Penguins Restaurant & Bar

I’m new to the city and a few people that I know who attended JSU referred me to The Penguin to try Sunday brunch. I arrived around noon (place was almost empty when I got there) and sat at the bar. There were 4 employees behind the bar drying glasses but it took 10 minutes for one of them to greet me and take my order (mind you I was the only person at the bar area). My order came out quick and that was the last that I saw of anyone. No refill, no «is your order ok», nothing. Needless to say I’ll keep my distance from The Penguin. And I get it, in the grand scheme of things I’m just 1 person who’s not from here that had a horrible experience so this review will probably go unnoticed by Ownership/​Management. From a customer standpoint though, if someone is within 10 feet of an employee, it shouldn’t take 10 minutes for an initial greeting.

Not impressed, the décor and the atmosphere make it seem like you are about to have a great meal. All smoke and mirrors! The waitstaff was not knowledgable, the food was no where near amazing or worthy to return. The drinks from the bar pretty much just sat there on the table as they were not tasty at all.

I was a frequent visitor of the Penguin about a year ago. My preferred time of patronage was in the evening for cocktails and live music and an occasionally would go for lunch but that was rare. I decided to go for lunch this time (⁷⁄₁₇) for my Mom’s birthday lunch and the overall experience was disheartening.
They have obviously changed the entire service staff and you can definitely tell. The regulars that were efficient and well versed in the operations and service of the restaurant must be long gone.
For starters, there was not enough staff so the servers were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Therefore, it took some time for us to receive beverages and have our order taken. I have major food allergies and upon ordering my food had not confirmed the ingredients. I asked my server and she was not able to tell me so she sought assistance. That particular staff member did not know either. I asked for Kitchen Staff and it took about 35 minutes for anyone to come to the table. They were not able to help me so I asked for the label, which I never got.
Plus, by the time the staff member arrived, the other members of my party were almost done eating and my food was cold so even if I could have eaten it, I would not have wanted it.
I asked for the manager, Ms Dixon and she was upset that we were having an unfit experience. She removed my meal from the tab and offered more food but the service was so slow, I did not want to try it.
The whole reason for me even going to lunch this time was to mainly experience lunch as I had reserved a lunch for 20 about 2 months ago. After this experience, I must admit I cancelled the reservation.
HOWEVER, on my way out of the door, one of the board members stopped me and said he had heard about my issue and asked for feedback. Because I am in hospitality, I gave my professional and personal feedback and he was very receptive. Ms. Dixon was also very concerned and wanted to be sure we walked away comfortable and because of it, I asked we be put back on the calendar.
So, even though I was honestly very angry about my experience, I am going to give them another try because of them seeking me out. I did let them know that if I am embarrassed by the lunch service next week, I will be SURE to return the favor.
So stay tuned for the second go around…

Our party had the rib eye, the penguin burger, the fried catfish, and the stuffed chicken breast. My rib eye was well cooked, but the cut of meat was especially fatty.
They have a very interesting menu, worth trying the variety of items.

I had some hot wings they were good but the shit here is expensive as fuck… one questions why they built it right next to jsu cause if they did he food would be priced a little lower for the students the only people that I see go in there are people who don’t even live in Jackson

Love love love this place. It’s such a credit to the city, neighborhood and campus. The décor is cool and welcoming. The music always good and have not had a bad meal yet. While the students, mostly ;), are not highly versed in such dining they always make up for it with grace and hard work. They are trained well. The hostesses could often use some warmth or personality. Lunch is always good quick A’s great value. Dinner speed of service varies, but the music distracts me. Attended a banquet recently, good was outstanding. I’m always impressed when a banquet but meal seems as if it’s been ordered specifically.
It was seafood stuffed tilapia, with wonderful green beans and key lime pie that tasted SO homemade, but I know it wasn’t for that many people. It should be on the menu if it’s not. Before this particular night, I had never eaten an entire piece, ever.

I can’t be mad at them for having a swag about themselves at the Penguin. From the Valet parking on in the atmosphere is quite elegant. While it’s clear that you don’t have to dress up to eat here, something about the place makes you want to.
The service wasn’t the best as there seemed to be a bit of arrogance about all of the staff when things took longer than would be expected (on more than one occasion). The live music and atmosphere more than kept me from being upset about the slow service.
The food was good not great, and the drinks were well made. Nothing jumped out to me as fantastic, but nothing stool out as awful either. I can’t recommend anything specific, but there is enough variety that everyone should be able to find something they can enjoy.
When you come, come for the atmosphere. The bands have always been good or better, and the feel of the place makes you feel like its a special night, even when there is nothing going on. I’d dress up just because it feels like you are supposed to and it adds to the evening.
It’s worth a try.

Great service, friendly staff, nice atmosphere, good food.

The lemonade is the best I have ever had in my entire life! When I was working at the local university, my co-​worker and I would often visit this place a few times a month, and would often order the salmon salad. It is just the best salad I have ever had from any restaurant. The salmon is full of flavor and is a nice size portion. I am also fond of the brisket meal that they have for a weekly lunch special. I have heard the stories of its historical significance and was glad to see them pay homage to that history.

Awesome lunch! Quick polite service! Really nice atmosphere and dining room. The jazz music adds essence to your dinning pleasure. I order the turkey wrap and it came with homemade potato chips all for a decent lunch price. Thumbs up!

The ambiance of this place was fantastic. The staff was the best I have ever had! However, the food was not at the standard the price demanded. I had a steak platter; sirloin, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The steak was ordered medium rare but came nearly well done. It came with a brown peppercorn sauce that tasted like peppery brown gravy. The mashed potatoes were watery instead of creamy. I also had dessert; bread pudding. Not only was it dry but it had also been heated in the microwave which made the temperature inconsistent. The first bite nearly burned my tongue while the next bite was barely warm. The price range in Unilocal is wrong for this venue as well with just two dollar signs. There were two of us; two entrees, two waters, two desserts, for a total of $ 60 should be $$$ in my opinion.

Wow… I did not know what to expect and I was very surprised with the white table cloths (for lunch) and beautiful restaurant. Lunch was delicious and very well priced.

Fantastic lunch! I attend JSU and have never been to the Penguin until today. I had no idea what I was missing. I thought because it looks swanky, I would be treated differently since I showed up in jeans and a tshirt but that was not the case. From the moment I arrived in the back parking lot, I encountered friendly people. The security guard, Robert, was so nice and walked me to the door.

The hostess was friendly but since I was by myself, I chose to sit at the bar. The bartender, Jerry, was super friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. He showed me their dinner menu as well to persuade me to come try them at night. It worked, I will be visiting for dinner in the near future.

My lunch was well worth the $ 10 I paid for it. Awesome beef brisket over homemade mashed potatoes with tasty butter beans! And it comes with perfectly sweetened iced tea. I think its the best lunch for the money in Downtown! Hands down. But that’s just my opinion. The portion size was big enough to take home leftovers, but I couldn’t stop eating because it was sooo good!

Chef/​Owner John came out to tables to check on everyone with a smile. I enjoyed talking to him for the few moments that he had. And was sure to express how great my meal was.
All in all, this was the best restaurant experience I have had in a long time. Food is great. People are great. I only have good things to say about the Penguin. And I will be back real soon! Looking forward to trying the catfish on Fridays! The security guard, Robert, highly recommends it. Thanks guys you made this pregnant lady very happy!

Great food, drinks, and atmosphere. John Hardy, the chef and owner, is freaking AWESOME. When you meet him, tell him Compozitionz sent you!

Great separate room for meetings and events, great service, great atmosphere and a good southern menu. I had the turkey burger that was good. Want to get back and try something else!

This post is going to be totally biased! I’m sorry but this is brutal honesty — as a Jackson State Alum (School of Business). To see the transition of the University and the campus — is simply awe inspiring.
The ambiance, the quality of the food — just really moved me — damn near to tears. Then to see the lunch crowd — was diverse and not feeding into stereotypes that Jackson has been hammered with over the last 10 years, just really gave me a true sense of hope for Mississippi and for its Capital city of Jackson, for Jackson State and to truly move us into rising our city, all Mississippians city out of the ashes and become a Phoenix and tell outsiders — to come spend their money in Mississippi! There is more to the south than Beale Street, Bourbon Street, Atlanta, and Muscle Shoals!
The Penguin is a testament to what can be done in Jackson, with positive attitudes and vision!
I told you guys I was biased on this one!
Please support your own Mississippians! Its just that simple!
Oh yeah — and the food was damn good, YES INDEED!

Great music atmosphere. It took about 50 minutes to get my Entrée but the owner apologized and comp my meal. The food was surprising very good and tasty. The owner redeemed the restaurant by providing legendary service. The next time I am on Jackson I will eat here. The entertainment is phenomenal.

Stepping thru mid –JSU campus & just a south drive from downtown via Pearl St is The Penguin. I was very impressed with the ambience and food. You won’t be disappointed. I tried the daily lunch special on a Friday. Catfish with sweet tea. While I dined, a gentlemen on saxophone provided the mood with some music! Swanky feel for sure!