JUNEBUG, NEW ORLEANS: REVIEW
A REVIEW OF JUNEBUG RESTAURANT IN NEW ORLEANS
Photo: Junebug
Junebug: From Studio to Supperclub
Review by Gia Martinez
Tucked into the historic warehouse district, The Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s new bar and restaurant ‘Junebug’ effortlessly blends old New Orleans charm with modern Southern style. From the moment you walk through its doors, you’re greeted by lights made of vintage victrola trumpets, loungey rooms—dimly lit, with chic nods to the building's musical history. The velvet textures and vintage accents make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a stylish secret. It’s the kind of place where you want to stay awhile, and thanks to excellent service and Chef Shannon Bingham’s inventive menu, you absolutely should.
My recent three-course dinner at Junebug was a rich, flavorful journey that highlighted the kitchen’s gift for balancing comfort with creativity To start, I chose the Duck Rillettes, a standout appetizer that set the tone for the night. The pulled duck was incredibly rich and velvety, made even more luxurious with a layer of duck fat. What truly made the dish sing, though, was the unexpected brightness from the peach jam—sweet and just slightly tart—which cut through the richness perfectly. Accompanied by blistered shishito peppers and toasted bread, it was a sophisticated yet approachable start, with smoky, fruity, and savory notes in every bite.
Next came the Cornbread Gnocchi with Lamb Neck Ragu, which felt like the culinary equivalent of a warm embrace. The gnocchi were impossibly soft, dissolving on the tongue with just a hint of that cornbread essence. The lamb ragu was tender, deeply flavored, and just gamey enough to keep it interesting. What elevated the dish was the freshness of mint—an unexpected but brilliant contrast that gave each bite a lift, along with the subtle sweetness of banana peppers. It was rich, earthy, and balanced, with a level of thoughtfulness that stuck with me.
For the final course, I went with the Hanger Steak, which arrived cooked to a perfect medium-rare, juicy and deeply savory. It was topped with crispy beer-battered onion rings and was playful, crunchy, and indulgent. A slathering of Worcestershire butter added umami depth to every bite without overpowering the steak’s natural flavor. It felt like a refined take on a backyard favorite, executed with precision and flair.
Service throughout the evening was attentive but never intrusive. Staff were warm, knowledgeable, and happy to guide us through the menu with thoughtful recommendations and genuine enthusiasm. The pacing between courses was just right, and the entire experience felt easy, indulgent, and unrushed.
Junebug is more than just a restaurant—it’s a vibe. With its moody elegance, southern hospitality, and a menu full of clever reinventions, it stands out in the ever-evolving New Orleans food scene. Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor wanting to experience the city’s evolving culinary voice, Junebug delivers.
Review by Gia Martinez
Tucked into the historic warehouse district, The Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s new bar and restaurant ‘Junebug’ effortlessly blends old New Orleans charm with modern Southern style. From the moment you walk through its doors, you’re greeted by lights made of vintage victrola trumpets, loungey rooms—dimly lit, with chic nods to the building's musical history. The velvet textures and vintage accents make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a stylish secret. It’s the kind of place where you want to stay awhile, and thanks to excellent service and Chef Shannon Bingham’s inventive menu, you absolutely should.
My recent three-course dinner at Junebug was a rich, flavorful journey that highlighted the kitchen’s gift for balancing comfort with creativity To start, I chose the Duck Rillettes, a standout appetizer that set the tone for the night. The pulled duck was incredibly rich and velvety, made even more luxurious with a layer of duck fat. What truly made the dish sing, though, was the unexpected brightness from the peach jam—sweet and just slightly tart—which cut through the richness perfectly. Accompanied by blistered shishito peppers and toasted bread, it was a sophisticated yet approachable start, with smoky, fruity, and savory notes in every bite.
Next came the Cornbread Gnocchi with Lamb Neck Ragu, which felt like the culinary equivalent of a warm embrace. The gnocchi were impossibly soft, dissolving on the tongue with just a hint of that cornbread essence. The lamb ragu was tender, deeply flavored, and just gamey enough to keep it interesting. What elevated the dish was the freshness of mint—an unexpected but brilliant contrast that gave each bite a lift, along with the subtle sweetness of banana peppers. It was rich, earthy, and balanced, with a level of thoughtfulness that stuck with me.
For the final course, I went with the Hanger Steak, which arrived cooked to a perfect medium-rare, juicy and deeply savory. It was topped with crispy beer-battered onion rings and was playful, crunchy, and indulgent. A slathering of Worcestershire butter added umami depth to every bite without overpowering the steak’s natural flavor. It felt like a refined take on a backyard favorite, executed with precision and flair.
Service throughout the evening was attentive but never intrusive. Staff were warm, knowledgeable, and happy to guide us through the menu with thoughtful recommendations and genuine enthusiasm. The pacing between courses was just right, and the entire experience felt easy, indulgent, and unrushed.
Junebug is more than just a restaurant—it’s a vibe. With its moody elegance, southern hospitality, and a menu full of clever reinventions, it stands out in the ever-evolving New Orleans food scene. Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor wanting to experience the city’s evolving culinary voice, Junebug delivers.