Shireen's Favorite Things

Juniper 1975 S. Ocean Drive, Hallandale Beach, FL, 33009

Juniper On The Water is this totally gorgeous, airy restaurant/bar that reminds me of something you’d find in Cape Cod or Kennebunkport, Maine. From the outside, it’s totally unassuming; tucked between two luxury apartment buildings in Hallandale Beach, but on the inside, it’s warm, welcoming and romantic.

I immediately fell in love with its intracoastal view. Perched-up high above the water, I decided to sit outside and enjoy the sparkling Sunday afternoon. Although their “New American-Mediteranean” menu was chock full of my favorites (like fresh salads and fish), I let the chef pick for me, but first…

I started “Spotlight” with their signature cocktail, “The Juniper” (made with cucumber, yellow bell pepper, gin, St. Germain and lime.) Wow! It wasn’t just tasty, it was unusual (and it wasn’t syrupy sweet like some fru-fru drinks tend to be). If you’re a cocktail lover, I highly recommend it. It’s also rimmed with a creative, spicy concoction.

The “Sunset Margarita” is a delicious twist on an old classic: made with blood orange/jalapeño- infused tequila and rimmed with red pepper and salt. “The Hemisphere Old Fashion” was a knock-out; blended perfectly with Ritten House Rye, brandied cherries, orange bitters and brown sugar.

Hello, lovah! The “Steamed Middleneck Clams” were to die for. I have a thing for clams, but the sauce was the bomb-dot-com (made with white wine, onion crema and parsley pesto). I let my toasted bread soak up the leftover sauce and left my no-carb diet rule in the dust. It was worth every sumptuous bite.

Even though the “Octopus” (braised for four hours and served with a smokey salsa) isn’t officially on the menu yet, I got a sneak eat. The texture and flavors were fresh and interesting. This dish will be available for “Juniper’s” Spring/Summer menu (a.k.a any day now!).

My main course: the “Seafood Paella” was filled with clams, mussels, shrimp, fresh fish, chorizo, peas and bell peppers. The pot of yummy goodness was served atop toasted Israeli couscous. This was amazing!! And definitely shareable.

Instead of dessert, my table opted for another round of “The Juniper” and we took our sweet time sipping, soaking up the sun and oohing & ahhing over the view. The best part about this hidden gem, obviously, is its location, but also — the people.

They really believe in what they’re doing and it shows. Not only that, they have a lovely energy that makes all the difference when you’re not just looking for a good meal, but rather a GREAT experience and that’s why “Juniper On The Water” is one of my favorite things.

Monday-Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 4pm-11pm, Sunday 11am-3pm & 4pm-10pm. The dinner menu starts at 5pm daily & Happy Hour is from 4pm-7pm daily.

“Juniper On The Water” is in Hallandale Beach on Ocean Drive. It’s snuggled in between two apartment buildings (as I mentioned earlier in the blog) and is marked by a demure restaurant sign. When you turn WEST into its driveway, you’ll go up a slight incline leading to a guard gate.

There — you’ll be instructed to keep right and follow the driveway around until see Juniper’s valet. Then — take the sidewalk to the building closest to the water. Cheers!

For reservations www.juniperonthewater.com / 954-544-3370
Twitter: @JuniperOnWater Instagram: @juniperonthewater FB: Juniper On The Water