"My husband and I recently visited Juniper after hearing rave reviews about their fried chicken online. Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by several staff members who shared the story behind Juniper's creation. Once we sat down and began to share our first impressions, it quickly became clear that we loved the charming Southern-inspired decor paired with classic music playing in the background.
The cocktail menu caught our attention with its intriguing and creative options. Throughout our meal, I realized I’d never had a gin and tonic quite as delightful as the one that evening. Our server, Matthew, meticulously crafted the drink and educated us about the local tonic and specialty gin used. He even treated us to samples of their barrel-aged gin and suggested we try a bourbon tasting as well.
Now, let’s talk about the food. The bread basket, featuring five different styles, marked the beginning of what turned out to be one of the most delicious meals of my life. The angel biscuit, hushpuppies, and cornbread were absolutely heavenly. The handmade butter was incredibly sweet and fluffy, while the apple butter had a spicy, sweet flavor that made me want to savor every bite.
Next up was the chicken and waffles. Oh my goodness. The chicken was juicy yet crispy, sweet yet savory, and perfectly spiced with a tangy fish sauce caramel syrup, topped off with crispy pickles and smooth peanut butter. The waffles were light and fluffy, and the combination of flavors felt almost unreal. Who would think to reinvent a classic like chicken and waffles? But it worked beautifully—it was so wrong that it was right. In my opinion, it was the best item on the menu. With every bite, new layers of flavor emerged, making it the most fascinatingly delicious dish I’ve ever had.
On to our main course—my husband ordered the catfish, which of course meant I had to try it as well. The breading was crispy and flavorful, and the fish was delicate and flaky—very flaky. The highlight of the dish was the tartar sauce, which was herbaceous, lemony, and creamy—absolutely divine.
I opted for the shrimp and grits, which was a classic preparation that they executed flawlessly. The shrimp was perfectly cooked—juicy, plump, and crisp—and the grits were just right, with the sauce tying the entire dish together.
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, Matthew informed us about their homemade ice cream. But not just any ice cream—a flight of it! We got to sample flavors like orange ginger, citrus elderflower, and sarsaparilla cinnamon, which have now earned a special place in our hearts.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Juniper and can’t wait to visit again soon. I had one of the best dining experiences of my life, and I cannot praise the staff and chef enough!"
