Justine's ☆☆☆

Justine's

4710 East 5th Street
Austin, TX 78702-5032

(512) 385-2900

Justine's is a French brasserie located in far east Austin that has been generating a lot of buzz, both locally and nationally since the day it opened.  I think it is worth a trek out to this place just for the atmosphere.  But the food is classic, somewhat hearty Parisian fare and it makes the adventure really worth it.  

The restaurant is in a little house in the middle of nowhere.  There is a seating area outside with seemingly haphazardly arranged tables and chairs.  You can play French Bocce Ball (Pétanque) in the sandy yard while waiting for your table, which, if you arrive after 6:45, could be for a while!  I've actually waited for dinner there for over two hours.  Now, I just go when I'm feeling peckish at an early hour.  The inside is painted a deep red and black and there are little tables and chairs crammed all over the place.  There is a bar to the far left with a collection of old-school records on display.  They offer mixed drinks as well as beer and wine.  The wine list is completely French and frankly the most disappointing part of the whole experience.  They don't seem to store them very well and I've definitely gotten some vinegary reds served to me.  Beware. 

The waitstaff, though somewhat bizarrely dressed (vintage/hipster melange), are prompt.  They bring over bread and olive oil and water glasses and patiently answer questions as you order.  The menu has a nice balance between appetizers, sides and entrees.  I would recommend getting their charcuterie plate (the mousse is insane) or their cheese plate.  

For dinner, if you are feeling on the light side, get one of their soups (they of course have French onion) and a side salad.  The side salad consists of very simply dressed butter lettuce and it is divine.  They also offer sides of ratatouille, which I love, frites, mashed potatoes, etc.  The ratatouille can be ordered as an entree as well, and it is excellent - tons of fresh veggies and herbs like thyme.  I have also had their duck confit, which is really classic and tasty.  Stephen's had their steak frites, côte du porc, the pasta bolognaise, and coquille st. jaques grillé.  While the steak and the scallops were well done, the pork was fantastic - succulent, with a lovely crusty exterior.  The pasta was over-herbed and his least favorite.  

Basically, if you've ever been to a French brasserie, you've had this food before.  It is not imaginative, but it is very comfy and tasty.  Their desserts are another weakness.  They're not bad, they just don't stun.  We tried the requisite creme brulée and were left wanting.  This section of the menu, along with the wine selection are the two aspects I wish they would improve upon.  

Overall, Justine's gets high marks for the atmosphere, the pleasant waitstaff, and the simple but delicious food.  If you're not that picky about your wine and don't like dessert, this place would be heaven for you!  ☆☆☆