When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Juniper Bar
Why Juniper Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Juniper Bar, situated conveniently on West 35th Street in Midtown Manhattan, offers a spacious and inviting atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends. This lively bar and eatery features a large, beautifully decorated space with hand-painted floral patterns and colorful booths that invite you to relax and enjoy. Its long bar accommodates large groups while also allowing more intimate conversations at tables or raised banquette seating. The menu is a creative blend of Asian-American fusion cuisine, highlighted by standout dishes like crispy seafood spring rolls and a juicy, flavorful burger that has quickly become a favorite. Juniper Bar also caters wonderfully to cocktail enthusiasts, especially fans of gin, with an array of inventive gin-based drinks alongside other cocktails such as the sweet and fragrant Mango Margarita and the vodka-based Pretty in Pink. Located near major Midtown attractions such as Madison Square Garden and Macy’s Herald Square, it serves as a perfect refuge after shopping or events. Whether you visit during happy hour for good deals or for a full meal with friends, Juniper Bar combines great food, quality drinks, and a welcoming vibe, making it an excellent spot to catch up and unwind.
Here's what people think of Juniper Bar
As of recent, Juniper Bar holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1211 reviews.
Reviews on Juniper Bar reflect a generally positive experience with some caveats. Many patrons praise the inviting ambiance and large, comfortable seating options, making it suitable for both small and larger groups. Food quality is often highlighted positively, especially the burgers and Asian fusion dishes, as well as the well-crafted cocktails. Friendly and warm staff are frequently mentioned as enhancing the overall dining experience. However, some negative comments focus on service inconsistencies, such as delayed drink orders during busy times and complications with splitting bills among larger groups, which can lead to frustration. A few diners noted that while the food is good, issues like overly greasy items or less-than-perfect cooking occurred occasionally. Pricing, especially for drinks, was mentioned as slightly high by some guests. Despite these critiques, many reviewers express willingness to return, particularly valuing the happy hour deals and the casual yet vibrant social environment. Overall, the feedback suggests Juniper Bar is a solid choice for a midtown gathering spot, best enjoyed in smaller groups to avoid logistical hassles and to fully appreciate its quality food and beverage offerings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Cat Mascis
Loved this place - so much that I had lunch & then late night cocktails here! Wonderful interior & nice bartenders. We enjoyed bourbons, steak satay - so yummy & the egg rolls - decadent & delish! They have a great HH from 4-7 which I would try to do next time.
Mattie Urban
July 10, 2025 first visit for dinner to celebrate our friends birthday. Everything was great, except that the music was a little too loud and the mahi tacos were not to my expectations. .
Rita L
Came by after work with some coworkers and got seated downstairs, food was good in flavor, and quick service with friendly staff. Truffle fries and artichoke dip were great for sharing. Wings were a bit burnt and tried this potstickers dumpling too, both were skippable for new, fish taco was meh for me too but others liked it. Good option in the area if you're looking for a place to go! Chill vibes.
Maria Franco
10/10 would always recommend! I was supposed to meet a friend for drinks during happy hour, but she ended up not being able to make it so I was by myself. It was still A VIBE! I had an awesome time and stayed past happy hour. Yankees game on the TV. Good music/atmosphere. You can actually hear people when they tell you something. The drinks were really good. $10 delicious classic margaritas. The drinks were a highlight!!! I almost forgot to mention the most important part: the service. Friendly and kind staff. They took care of me. If you want to have a good time by yourself or with friends definitely come.
Shomik Das
Came here on a first date and was very surprised. The place was quiet, but that belied the quality of the food, service and ambiance. The staff was attentive and the food was great, especially with Manhattan prices. They also have soft, but great music that adds to the mood and you don't have to talk over. I was very happy and plan on returning.
How to reach Juniper Bar
None
Website: None
Why Juniper Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Juniper Bar with your friends? Juniper Bar stands out as an ideal destination to gather with your group because it effortlessly merges a vibrant atmosphere with excellent food and drink offerings, making every outing memorable. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just catching up after a long week, Juniper Bar’s spacious and stylish setting accommodates groups of all sizes comfortably. Its long, inviting bar encourages lively conversation and mingling, while the cozy booths and tables tucked away create intimate spaces for more focused gatherings. The staff is known for being warm and attentive, enhancing the overall experience and ensuring your group feels valued and well cared for. The menu, blending Asian American fusion flavors with classic bar favorites like a standout burger, caters to diverse tastes, making it easy to please everyone in your party. Additionally, the creative cocktail menu, featuring impressive gin-based drinks as well as other refreshing options, offers the perfect complement to your meal and socializing. All of these qualities combine to make Juniper Bar a top choice for anyone seeking a lively yet comfortable place to rally with friends.
What activities make Juniper Bar perfect for a group meetup? The options at Juniper Bar extend well beyond just food and drink, offering a full social experience that suits group gatherings beautifully. First and foremost, Juniper boasts a large and visually appealing space with ample seating options, including a very long bar that encourages interaction even among larger groups who may not want to sit directly side-by-side. For those who prefer a quieter dining experience, the back area provides comfortable booths and tables where conversations flow easily away from the bar’s buzz. The layout supports both casual drop-in visits and planned meetups seamlessly. Food lovers in your group will appreciate the diverse menu, which includes sharing-friendly items like a charcuterie board and seafood spring rolls, alongside hearty individual meals such as the famous burger and salmon dishes. This variety makes it easy to cater to group members with different appetites or dietary preferences. The cocktail menu is another highlight, featuring interesting choices like the Mango Margarita and “Pretty in Pink,” ensuring everyone can find a drink that suits their mood and taste. This combination of space, menu, and ambiance encourages a relaxed yet vibrant environment where friends and family can enjoy quality time together.
How does the atmosphere support socializing and comfort? Juniper Bar’s atmosphere is crafted to support both lively socializing and a comfortable retreat from the busy city. The bar’s interior design includes bright, floral wall patterns and colorful booths, creating a fun and inviting visual appeal that immediately lifts the mood. Despite being located in a bustling part of the city near major landmarks like Madison Square Garden, the venue manages to provide a welcoming refuge that feels both energetic and intimate. The space is large enough to avoid feeling cramped even during peak hours, meaning groups can enjoy a sense of privacy within a lively environment. The staff contributes to this welcoming vibe through their friendly and attentive service, which instills a sense of care and hospitality from the moment you arrive. Additionally, the presence of multiple big flatscreen TVs shows sports and entertainment, adding another layer of engagement for groups who enjoy watching events together. Whether your group prefers spirited conversation, casual people-watching, or sharing a favorite game, Juniper Bar accommodates these social preferences gracefully.
Why is the food at Juniper Bar well-suited for groups? One of the strongest appeals of Juniper Bar for group meetups lies in its thoughtfully designed food menu that combines quality, variety, and shareability. The dishes blend American classics with Asian-inspired fusion elements, creating unique flavors that can pleasantly surprise even seasoned foodies. For group starters, crispy and light seafood spring rolls shine as a popular choice, easy to share and deliciously satisfying. For main courses, the bar’s famed burger is a must-try—with its big, juicy patty and inventive toppings, it’s both a hearty and crowd-pleasing option. If your group prefers seafood or vegetarian choices, Juniper offers options like salmon or plant-based dishes, although there have been some recent shifts in menu structure focusing on meals designed for sharing between two or more people. This setup encourages communal dining, fostering interaction over food. Some patrons have noted recent menu changes that limit single meal entrees, but overall, the generous portions and quality ingredients still make Juniper an excellent option for groups who enjoy savoring their meal together. The variety caters to mixed dietary preferences, helping ensure everyone finds something delightful without difficulty.
What about the drinks experience at Juniper Bar? The drink selection at Juniper Bar is another major reason to choose this location for group gatherings. The bar impresses with a strong focus on gin-based cocktails—the natural inspiration from juniper berries—offering creative and expertly crafted options for cocktail lovers. While gin is prominent, the menu also caters to other tastes, providing drinks like the sweet and fragrant Mango Margarita (made with Patron Tequila, mango puree, and Cointreau) and the vodka-based “Pretty in Pink” with pomegranate liqueur and pineapple juice. This diversity ensures your group can find ideal choices whether they prefer light, refreshing drinks or bolder flavors. The bar maintains a well-stocked selection of spirits, enabling skilled bartenders to craft cocktails that elevate the social experience. Happy hour offerings are also available, providing a budget-friendly way to enjoy quality drinks in a dynamic environment. Although some reviews mention periods of slower drink service during busy times, the overall perception is that the bartenders and waitstaff deliver professional and friendly service. This combination of quality beverages, variety, and atmosphere makes the drink experience at Juniper Bar fun and memorable for any gathering.
How does Juniper Bar accommodate different group sizes and occasions? Juniper Bar is flexible when it comes to hosting groups of various sizes and purposes. Its extensive bar seating can handle larger groups who enjoy mingling and casual drinking without needing assigned seats next to each other. Meanwhile, the bar’s spacious dining area, which includes booths and tables in a softly elevated section, offers more intimate settings perfect for groups who want to eat and talk without noise interference. This versatility makes Juniper suitable for occasions ranging from informal meetups, after-work gatherings, birthday celebrations, to even pre- or post-event hangouts given its proximity to entertainment venues. The venue supports bill splitting for smaller groups smoothly, although very large parties might face slight complexities with checks, as some groups have experienced minor challenges in dividing the bill evenly, which is common in popular urban bars. Overall, Juniper’s layout and service philosophy emphasize comfort and ease, allowing groups to tailor their meetup style, whether that’s standing at the bar with cocktails in hand or unwinding in a cozy booth with a shared meal.
Why is Juniper Bar a standout choice in Midtown West? In the competitive Midtown West scene, Juniper Bar distinguishes itself through the quality and uniqueness of its offerings combined with a welcoming and stylish atmosphere. Unlike typical cramped city bars, Juniper provides a spacious environment filled with thoughtful design touches that feel modern yet comfortably familiar. The fusion-inspired menu and creative cocktail list offer flavors not often found in ordinary pub settings, appealing to foodies and cocktail aficionados alike. Service is generally attentive and friendly, adding warmth to what could otherwise be just another busy bar experience. The location near major city landmarks makes it a convenient meeting spot, enabling groups to integrate their visit with nearby activities effortlessly. Whether you want a casual drink to kick off an evening or a full meal to anchor a night out with friends or family, Juniper Bar consistently delivers a blend of quality, atmosphere, and social friendliness that few Midtown venues can match.
In summary, Juniper Bar is an excellent choice for a group gathering because it offers a balanced mix of inviting space, excellent food and drinks, and a warm atmosphere that encourages relaxation and conversation. Its menu caters to a variety of tastes, its bar inspires social interaction, and its service supports a smooth and enjoyable experience. All these factors come together to make Juniper Bar a standout location for rallying with friends or family in Midtown West.