This week, a new outdoor dining destination from FCM Hospitality and owner Avram Hornik will be opening its doors. Juno is located in the heart of the Spring Arts and Loft District right across from Union Transfer and will offer Philadelphians a new way to dine outside in style and experience a fresh new atmosphere while staying both healthy and happy.
In the age of social distancing, it’s highly important to keep safe practices while out and about, and with this new open-air concept restaurant, visitors will be able to do just that. But who says social distancing can’t be done in style?
According to the release, the first guests will be welcomed for social distance seating this Friday, July 10, at 4 p.m. This bright and colorful new dining destination has been a work in progress for nearly a year and the property features 3,000 square feet of space that is nestled between two multi-level building-length murals as a backdrop. This beautiful new venue is ready for Instagram with shade from the sun, colorful tables and floor rugs, lush green plants, bright seasonal flowers, trees in the center of the dining area, unique artwork and decor elements, a brand new wooden floor built around the trees, and eclectic and colorful barware and tableware.
To start off, Juno will be featuring 80 seats both inside and out on the sidewalk, plus a 20-seat bartop as well. Guests will have to follow specific guidelines when dining at this new hotspot, including having to make reservations in advance, requiring masks on at all times when entering and moving about the venue, partaking in a safety orientation at the front host stand and more. Employees in turn will also be following strict social distancing guidelines as well.
The timing of this hotspot works well for the season too. Juno comes from the Roman goddess that the month of June is also named after, and as a seasonal restaurant, the name was selected to honor summer, which is quite fitting for the establishment’s aesthetic as well which Hornik says is “Rittenhouse with the vibe of Fishtown.”
On the food and drink side of things, Philadelphians who head to this new outside oasis can expect Mexican-American fare, plus a very spirited bar menu to go alongside it as well. A few menu highlights include the Hamburguesa (made with jalapeno relish, avocado, lettuce and queso chihuahua), Coctel de Camarone (otherwise known as a “Mexican Shrimp Cocktail” made with tomato, onion, valentina and avocado), ceviche (or Fluke Crudo made with fluke, aguachile and pickled red onion), Verdura Taco Mexicanos (made with roasted veggies, queso chihuahua and avocado salsa) and much more.
However, if the fresh fare from Chef Miguel Angel Hernandez Mota is why you first come to this new hotspot, the bar program is why you will stay.
According to the release, the bar program will feature an extensive selection for all tastes — including draft cocktails, beers, ciders, wines and sparkling ciders. The beer list will be locally focused mixed with classic Mexican standards. Like the venue itself, it is Mexican-American with a Philly twist. In addition to drafts, look for a selection of bottles and cans. The wine program will also feature at least four wines on tap at all times, including prosecco, chardonnay, rose and sangiovese and the scratch cocktail program will utilize house made syrups and infusions. Highlighted cocktails include the Elderflower Jawn (made with Elderflower Bluecoat, violette, basil and lemon), the We Need a Vodka Cocktail (made with mixed melon, lemon, aperol, vodka and mint), the Smoky and Spicy (made with banhez mezcal, libélula tequila, fresno chili, blueberry and lime) and more.
Juno will also have the unique option added to their bar offerings of Pony Barrels. The Pony Barrels will feature 6 or 12 Highlife Pony Bottles to be served in an ice-filled barrel brought directly to your table, so your drinks will be kept cold and ready just within an arm’s reach.
This new outdoor hotspot looks as good as its menu tastes, and will definitely offer a new way for Philadelphians to enjoy some time out on the town while simultaneously remaining safe and healthy.
According to the release, for now, hours for Juno will be Monday and Tuesday, 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday, 11 to 2 a.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Juno will remain open this year through the early fall, at least until October. For reservations and more information, visit junophilly.com or call 267-639-2892. Philadelphians can also follow Juno on social media at @junophl on Instagram and Facebook.
