Justine’s Wine Bar

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

She is, indeed, bonita. This wine cocktail is a little sweet from prosecco, sharp from grapefruit bitters, and peppery from the spring of rosemary you can twirl around like a straw.

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Salt & Pepper Fried Mushrooms

You don’t need real calamari when a mushroom version tastes this good. It’s tender like perfectly cooked squid and then breading is crackly and salty. Please order.

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Moroccan Cigars

We’re not always impressed by plant-based beef, but it’s delicious in thesecrackly cigars. Everything is well seasoned with warm spices, and you get pops of sweetness from the gold raisins. Make sure to use every drop of the tangy vegan tzatziki dip, too.

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Spaghetti & Meatballs

This is respectable, slightly overcooked spaghetti. The pomodoro is nicely tart, but the big vegan meatballs are the real reason to order this dish. They’re beautifully browned all over and unleash their juices like a burst dam when cut.

Caesar Salad

Leafy greens can get sad and wilted once they touch a grill, but not this romaine. Justine’s grilled caesar is warm, smoky, and wonderfully crunchy. We also love the creamy dressing that’s sharp and just salty enough.