LAReview
photo credit: Jessie Clapp
Justine’s Wine Bar
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Compared to your average wine bar, this Frogtown spot looks as though it could exist on another planet. The lighting fixtures are made of porous, asteroid-like rock. There's a hypnotic glowing orb behind the bar, illuminating a fashionable Echo Park crowd with tiny designer bags. Cocteau Twins and Beach House mumble on a vintage sound system and murals of blue goddesses line the walls. Is it a tad campy? Sure, but at its core, Justine's is a fun bar with interesting wines by the glass and a substantial food menu that'll make you want to stay for dinner.
photo credit: Rececca Peloquin
photo credit: Jessie Clapp
photo credit: Jessie Clapp
photo credit: Jessie Clapp
photo credit: Jessie Clapp
Wine folks will find plenty to nerd out on here, like Moroccan sauvignon blancs or Austrian oranges made with intracellular fermentation (don't worry, that goes over our heads, too). The best reason to turn post-work plans into a full evening at Justine's, however, is the Italian-leaning menu, which is some of our favorite vegan food in the city.
Classic red sauce is the general theme, with dishes like spaghetti and meatballs in tart pomodoro, a Sunday-only lasagna with healthy amounts of basil, and fried oyster mushroom "calamari" that could fool a fritti connoisseur. The owner also runs Just What I Kneaded (a bakery we love), so leave room for whatever dessert is in rotation, which might be a palm-sized chocolate chip cookie or a slab of bread pudding with vegan ice cream melting on top.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Jessie Clapp
La Bonita Spritz
photo credit: Jessie Clapp
Salt & Pepper Fried Mushrooms
photo credit: Jessie Clapp
Moroccan Cigars
photo credit: Jessie Clapp