As the anticipation builds for the $7 billion makeover of Penn Station, an exciting new neighborhood, the Penn District, has begun to flourish around this transportation hub.
This vibrant locale is quickly becoming a melting pot of retail, bars, and eateries, capturing the attention of both everyday commuters and tourists aiming for a bite that surpasses the iconic Sbarro’s of Manhattan.
In the heart of Moynihan Train Hall, you’ll find a delightful array of options such as Alidoro, E.A.K Ramen, and Jacob’s Pickles, along with a solid pint of Guinness from The Irish Exit—an establishment backed by the famed team behind The Dead Rabbit.
Furthermore, Los Tacos No. 1 and Roberta’s—a celebrated pizza spot that opened a standalone location last year—have joined the pedestrian-only plaza on 33rd Street, offering grab-and-go slices and a rooftop that broadcasts basketball games from Madison Square Garden.
Recognizing a need for more refined dining options for concertgoers, Sunday Hospitality, known for eateries like Sunday in Brooklyn and Rule of Thirds, launched The Dynamo Room on May 31st.
This modern steakhouse expertly melds nostalgia with contemporary flair, drawing inspiration from bygone eras like the atomic age and the space race.
Designed by Evidence of Things, the interior features plush, embroidered booths, mirrored accents, and a striking Sputnik-style sculpture adorned with magnified lenses, each element combining to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the rotating larger-than-life portraits throughout the restaurant, thanks to a collaboration with KARMA Gallery that showcases new artwork every six months.
For those yearning for fresh air, the indoor-outdoor patio is a serene space filled with cushioned furniture, palm-like plants, and gently revolving black ceiling fans that enhance the ambience.
When the weather turns cooler, glass sliders can close off the patio from the main dining area, creating an intimate dining experience.
The culinary team maintains a familial essence with Jaime Young, co-founder of Sunday Hospitality, collaborating with head chef and partner Derek Boccagno, who previously showcased his talents at Café Chelsea in Hotel Chelsea.
Inspired by 19th-century chef Charles Ranhofer, the duo presents a menu that balances timeless steakhouse classics with contemporary palate preferences.
“Our goal was to craft a menu that feels both timeless and forward-thinking, honoring the classics while introducing flavors that reflect the evolution of dining in New York,” Young stated in a press release.
The menu opens with an homage to New York’s historic oyster cellars, featuring an assortment of raw seafood selections like oysters, Maine mussels, and littleneck clams.
Among the must-try dishes are the mouthwatering Sicilian Crudo, boasting impossibly thin slices of tuna and salmon topped with crushed pistachios, capers, and a drizzle of premium olive oil, as well as the visually striking Chilled Deviled Lobster served in its own shell, showcasing succulent lobster chunks accompanied by deviled egg filling.
Plans for a full raw bar in the back room promise an even more immersive experience for seafood lovers.
As for starters, diners can expect ambrosial delights like the golden brown Parker House Rolls, featuring glossy crusts that crackle when pulled apart, and roasted bone marrow glazed with barbecue sauce, eliciting a rich umami flavor.
Another eye-catching appetizer, the Smoked Cheddar Soufflé, is presented tableside, with servers breaking through its airy top to flood the center with rich, molten cheese from a silver ladle, creating an unforgettable experience for the senses.
Yet, steak lovers will find The Dynamo Room’s true highlight in its impressive selection of beef.
Boasting eleven cuts—from KC Strip Steak to a massive 50-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye designed for sharing—the menu has something for everyone.
To alleviate any intimidation, servers proactively present a tray of the prime cuts on a rolling cart, guiding diners through each marbled selection and facilitating the perfect choice for their meal.
When it comes to beverages, industry expert Brian Evans, Sunday Hospitality’s director of bars, has curated a drink menu that bridges classic and modern cocktails.
The lineup features seven martinis—including the upscale scotch-focused Rob Roy priced at $41.95—alongside innovative concoctions like the Saturn, blending gin, passion fruit, macadamia nut, and makrut, or the Galaxy Surf Club, which combines Greek gin with kalamata olive, yogurt whey, and blanc de blanc.
Wine enthusiasts can savor a thoughtfully curated wine list alongside spirit-free options, and for the casual diner, Miller High Life is also available.
Of course, no steakhouse is complete without a selection of delectable desserts.
Expect to indulge in rich slices of Carrot Cake and Triple Chocolate Layer Cake, alongside chocolate tarts adorned with caviar and gold leaf.
As summer heats up, the Cherries Jubilee arrives as a refreshing finale, with creamy ice cream, juicy cherries, brown sugar, and fluffy whipped cream coming together in a perfect seasonal treat.
Will The Dynamo Room enhance the reputation of New York’s burgeoning Penn District?
Visiting this remarkable steakhouse may be the best way to discover its evolving culinary charm.
image source from：timeout
