Juniors on Harrison Ave – Flavorful Lunch Burger
Recently, I visited Juniors on Harrison, a casual dining spot located in the heart of Lakeview, New Orleans. This wasn’t my first time visiting a restaurant on Harrison Avenue, but I’d heard some buzz about their burgers lately, so my two co-workers and I decided to give Juniors Restaurant a shot for lunch. We sat outside, enjoying the breezy weather at this Lakeview restaurant with outdoor seating, and here’s what we experienced.
The Atmosphere at Juniors on Harrison
Juniors on Harrison provides a charming, casual dining environment that suits the laid-back vibe of the Lakeview area in New Orleans. As you approach the restaurant, you’re greeted by a crisp, clean exterior with white walls and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The outdoor seating area stretches along the side of the building, featuring simple but elegant white metal chairs and blue-topped tables. It’s a perfect setup for enjoying a meal on a breezy day, as we did during our visit.
Inside, Juniors Restaurant maintains a modern yet cozy feel, with stylish decor and an inviting atmosphere. The bar area stands out with its light wood tones and sleek design, making it an ideal spot to unwind with a drink. The indoor and outdoor seating options make this restaurant on Harrison Ave a versatile choice for any dining occasion, whether you’re stopping in for lunch or enjoying a relaxed evening meal.
As I enjoyed my meal, I couldn’t help but compare it to other recent dining experiences. It took me back to my visit to Broski’s Subs in Gretna, where the fresh ingredients really stood out. This meal, much like my lunch at Legacy Kitchen in Gretna, had its ups and downs but still delivered some memorable flavors. It also brought to mind the bold experience I had at Bon Sake Sushi Bar in Covington, where the fusion of flavors made a lasting impression. Each meal brings something different to the table, making dining out an ongoing adventure for me.
The Burger and Truffle Fries
All three of us decided to order the Junior Burger, which we’d seen recently showcased on social media including Facebook and Instagram. The burger is a double smash burger, served with American cheese on a sesame seed bun. What really sets it apart are the toppings: Korean spicy mayo, onion jam, and pickles. It’s an interesting twist on the classic American burger that immediately caught our attention.
As the burgers arrived, I could tell we were in for something good. The burger itself looked like a work of art—its glossy, well-seeded bun, vibrant melted cheese, and the slight crisp of the burger edges suggested attention to detail in preparation. This wasn’t just a quick slap-together meal; it was something carefully constructed to maximize both taste and texture.
The flavors of the burger were bold and perfectly balanced. The creamy American cheese paired beautifully with the sweet onion jam, while the pickles added a nice tang. The Korean spicy mayo offered a slight kick that built up toward the end of the meal without overwhelming the palate. As my co-worker put it, “It was friggin’ good!”
Now, let’s talk about the truffle fries. These aren’t your standard side of fries. They were crispy and golden, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, and served with a side of garlic aioli. The earthy truffle flavor mingled with the richness of the Parmesan, while the fresh chives gave the dish a nice bite of sharpness. The garlic aioli was smooth and creamy, adding a luxurious element to each fry. This was a perfect complement to the burger and a highly recommended upgrade if you visit.
Other Restaurants on Harrison Avenue
Harrison Avenue is no stranger to good food, and I’ve had the pleasure of dining at a few of the other spots along this well-known stretch in New Orleans. Places like Outpost 45 and Velvet Cactus are popular and offer their own unique takes on local and comfort food. While I wouldn’t say Juniors is the absolute best restaurant on Harrison Ave, it definitely stands out as one of the better options. With its creative dishes and relaxing atmosphere, Juniors Restaurant has firmly secured a spot on my list of go-to places for casual dining in the area. I’ll certainly be making sure to revisit Juniors in the future, especially when I’m craving a well-executed burger.
Juniors Menu: More than Just Burgers
While the junior burger was the star of our visit, Juniors offers an extensive menu that caters to a variety of tastes. For starters, their Hot Honey Steam Buns bring a sweet and spicy twist to crispy chicken, while the Citrus Salmon Crispy Rice and Broccoliflower Crunch provide lighter, more refreshing options for those looking to share small plates.
The restaurant also serves freshly made pastas like Alfredo and Canestri, which offer hearty, comforting dishes for pasta lovers. Their burger selection extends beyond the junior burger, with options like the Korean Beef Sandwich, featuring braised beef and caramelized onions, adding more flavor-packed choices to the menu.
On the sweeter side, Juniors satisfies sweet cravings with offerings like White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Salted Fudge Gooey Cake, perfect for those looking to indulge after their meal. While prices were reasonable, the quality of the food definitely exceeded expectations.
The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring creative cocktails such as the Peach Be With You and Mexican Pistol, alongside an extensive wine list that includes both local and international selections. Whether you’re in the mood for a signature cocktail or a glass of wine, Juniors Restaurant has you covered. You can find a menu with prices easily accessible on their website or by stopping in for a visit.
Reasonable Prices in Lakeview of New Orleans
Overall, Juniors on Harrison hits all the right notes for a neighborhood restaurant. It offers a creative menu that showcases unique flavor combinations while still delivering on the classic comfort food we all know and love. The welcoming ambiance, coupled with the laid-back yet attentive service, makes it a place where you’ll want to linger, whether you’re there for lunch, brunch, or dinner. And with reasonable prices, especially considering the quality of the food, it’s no wonder that Juniors has earned a place on my list of favorite spots in the Lakeview area.
The one small hiccup we encountered was with their card reader—it wasn’t working that day, so we had to walk over to a nearby ATM to get cash. While it was a minor inconvenience, it wasn’t enough to put a damper on the overall experience.
If you’re in New Orleans and looking for a Lakeview restaurant with outdoor seating that offers both style and substance, I highly recommend giving Juniors on Harrison a try. Whether you’re craving a burger with a twist or something a little more refined, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your appetite. Plus, the extensive menu with prices offers plenty of choices to suit any budget, making it a must-visit restaurant on Harrison Ave.
Juniors on Harrison Location and Hours
Address:
789 Harrison Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone Number:
(504) 766-6902
Hours of Operation:
• Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday (Brunch Only): 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Juniors offers a welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating options, making it an ideal spot for locals and visitors alike. They serve brunch exclusively on Sundays, so if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend meal, be sure to stop by.