Juneberry Garage

Imagine you're a hapless catfish, swimming along, when suddenly a wave forces you from a bayou to the Dead Sea, where you die from the high salinity. But, the salt gives you the one and only intense flavoring. You are then chopped up and forgotten on the seabed where you become encrusted with barnacles. Congratulations, you are now ready to be plopped into deep fat fryer to be served at Juneberry Garage. For those industrious enough to chop through this thick outer encrustation of rock hard tasteless black barnacles (nee' "breading"), there is a bit of catfish in the center like a geode pebble in a bolder. I'm not expecting haute cuisine from any place with "garage" in its name, but c'mon folks, have you even looked at what you're serving? On the other hand, the arugula salad with cranberries was quite good (surprising for a burger/beer kind of place trying mightily to evince a sort of casual 1950s retro vibe). I would have given them a single star, but I don't want to discourage would-be customer or the new proprietors who are surely struggling to make a go of it. I am hoping they are still working out the kinks because I really want them to succeed so we have a medium priced place to eat in the Shepherd Park neighborhood. I plan to return when the outdoor seating is open.

Stopped by last night cause I was craving a burger and a beer. No wait. Both bartenders greeted us when we came in, had that sort of neighborhood bar feel as if we’d walked into a house full of friends and they welcomed us to join them. Beer and wine list is top notch with the usual local options sprinkled in and some classic imports and interesting finds as well. The cocktails aren’t over-the-top fancy, but are very good! And the bartenders were more than willing and able to whip us up something complicated and special if requested. The prices: some of the best in the city. The burger: spot on. It’s a burger, not a magic trick. It’s not trying to do anything fancy. It held up to any burger I’ve ever had. I’m thinking about it this morning. Still. And man I’ve had some bad onion rings in the dc area but Juneberry blows them all away! Their ranch: made in house and amazing. I will be back many more times this year.

Wanted to update my recommendation as Juneberry has outgrown the Airstream and moved into a full-service spot next door in the renovated base auto shop. Great bar (multiple beers on tap, solid cocktail list) and absolutely delicious Chicago tavern-style pizza. Cracker thin crust cut into squares. Seating area with a dozen or so tables, and a nice long bar to cozy up and get to know the staff. Fantastic local spot and we are so lucky to have them in the neighborhood. Still plenty of outdoor seating and heat lamps for those cooler evenings.

Spent a cozy New Year's Eve at Juneberry Garage. It was our first time going since the indoor part opened a few months ago. We learned Juneberry's has the same owners as our favorite soccer bar, Midlands. The drinks were excellent as was the beer selection. Fries were crisp and the fried chicken sandwiches were good, I am a picky about my chicken sandwiches and this one was the type with 3 chicken strips - which I think makes it messy to eat. I prefer the single larger piece. I love thin crust pizza, so I'm looking forward to trying that next time. Definitely a solid new addition to the neighborhood.

So, the atmosphere draws you in as you pass by, we finally showed up! Glad this is in the neighborhood. There’s a dog park behind. Super family friendly with supporting local events, too. We were just surprised by the drink prices. Anyways, we will be back… a nice, new spot to hangout. Love the big umbrellas!

Juneberry Garage is a symphony. There are so many instrumental elements all playing at a high level and ultimately producing a work that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Do you like creative, well-crafted, balanced and interesting cocktails? Yes, then go to Juneberry and then be amazed that in a city too-filled with $20 cocktails, Juneberry's average $13 with the same care and craft as pricier places. Are you a beer drinker? Yes, then go to Juneberry for a beer list that is as well curated as one would expect from the sister-bar of DC's best beer garden. Is wine your drink of choice? Juneberry is pouring eminently-drinkable glasses for $9. I didn't miss a digit. They have good wine for $9 in a $19 a glass world. Are you doing Dry-January, Dry-Life, or some other zero-proof determined time? At Juneberry, they put the same amount of time, effort, care, and skill into crafting your drinks too. The food is soul-satisfying - it is a culinary hug after a bad day or a tasty high-five after a good one. You're not coming to Juneberry for fine-dining, but every one of their sandwiches would be at home on some fancy joint's lunch menu. I particularly love the smash-burgers, the catfish sandwich, and the fried mortadella which I am certain is an homage to Anthony Bourdain's favorite sandwich. As a man who considers pizza a separate food group, the tavern-style thin crust is compulsively craveable. The service is warm. It is kind. And above all, you can tell that every member of their staff is invested in your good time. One bit of caution: on busy, and cold, nights, it can be a touch chilly if you're sitting near the door on the bar-side of the restaurant. All that really matters about a restaurant is how you feel when paying the check. On my visits to Juneberry, I tend to giggle a little with the idea that I had that much fun, so many smiles, such a delightful time for whatever my balance was. I usually giggle a little more, leave a big tip, and start thinking about when I get to come back.

We are so excited to have Juneberry Garage in the neighborhood. They beautified the old mechanic’s shop and created a special gathering spot for residents. We can’t wait for phase two when the restaurant opens but for now, we will enjoy the good porch vibes, great drink selection and rotating food trucks. Bonus points for having cheese balls on the menu!

Love love love Juneberry. Everything on the menu is done well, the drinks are good, and the prices are super reasonable (especially because tip is included!) Highly recommend the Juneberry Spritz and also the pizza.

Super cute awesome addition to the Takoma/Brightwood neighborhood. Tons of seating with reclined chairs and oversized umbrellas, a little trailer where you can get fresh draft beers, canned beers or a cocktail. There are kid-friendly and non alcoholic options as well. And the food vendor of the day (not a food truck), when I went served delicious and decadent smash burgers and $1 cheese balls. Everyone who works there is friendly and personable. Adjacent to a dog park if that's your thing.

Imagine you're a hapless catfish, swimming along, when suddenly a wave forces you from a bayou to the Dead Sea, where you die from the high salinity. But, the salt gives you the one and only intense flavoring. You are then chopped up and forgotten on the seabed where you become encrusted with barnacles. Congratulations, you are now ready to be plopped into deep fat fryer to be served at Juneberry Garage. For those industrious enough to chop through this thick outer encrustation of rock hard tasteless black barnacles (nee' "breading"), there is a bit of catfish in the center like a geode pebble in a bolder. I'm not expecting haute cuisine from any place with "garage" in its name, but c'mon folks, have you even looked at what you're serving? On the other hand, the arugula salad with cranberries was quite good (surprising for a burger/beer kind of place trying mightily to evince a sort of casual 1950s retro vibe). I would have given them a single star, but I don't want to discourage would-be customer or the new proprietors who are surely struggling to make a go of it. I am hoping they are still working out the kinks because I really want them to succeed so we have a medium priced place to eat in the Shepherd Park neighborhood. I plan to return when the outdoor seating is open.