Heritage Diner History
When founder Gus Kalafatis arrived in America in the 1960s, he worked as a grillman at Junior’s Diner in Brooklyn. His wife was a waitress, and her brother also worked there as a waiter. Gus was greatly influenced by the owners’ business style.
Junior’s Diner
New York City is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, but few establishments are as deeply ingrained in the city’s culinary DNA as Junior’s. For over seven decades, this iconic diner and bakery has been serving up towering sandwiches, classic comfort food, and, of course, what many consider to be the world’s most fabulous cheesecake. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or a first-time visitor, a trip to Junior’s is a quintessential Big Apple experience.
A Storied History Rooted in Brooklyn
The story of Junior’s began on Election Day in 1950, when Harry Rosen opened the first location on the corner of Flatbush Avenue and DeKalb Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn. The Rosen family, however, had been in the restaurant business on that very corner since 1929. Named after his two sons, Walter and Marvin, Junior’s quickly became a beloved neighborhood spot.
A pivotal moment in Junior’s history came in 1981 when a fire broke out in the restaurant. As firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, a crowd of onlookers famously chanted, “Save the Cheesecake!” This event solidified Junior’s place in the hearts of New Yorkers and cemented the cheesecake’s legendary status.
Over the years, Junior’s has expanded beyond its original Brooklyn home, with popular locations in the heart of Times Square on 45th and 49th Streets, and even outside of New York City at Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut. Despite its growth, Junior’s remains a family-owned business, now in its third generation with Harry’s grandson, Alan Rosen, at the helm.
More Than Just Cheesecake: A Look at the Menu
While the cheesecake is undoubtedly the star of the show, Junior’s offers a sprawling menu of diner classics that are sure to satisfy any craving. From hearty breakfasts to late-night bites, there’s something for everyone.
Diner Delights:
- Steakburgers: Juicy, thick, and cooked to perfection.
- Overstuffed Sandwiches: Piled high with your choice of pastrami, corned beef, turkey, and more.
- Classic Reubens: A timeless combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on grilled rye.
- Appetizers: Start your meal with favorites like Disco Fries, Fried Calamari, or their famous Matzoh Ball Soup.
- Entrees: For a more substantial meal, choose from dishes like Roasted Turkey, BBQ Ribs, or Broiled Salmon.
The Main Attraction: The World’s Most Fabulous Cheesecake
No visit to Junior’s is complete without indulging in a slice of their world-renowned cheesecake. Made with the same recipe since the 1950s, this dense, creamy, and utterly delicious dessert has earned its legendary reputation. The secret? A sponge cake crust instead of the more common graham cracker base.
While the Original Plain Cheesecake is a must-try for purists, Junior’s offers a delectable variety of flavors to tempt your taste buds:
- Strawberry Cheesecake: The most popular choice after the original.
- Red Velvet Cheesecake: A delightful fusion of two classic desserts.
- Devil’s Food Cheesecake: A chocolate lover’s dream.
- Carrot Cake Cheesecake: A unique and flavorful combination.
- And many more!
What the People Are Saying: Reviews
Junior’s consistently receives reviews praising its bustling, classic New York diner atmosphere, and friendly, efficient service. While some find the prices to be on the higher side, most agree that the generous portions and high quality of the food make it a worthwhile experience. The cheesecake, in particular, is almost universally lauded as a “must-try” and a true taste of New York.
Plan Your Visit
Locations:
- Brooklyn: 386 Flatbush Ave EXT, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Times Square: 1515 Broadway (at 45th St), New York, NY 10036
- Times Square: 1626 Broadway (at 49th St), New York, NY 10019
Website: https://www.juniorscheesecake.com/
Stay Connected:
A Taste of the Experience
Get a feel for the Junior’s vibe with these videos:
