Juniper

I’ve only been here once for drinks so this review is just for that one experience.
I was blown away by how clumsy and aloof the service was. My friend and I came in for after dinner drinks and we were greeted by a hesitant young host who behaved like we were an inconvenience. He told us there were no seats in the entire place just for drinks. I pointed out there was space at the bar and we were happy to sit or even stand to just have a drink. He insisted that it was against by-​laws to allow us to stand at the bar so I asked if he could move two of the dozen unused stools at the tables to the bar since there was obviously space. He reluctantly complied and we were seated after the 5 minute debate (note, he didn’t acknowledge us again after that). The bartenders were no better; neither acknowledged us as we were trying to get their attention to see a drink menu. After 10 minutes of trying, I finally flagged down a server walking by.
After we decided on drinks, we again tried to get the one of the bartenders’ attention. Another 10 minutes go by and finally, a bartender did us the big favor of gracing us with his presence… after 20 minutes of sitting down.
I asked what his recommendation was for something that’s not sweet because I do not eat sugar. He recommended the Catalan and I trusted him. What a mistake! The drink is amateur; a fancy glass, shot of gin, sprig of thyme, wedge of grapefruit and tonic on the side that you pour in. And it was incredibly sweet so I couldn’t drink it. I took 2 sips and left the rest.
He did not come back to ask about the drinks once and he did not ask even when he noticed the obviously untouched drink at the end of the night as we paid our bill.
After all that, when we went to retrieve our coats, there was no one to be found. We stood at the front for what felt like forever as we again tried to get someone’s attention. Desperate to leave this joint, we talked about getting our coats ourselves but out of nowhere the most cheerful, delightful waitress appeared and retrieved our coats promptly.
Although I’m not a fan of sugar, this experience has left the most unpalatable bitterness in my mouth that’s worse than eating a spoonful of sugar.

We visited for Dine Out 2016 and had an exceptional experience. I was especially appreciative of such a unique and delicious vegetarian entrée. The service was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed everything from cocktails through dessert!

Juniper was superb! Came here for Dine Out Vancouver on a busy Saturday night and we really couldn’t have picked a better place. A lot of what attracted us in the first place was there extensive cocktail menu. It did not disappoint.
From the beginning, we were treated to fabulous customer service. Our server not only sat us, but offered to take our coats. Maybe I’m new to this whole fine dining thing, but I think that was a first for me! The server was very knowledgable about their selection and was able to help us find the perfect drinks. As well, had brought up the fact we had a Gluten intolerance in our party. Damn, she was on it. I was very pleased at how much of the Dine Out menu could be modified to accomadate a gluten intolerance. Their kale and parsnip salad was amazing, as well as their pudding chomeur. I found the arctic char to be good, but the potato garlic broth and mussels were more of the highlight of that particular dish. Everything was rich in flavour and freshness.
It looks like Juniper has started to make a really good name for themselves. And it’s no question as to why!

This ranks among the best Dine-​outs I’ve had since Dine-​out was established. Juniper has it all — flavours/​ideas that stand out from the crowd; evident bar creativity (I’m taking the bus next time!); welcoming, friendly and attentive bar and wait staff; and unpretentious, warm minimalist décor; all of which makes for a great vibe. Highly recommend the Pork Osso Buco with maple syrup garbanzos — I’m still vibrating. Dessert was also memorable (Pudding Chomeur with pears).
You can actually hear yourself think — and have a conversation — due to great acoustics & no loud music. Go soon, go often!

Absolutely loved our dine out menu. I had the smoked ling cod rillette, pickled veg and sourdough toast and my dining partner had the elk empanadas with a carrot slaw. Judging from the taste, if these were the starters, I was looking forward to the rest of my meal. My meal was osso bucco with sambal chickpeas. Tender with a little kick from the chickpeas. The other entrée was braised beef with mash. It wasn’t on the advertised menu and was amazing and a good surprise. Food aside, my pet peeve is service. When a server is bubbly, engaging and knowledgable, the effect is infectious. Nothing gets me more than a server that is not knowledgable about the dishes or the liquor menu. It makes me feel that it’s just a job, you might as well work at McDonald’s. When you’re at a restaurant of this calibre, it’s not just a job, it’s a calling. Shiva, when asked, has tried everything on the liquor menu (and then some). She recommended a gorgeous passion fruit mule that wasn’t on the menu. We also had a really herby earthy gin and tonic (hence the name juniper)…delicious. She’s tried everything on the dine out menu and could tell you the flavour profile of the starters, entrees and desserts. She told us about the community of the restaurant and how they had their aprons made by someone in the Chinatown area, how their trying to share a rooftop garden. The local gins they had, the freehand art work upstairs to the foraging of the wood pieces for their impressive coastal artwork on the wall done by a local artist. The food is impressive and staff made our dining experience exceptional. I hope that juniper doesn’t get complacent with age and keeps this refreshing vibe and service that is welcome after so many restaurants become okay with sub par service while charging for overpriced food.

So this is a newish establishment. It has a nice modern comfortable atmosphere. However, it’s clear some of those in service are still learning the ropes a little. We were delivered incorrect dishes twice. That’s ok; I’m sure they’ll get it polished.
I enjoyed the special on tap negroni. Yum! Herbal goodness. I recommend getting it with the one cube as opposed to a whole glass of crushed ice.
The food is quite good. I started with the ling cod rillette, which I think is the top dish for me. It had great texture and flavor. Next, I had the Arctic char over mussels in a creamy soup base w/​chorizo. This was quite tasty. Both dishes came with bread; not too much, which is perfect.
For dessert, the peanut butter Nanaimo bar is delicious & rich. The fruit cake is okay but I love the Earnest ice cream. I would say come here for the food and drinks, but keep in mind it’s still a new restaurant; they’ll probably be tweaking a few things to make it even better.

Awesome service, awesome food and awesome drinks. Wondering atmosphere and experience.
Must gets are the charcuturie and the pork loin entrée. Every dish was just as tasty so you really can’t go wrong.
Will be one of our go to spots now!

The staff were absolutely amazing. So friendly and fun and truly great service. The food was all very fresh and delicious. We love locally sourced food and really good vegetables and the two salads I ordered for the table were exceptional. The food was imaginative, the beers all local and even the aprons the staff were wearing came from only a couple of kilometers away. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Fantastic new restaurant in Chinatown. The atmosphere inside is so friendly and intimate despite the overall design, the management and staff should be proud of the ambience they’ve created right out of the gate. The menu is just the right size and the food was absolutely fantastic. I am surprised and delighted by this new restaurant. Well done.

Great place for dinner and/​or drinks. Food is thoughtful, fresh and locally sourced. Cocktails are amazing. The Catalan is a must for any lover of gin and tonic! Servers are friendly, helpful with any questions we had and descriptive with everything that came to our table.
We will be returning for sure… with friends!

Went to Juniper last night for some late night eats and drinks.
Fabulous cocktail and wine selection! We had the charcuterie plate to start, which was delicious but make sure to ask for extra bread.
Highly recommend the braised bison as your main course. I was absolutely delicious.
Loved the casual vibe to the restaurant and the servers were very nice and attentive. Can’t wait to come back to try out some more dishes. Awesome addition to the other great places on Keefer.

The other reviewers are wrong this place is minimum 5 stars. I had a wonderful stay at this hotel*. All emojis aside I came In for a tea and ended up with an appetizer, entrée and dessert all were delicious. When I left my car was towed which is «technically» my fault for leaving it in the middle of the road.
*Restaurant

Gin lovers’ paridise
Their drink list is full of gin based drinks. They have four different gin and tonics (all using different gin and tonics, sourced locally and from abroad), and four different gin cocktails.
I tried three different gin and tonics and they were all pretty solid. If I had to rank I would go with Juniper (citrus tonic with Juniper berries), cucumber gin and tonic, and finally the rad-​ish.
The same can’t be said about the garden smash gin cocktail. It’s a gin/​mezcal drink and it tasted like straight Mezcal… and I’m not a huge fan of Mezcal.
Perhaps if you’re a fan of Mezcal or tequila you’ll love it.
I was told that within two months the gin and tonic section will be quadrupling! Wowza!
They had a pretty solid craft beer selection as well. I spotted a bunch of local favourites — four winds, steel and oak, strange fellows, dageraad, and a few others.
The drink list was curated by Vancouver’s very own Shaun Layton (former head bartender at L’Abbatoire) so I’m sure you can’t go wrong with any drink you order.
Drinks were a bit on the pricey side — most gin and tonics average around $ 13 but it’s understandable given the quality of gin and tonics they use.

Just opened. JUST opened. This is a drinks only review.
Here’s what you need to know:
The bartenders will make you exactly the drink you’re looking for. Start talking about what you find delicious and they’ll put exactly that in front of you.
If you’re one of those people who doesn’t want to talk to the bartender right in front of you and wants to stare at a menu… They’ve hit all the bases with their cocktail menu. They’ve something standard and something with some attitude in all the right categories. Keefer bar is just down the street and I think they’re aware. I’m hoping they’ll put up their dukes and challenge the Keef to a cocktail fight. I’ll win. I know that much.
Beer. They have Strange Fellows Talisman. That’s the best beer in Vancouver right now. What else do you need to know? Alright, they have an appropriate spread of local beers with something for your light, dark, hoppy, fruity taste. Forget it and order a Talisman already.
Why not 5 stars? I didn’t eat anything and they just opened. Consider this a suggestion to walk in and try it already. The staff was friendly and approachable. Do it.