Bites Nearby: The Penn Bar & Grill

Every so often food surprises us. It’s often cuisine that we underestimate that has that effect, catching our taste buds off guard in the most pleasant ways. Plymouth’s offers a menu with just this power.

Usually, bar food is dismissed as simple and unimaginative, staples that are often taken for granted and rarely given the benefit of the doubt. There is a reason for this, and it is that most bar menus contain things that are easy (and quick) to prepare and are cost-effective.

But every so often someone goes against the grain and decides to offer more than just beer specials and sports games (on several flat-screen monitors).  When you encounter a place that has all this and great food, you remember it — and are apt to come back often.

The Penn (as it’s known locally) is that bar. It has a ton of beers (bottled and on tap), just about every liquor known to man and they can cook up a storm. Its menu is far from simple, offering something for just about every appetite.

For light eaters, a variety of appetizers and salads will satisfy, ranging from $5 to $8. Their hand-tossed pizzas (you can actually see the cooks hurling them in the air) are excellent – and great for sharing with friends. Its burgers and sandwiches are far from ordinary, and the cost hovers around $10.

Their crinkle-cut fries set them apart from the usual French fries or potato chips, which accompany all sandwiches. Most of the food also travels well, making the Penn a great spot to grab a carry-out.  But don’t get used to rushing in and out, because there is far too much you would miss out on.

The Penn — which is located on the north side of Penniman Avenue, directly across the street from  — is full of fun and activity. There is always a game on (they have eight flat-screen televisions), and it has some of the most knowledgeable (and down-to-earth) staff around.

The atmosphere is highly engaging, with large high-top tables throughout, which lends the bar to casual conversation, often among people who just happen to be seated near one another.  It also offers Keno, as well as tunes from its digital jukebox.