Since 1950, Junior's has been serving what many consider the finest cheesecake in America from its flagship location in Downtown Brooklyn. The diner menu of burgers, sandwiches, and massive platters makes it a beloved institution for locals and visitors alike.
Junior's Restaurant, at 386 Flatbush Avenue Extension in Downtown Brooklyn, has been a Brooklyn institution since Harry Rosen opened it in 1950 and is universally regarded as the source of the finest cheesecake in New York — and by the estimation of many authorities, in the United States. The cheesecake is made to a recipe that Harry Rosen's son Marvin spent two years perfecting in the early 1950s: a cream cheese base of extraordinary richness and density, set on a thin sponge cake crust rather than the graham cracker crust that most American cheesecakes use, baked to a point where the top is golden and barely set, and served plain or with a variety of fruit toppings. The result is a cheesecake that is measurably different in texture and flavor from any competitor — richer, creamier, and more genuinely flavored with dairy rather than sweet. The restaurant menu surrounding the cheesecake is a comprehensive American diner offering: enormous Reuben sandwiches piled with corned beef, thick-cut pastrami plates, fried shrimp baskets, burgers, and an all-day breakfast. The portions are legendary and the prices are moderate by New York standards, making Junior's one of the most generous-value sit-down restaurants in Brooklyn. The restaurant is located directly across from the Brooklyn Academy of Music and has been a pre- and post-performance gathering place for decades. A Manhattan location in Grand Central Terminal serves the full menu including cheesecake. Whole cheesecakes are available to ship nationally.
Signature dishes
- Original New York Cheesecake — $11
- Reuben Sandwich — $20
Good to know
- Known for
- New York cheesecake institution since 1950
- Hours
- 6:30AM–midnight daily
Location
386 Flatbush Ave Extension, Brooklyn, NY 11201
40.6924, -73.9842 View on map
Highlights
- The original New York cheesecake — cream cheese on a sponge cake base, widely regarded as the finest in the United States
- Brooklyn institution since 1950 with enormous portions and moderate prices
- Located across from the Brooklyn Academy of Music — a natural before or after a performance stop
- Comprehensive diner menu of Reuben sandwiches, pastrami, burgers, and all-day breakfast
- Whole cheesecakes available to order and ship nationally from the restaurant's website
Tips for visiting
- Order the plain cheesecake first to taste the pure cream cheese base before trying fruit-topped variations
- The Reuben sandwich is one of the best in Brooklyn and makes an ideal savory course before the cheesecake
- A Junior's visit pairs naturally with a show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music directly across the street
- The Grand Central Terminal Manhattan location is convenient for travelers who cannot make the Brooklyn trip
- Whole cheesecakes can be purchased to take away — they travel well and make an excellent gift
Accessibility
The Flatbush Avenue Extension location has a level entrance from the street and a large, open single-floor dining room that is accessible to wheelchair users. The restaurant's wide aisles accommodate mobility aids.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Junior's cheesecake different from others?
Junior's uses a cream cheese base of high richness set on a thin sponge cake (not graham cracker) crust, baked to a dense, creamy consistency with a golden top. The recipe was developed in the early 1950s and has not changed.
Does Junior's have a Manhattan location?
Yes. A Junior's location operates in Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, serving the full menu including cheesecake. The Brooklyn Flatbush Avenue original is larger and has more character.
Can whole cheesecakes be ordered from Junior's?
Yes. Whole cheesecakes in various sizes and flavors are available to order at the restaurant and to ship nationally through the Junior's website.
Is Junior's expensive?
Junior's is very affordable by New York standards. A full diner meal with sandwich, sides, and a slice of cheesecake typically runs $25–$40 per person.
When is Junior's open?
The Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn location is open from 6:30am to midnight daily, making it suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night cheesecake.