Always a Good Day to go to "Justin's Cafe"

C Says...

J's lazy. I'm pretty sure this is why he picked Justin's since it's a five minute walk from his posh apartment in an "up and coming" part of the city. Now, I'm down near the stadium at least three times a month -- I consider dating a baseball fanatic to be a perk, some would see it as a curse -- but hadn't ever been to Justin's.

The menu isn't expansive, but it's hearty. Great salads, sandwiches, and pizzas to satiate either your pre- or post-game hunger. The night we went was half-price wine night, but sadly J was too "ill" to partake. I opted for the Poinsette salad to start: Sliced Granny Smith apples, fresh mozzarella, toasted pecans, and mixed greens all tossed with a mustard vinaigrette. It was a lovely salad for a lovely summer evening. For the main course I chose the Cumberland sandwich: Thinly sliced prosciutto (OMG so much prosciutto -- so awesome), sliced figs, arugula, and grated fontina cheese on toasted ciabatta.

In a word: delicious. And did I mention the prosciutto? All in all, Justin's is a great neighborhood joint for an up and coming neighborhood for up and coming urbanites.

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J Says...

Trying to diversify our selections into quadrants other than walkable to C's house, I chose "Justin's Cafe" which has quickly become a neighborhood gem (h/t Open Table) for my SE dwelling.

Having sampled the sandwiches previously, I opted for a pizza selection on this particular summer evening. The basic mutz and sauce was my choice, and it did not fail to deliver. Hearty portions (that were promptly brought home for the next day's lunch) and full of flavor, I can see why others have raved about the pizza, including members of my office who have done their weekly takeout lunch from Justins Cafe. For those looking for comparison, think of the widely-popular Two Amys, but a younger version...give it time and it will surely mature.

The staff at Justin's is amazing as they immediately want to know who lives in the neighborhood and dining at their establishment. I've even met the actual Justin on occasion. And with its new outside seating and Monday night's half-priced bottles of wine, you know I'll be back regularly. And I will even walk (shocking to those who know me).

As expected, C enjoyed my selection...in fact, so much so that she's moving to my neighborhood starting this fall. I suspect we'll be running into each other more often at "Justin's Cafe."


Justin's Cafe - 1025 First Street SE, 202.652.1009, www.justinscafe.com