Yeah, I know this is a touristy type of place buried smack dab in the hustle and bustle of Times Square. Yeah, it’s normally the kind of spot that those of us who actually live here try to avoid. I just couldn’t help myself. After attending a recent Broadway show right down the street from it the allure of cheesecake was just to much for my withering resistance.
The outcome? Junior’s Cheesecake is all that! And a bag of chips!
Since we had not eaten dinner yet I figured maybe we could grab a bite to eat there. The place was packed and there was a wait list but I was surprised at how big the dining area is and how much plentiful seating was available. We were seated after only about a ten minute wait. It is a fun and festive atmosphere here. Loud and boisterous with holiday decorations around the bar area. Our waiter, Stalin (yes, Stalin), came over with menus and a plate of pickles, beet salad, and cole slaw for the table. He offered a few suggestions and we went for it – the Corned Beef and Pastrami Combo on Twin Onion Rolls and potato salad, a slice of Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, and a slice of Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake. Now, I thought the prices here would be a wallet buster, but for NYC standards they were not bad. The sandwich platter was $15.95 and the cheesecake was $6.75 a slice. Sodas came with free refills. Plus, this was actually a lot of food and we were pretty content, fat, and happy when we left here.
The corned beef and pastrami on a roll was actually quite good. Nice and lean with robust flavor. The potato salad is a bit heavy on the mayo with slices of egg mixed in, but tasty. Pickles and cole slaw are always one of my favs and these did not disappoint. Their slaw is more vinegar based and the pickles were nice and crisp.
The “pièce de résistance”, of course, was the cheesecake. Monstrous slices of heavenly rich joy! Holy diabetic shock – they don’t skimp on the portions here! Thoughts of Wilford Brimley saying the word “diabeetus” kept dancing through my head with each delicious bite. I paid it no mind and ate the whole damn thing. Plus, even ate some of the other slice too just for good measure. Yes, I am a fatty. The hype is well deserved, as their cheesecake is the real deal!
I would say if you can deal with a touristy type of crowd give it a shot. Can be a bit pricey for some, but we thought it was not too bad for the location. This is comfort food to the max. Service was attentive, the food we ordered was quite good for deli fare, and the cheesecake is like eating a slice of heaven and worth every calorie!
Junior’s Cheesecake – http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/juniors-restaurant-new-york-6?start=0&sort_by=date_desc&nb=1
Those sandwiches look amazing but I’d put up with pretty much anything for that cheesecake.
Hey Karen!
Those sandwiches were good but the cheesecake is the star of this place!
That sounds like a taste of heaven!!! Corned beef and Cheesecake! Two of my favorites.
Hey Susie!
It’s a perfect comfort meal for a cold day. Heck, cheesecake is good anytime!
And you gave me crap about my German Chocolate pound cake on Facebook. That cheesecake combined with those sammiches looked much more dangerous (not that it would’ve stopped me). Thanks. Now my mouth is watering. I blame you for my current condition. 😉
Hey Kitt!
Heeheehee! I knew you would make a comment like that! I can appreciate a woman who is not afraid to chow down. The cheesecake here is worth it!
Yoohooo – Phi-i-i-l ~ I think I just caught a glimpse of your inner fatty! (Ever since I heard you use that term I crack up every time I think of it.) Junior’s sounds like a temptation not to be resisted … and then just roll me out to the parking lot.
Hey Patricia!
I think we all have an inner fatty trying to escape! I do roll out of there after a meal!
I get this post is about cheesecake deliciousness, but I’m salivating over the photo of that sandwich! Looks SO good!
Hey Jessica!
That sandwich was really good I must admit. The cheesecake is pretty awesome too! I was stuffed!
I live in Augusta, Maine.
It’s a small town (pop. 15,000 or so).
Our BEST “restaurant”, in my opinion is Taco Bell.
Beat THAT Mr. Regular Guy NYC!
Oh, wait…you just did.
Carry on.
Hey Fearless!
Haha! Don’t laugh as I love Taco Bell!
Run for the toilet!
This post inspired me to go out and do some shopping for ingredients to make my own cheesecake. I need a whole plateful and there is no way I can be seen in public eating this much cheesecake in one sitting.
Hey Lanthie!
I have no shame! I would eat the whole cake in one sitting. Just keep the bathroom clear for an eruption afterwards!
I’ve passed that place so many times, but I was a bit scared off by the touristy vibe in the area. I’m really surprised to see how good the food looks, -next time I’ll step inside! PS: Nothing junior about that cheesecake. Yummy! 🙂
Hey Mitzie!
I know what you mean as it is all touristy in the area, and can be crowded. We tried it and enjoyed the food and service there. It’s a perfect meal option after seeing a Broadway show. The cheesecake rocks!
Phil, you never cease to amaze me… your food finds leave me hungry and drooling. Those two buns inspire me. Take care and have a wonderful New Year!
Hey Clay!
LOL! Glad to know my blog inspires!
Have a great holiday season and fun New Years!
You know I have yet to go to Junior’s, but I’ve heard about the cheesecake! I know it’s a NYC favorite. I’d skip the corned beef and go straight for the dessert. Maybe the next time I’m in Times Square I’ll stop by for a slice!
Hey Tracy!
Even though it’s in tourist trap Times Square it is worth a trip if in the area just to try the cheesecake!
Soooo…. I’m not a fan of cheesecake but even I would give that a try!
Hey Emily!
They have all different kinds here so there might be one you would like!
YES! I love Junior’s. We usually only go to the one at Grand Central – no dining room – but you can get the cheesecake and it’s amazing. Our VP at work drags us there every time he’s in town and I don’t complain.
Hey Steph!
Once in a while I drop in there to grab a slice on the way home. It’s so good!
I would not complain about that either!
Yum nom. Going on my ever expanding NYC list. You are my go to for recommendations, Phil. And it’s not just because I saw Jake Gyllenhaal in Nom Wah. Well, not the ONLY reason. 🙂
Happy new year!
Hey Coleen!
We were just at Nom Wah the other night and then the speakeasy next door, Apotheke. It was a perfect date night.
I have many other places to recommend next time you are in NYC. Give me a shout!
HA! Mathair stole my computer and was worshipping the pic of the cheesecake. I think even God can forgive her momentary idolatry with the pic you posted. Me? I’m drooling over the onion rolls. I could literally just slather butter on them bad boys and go to town. YUM!!!!
Hey Inion/Mathair!
That cheesecake is worth stealing the computer for!
Actually, it sounds like you two are making this food porn a bit erotic! Keep drooling! 😉
Hey Inion/Mathair!
That is an awesome way of describing the dirty south! Heat, mosquitos, and unhealthy tasty comfort food like fried chicken. This is pure southern cooking and I love it!
It makes me feel good that I make you go crazy. Makes me know I done good! I love driving the sexy gals crazy! 🙂