Oklahoma City KEY - Cover Story

Every City has an iconic restaurant – the one that is the fabric of the community. The restaurant that has weathered the test of time. The restaurant that is the locals “go to” place for great atmosphere, service and consistency - but most importantly great food. For more than 40 years, that place is Junior’s.

Stepping into Junior’s is truly like stepping back in time. The lush red walls, romantic lumination of chandeliers, and the sunken piano bar are all reminiscent of a time in Oklahoma where money flowed more freely and tastes were exquisite. The era may be long gone, but Junior’s still embodies the spirit of the time.

Opened in 1973 and located in the Oil Center Building as an elite, private club, Junior’s has even gained literary notoriety in the books, Funny Money and Belly Up. Junior’s ‘became the sanctum sanctorum of new-oilie-ism’ as the meeting place for those involved in the Penn Square Bank collapse, which ultimately shook the country’s banking industry. One can only imagine the conversations and influential businessmen and oilmen of the time.

Since 2003, Junior’s has been owned and operated by Jim Shumsky. Jim, a long-time patron of Junior’s, purchased the business after his remarkably successful, 40-year career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Shumsky says, “You’re welcomed at the door, recognized; you eat an outstanding meal and are thanked for coming when you leave.” This has been a trademark of the beliefs behind what has made Junior’s one of Oklahoma City’s legendary places to eat.

The servers, many of who have worked at Junior’s for many years, allow the diners to linger over dinner, which in today’s fast-paced world is almost a lost art, but is definitely a contributing factor in the successful status of a great restaurant. “You don’t change success,” Shumsky says. “This place is legendary.” He is grateful to be able to keep a true historic piece of Oklahoma City history alive embodying the same belief system and true love of the restaurant, that has made it a success and a landmark for so many years.

The menu isn’t long and hasn’t changed all that much since early days, but there is something for everyone. Start with a truly spectacular Caesar salad prepared tableside, adding to the already intriguing ambiance. Junior’s takes the words fine dining to a new level.

Junior’s boasts some of the finest cuts of meat prepared precisely to perfection. For an entrée choose from a succulent Prime Cowboy Bone-in Ribeye, 13-ounce center cut K.C. Strip or an 8-ounce Filet that will literally melt in your mouth.

Fish offerings include cold-water Australian lobster tails, perfectly prepared grilled salmon, Orange Roughy, fried or grilled shrimp, and Alaskan King Crab legs. Juniors’s poultry offering is a taste of a bygone era - cast-iron skillet fried chicken.

For dessert, choose a sumptuous treat from their extensive dessert menu or try an Oklahoma favorite, Brandy Ice - silky smooth and delicious.

Junior's of Oklahoma City has been specializing in good food and even better service since 1973. Enjoy lunch or dinner Monday - Saturday.

Junior's is located 2601 NW Expressway in the basement of the west Oil Center building. The Oil Center is located between Penn and May Avenue, on Northwest Expressway.

Parking underground is available for direct access to Junior's. For reservations and more information, call 405-848-5597 or visit www.juniorsokc.com.

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