Drinking Beer In Penn Station: What's Allowed?

New York City's Penn Station is a bustling transportation hub with a wide range of food and beverage options for commuters and travellers alike. While the station has a reputation as one of the worst places in New York, efforts have been made to upgrade the station, including the opening of a full bar inside Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge. This exclusive lounge offers a rotating selection of craft beers, cocktails, wine, and hot food, elevating the Penn Station experience for Amtrak's high-tier customers.

However, the question of whether one can legally drink beer in Penn Station is more complex. While there are deli counters selling draft beer in the central concourse, signs indicate that alcohol consumption violates NYC Admin Code 10-125. Law enforcement officers use their discretion in enforcing this law, and commuters drinking beer may be left alone as long as they are not causing any disturbances.

Beer is sold at Penn Station

The Metropolitan Lounge is exclusive to Amtrak's high-tier customers, including First-Class ticket holders and Business Class passengers who purchase a $50 day pass. The lounge operates daily, with the bar open between 11 am and 7 pm. It offers an upscale drinking experience with complimentary snacks, sandwiches, salads, coffee, cocktails, wine, and hot food.

In addition to the Metropolitan Lounge, there are several other places to purchase beer near Penn Station. Rose Pizza, a longtime fixture of the Long Island Railroad Concourse, offers a draft beer selection of 30 pulls, as well as bottled beer. Zaro Bake Shop, a local bakery found in transportation terminals, also offers a range of beer alongside its Jewish baked goods and sandwiches.

Inside the station, there are reportedly four or five deli counters advertising and selling draft beer in the central concourse. However, there is no place to sit in the deli, and signs in the station state that alcohol consumption is a violation of "NYC Admin Code 10-125".

It is illegal to drink in public in NYC

It is illegal to drink in public in New York City. While there are many bars near Penn Station, and even a bar inside the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge, drinking in public spaces in NYC is prohibited.

The law is clear: NYC Admin Code 10-125 states that the consumption of alcohol in public is a violation. This includes the crowded central corridors of Penn Station, despite the presence of deli counters selling draft beer. The law is not always enforced by police officers, who have discretion over when and how to apply it.

The Metropolitan Lounge bar is an exclusive space for Amtrak's high-tier customers, including First-Class ticket holders and Business Class passengers who purchase a $50 day pass. It offers a rotating selection of craft beers, cocktails, wine, hot food, and complimentary snacks. Outside of the lounge, there are many other bars and restaurants in the vicinity of Penn Station, making it a food destination in its own right.

While it may be tempting to enjoy a drink while waiting for a train, doing so in public spaces within Penn Station is against the law. The police have the authority to enforce this law and may choose to do so at their discretion. Therefore, it is advisable to only consume alcohol in designated areas, such as bars, restaurants, or private spaces, to avoid potential legal consequences.

There are many bars near Penn Station

One bar that is very close to Penn Station is Tracks, which was located inside the station itself. However, it has since closed down and relocated to 31st between 7th and 8th. Another bar that is located close to Penn Station is Stout, which is described as having a good burger and being very large so it can handle a lot of people.

Other bars within walking distance of Penn Station include:

• Haymaker Bar and Kitchen (252 W 29th St)
• Rock & Reilly’s (218 W 35th St, 5th Fl)
• The Lot on Tap (W 30th St and 10th Ave)
• Hayden’s Rooftop (127 W 28th St)
• The Skylark (200 W 39th St, 30th Fl)
• El Quinto Pino (401 W 24th St)
• Barcade (148 W 24th St)
• Oscar Wilde (45 West 27th St)
• The John Dory Oyster Bar (1196 Broadway)
• Porchlight (271 11th Ave)
• Flatiron Hall (38 W 26th St)
• Gibson & Luce (19 W 31st St)
• The Liberty (29 W 35th St)
• The Breslin (16 W 29th St)
• Grey Bar & Restaurant (43 W 26th St)
• The Ainsworth (122 W. 26th St)
• Gallow Green (542 W 27th St)
• Sky Room (330 W 40th St)
• Proper West (54 W 39th St)
• The Ginger Man (reportedly has an extensive beer selection)
• District Tap House (4/5 blocks away)
• Haymaker Bar and Kitchen (reportedly has interesting beers on tap and good food)
• McGarrys (reportedly has a lovely hidden backyard just one avenue over on 33rd and 9th)
• The Pennsy (reportedly a good spot to grab a bite of food, a cocktail, or a beer)
• American Whiskey (30th St)
• Beer Authority (for beer selection or a chill rooftop)
• Tir Na Nog (31st St)
• The Irish Exit (421 8th Ave)

Amtrak has a beer and cocktail bar

The Metropolitan Lounge is open Monday to Friday from 5 am to 9:30 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm. The bar is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm. The addition of the lounge is part of a plan to upgrade Penn Station, which has a reputation as one of the worst places in New York, and provide a more upscale experience for travellers.

Rose Pizza in Penn Station has 30 beers on tap

Rose Pizza in Penn Station, New York, has 30 beers on tap, as well as bottled beer. This is a typical Midtown pizzeria, with a range of pizzas displayed behind glass. The beer selection includes 30 draft beers, which is a great option for those waiting for a train.

Rose Pizza is located in the Long Island Railroad Concourse of Penn Station. It is a well-known fixture of the station, providing a place for commuters to sit and wait for their train while enjoying a drink. The pizzeria offers a wide variety of beers, both on tap and bottled, making it a convenient spot to relax before boarding.

The Metropolitan Lounge, located on the upper level of the Moynihan Train Hall, is another option for those seeking a more upscale drinking experience. This lounge is exclusive to Amtrak's high-tier customers, including First-Class ticket holders and Business Class passengers who purchase a $50 day pass. It offers a rotating selection of craft beers, cocktails, wine, and hot food, as well as complimentary snacks and coffee.

However, for those looking for a more casual drinking experience, Rose Pizza is a great choice. With its wide selection of beers and convenient location, it is a popular spot for commuters to unwind and pass the time while waiting for their train.

In addition to the beer selection, Rose Pizza also offers the typical Midtown pizzeria experience. There are dozens of pizzas to choose from, ranging from good to bad, as per reviews. The seating available makes it a convenient spot to linger and enjoy a meal or a drink while waiting for a train.

So, whether one is looking for a quick drink or a place to wait for their train, Rose Pizza in Penn Station, with its 30 beers on tap, is a great option to consider.

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