Restaurant Spotlight

When John Hardy retired from 36 years of service Jackson’s University Club, he was looking to relax and enjoy life - that is until he walked into the corner space in a building across from the Jackson State University Student Union. “I saw this space and everything it could be,” he said. “I saw the bar against the wall, the stage for entertainment - everything. I knew right then I had to open a restaurant here.”

While a student at JSU in the 70’s, Hardy was a regular at a small restaurant near the campus named “The Penguin” that became a community gathering spot serving great food. What he saw in this new location was an opportunity to resurrect The Penguin and restore its culinary heritage to the JSU community.

Serving everything from Duck a’l’Orange, Rib Eye Cooley and Eggplant Parmigiana to the ultimate throwback to the original restaurant, the Hot Dog Special, The Penguin delivers plenty. The recipe for the Hot Dog Special (two dogs covered in coleslaw, fries and spicy BBQ sauce) is straight from the original owners of the first location.

Look for offerings on the daily special menu such as Smothered Pork Chop, Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Shrimp and Grits.

Having a party? Let the friendly staff at The Penguin host your guests in the private dining room. With nightly live entertainment, a stellar wine list and plenty of upcoming special events, Jackson’s newest hotspot is open for business!

The service, food and atmosphere at The Penguin are nothing short of spectacular. After all, when a 36 year veteran does something, he does it big and he does it worthy of all that Jackson is and can become.