New York is known for its cheesecake, and at the forefront of the cheesecake craze is Junior’s cheesecake. We took a 5-7 minute walk from our hotel to Junior’s. We met Matt’s cousin, her husband, and their daughters there for lunch. It’s a great spot to eat before or after a Broadway show because it is literally steps from the theaters. Junior’s is open from 7 a.m. – midnight.

Junior’s in Time Square

Junior’s original 1950’s location was in Brooklyn, but they now have locations in Manhattan.

Outdoor dining area

Cheesecakes can be purchased from the restaurant.

Bar area at Junior’s

They have an extensive menu. I ordered the chicken parmesan.

Listen to me when I say, “Listen to the locals!” If they tell you to do something, then do it. I was specifically told by someone from Brooklyn who knows Junior’s menu very well, that I should not eat anything at Junior’s except the cheesecake — the original cheesecake. I walked into the restaurant and ordered chicken parmesan. It was okay, but nothing really to write home about.

Then, I ordered the strawberry cheesecake. Junior’s is actually a campaign stop for many U.S. presidents. As I write this blog, I am reminiscing about that slice of cheesecake. It was not the mushy, creamy cheesecake you purchase from the store in a box. This was the real deal. My daughter ordered the original cheesecake, which had no toppings, but I have to have strawberries with my cheesecake.

Junior’s strawberry cheesecake

This cheesecake was some of the best I have ever eaten. However, the locals insist, “Get the ORIGINAL cheesecake!” I later learned that the original cheesecake does not have the same crust as the other cheesecakes. It has actual cake as its crust instead. This cheesecake was one of the highlights of my trip. It literally sticks to your fork, and this is the stamp of a great cheesecake. Yet, the locals say the original cheesecake is even better. I couldn’t imagine it getting any better than this!

If you go to New York, try the cheesecake from Junior’s. New York is known for its cheesecakes, and this is a place you want to add to your list. If you want to eat a full meal there, then that is fine, but the cheesecake is what makes me want to go back for more! The next time we visit, I will try the original, but I have to admit this strawberry cheesecake was a home run!