Penn Station: Underground purgatory or commuter bright spot?

"New York is made up of millions of different people," said Lindsay Kelk in her book "I Heart New York," "and they all come here looking for something."

The magic, craziness, entertainment and ultimate flashiness that is New York City has been quoted many ways.

Looking for something in the Big Apple?

For many New Jersey residents, their visit starts at New York Pennsylvania Station.

Located at 390 Seventh Ave., the two-level station, owned by Amtrak, also services trains by NJ Transit and Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road.

Approximately 650,000 people bustle through it daily, according to Craig Schulz, senior communications officer for Amtrak.

While many commuters, tourists and locals strolling through aim to escape the unattractive building as quickly as possible (the station was referred to as a "calamity" and an "underground purgatory" by the New York Times in 2012), there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.

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"The first phase of construction is underway on Moynihan Station — a project to expand Penn Station into the historic Farley Post Office building across 8th Avenue," Schulz says. "Moynihan Station is the future home of Amtrak's operations, and will relieve congestion, improve the passenger experience and enhance security in the busiest train station in America."

Here's a look at present-day New York Penn Station, and the eateries, shops and bars to spend the time while waiting for your train.

Food

There are plenty of vendors for every palate inside Penn Station, all with concourses by Amtrak/ NJ Transit and Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road.

On the lower level, find casual fare including Coco Moka Cafe, Au Bon Pain, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, Knot Just Pretzels, Central Market, Caruso Pizza, Superior Wrap Company, Hot & Crusty and Le Bon Cafe.

Mexican cuisine can be found on the upper level at Moe's Southwest Grill, with everything from burrito bowls to salads to nachos and quesadillas. The eatery has a mission to serve no microwaveable food, and have zero trans fat per serving. More than 20 fresh ingredients are prepared daily, according to the restaurant's website.

The station's upper level also includes Penn Sushi, Primo Cappuccino, Soup Stop, and Zaro Bakery, a family bakery with cakes, salads, sandwiches and more.

Shops

Need a last-minute gift or a quick read for the train home?

You might be able to take care of all your shopping needs inside Penn Station, with its various retailers on both floors.

The lower level includes Carlton Cards, Duane Reade Drugs, Penn Wine and Spirits, GNC, Puff 'n Stuff, Hudson News, The Petal Pushes, Kmart, Penn Books, Penn Station Bookstore, Fresh Flowers and Soleman Shoe Repair.

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Head to the upper level for Tiecoon, Verizon Wireless, Book Corner, Drago Shoe Repair, handbags and accessory store Elegance, another Duane Reade, another Hudson News, another GNC, another Soleman, Perfumania and New York New York.

ATM services for Bank of America, Chase, HSBC and Wells Fargo are also available inside Penn Station.

Drinks

There is nothing like a cocktail after a long day of work — or to celebrate your favorite team's win.

Besides Moe's Southwest Grill and TGI Fridays, other spots around Penn Station boast a selection of alcoholic drinks. Tracks Bar and Grill on the upper level has an oyster and raw bar with an array of East and West Coast seafood.

Indulge in appetizers such as jumbo shrimp cocktail ($12.95), root beer battered chicken tenders ($8.95), and sauteed Prince Edward Island mussels ($10.5). They also serve lobster ravioli ($17.95) and North Atlantic salmon ($19.95) for entrees.

And, it has plenty of drinks.

Kabooz's Bar and Grill, also on the upper level, has happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Popular menu items include fresh mozzarella, the New York strip steak and red-chili-crusted sea scallops, but it also has a variety of beers on tap and a full line of domestic and bottle beer, wine, scotches and vodkas, according to the restaurant's website.

GETTING AROUND THE STATION

Remember these travel tips the next time you visit New York City:

•Main entrances are at 34th Street near Seventh Avenue (LIRR); Seventh Avenue at 32nd Street (LIRR & NJ Transit); Seventh Avenue at 31st Street (NJ Transit); Eighth Avenue at 31st and 33rd Streets (Amtrak), and Service Drive (former taxiway, closed to vehicles).

•People unfamiliar with the station should prepare for their visit by reading about the station on www.amtrak.com, says Craig Schulz, Amtrak senior communications officer.

•Upon arrival, listen carefully for boarding announcements and ask a uniformed member of the station staff or Amtrak Police for assistance as needed.

•Red Cap service is available for assistance with luggage, and a designated waiting area is available for ticketed passengers only.

•Club Acela services — which involve several types of private lounges — are available for our Acela Express First Class passengers, sleeping car passengers, Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus and Select Executive members.

Source: Craig Schultz, Amtrak senior communications officer; and The "Unofficial Guide to New York Penn Station" on JasonGibbs.com

ABOUT PENN STATION

•It is located at 390 Seventh Ave. in New York City.

•NJ Transit, Amtrak, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road, and New York City Subway all provide services out of New York Penn Station.

•One of the newest amenities available at Penn Station, through a partnership with Parking Panda, is the ability to reserve a parking space before arriving at the station, explains Craig Schulz, Amtrak senior communications officer.

"Passengers are now able to compare available parking options and prices, then purchase a guaranteed spot in advance of their trip," Schulz says. "More than 30 Amtrak stations are part of the new program with more to be added through 2015."

•Beyond the Northeast Corridor, New York passengers can board overnight trains to Chicago, Illinois; Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana and elsewhere, connecting to the West Coast via the California Zephyr, Empire Builder or Southwest Chief, Schulz says.

•Ticket office hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

•There are 29 ticket vending machines.

•The station also has an information station, police, lost and found, baggage claim, pay phones, restrooms and transportation services.

MORE FOOD OPTIONS AT NEW YORK PENN STATION

Europa Cafe, Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Colombo Yogurt, Haagen Daaz, Don Pepi Deli, Don Pepi Express and Don Pepi Pizza, Krispy Kreme Donuts, McDonald's, Subway, Tim Horton's, Taco Bell, Nathan's, Charley's Grilled Subs, ChickPea Cafe, Rose Pasta and Pizza, Starbucks, Planet Smoothie, Chop N Toss

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS APP?

NAME: Penn Station Buddy

WHAT IT DOES: Provides must-have information for commuters going to Penn Station daily.

FEATURES: Train times for NJ Transit and Long Island Rail Road, track numbers in Penn Station, geo location maps for every train station for LIRR and NJ Transit, geo location maps for the top 10 best places in New York for burgers, Chinese, steaks, pasta, Italian cuisine, bakeries, Kosher, Thai and dessert. There also is an "I'm lost" feature, that sends a user's exact geo coordinates to any of their contacts through text or email.

COST: 99 cents through Apple's App Store