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Not your father’s Penn Station: Manhattan hub transforms into a commuter’s haven

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The massive reconstruction project going on in and around Penn Station has brought forth a wealth of new food and retail establishments to the transportation hub.

From quick bites to sit-down meals, and from hearty smoothies and fresh salads to spicy fried chicken and mouth-watering sushi, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant retail scene.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s open now and what’s coming soon, sorted by locations within the PENN District.

Penn Station

Now Open

  • Playa Bowls: Featuring an extensive menu of acai bowls and smoothies.
  • Pret a Manger: Offering prepared sandwiches, salads and snacks. Ideal for folks on the go.
  • Dos Toros: Open for breakfast during the week at 7 a.m. and serving dinner until 11. Mexican fare, featuring a variety of burritos and tacos.
  • Insomnia Cookies: Part of a chain of bakeries with more than 150 locations in the United States that specializes in serving up warm cookies, baked goods and ice cream.
  • Rose Pizza: Featuring classic New York-style pizza slices.

Opening in February 2024

  • Shake Shack: The nationwide favorite features its iconic burgers, fries and shakes.
  • Le Cafe: Another morning coffee and snack option.

Opening in March 2024

  • Raising Canes: Sink your teeth into their famous chicken fingers and secret sauce.
  • Starbucks: Fuel up with your favorite coffee drinks, teas, and snacks from this beloved chain.

Opening May 2024

  • Chick Fil A: Satisfy your craving for chicken sandwiches and waffle fries at this popular fast-food joint.
  • Chopt: Offering customizable salads and bowls made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Dunkin’: A go-to spot for coffee and doughnuts.

Opening June 2024

  • Realmuto: Italian pastry shop and cafe.
  • Wasabi Sushi & Bento: Serving up fresh, authentic, handmade Japanese sushi and bento, Wasabi is set for a triumphant return to Penn Station.

Opening October 2024

  • Pollo Campero: Featuring a menu full of flavorful chicken meals. Suffolk has three Pollo Campero restaurants.

Penn 1

Now Open

  • Blue Ribbon Steak & Sushi: Opened in October, Blue Ribbon Sushi & Steak meshes traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern day steakhouse.

Penn 1 East

Now Open

  • Los Taco No. 1: Bustling taqueria in a street-style setup that serves tacos, quesadillas and aguas frescas.
  • Rowdy Rooster: Highly rated Indian fried chicken served up fast in a fun atmosphere.

Coming Soon

  • Roberta’s Pizza: A wood-fired pizzeria chain whose original location opened in Bushwick, Brooklyn, in 2008. The popular pizza chain has a location in Montauk.
  • Anita la Mamma de Gelato: Offers creamy gelato in a variety of flavors.

Food Hall at Moynihan Train Station

Now Open

  • YONO Sushi by BondSt: Sushi and other Japanese cuisine in a stylish setting.

Coming Soon

  • La Esquina: the latest outpost of the popular Mexican restaurant known for its delicious tacos, great ambiance and tasty margaritas.
  • Rains: Rains is an outerwear lifestyle brand featuring a strong urban inspiration.
  • Leather Spa: Offering cleaning, repair and restoration services.
  • Moleskine: Renowned brand selling high-quality notebooks, planners and accessories.
  • QQ Nails & Spa: Upscale nail salon offering a range of services and treatments.

Top photo: Dos Toros in Penn Station (via Facebook/MTA-LIRR)

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