Location: 237 West 35th Street
Cuisine: Asian American Fusion
Best Dish: We adored the seafood spring rolls they were light and crispy a perfect starter, but the star of the night was the burger. This big juicy masterpiece is a must, but if blue cheese isn’t your thing don’t fret they have the same fabulous patty we experienced with other inventive toppings
Overall: A fun casual eatery that caters do cocktail lovers and foodies.
Juniper Bar is located just a few blocks from Madison Square Garden and Macy’s Herald Square. Whether your mission is a new outfit or a hot show you can find refuge in this beautiful new watering hole. The large inviting space features hand painted floral patterns on the walls as well as bright fun booths for comfortable snacking. We sauntered into the space on a random Tuesday night and found it surprisingly busy. For a new space it has instantly become a favorite among the local after 5 crowds. We sank into our corner booth and looked over the cocktail menu. As one would expect from a bar named Juniper there are quite a few gin-based cocktails. Neither my self nor my companion enjoys gin we opted for the mango margarita and the Pretty in Pink. The Mango Margarita is sweet and fragrant. It is made with Patron Tequila, Mango Puree, and Cointreau. The Pretty in Pink is a vodka based cocktail with Grey Goose Pomegranate Liqueur and pineapple juice.
While enjoying our cocktails we munched on a few appetizers. The first was the seafood spring rolls. We couldn’t pass these up. They are crunchy fried rolls overflowing with tender bits of lobster shrimp and scallops served with a bright citrus dipping sauce.
Next were the Vietnamese style wings. These lightly charred morsels were a sweet and spicy treat.
The last appetizer was the steak tacos. The steak tacos feature thin slices of grilled skirt steak, peppers, onions, guacamole, and chimichurri sauce.
After the apps we enjoyed another round of cocktails before digging into our entrees. The Juniper menu isn’t just small plates and finger foods. They also serve amazing fine dining entrees. We simply had to try the pumpkin ravioli. The tender pasta pillows are filled with a sweet pumpkin mixture then topped with a light brown butter sage sauce.
Lastly we had the burger. We were on the fence about which of their tasty burger options to order but we finally settled on The Big Blue. Why the big blue? Bacon, Cheddar, and a Tempura onion ring, need we say more? Okay maybe a little more…this burger is big juicy and absolutely messy in the best possible way. It oozes cheese and bacon and a generous helping of house-made blue cheese dressing.
Despite having so many dishes during the review there are several more on the menu I have to try. This unique dining experience is best experienced with good friends and foodies. The staff is friendly and warm which add to the overall experience. Whether you work in the area or are simply passing through drop by for some tasty dishes and delectable cocktails.