Justine's Wine Bar
Restaurant · Elysian Valley ·
Vegan Italian-leaning menu with wine cocktails & beer
Vegan Italian-leaning menu with wine cocktails & beer
"Many wine bars think they’re cool because they book DJs and attract micro-influencers who drink pet-nat like juice. Justine’s in Frogtown is cool because it’s unlike anything else we’ve come across. This kooky, psychedelic wine bar does a good job of shutting out the outside world. Walls are decorated with murals of blue goddesses, soothing dream pop echoes from the speakers, and this oddly hypnotizing orb of light glows from behind the bar. We should also mention that the natural wine selection is great, as is the vegan Italian-leaning menu. Show up, lean into the plush velvet booths, and snack on mushroom calamari as you enjoy a bottle of chilled red." - brant cox, arden shore, sylvio martins
"This kooky, psychedelic wine bar in Frogtown does a good job of shutting out the outside world. Walls are decorated with murals of blue goddesses, soothing dream pop echoes from the speakers, and this oddly hypnotizing orb of light glows from behind the bar. We should also mention that the natural wine selection is great, as is the vegan Italian-leaning menu. 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, so leave room for whatever dessert is in rotation." - brant cox
"If you’re on a double date with a couple who think of themselves as “tastemakers” or “multi-faceted creatives,” they’ll appreciate the design choices at this vibey Frogtown wine bar. The wine list is interesting, too. You’ll drink Moroccan sauvignon blancs in a dark room lit by a hypnotic glowing orb and asteroid-esque light fixtures. Dream pop trickles from a vintage sound system. Campy decor aside, Justine’s vegan Italian-ish menu is tasty and quite filling, so you can eat a full meal of crispy mushroom calamari and spaghetti with juicy “meatballs,” in case you want more than a bowl of olives with your drink." - sylvio martins
"It was a great day to be vegan in Los Angeles when Justine Hernandez opened Justine’s Wine Bar right next to her popular vegan bakery, Just What I Kneaded. The menu offers drinking fare including Moroccan cigars and pizza to pair with the wine, beer, and wine cocktails. Even better: The interior’s bubble-gum pink chairs, floral murals on the wall, and Art Deco-style checkered flooring make it more than worth the visit for design die-hards, too." - Mona Holmes
"Justine’s Wine Bar has that dim, warm light that feels extra fitting this time of year, plus some kitschy holiday decor we’re really into. Their Halloween skeleton is still sitting behind the bar, legs crossed, martini in hand, and wearing a festive Santa hat. The Christmas tree is lit up, the bar is pouring chilled reds, and the food menu has some hearty specials (get the excellent vegan shepherd’s pie). Also, keep an eye on their Instagram for events like rom-com screenings and jazz nights." - sylvio martins, brant cox
