Miguel R.
Yelp
If you are looking for a spot with stunning LA views- lights and action- and a picture-perfect ambiance, Juniper at the 1 Hotel is a choice! option. The setting feels like a garden fit for princess Jasmine of Agraba fame. The garden is complete with fire pits, lush greenery, and an atmosphere that can only be described as fit for fire light bugs. However, if you prefer a meal uninterrupted by the relentless pursuit of Instagram-worthy shots, this may not be your ideal destination. My friend, a devoted "picture taker for the 'gram," ensured that every bite was cold by the time we got to enjoy it, and let me tell you--this behavior does test one's patience. Nevertheless, I still value his company, even if the phone habit is something I might not tolerate forever. If I had wish, from a Genie, I think I would ask for people to know when a picture can be taken and a picture cannot. imagine how good our world would be if everyone had that gift.
Upon arriving, we were seated effortlessly, which made the subsequent long waits for our food feel all the more surprising. It was not a busy evening, yet it felt like waiting for the first snow in March: hopeful but endlessly delayed. Sitting outside by the fire pit, we sipped on an "LA Girl," a drink--not the quintessential LA girl with sunglasses, pumps, and a bubbly personality that is reserved for other Angelenos like her. The breeze was magical. At one point, hitting in just the right way to evoke a deep sense of eternal comfort in the snap of the wind. It iss a feeling that no photo could capture, though I did think about painting the moment with the colors of the breeze. That said, the outdoor setting, while lovely, didn't exactly exude Thanksgiving vibes. It made me feel like I was in a fairy tale garden--- and fairly tales have dinners but not to honor Thanksgiving.
The food, when it finally arrived, was solid. I ordered a bone marrow burger with a side of hot, crispy potatoes and some Middle Eastern dips--a strong showing. We also tried spiced nuts, hummus, flatbread with pepitas, and bacon-wrapped dates. Everything was good, but none of it screamed "Thanksgiving dinner." While the flavors delivered, the heat of the fire pit eventually wore thin, and we asked to move to the main dining room.
Inside, the vibe was like a glamping experience--imagine a luxury jungle expedition with netting and tent decor. It's unique, to say the least, and felt like a backdrop for a National Geographic feature for an undiscovered gorilla tribe. The desserts--a sampling of cookies, pistachio chocolates, and other goodies--were delightful. However, the wait for coffee and dessert tested our patience to the point of frustration, requiring multiple reminders to the staff. Like you are not busy, why you are taking long? A true mystery if there ever was one.
One moment that stood out was a neighboring diner: a woman in an oversized grandpa sweater, dining with her dog. Just the two of them. They exuded quiet grace, a living portrait of cozy independence and serenity. That single scene felt like a Time magazine cover just for me to behold. I wonder if she carries herself with intentional grace or was she raised to exude this grace? I wonder if charm school teaches kids to beam with grace, just like that.
Final verdict: Juniper is a fantastic choice if you want drinks, stunning photos, or a memorable atmosphere. However, if you're looking for a seamless dining experience, especially on a special occasion like Thanksgiving, the long waits and service hiccups may leave you feeling less than grateful. For me, it's a "come for the vibe, stay for the photos--but maybe eat elsewhere" kind of place. And boom that is the fortune cookie thought that you need to carry where-ever you go!