First Look: Juniper’s new space in Central West End

Chef-owner John Perkins’ Juniper has new digs where he’ll serve his Southern-inspired fare. The restaurant, which originally opened at 360 N. Boyle Ave., in October 2013, debuted at a new location at 4101 Laclede Ave., on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

The most recent Juniper menu remains largely intact at the new space, and favorites like the fried chicken and the famous breadbasket are still available. Executive chef Glenister Wells said a new fall menu will be coming soon.

Perkins originally planned to open a new breakfast and brunch concept called Little Bird in the original Boyle Avenue space, and he hosted a series of pop-ups this summer to try out dishes. Perkins said he no longer plans to move forward with Little Bird and will instead focus on the new incarnation of Juniper, but said some pop-up the offerings will likely make their way onto the brunch menu he plans on introducing at Juniper in October.

Much of Juniper’s original rustic vibe carried over to the new location. There’s plenty of warm wood and eclectic artwork on the walls, and the new space even sports a new crop of vintage refrigerators behind the bar.

The new interior is much more spacious, with more than 70 seats including the bar area. An additional private event room will open soon, along with a patio. Two walls of windows let in plenty of natural light to brighten up the space. The new kitchen dwarfs the former and features a wood-burning grill.

Juniper is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. Take a look at the new version of an area favorite.

Matt Sorrell is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.