Since 2020, Bamboo Penny's has been a beloved staple in Leawood serving authentic Thai cuisine. Now, the celebrated restaurant group has expanded to its fourth location, Penny's in the Village, offering a new setting to discover its signature dishes, creative cocktails, and warm hospitality that have made the original location a local favorite.
Michael Werner, Corporate Concept Design and Business Development Director, has been working with Chef Penny to reimagine the Thai dining experience and deliver her vision for her food and hospitality.
"Bamboo Penny's offers guests the opportunity to experience Chef Penny Mufuka's interpretation of authentic Thai cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive selection of premium spirits in a beautiful, welcoming atmosphere," says Werner. "Moreover, Bamboo has become the benchmark for diners wanting to experience modern Thai cuisine in the Kansas City Metro. Something we are very proud of and take seriously. Guests can expect exceptional service and hospitality on their first visit. Bamboo Penny's also provides a one-of-a-kind dining and special events experience in the Bamboo Room, which features elevator service, rooftop dining, a full-service bar, and a retractable roof for stargazing when the weather permits."
Walking into the new Prairie Village location, guests are immediately welcomed into a bright and inviting space designed for gathering with family and friends. Just like the Leawood restaurant, this location blends exceptional service with an atmosphere that feels both elevated and approachable. The decor reflects a modern, tropical feel that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the menu, making it a spot where guests can linger for both special occasions and casual dinners. The location also offers expansive alfresco dining options with both covered and open-air selections.
The menu features the same fan favorites that diners have come to crave, with a few new additions.
"Some of our most popular shareable dishes to start a meal include Penny's Rangoon, crunchy salad rolls, lobster egg rolls, Bangkok bits, and my personal favorite, Thai spicy sausage. When it comes to authentic Thai salads, the Nam Khao Tod, a crispy rice and pork salad, and the Mint Salad with your choice of pan-seared salmon or hanger steak are personal favorites. Specialties like Penny's Special Pad Thai, Mango Duck, and Salmon Panang Curry are always crowd-pleasers. Chef Penny and our culinary teams are masters of the wok, so our stir-fries and noodle dishes of Thailand, as well as Thai Curry dishes, offer guests wonderful options. Guests also appreciate how customizable many of the menu items are, from your choice of protein to the spice level."
Chef Penny has built a team that has been with her for years, creating a sense of loyalty and camaraderie that translates into every dish served. This family-like atmosphere extends to the guests, who quickly feel part of something special.
"We chose the Prairie Village location due to the strong sense of community in the area. The location has been incredibly well-received by Prairie Village and the surrounding neighborhoods. We offer guests similar menu favorites as Bamboo Penny's with the addition of several authentic street food items that we are currently testing. Penny's in the Village also features delicious craft cocktails, premium spirits, and expansive alfresco dining areas that are both open-air and covered, and offers lunch, happy hour, and dinner daily."
Chef Penny's restaurants are hosting a lineup of creative events designed to bring people together. In October, her award-winning Aqua Penny's, located in Leawood's Park Place, will welcome diners for Cafe Romanov x Aqua Penny's, a one-night collaboration blending Eastern European and Thai flavors with wines and vodkas on October 9th. Families won't want to miss Penny's in the Village Halloween celebration on October 25th, complete with a kid-friendly haunted house, candy, and games. November brings the Immortali-Tea Party on November 1st, where Chef Penny and Pastry Chef Amanda Bruner will pair classic teas with Thai-inspired bites at Aqua Penny's.
Beyond the neighborhood, Chef Penny will also showcase her talents at the prestigious Culinary Classic at Hallbrook Country Club, part of the Friends of James Beard series on September 16th. In December, Santa Saturday on December 6th offers a chance to sip Thai hot chocolate under the Clock Tower at the shops in the Village, while little ones meet Santa himself.
The recognition has already begun to follow the restaurant's growth. Chef Penny was recently named Johnson County's Chef of the Year for 2025, while Bamboo Penny's earned Best Thai Restaurant. Aqua Penny's, her seafood & raw bar concept, has also been honored as Best New Restaurant in the county and more.
The expansion into Prairie Village feels like a natural next step. For longtime fans, it's a chance to enjoy more of what they love in a new setting. For newcomers, it's an invitation to discover the vibrant flavors and welcoming spirit that have made Bamboo Penny's a local favorite.
Bamboo Penny's is located at 5270 West 116th Place in Leawood. Aqua Penny's is located at 11652 Ash Street in Leawood. Penny's in the Village is located at 4160 West 71st Street in Prairie Village. For more information, visit bamboopennys.com, AquaPennys.com, and pennysinthevillage.com.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Johnson County City Lifestyle