In the heart of New York’s theater district, between a dark gray sidewalk and the steel beams of a skyscraper, a bright orange sign marks Junior’s Restaurant, a diner famous for its cheesecake created by Harry Rosen in the original Brooklyn location 1950. The atmosphere is classic diner complete with bright lighting, a soda fountain, and Elvis playing on the stereo.
Junior’s prides itself creating an entire generation of Junior’s cheesecake lovers. According to their website, “[Junior’s] cheesecake was as important as the Brooklyn Dodgers…the Fox Theater…Coney Island…[and] Brighton Beach.”
The original Junior’s site in Brooklyn on Flatbush Ave. has since expanded to three different locations; in the heart of Times Square, Connecticut, and a factory outlet in Burlington, NJ which ships worldwide. This is good news for all cheesecake fans in the tri-state area who want a taste of cheesecake history.
But Junior’s has made a name for itself not only through its cheesecakes but also through political activism. Junior’s locations typically offer discounted slices on Election Day to those who vote. They have also hosted many politicians such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, who both stopped by for slices during their terms.
Junior’s cheesecake recipe has gone unchanged for 69 years. Third-generation owner Alan Rosen states on Junior’s website, “Each cheesecake consists of the basics; cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream, fresh eggs and vanilla.”
However, one thing that differentiates Junior’s cheesecakes from the rest is that in place of a traditional graham cracker crust, there is a layer of sponge cake on the bottom.
The upbeat diner and smiling staff take the edge off the high price tag of $9 on a single slice of strawberry cheesecake. Moreover, the soft, creamy consistency and the large portions make the slice worthwhile.
If you have to wait for a table you may end up next to the cheesecake display case. New Yorkers come in to pick up the confections even if they aren’t staying for a meal. On a recent visit, a man named Eddie G. stopped by to purchase a $42 10” cake. He asked for his full name to not be used because “I’m on a diet but my wife is on vacation and my birthday is coming up.”
