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Juniors
Categories: Restaurants Brasseries Restaurants Modern European Brasseries, Modern European [Edit]
2 Bath AveDublin 4
(01) 6643648
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 - 10:00
Mon-Fri 12:00 - 14:30
Mon-Fri 18:00 - 22:00
Sat 11:30 - 15:00
Sun 11:30 - 15:30
- Parking Garages:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
€€
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Children:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for Juniors
Review Highlights
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"...incredible gnocchi a few months ago), Juniors also offers a..." In 2 reviews -
"...your mobile number and call you when a table is available." In 2 reviews
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"Went here for brunch one rainy Saturday morning." In 8 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Christina M.
Dublin
21/1/2012
Absolutely fantastic!!! My husband and I went to dinner lastSaturday evening, we were impressed! For starters, I got the prosciutto, water cress and buffalo mozzarella salad, my husband got the quail, tasty doesn't begin to cover it! And for starters, the portion sizes were huge!
For our mains, I got the linguine with clams, it is one of my favorite dishes and they did not disappoint! My husband got the steak with mustard mash and green beans, he said everything was cooked to perfection. To finish this all off, we shared a Mississippi mud pie, huge and delicious!!!!
I would also like to add that I am a salt whore, I tend to lace my food in it, however the food here wasso incredibly tasty I didn't touch one grain of salt or pepper to my plate!
I must finish off by saying the service was impeccable, the place was spotless and we will definitely be returning! -
Review from Quentin D.
Dublin
Updated - 1/5/2012 3 Check-ins Here
A very begrudging extra star because I hate being wrong but the Brunch I had in there the other day (think it was called the Champions Breakfast) was tremendous.
Not overly cheap but well worth a shotListed in: Dining out in Dublin
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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17/10/2010
I think I'm missing something here.. really, the current yelp rating average is 4.5 out of 5 so… Read more »
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Review from Greg H.
1/2/2012
My companions chose this place after quite a long day of intense work and semi-jet lag. We chose to sit outside, which given the 37ºF or so temperature and tiny heat lamps, seemed a bit ill-conceived. Our gracious wait server brought us each hot water bottles, and we discovered wool blankets behind our chairs. Once the bottle of wine arrived, we were snug as bugs.
The meal was stellar. Even the appetizer portions were main-course sized. My companions had the quail (delicious as my share bites continued) while I chose the prosciutto and mozzarella plate, an incredibly fresh and delicious start kissed with honey and pomegranate seeds.
My main course of Pork Rump was sublime, served with seasonal grilled vegetables and whipped roots. My dining partners chose rib eyes and sea bream. All were licking their lips with delight.
We ended up closing the joint and, as a special treat, got moved inside for desserts and coffees (a surprisingly satisfying cheese cake, a Mississippi mud pie). A friend in the States said Dublin was in the midst of a 'culinary renaissance'. If more restaurants such as Juniors lurk among its pub-laden, mystical streets, I can't help but agree. -
Review from Jan V.
26/3/2012
Brunch here is fantastic. Probably my favorite in Dublin. When you get here, just order the steak and eggs. I don't even need to look at the menu anymore. The guy sitting at the next table told the waiter to just give him whatever I was having. On the downside, this place is pretty small so expect to wait for a table especially on weekends.
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Review from Annie L.
14/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am only writing this in relation to the brunch I had the weekend before last. My friend that took me here forewarned me that she has found the brunch very disappointing but lunch, dinner etc amazing.
She took me here in the hope that it had improved. I feel it's important for me to give the background as I have every intention of returning for dinner as the reviews have been great. OK let's rock on with the brunch experience shall we.
1. A lack of variety on the menu. Poached eggs are my favourite way to cook an egg but that was the predominate way you could get your eggs done. No omelet and the menu stated that they don't like you to order off the menu.
2. I order the poached eggs, salmon, spinach on bread with hollandaise sauce.
- The egg was hard.
- The salmon was fridge cold.
- The spinach was not seasoned enough.
It was so disappointing as brunch is my favourite meal. I am more annoyed that I didn't return the dish especially since the table next to me who also got the same dish were complaining. An Irish condition that I struggle with.
Service was very pleasant. The place was packed with the young and hip so their brand still will draw people in regardless of a pretty weak brunch menu.Comment from Barry M. of Juniors 15/3/2012
Hi Annie, thanks for the feedback, we have conducted a… More » -
Review from James H.
Updated - 18/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Beef carpacio with grilled artichokes and parmesan, wild boar ragu with parpadelle and Mississippi mud pie(don't be fooled by the name this is more like as chocolate souffle cake- so good) - and outstanding service. I am stuffed to the gills. Can't wait to go back, but remember to book day of and ask to sit, if possible - outside is good too, but on a really cold night - hot water bottles and blankets not withstanding, inside is better.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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16/4/2011
Simply superb. We walked in at 7:30 on a Friday night and there was one table left in the heatlamped… Read more »
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Review from William M.
Dublin
8/12/2011
Juniors is fantastic. It is my go to place if I want a good reasonable dinner. Pint of prawns starter is fantastic, recently had a roasted fig starter which was excellent also. Food is consistently excellent, service is professional and efficient. Its not a very spacious space, but it never feels cramped. Love being able to watch the chef working. I cannot recommend Juniors enough, give it a try, its what a local restaurant should do, but better!
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Review from Joanne S.
6/7/2011
Alright, GAME OVER. I live in San Francisco, arguably THE foodie's paradise in the world and Juniors had me absolutely floored. I was in Dublin on business and was frankly unimpressed with my first 2 nights - all the Irish pubs in the Temple Bar area really looked no different than Irish pubs in the US and I had (temporarily) written off Irish cuisine as lackluster.
Though my Irish counterparts had never heard of Yelp, I found Juniors on here and decided to give it a try with a colleague. Every part of the meal was divine. The peach and arugula salad with toasted walnuts was my choice for our shared appetizer and we quickly wished we had each gotten our own order. I got the sea bass afterwards, which came with simple add-ons (potatoes, grilled tomatoes), as well as a light garlic sauce. I only started eating fish a few months ago (and am therefore very sensitive to "fishy" fish) and I could have eaten this dish every night for a week.
To top it off, the waiter was adorable butiswearthathasnothingtodowithit.
Go to Juniors if you are in Dublin and discerning about food. -
Review from Anthony M.
Dublin
4/8/2011
Love Juniors. Great menu. Nice staff. Quick service. You can pop next door for a pint if it's busy and they'll come in and get you or give you a call.
It might be a bit on the small side for some but the food is good as is the winelist.
Try the pint of prawns! -
Review from Orla H.
8/2/2011
Another Sunday, another brunch destination! Friends from work had been raving about Juniors for ages so I was excited about finally trying it. We arrived at 12.10 and it was already full with a 45 min waiting time for a table for three. I had heard this place was small but I had no idea it was so teeny. We sat in the car to kill time as they said they'd call when our table was ready, which they did right on schedule.
When I say it was teeny I'm not kidding, I accidentally put my hand on some guys leg while taking my jacket off, how embarrassing! My friends ordered the salmon with poached eggs while I decided to be awkward and ask for the salmon with no salmon, so eggs florentine... I was very happy to be offered bacon instead of fish! Yes please!
The food arrived and it was fabulous. I had a mini mountain of crispy bacon with loads of light baby spinach. Usually when I get poached eggs they are very soft so I was really pleased these had been in the pot a touch longer to make them nice and firm. There was also just enough hollandaise so my food wasn't swimming in it. I also ordered a glass of homemade lemonade. It was crisp and refreshing rather than overly sour. Great food, now I just have to try their pizza place around the corner! -
Review from Andy B.
Dublin
24/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Wow! What a sambo!
First time in this place today for a takeaway sambo. Had heard good reviews of the place and I wasn't disappointed. The place was rammed and the queue was out the door, literally.
All the sandwiches are €6, so more expensive than most places. But what you get is sooooo worth it. I chose the chargrilled chicken sandwich. It was huge. There must have been AT LEAST 3 full chicken breasts in there, possibly more. That warm chicken along with the fresh bread, rocket and slow roasted tomatoes meant I was sufficiently fed to last me well into this evening.
I shall be sampling the rest of the sandwiches in due course! -
Review from Jennie D.
26/4/2011 4 photos
I came here with the hubby on our most recent trip to Dublin after reading reviews from Yelpers. The food was absolutely amazing, and we left full and happy!
Appys
We ordered 2 starters - the soup of the day (seasonal vegetable soup when we went) and the olives with sourdough toast. As simple as they sound, both were really good. The soup was a very large bowl filled with a hearty amount of fresh seasonal vegetables, and the flavor and seasoning were great. For the other plate, each of the olives were really big, and the sourdough was a toasted, buttery goodness!
Main course
For our main dishes, I ordered the clam linguine and he ordered the rib eye with mash and green beans. Both - DIVINE. I really loved the clam linguine. The garlic, white wine and other flavors were just so perfectly combined together, and the noodles were so chewy and good, and the clams were so fresh. Everything about this dish was just awesome. The rib eye was hearty and flavorful as well. We looked around and everyone seemed to be enjoying what they ordered.
Staff and Ambiance
The staff was super friendly and very helpful. There is only 1 chef there, so if you go, expect to spend some time there - not a place for a quick dinner. But the ambiance inside the restaurant is very cozy with dim lighting and fun music, so it was overall a really great experience.
Definitely highly recommended, and we'll definitely be back! -
Review from Madeline N.
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came by for Saturday brunch and had a great time! Really cozy shop with indoor and outdoor (heated) seating.
We left our names and swung by Slattery's for a pint of Guinness before we received a phone call announcing our table was ready. Sat inside and I ordered a pint of prawns while my friend ordered the full breakfast. Both were delicious and service was excellent. Great things about prawns - the homemade mayonnaise dip (and I don't even like mayo) as well as the finger bath to keep your hands from smelling like prawns.
Highly recommended! -
Review from Julie T.
Dublin
This cozy, hole-in-the-wall restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside, but Juniors serves up a whole lot of deliciousness. While they constantly update their menu, my standard brunch order is the smoked salmon on toast with spinach and hollandaise sauce. I'm also a huge fan of their cappuccinos and freshly-squeezed orange juice.
Dinner doesn't disappoint either. While I tend to go for their pasta dishes (they had an incredible gnocchi a few months ago), Juniors also offers a wide array of tasty meats and fish.
The place is usually packed and you may have to wait a bit. The good news is that the servers are happy to take your mobile number and call you when a table is available.
If you're seated inside, you get to experience the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. Whereas if you're outside, you can enjoy a beautiful Dublin day or cuddle under a fleece blanket if necessary.
A foodie friend and I regularly debate whether their brunch or dinner is better. My vote is brunch, but regardless of when you go, you're in for a treat! -
Review from Dee K.
Dublin
30/8/2011
I am always afraid of hype and I had eaten here before which was really good so I was a little afraid it wouldn't live up to it second time. It was even better the second time. My dad is a massive fish lover and was really impressed with the Cod. I had sea bream cooked in a delicious broth. We had the lemon pie for dessert which was also excellent. Would definitely recommend Juniors and I will be back.
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Review from Piotr G.
Dublin
24/11/2010 5 Check-ins Here
This is San Francisco style eatery in Dublin! Laid back and easy going staff. No bookings only waiting list (thou you can always pop in into Slattery's next door for a pint when you are waiting). I've pretty much ate everything there and I can tell you its rock solid, fantastic food. Not so expensive for the locale (D4).
Definitely you need to try bangers & mash (simple but you will not be disappointed) and their desserts (choose from mud pie or NY cheescake). -
Review from Rachel S.
30/6/2010
My husband and I visited this place once for brunch and one for dinner. We loved both visits, but dinner was our favorite. I think I would've loved brunch more had I gone with what everyone else seemed to be ordering -- the French toast. I was horribly jet-lagged and chose their Juniors Breakfast of Champions with eggs, streaky bacon, sausage, & black and white pudding. It was fine, I just think their french toast is where it's at. My husband's brunch of roasted pork belly over choucroute hit the spot. Their supper menu seemed to vary more but it's mostly delicious gastropub/nouveau-Irish.
I loved their eclectic taste in music & their waiters were brilliant. -
Review from Gilli S.
28/3/2010
I had brunch here and I chose the belly of pork and served on pickled cabbage with bacon bits and fried potatoes. As I was driving I opted for a pot of tea. The pork was lovely and I loved the crackling but it was too dry. I would have preferred something other than the pickled cabbage - actually anything other than the cabbage. I loved the potato. As the meal it would have been nicer with perhaps apple sauce.
Service although they were polite and friendly although my friend had to ask for a glass of water...twice. I had to ask for some type of sauce twice and I ended up getting some sort of berry couli - which was actually pretty good with the apple. I noticed that there was the odd problem around me also nothing major but could do better. 3 stars for service.
Surroundings: This place is tiny if you were swinging a cat with a short tail it would be banging its head. About 12 seats inside and the same outside...why is the service not better when there were 2 of them? The awning outside is great and the nearer you are to the wall the nearer you are to the heater. Yes you can smoke out here but it is a little cramped and personally I enjoy smoking but don't want to inflict it on others. Still better to be outside as I object having to eat at the same pace as the person next to me just to save on room.
It is pretty - it is cute - it is popular.
I was advised that the owners are not there as much as they used to be - prices have gone up - quality has gone down a little.
I would be happy to go again.Listed in: Eating in the City
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Review from Dermot S.
14/7/2010
I've been here for dinner twice and was very pleased with the food on both occasions.
I think my favorite part about this restaurant is that the menu changes quite a bit. It's the sort of restaurant you could easily go to once a month (if not more) and not get bored of the food. You can also tell that a lot of care goes into the menu selections. There is a good combination of standard fare along with some interesting dishes you don't see at every restaurant.
The atmosphere is great, especially if you get a sunny day and can sit outside on the sidewalk. It is a tad bit cramped, but since the food is so good, you want to fit in as many people as you can.
The staff was very friendly on both occasions that I was there and made sure that we had everything that we needed throughout the meal.
I didn't have dessert either time that I went, so can't comment on how that is.
If you're in the D4 area, this is definitely the restaurant I'd recommend trying out. -
Review from Kenny T.
15/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Small & casual, the food here is amazing. Totally fresh and very generous portions. Good to go with someone who likes to share because you'll instantly want a taste of their meal. I go every time I'm in Dublin and recommend you add it to your list. Best part is you can head to Slattery's for a pint afterwards.
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Review from Amber O.
13/1/2011
I contemplated moving to Dublin simply for this restaurant! .This was by far the most delicious place my mom and I ate during our Irish excursion. It was a tiny place, with one table left - just for us! We overindulged by ordering a bottle of cabernet, appetizer, two entrees and dessert. The flavors of the food mixed perfectly while people kept on flooding in for a table at this local spot. Try their daily specials! Guaranteed fresh with a reasonable price point.
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Review from Chad H.
8/5/2010 3 photos
Good atmosphere, good food, okay location, okay prices. Overall I'd probably give this place 4.5 stars.
It's a little cramped on the inside and there aren't a lot of tables. But it is still worth it for the very good food. I ordered bangers and mash, which was quite tasty (although it didn't blow me out of the water like Gruel's bangers and mash). For dessert, I got the chocolate cake, which was not too heavy but definitely could've been sweeter. As a huge chocolate cake fan, I was a little disappointed in it.
Overall a pretty tasty restaurant. I can see why its popular.Listed in: From Dublin to Doolin
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Review from Ken E.
Dublin
4/7/2011
Having read the reviews on Yelp regarding Juniors I thought that we just have to go here. If you are contemplating going, don't bother. Obviously the popularity has gone to their heads. Arrogant would be a word I would use to describe the staff. We should most definitely be grateful for the fact that we got a table! I had the breakfast of champions. Flavourless sausage coupled with overdone bacon, a tomato with the stalks left on two overdone poached eggs nice beans toast and black pudding. The pint of prawns was delicious however, just a little bit too much like working for your brunch as they were all whole and had to be peeled. If you are planning on going here, keep walking or driving and go up to herb street instead. Also they haven't bothered reducing their prices with the recent VAT reduction.
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Review from Natalie M.
Dublin
30/7/2009
I met a friend here for lunch during the week. It was a rare sunny day so we were thrilled to have the option to sit outside - a very rare thing in Dublin! We had monster sandwiches; I had a BLT which was massive. There were three huge chunks of delicious bread, stuffed with millions (ok, not millions but lots) of rashers... real rashers (and really good rashers), lovely tomatoes and nice lettuce. Thankfully no soggy iceberg lettuce here. I'm sorry to admit that I couldn't even finish it and I rarely let food beat me.
My friend had a yummy looking caprese panini full of the good stuff; fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. You can't beat an old reliable like that. It's buzzy and friendly. Nice staff on hand who bring you a glass of water on arrival (bonus points in my book) and friendly guys over the counter if you can see over the piles of sambos. €6 per sandwich isn't cheap but it's definitely filling.
Added extra: saw local celebrity Leo Cullen picking up his lunch in here. If it's ok for a rugby players appetite it's ok with me. -
Review from Don J.
26/8/2009
I lived in Dublin for two years and Juniors was my favourite restaurant in Dublin. It has a laid back atmosphere where the chefs and servers will remember you and greet you in a genuinely friendly manner. A small intimate restaurant where you will have to squeeze past other patrons to get to your seat and two of there seats are actually an enlarged window ledge.
Lunch is excellant, rustic sandwichs served with a great side salad. Salad is normally an afterthought however Juniors puts time and effort into their salads. I don't like minestrone soup, I always used to eat the minestrone soup in Juniors. The filling for their chicken sandwich was cooked as you ordered, it was mardinated (in a basil & lemon aioli) and always tasted amazing.
The dinner menu is simple but again cooked perfectly. The sausage and mash are really satisfying and tasty. The prawn pil pil is excellant and their steak(aged rib eye) is great too. I always used to eat the home made marshmallows with chocolate sauce and I never left Juniors hungry or unhappy.
Junios is a restaurant that I prefer to Rolys or Shanahans. I think the chef here spent time learning his trade and travelled all around the world. It shows in how great the food tastes. Juniors lost a star for how close everyone is packed together, I really hope these guys open more restaurants in larger locations, they have a great product. -
Review from Kate M.
Dublin
18/7/2009 1 photo
I had a great dinner in Juniors recently and I can understand why people see it as a new up and coming 'it place.' It seems to be doing really well lately and I think this is a mix of good reviews in the media as well as word of mouth.
This is a great place for steak and the desserts are top notch. Next time I go, I'm definitely trying the homemade marshmallows with hot chocolate sauce. I've never seen that on a menu before and think it's very cool. Who doesn't like marshmallows? Mmmm.
Only thing is that they don't take reservations, which is a pet peeve of mine. But after having a drink in Slattery's next door, I came to the conclusion after the meal that it was well worth the wait. -
Review from Dani B.
Dublin
19/1/2010 1 photo
Juniors is my friend's favourite restaurant and now that I've tried it myself I can see why. It has a nice, relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere with friendly and welcoming staff. The food is absolutely amazing and pretty inexpensive for Ballsbridge as well.
I had the Rigatoni Bolognese, which was excellent and the NY cheesecake for dessert, which was amazing as well. My friend is vegetarian and they had a pretty good selection of dishes for him, which is pretty good for a small restaurant. All in all it came to less than 25 Euro per head. We were also told by the waiter, that the menu changes depending on season and availability of vegetables and meats. Five stars all around. -
Review from Stacy B.
4/9/2010
This place was just down the street from our hotel, and we tried to get a table several times, but each time we were told they wouldn't have anything available until 9:30 or 10pm. So finally, on our last night in Dublin, we showed up at 6pm and were seated right away. They had about 6 starters and 8 main dishes, plus a special of each. We had the soup, a grilled peach salad, ribeye steak, and fillet of cod. They were all excellent. For dessert we had the cheesecake, which was a really large slice but surprisingly light. Still, I was completely stuffed. This was probably the best meal we had in Dublin.
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Review from Kelly M.
Dublin
20/11/2010
Tucked away in Ballsbridge is this gem of a restaurant! I went here to have dinner with a friend on a brisk October night. We said outside in their front enclosed outdoor space and were given blankets and even hot water bottles to help keep us warm! Though it was fairly cool that night, the tables are protected from the wind so its not bad at all outside, but the blanket and the hot water bottles are a nice touch!
The menu is a handwritten one based on the fact that they change their options frequently. This is something I really enjoy about a restaurant, its nice to know the ingredients are changing with the seasons. Though the restaurant is small the menu was loaded with options.
I went with a friend but couldn't help but think that this would be a great date place -- though you should be comfortable with the fact that table next to you is close enough that they'll hear anything you say! You shouldn't come here with a group, 2 is the ideal number of people for Juniors. Prices are high but I thought the quality was as well. Its not a weekly restaurant but would be great as a once-in-awhile or special occasion place.
I ordered a butternut squash and ricotta canolini that was cooked on order as I was told it would be 20 mins it to come out. I have no problem waiting for food when you know you're getting a dish that wasn't made in bulk and warmed up when someone ordered it. When the dish came out it was piping hot and was enough food for two! This made the 16euro price of the dish much more reasonable when I saw the portion size. It was also served with a mixed greens salad, a nice touch to help off-set the temperature of the dish. My friend got haddock that was perfectly cooked and tasted very fresh! Her only complaint was they put mayonnaise on the dish and she wasn't expecting that, but otherwise a very successful meal!
The waitress was extremely friendly and attentive. The water at the table was kept full and when we needed the check she was very quick even though we saw she had most of the tables that night.
Great service, great food, and an intimate setting makes for a great meal if you are looking for a great date place! -
Review from Richie H.
Dublin
7/5/2010 ROTD 28/5/2010
This place is the t*ts for lunch!! As I work only a short walk around the corner it puzzles me that I've only been here the once.
It's trendy without being pretentious and the staff all seem to have a good time at work - which as we all know is a rarity these days.
What I really liked about my visit Juniors was the hustle and bustle about the place and the mixture of clientele - it ranged from suits to scrubbers. As the tables are on top of each other (in a good way) you find yourself eyeing up your neighbours plate and even feel like joining in on their conversation...sure you might as well!!
Out our little table we both got a ciabatta and a coffee for lunch.
These aren't any ordinary ciabatta no, they resemble small houses and are transported to your table by a flatbed truck (or they might as well be!), and what's more they are cooked in a wood fired oven to really bring out the flavour of the bread and in my case the roasted peppers with chorizo. I had no problem in demolishing mine, but be forewarned - it ain't easy!!
This review has me salivating so I've decided I'll be indulging in a spot of lunch over the weekend. -
Review from Christina H.
Dublin
2/11/2010
This place is about a three minute walk from my house and one of the first places I found when I moved here a few months ago. I love this place almost as much as I love their younger, sister restaurant "Pauline's Pizza' just around the corner! It's such a cute, cozy restaurant usually with great music (that the waiters play from their personal ipods) and an awesome but simple, small menu. It's a great place to go with a girlfriend to catch up over a glass of wine or with that special someone. The menu isn't huge but the food is always good and I love how the menus are just hand written on a piece of paper. They have a good selection of wine but no beer so go grab a pint at Slattery's right next door before or after dinner. I've only ever gone for dinner but I've heard the lunch is great and pretty cheap.
The only downsides are that it is super small to the point where you have to carefully maneuver your way into your table. It also makes it hard to get a table sometimes so try and call about an hour ahead to get a table. -
Review from O'Brien J.
Dublin
2/10/2010
Went here for brunch one rainy Saturday morning. Very pleased with the food and vibe of the place. Had walked by a couple of times before and it was always packed. They don't take reservations per se, but will work with you, so don't be afraid to give them a call on your way there. Will definitely come back - many interesting things on a changing menu. That, and it would make a nice spot for a cozy dinner. That, and the lunch reviews sound pretty amazing.
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Review from susan o.
6/8/2009 18 Check-ins Here
i LOVE this place. i'd even venture to say it's my favorite restaurant in dublin. not only is it right down the street, but the food is delicious and the staff are super super nice. the first time i ate there, i ordered the clam linguine (apparently the owner/chef's signature dish left behind as a legacy at other restaurants he's worked before). this was the first dish at a restaurant where i took a bite and didn't feel the need to add something to it (like salt). it was perfect just the way it was.
i also love their house wines. i've never eaten at a place that's had such consistently good and cheap house wines. and of course you're always allowed a taste before having to commit to a full glass. i really like that.
i've been in for lunch and it's a madhouse but totally worth it. the sandwiches are HUGE and toasted and delicious. and if that's not enough, you can get a giant bowl of soup to go with it. it's a bit tricky if you're used to being seated at dinner because it's an every-man-for-himself kind of free-for-all at lunch. you basically have to scavenge a free seat and go up to the counter to shout your order to the chef. it's nuts but it's worth it.
after about our third visit, the head waiter/one of the owners, started calling us by name. these days we just walk up and wave and head to slattery's to wait for our call. that's the sort of friendly that really makes a person feel welcome. yes, it's true the waits are kinda long these days (due to them being awesome the word spreading about their awesomeness), but the fact that you can give 'em your number and they'll call you when they're ready for you is really nice. and nobody really minds a pint at the pub next door before a meal anyways, right?Listed in: favorite dublin eats
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Review from JC C.
Ranelagh, Co. Dublin
25/3/2010 ROTD 19/10/2010
This is not michelin stared food. There is no pretentiousness here. This is good food served in a fun environment by people who care about food. The mayo with my Pint o' Prawns was a little heavy on the garlic but who cares it was still delicious. My lamb rump could have been more tender but I still wiped the plate. The cooking really is excellent. We all disagree on flavours and as such, no mainstream 'critic' should ever be trusted fully. Always remember most critics can't cook perfectly at home let alone in a pressurised environment, Juniors' imperfections add to its charm. These lads are breaking their arses to in order to provide a way above standard local joint and I say fair play. Eateries like this have always been a rarity in Dublin. If I can sit, gulp wine, eat with my hands, and nod my head to some tunes I am happy. Every eater in this city owes juniors a collective thank you.
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Review from James A.
Dublin
24/6/2009 1 photo
The food at Juniors is Italian influenced in that it is rustic and hearty, but the flavours are from all over Europe. I've been here a couple of times and it's a mixed bag. It's a tiny, cramped, although not uncomfortable, space. The open kitchen is right beside you, which is exciting but does mean strong food odours swim around the restaurant (despite the massive extractor fan). The wine list is impressive and reasonably priced. The steak is very good, but the desserts are a bit hit and miss. I've had absolutely top notch cheesecake, but been let down by strange homemade marshmallow squares. The coffee is good, as is the outside seating on a nice evening. I've never been during the day - I assume this is when the 'deli' operates, serving sandwiches and burgers and the like. The very nice staff don't take bookings, but they will take your number, advise you to go to the pub across the street and call you when there's a table free! Pricing is at the upper end of what I would consider reasonable. Great for a date, but not for a group.
