so diverse and seclusions. The standout was the service, friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend for a romantic date night or fun night out with friends.

Lisa Mahon

Oct 2025

“Brought my fiancé here for our anniversary and it was the perfect atmosphere for the occasion.”

Brought my fiancé here for our anniversary and it was the perfect atmosphere for the occasion. Very romantic, the food/drinks were delicious, and our server was really sweet. She had a Don Julio margarita w/strip steak and I had salmon w/old fashion.

Danny Parks

Sep 2025

“Would definitely go back.”

Would definitely go back! The front half is a wine bar and the back half is the restaurant. Very romantic atmosphere. Menu is on the smaller side but everything was amazing. The servers were excellent as well

Rodrigo Velarde

Aug 2025

“For my last day in Chicago, I wanted to take my cousin and his husband out for a nice dinner as a...”

For my last day in Chicago, I wanted to take my cousin and his husband out for a nice dinner as a thank you for hosting me. Penumbra did not disappoint. From start to finish, everything was on point. I'll be back in September, and we'll go to Penumbra again!

Morgyn “Mo” Taith

Jul 2025

“Love this place! My boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary here and it was a wonderful...”

Love this place! My boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary here and it was a wonderful experience. Staff were very friendly and kind, the food was amazing, and the restaurant had a relaxed and romantic vibe with dim lighting. We ordered the scallops for our appetizer, and we also ordered steak, shrimp, and a cheesecake for dessert. Such a wonderful spot! Highly recommend.

Cassidy Holeso

Mar 2025

“My bf surprised me with this beautiful place for Valentines.”

My bf surprised me with this beautiful place for Valentines. It’s literally the Best place for an intimate exclusive & romantic dinner. The ambiance was perfect. I never really eat steak but this steak house is the best! You must book and request Juan as your server he is vibes!

Rosie Lagunas

Feb 2025

“This is a fun little steakhouse.”

This is a fun little steakhouse. Chill, romantic atmosphere, Latin music, nice curated wine list and cocktails, delicious seafood and steaks. Very reasonably priced. Highly recommended for a non-pretentious but delicious night out.

rob fischer

Jan 2025

“What a way to celebrate my birthday with my family.”

What a way to celebrate my birthday with my family. Alex was the absolute best, patient, thorough server ever. Every recommendation was cooked to perfection. Rita, the owner was so sweet and pleasant. Bar tender very professional. Entire experience was amazing

rebecca Harris

Jan 2025

“My fiance and I celebrated our first anniversary together here back in 2017.”

My fiance and I celebrated our first anniversary together here back in 2017. We love the atmosphere and the food and service is always spectacular. 6 years later, my fiance proposed at the exact table we celebrated our first anniversary. The staff made this night so memorable for us. We hold Penumbra close to our hearts. Thank you again to the staff. The night was perfect.

Danielle Fitzgerald

Nov 2024