Juniper opened its doors in September and has since amassed high praise from the community. I was shocked at how packed the place was on a random Tuesday night in November, but I soon learned why. The restaurant itself is stunning, providing an experience that is both cozy and upscale.
The menu has a seasonal rotation that correlates with what ingredients will be freshest at the time. All of Juniper’s produce and meat is locally sourced. If you are someone who is into upscale food, this place is definitely worth checking out. They offer a quantity of variously prepared steak, fish, chicken, and even vegetarian options. Picky eaters be wary, however, as most of the menu items boast ingredients that required a Google search to figure out.
The various offerings range from house-made focaccia bread, cauliflower steak, and buttermilk fried chicken. The prices range from four different categories: Snack, small, large, and hearth grilled meats. The prices can get pretty hefty, but you could find a nice meal to eat here for around twenty to twenty-five dollars. Juniper is undoubtedly not a restaurant geared at college students, but that doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves every once in a while; especially with finals coming up.
The various desserts deserve a mention of their own. They offer a Honeynut Squash Crème Brûlée, fig and sherry sorbet, and homemade coconut cake. The apple brown butter sundae, made with apple cider sorbet and brown butter ice cream, is probably one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. That sounds dramatic, but seriously, this place is no joke.
If you find yourself in the mood to splurge on a nicer meal than the regular offerings of the area, then look no further than Juniper. Your bank account may be angry with you, but your stomach definitely won’t be.
