Junior's Bar and Grill
Junior's Bar & Grill
North Greenbush, NY
I was asked the other day by a friend familiar with this project if Junior's was the first place that I did. It wasn't. It will be the 25th, I believe (if my math is right).
I really like Junior's. It's weird. It is often full of a particular type of guy. Not to paint to too broad a brush but the type of guy that skips leg day and is really proud of their Oakley wraparounds. That type of guy has no use for a guy like me. It's fine. Even after that, I like this place. The vibe is relaxed. It's sports bar, sure. But different. The food is good. Relaxed. Lacking pretense. Pizza and a cold beer after a long day? It is exactly what you need. Want the game on a teevee on the patio? Right there for you. Or a fireplace when the wind is biting a little? It's right there. THIS IS A GREAT PATIO.
One of the reasons I hesitated is because this has become our default. As much of a local as I have these days, though it isn't that close to my place. Part of it is the pizza and seitan wings. Part of it is the people. Part of it is the great patio. I think the combination is that it is a place that I can be myself. I feel comfortable here. Comfortable enough to come in multiple times per week. It is the type of place that I am always looking for and I am glad that it is just a couple of miles away. Get the tots. The tots are great. The Burrito Bowl is GREAT. Yes, there are pretzels. (Insert grinning emoji here.)(No, that was not an editing mistake.)
My typical order (yes, I am there often enough to have a typical order) is a Sip of Sunshine (see below) and the Buffalo Chicken Salad, in addition to a shared app or a couple of pieces of pizza. There are a lot of things on the menu that make me happy though.
Is it a place where I feel comfortable after a long day running, hiking, or in one case removing and then replacing an in wall over? Yes. For further context, see below.
Children are welcome. I have seen dogs on the back patio often. Patio seating can be difficult when busy. Parking is available.
Say hello to Bella. She's great.
-EWA
I drink too much Sip Of Sunshine.
When thinking about if this was a place where I would go when dirty and gross, regardless of the numerous times I had been in there immediately after a hike (once caked in mood and a substance that I hope was blood) I was hesitant. I mean, you see kids and adults in uniforms (baseball, JROTC, Regular Army) all the time. But is this a place to hang out after Type 2 fun? Yes, I think it is. And then I was assured of it by Untappd where I saw this gem.
Junior's, Your Hang After Your Sufferfest.