Plenum is a Nørrebro hang-around where you stay far longer than planned because you lose track of time and just keep ordering those extra pints.
Located on Sankt Hans Torv, it is fairly busy. There is usually enough room, though, for both smaller and larger groups to find tables in the bar’s two sections. It also seems that at any time of the year, the outside tables are the most popular – in the summer with good reason, but why the Danes insist on sitting outside during the winter is more of a mystery.
The interior of Plenum is decorated with quotes from relatively famous people. The idea is to probably entertain with insightful observations, but really it doesn’t seem all that profound.
For entertainment other than their drinks and beer selection, Plenum has a decent selection of board games, so it is always possible to have a game of backgammon, penguin or chess. This also seems to be a much used way to widen the company to the adjoining tables.
Plenum has a limited but select menu. What they offer is above average in the sandwich and salad category. The prices are reasonable – you pay between 55 and 85 kroner. Their cakes are perhaps slightly more average.
It is an all-crowds kind of place, attracting students, mothers on maternity leave, first dates, and the after-work brigade craving a beer. In the evening it is a good and less noisy alternative to many of the other bars in the area.
The selection of beers at Plenum is pretty standard, with prices ranging from 30 to 50 kroner for a pint. They offer a limited but good selection of drinks – their Dark and Stormy is especially recommendable. Their coffee is decent enough, but given the location, there are other actual coffee places in the area that would be more obvious to go to if you want really good coffee.
The service is friendly and competent. Even when it is at its most busy, they are speedy and efficient, so it does not seem like you spend half your time waiting to order or be served.
All in all, Plenum is a good place for a pint after work, a place to meet someone you actually want to have a conversation with, or as the first stop before a concert at Rust.
Plenum
Sankt Hans Torv 3, Cph N; open Mon-Wed 08:00-00:00, Thu 08:00-01:00, Fri 09:00-02:00, Sat 11:00-02:00, Sun 11:00-02:00; www.cafeplenum.dk
