[dcfoodie]

DanielK, on Jul 2 2005, 09:47 AM, said:

15 years ago, when I was an undergrad at GW, Zed's was where I went.

Then I discovered Adams Morgan, and until I moved to the burbs, Fasika's and Meskerem became my regular haunts.

About 4 years ago, I discovered Langano in Silver Spring, and that's where I've had most of my Ethiopian feasts recently. I know the U St. corridor is supposed to be the best these days, but I just haven't made it there yet. I do go to the AFI Silver theater frequently, so Langano is very convenient.

However, last night before catching a film at the AFI, I went again to Langano. Maybe it was just me, but I thought everything seemed off (except for the injera, which was great as usual.) Wats didn't seem as spicy as they've been in the past. Collards and other vegetable dishes just didn't have the same kick they used to. The lentil dishes, which are usually so interestingly spiced, seemed bland. The lamb was actually chewy, not tender.

Rocks, I know you've recommended Langano in the past - been there recently? I tried to ask one of the servers if the chef had changed recently, but didn't get a straight answer.

So where SHOULD I be going?

I've only been there once and I know it's Eritrean, but...

I really liked Harambe at 18th and U, which was very cheap but tasted just as good as Dukem, Zed's or Meskerem. (although I didn't order the kitfo). Other than that (and I'm sure people will jump all over me for saying this) I think Zed's is one of the better places in the city, mainly because the service is much better there than other places. I have to be honest though...I haven't been anywhere further east than 11th and U.

This post has been edited by dcfoodie: 05 July 2005 - 09:03 AM

[johnb]

DanielK, on Jul 2 2005, 09:47 AM, said:

So where SHOULD I be going?

Near AFI there is a fairly new outpost of Addis Ababa. It looks nice, and even has rooftop seating, but I haven't tried it myself.

Best places are in the cluster on 9th just below U. My fav is Queen Makeda. Very family oriented, with Mama in the kitchen. If you go, ignore the menu---just ask her to bring out the good stuff she happened to cook that day. Sodere is also good.

This post has been edited by johnb: 05 July 2005 - 09:21 AM

[Kanishka]

Second on Sodere. I also like Etete... speaking of which, maybe I'll go tonight...

[Halloween]

I swear by Queen Makeda. Last week, my out-of-town cousin and I stopped by, and Mama prepared us a feast. She just kept bringing us more and more dishes to "taste." My cousin was amazed. I like Sodere (far more than most of the Ethiopian restaurants on 9th/U Street), but when I want a soul satisfying meal, I head to Queen Makeda.

[dcfoodie]

Monique DC, on Jul 5 2005, 06:20 PM, said:

I swear by Queen Makeda.  Last week, my out-of-town cousin and I stopped by, and Mama prepared us a feast.  She just kept bringing us more and more dishes to "taste."  My cousin was amazed.  I like Sodere (far more than most of the Ethiopian restaurants on 9th/U Street),  but when I want a soul satisfying meal, I head to Queen Makeda.

Where is Queen Makeda??

[johnb]

dcfoodie, on Jul 5 2005, 06:22 PM, said:

Where is Queen Makeda??

Queen Makeda is on 9th just south of U, maybe six storefronts down on the east side of 9th. Sodere is across the street and a bit closer to U.

[dcfoodie]

johnb, on Jul 5 2005, 10:33 PM, said:

Queen Makeda is on 9th just south of U, maybe six storefronts down on the east side of 9th.  Sodere is across the street and a bit closer to U.

Sounds like I need to make my way down there.

[Kanishka]

Just finished my second half of Queen Makeda goodness tonight. Though I liked the injera at Sodere more, Mama's version of lamb doro wat tasted closer to hearty soul food. It could have been spicier, but was tasty regardless. The berebere was rich and smoky, and the serving, well, was huge. Due to a lack of reading material or dining partner, I elected to get this to go. Everything held up pretty well in a styrofoam container that was a brick.

Couple notes: side salad was boring, eggs were kinda overcooked and just okay, and when asked Mama said she had no vegetarian options to offer. Also, no printed menu. Hey, think of it like omakase, but with Ethiopian. It was a great meal... not my fave Ethiopian, but very good.

[oliveDC]

My cabbie yesterday said Madjet (down the street from Dukem, I think) and Etete are his favorites. He said the owner of Madjet is careful to get the right spices. Dukem is my current fav but I haven't been to Etete and think I need to go. Thanks for the informative post, giant shrimp.

[DonRocks]

The following posts have been split off into separate threads:

Sodere (africanist)
Etete (giant shrimp)
Enjera (cheezepowder)
Langano (DanielK)
Ethiopic (youngman)

This post has been edited by DonRocks: 25 March 2010 - 07:25 AM

[MissCindy]

A few friends and I had dinner at Queen Makeda a little while ago prior to a show at the (what I still think of as the new and not nearly as cool) 9:30. People have described this place as third world (accurate) but also as serving some of the best Ethiopian in DC right now (can’t say how accurate that is) so I had to give it a go. We walked into the unlit room and found one other person, an Ethiopian guy who appeared to be having a bad day. Possibly a bad life. He was sitting at a table, watching television and drinking what I presume was one of many beers he had enjoyed prior to our arrival. A woman came out of the kitchen, turned off the tv, ordered him to move and sat us down at the table where he had been sitting. The table was covered with a filthy tablecloth that had sizable chunks of dried crud on it. The crud had made itself at home, it was not fresh crud. The intoxicated man was clearly not happy about something--the seating arrangements, the turned off television, the weather--who knows. The woman got us beers and put a tape of Ethiopian music into the cassette deck. Rock-n-roll.

We settled in and asked what was good. She told us chicken and greens. Ok…but, are there any lentils? No, no lentils. Ok, that’s fine, just feed us. She goes away and after a time, a long time, like an hour or so, heavenly smells begin to waft out of the kitchen. In the meantime, we drink our beers and become surrounded by swarms of aggressive fruit flies. And, interestingly, we watch as intoxicated man morphs into Angry Man. Angry Man occasionally looked our way and stammered “ridiculous” in a tone that could easily be interpreted as hostile. Later, he got up and paced the hallway a few times, muttering that same “ridiculous” mantra each time he passed our table. It was charming.

The woman finally brings our food and God bless her, she has made lentils. She looked at us with jaundiced eyes and smiled sweetly, revealing shockingly gray gums. She spooned out the lentils, ground beef and doro wot onto the injera. But, no greens. I didn’t bother asking. A few minutes later, just as we were digging in, she brings out tripe. I liked everything with the exception of the tripe — it is a texture thing with me - but I did love the carrots that came with the tripe. The sweet woman seemed genuinely happy when we told her how much we were enjoying the food. The doro wot was particularly good, the chicken was very tender and the flavors were big--full, intense and earthy.

Darkness came. Outside and inside. People started filing into the room from upstairs and a spirited discussion at least and a fairly serious argument at most, ensued. Angry Man pointed us out to the newly arrived crowd and once again proclaimed us “ridiculous.” It was the only word he spoke in English the entire evening. The upside of the dark room was that it was suddenly very easy to avoid eye contact with Angry Man. The downside was that it became challenging to swat the fruit flies. I suspect we consumed a few.

Six beers and dinner for three were $42.00. We tipped generously. Despite the less than top drawer conditions and a pesky lingering thought that we should’ve had a vaccination or two prior to our visit, we enjoyed ourselves. Not something I’d be in the mood for too often but I liked the food and loved the strangeness of it all.

[Jonathan]

which ethipian joint in the adams morgan or u street area should i go to with two vegans and three meat eaters?

i havent eaten ethipian for 8 years or so at i believe the red sea????

guide me.

[JLK]

I have actually never had Ethiopian food. From what I have read, I think I'd enjoy it so if any of you experts wants to introduce a novice to their favorite DC Ethiopian spot, shoot me a PM.

[MelGold]

I've been craving a hearty Ethiopian meal for months. It seems whenever I met up with friends for meals in the District I was conveniently talked into regular haunts, comfort food or new American...never Ethiopian. Happily that sad trend came to an abrupt hault this past Friday with a side trip to Dukem. One of my friends and I were guilted into making an appearance at a happy hour on 16th Street in honor of an acquaintance who was back in town for a visit. Since we were close-by and looking for an escape, we decided to tear out early and try something new. Having never ventured outside of Adams Morgan for my Tibs, we made our way down U Street looking for a parking space.

A word to the wise: Don't walk into Dukem on a Friday night at 7:30 without a reservation (who knew they took them?). We lucked into a very small table for two squashed up against the half wall divider that greets you at the front door. It was weird eating with people's heads floating so close above you throughout the meal, but once the food arrived, I zoned in on the Injera.

My friend and I shared the vegetable combo II with 7 items (Spicy split lentil, yellow peas, greens, cabbage, shiro, salad, potato in spicy sauce) and an order of Dukem Special Tibs (Lamb Cubed tender lamb marinated with our secret sauce sauteed onion rosemary, tomato, jalapeno touch of fresh garlic). Pretty safe choices, but absolutely excellent! The lamb was perfectly spiced and wasn't hidden under a ton of sauce so it blended well with pinches of each of the veggies on the plate.

Since we'd done happy hour before heading over for dinner, we passed on wine or an Ethiopian beer, bringing our tab to a measley $26 for the two of us. Cheap eats, indeed! After dinner at Dukem, the next Ethiopian craving will be squashed much sooner to be sure!!!

[Waitman]

We've been liking Roha lately, just down the street from Dukem. Small portions than a lot of places, but bracingly (not overly) spiced.

[infohunter]

Thought I might add that for those of you looking for Ethiopian and find that you are in the Reston/Herndon area you should head to Warka.

Warka
275 Sunset Park Dr
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 435-2166
http://www.warkaethi...restaurant.com/

It's hidden in the back of a business park. From Spring Street you turn in where you see China King and then drive back and I think it is the third drive on the right. Just drive around and you will find it. The place is small but they are eager to please. Tell them if you like things spicy as they will adjust the seasonings for you. I've only been there at lunch but they do have music some evenings. The place is small so at times so sometimes you find that everyone is in the back just at the point you want or need something. Be patient and you will be rewarded.

[hexerei]

My favorite is Lalibela on 14th St., at the intersection of straight lines from the dupont and mcpherson square metros.

This comes with a caveat- the food is not quite as good as etete or meskerem, as the meat isn't quite as high quality. What you get is a place that's still full of cabbies, however, which is probably what going out for Ethiopian felt like before places started having to take reservations. The staff is very happy to see you and damn impressed if you manage to finish your meal. It's enough off the beaten path that you can generally get a table on a Friday night, as well.

[Heather]

Has anyone on the board tried Addis Ababa, on Fenton Street in Silver Spring? It has a covered rooftop dining area that looks inviting.

[Mrs. B]

Heather, on Aug 29 2006, 07:02 AM, said:

Has anyone on the board tried Addis Ababa, on Fenton Street in Silver Spring? It has a covered rooftop dining area that looks inviting.

I don't know if they are related to the Addis that recently closed on 18th Street but if they are, it should be pretty good. It was Nora's favorite Kik Alitcha.
My current favorite is Roha. I particularly like the fact that the servings are not so large that they cannot possibly be consumed at one sitting. I don't particularly care for leftover Ethiopian food (especially Kitfo!).

[DanielK]

Quote

I don't know if they are related to the Addis that recently closed on 18th Street but if they are, it should be pretty good. It was Nora's favorite Kik Alitcha.

According to the Post, "The owners of this popular Ethiopian restaurant closed its Adams Morgan sister to focus on the Silver Spring location." This is also validated on the Addis Ababa website.

[Heather]

Thanks for the info. We will definitely give it a try.

[smokey]

I tried the SS Adis Ababa roughly 2 months ago. It was pleasant to sit outside and the prices were good. My bottom line in leaving the restaurant was that I would return, but I probably wouldn't run back and I have certainly had better vegetarian (the best being roughly 10 years ago in Chicago). I have the feeling (from talking with my meat-eating +1) that the meat dishes were better than the vegetarian. A couple of the veggie dishes were good, but a couple just weren't, and I simply don't remember which was which. I apologize for how painfully vague that is and fully recognize that this isn't super helpful--I'm trying to give you the gestalt view!

[ol_ironstomach]

(liberally lumping Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine together...)

Addis Ababa is where I go for Ethiopian in SS these days. The injera could be better, but hardly anyone can afford to use 100% tef anymore; as I understand it, we're down to one producer now in the US. The food is good, slightly better than Meskerem I'd say. Gubeen, aka she-who-craves-kitfo-fortnightly, gives it a big thumbs up.

I haven't eaten at Langano in some months, but based on prior visits I haven't enjoyed it as much as Addis. The portions are huge and inexpensive, true, but temperatures have been inconsistent, and many of my veggies have been somewhat pasty.

Never been to the original Lalibela, but to Lalibela II off Glebe Rd. in Arlington. Some years ago, Phyllis Richman wrote a column on out-of-the-way Ethiopian restaurants that she'd found by canvassing her cabbies. The trouble with cabbie hangouts is that they're invariably full of chain-smoking cabbies, and the smoke interferes with my enjoyment. LII definitely fell into that category, as did the little place across the highway from Crystal City whose name escapes me just now. Here across the river, Montgomery County's smoking ban has been sort of a two-edged sword to these places...I see few cabbies in them nowadays, but my enjoyment of the food has improved.

Etete is still our current favorite. Their sauces achieve a concentration of flavor that I've yet to find in another Ethiopian place. Their bere-bere is wicked.

[diannesh]

Heather, on Aug 29 2006, 07:02 AM, said:

Has anyone on the board tried Addis Ababa, on Fenton Street in Silver Spring? It has a covered rooftop dining area that looks inviting.

Food is perfectly fine at Addis Ababa; but not as good as Dukem on U Street.

[DanielK]

Made it to Addis Ababa tonight.

Highs: Spice level was spot on - everything was full of flavor, and the wats had a good kick. Collards were some of the best I've had, as was the cabbage and the carrot/bean/veggie mix. Doro wat was phenomenal. And, contrasted to Langano around the corner, the A/C works. They have rooftop dining - in fact the rooftop is larger than the downstairs main dining room. Servers are pleasant, chairs are comfy, and the decor is quite nice.

Lows: Injera didn't have that sour kick, though the consistency was fine. The lamb had lots of bones and was very fatty, and all of the meats needed a few minutes to achieve the "fall off the bone" softness that is kind of necessary when you're eating with fingers.

Overall, it's definitely better than Langano and the places in Adams Morgan. I can't compare it to Dukem/Etete/etc. as I haven't made it to the U St. joints yet. Total, including tax and 20% tip (no drinks) for 2 was a laughable $30. The portions were actually reasonable - we walked in hungry and ate all we got, without feeling stuffed when we left (which is a more normal experience.)

They also advertise a weekday lunch buffet, and a Sunday Brunch. Worth checking out, for sure.

[Heather]

Perhaps this should be a $20 Tuesday? Although the lack of sour in the injera sounds disappointing.

Did you happen to notice if they do carryout?

[JeffC]

Heather, on Aug 30 2006, 06:53 AM, said:

Perhaps this should be a $20 Tuesday? Although the lack of sour in the injera sounds disappointing.

Did you happen to notice if they do carryout?

According to their website, they do.

This sounds very promising--thanks for the review, Daniel. I went for lunch shortly after they opened and experienced a real comedy of errors, including a language problem that resulted in my getting something that had very little to do with what I thought I'd ordered. But to be fair, they were still working out the kinks.

Lately I hear good things, so a lunch buffet may be in order this week.

[qwertyy]

Ethiopian food... in Ethiopia! Great photos...

The New York Times: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia--Where the Dinner Table Is an Altar of Thanks

[susanmab]

cheezepowder, on Jul 3 2007, 12:07 AM, said:

While walking down 23rd St. in Crystal City this weekend, I noticed a new Eritrean restaurant called Enjera (website) and, on the other side of 23rd St., an Ethiopian restaurant called Harar Mesob. Anyone tried either one yet?

We live in the neighborhood and have been to both.

Enjera is a lovely and lively place. The staff was pleasant and efficient. But I found the food a bit bland for our taste.

Harar Mesob is as good as any I've had locally. My current favorite is Dukem, but this is nearly as good, if not a little better. We were big Addis Ababa fans when it was on 18th, but the Silver Spring location has seemed a little dull.

My only wish from Harar Mesob would be sambussas, and a little more comprehension from the staff. Our favorite dish is Mesir Wat (the spicy red lentils); at first we tried to order the vegetarian combo "for two", but when it arrived it became clear that the server didn't understand that we meant two whole orders. So then we tried to order a "whole order" of Mesir Wat, but again, we couldn't get our point across. We also had trouble getting enough injera for the meal - when we requested a bit more (with more than half our dinner left on the plate), we received one half of one bread (for two people). I think they might all be new place issues that I assume will be resolved when the place is open a little longer. The server seemed shocked when we ordered the Wat, and more shocked when I asked for extra Awaze.

But the food was really, really good. The beef Wat was particularly amazing as well. We're Ethiopian food junkies, and at times have it more than once a week.

[JLK]

Anyone know what's going on at 1414 9th Street NW? Tyler Cowen's web site lists it as an Ethiopian buffet called Habesha (albeit in 2006), but it looks loungier than any buffet I've ever seen and there's a sconce outside that may or not be a "V."

[ferment everything]

hexerei, on Aug 29 2006, 12:00 AM, said:

My favorite is Lalibela on 14th St., at the intersection of straight lines from the dupont and mcpherson square metros.

Sister is coming to visit in a couple weeks and she's got a hankerin' for Ethiopian food. Anybody else recommend Lalibela (it's real close to my apt) or should we just walk up to Dukem?

[chickenlover]

ferment everything, on Apr 4 2008, 11:09 AM, said:

Sister is coming to visit in a couple weeks and she's got a hankerin' for Ethiopian food. Anybody else recommend Lalibela (it's real close to my apt) or should we just walk up to Dukem?

I used to eat at Lalibela when I lived in the neighborhood. It's not bad, but I prefer Dukem or Etete.

[DonRocks]

I'm fairly current on area Ethiopian, but not up-to-the-minute current: Is there any reason I shouldn't go to either Etete or Queen Makeda tonight? Any other suggestions?

This has probably never been asked before, but do either allow BYOB with corkage? (Yes, yes, I know, there's this thing called a telephone...)

Thanks!
Rocks

[Apples & Bananas]

DonRocks, on Jul 10 2008, 09:35 AM, said:

I'm fairly current on area Ethiopian, but not up-to-the-minute current: Is there any reason I shouldn't go to either Etete or Queen Makeda tonight? Any other suggestions?

This has probably never been asked before, but do either allow BYOB with corkage? (Yes, yes, I know, there's this thing called a telephone...)

Thanks!
Rocks

I had a very good meal at Etete this weekend, no reason not to stop by there tonight or any other.

[saf]

DonRocks, on Jul 10 2008, 09:35 AM, said:

Any other suggestions?

I am quite partial to Madjet at the moment. Menu's short though, and all vegetable, lamb and beef - no chicken. (There may be fish, but since I don't eat it, I don't remember.)

[goodeats]

Zed's Ethiopian was the chef demonstration at the Penn Quarter market today and it turns out they've opened another location in Gainesville, VA:

Zed's Bistro/Wine Bar
6850 Piedmont Center Plaza (Bldg C)
Gainesville, VA 20169
571-261-5933

Menu here.

[gnatharobed]

what's the best on 9th st. these days?

[Waitman]

goodeats, on Apr 16 2009, 05:25 PM, said:

Zed's Ethiopian was the chef demonstration at the Penn Quarter market today and it turns out they've opened another location in Gainesville, VA:

Zed's Bistro/Wine Bar
6850 Piedmont Center Plaza (Bldg C)
Gainesville, VA 20169
571-261-5933

Menu here.

Too bad about Zed's. Possibly the first Ethiopian to have proper injera. Loved my kids. Serious spices.

Hasn't been worth a damn since they moved out of their original location, though.

We like to go to Zenebech these days, though the lack of on-license is unfortunate (sometimes they'll let you senak a beer in a Styrofoam cup) and the ambience could be challenging for some (you're basically eating in a convenience store).

On the other hand, the steady parade of convenience store and restaurant owners buying injera by the stackload, and the cabbies and the moms just stocking up on dinner in gredients and serious spices is reassuring. And the food's been quite good on recent visits.

[susanmab]

gnatharobed, on Apr 17 2009, 01:52 AM, said:

what's the best on 9th st. these days?

Etete

If you're into the raw beef, the kitfo is some of the best I've ever had.

[DanielK]

Queen Makeda, mmmmmm.

[ladi kai lemoni]

DanielK, on Apr 17 2009, 02:10 PM, said:

Queen Makeda, mmmmmm.

+1. Only way to fly on 9th.

[Rhone1998]

gnatharobed, on 17 April 2009 - 01:52 AM, said:

what's the best on 9th st. these days?

Any recent experiences worth sharing? 7 of us are going to hit an Ethiopian place for dinner this Friday night, either on 9th or U. I've always been happy with Dukem but my last meal there was a little dull. Besides Etete, what else is fresh and good in the area?

[Pat]

Rhone1998, on 24 March 2010 - 08:25 PM, said:

Any recent experiences worth sharing? 7 of us are going to hit an Ethiopian place for dinner this Friday night, either on 9th or U. I've always been happy with Dukem but my last meal there was a little dull. Besides Etete, what else is fresh and good in the area?

Todd Kliman has mentioned another place lately that he likes. Despite the fact he's mentioned it more than once in recent chats, I can't seem to bring the information up, but I need sleep badly. Maybe a more alert person can find it by searching his chats. (He's the only person I've seen mention this place.)

[giant shrimp]

Pat, on 24 March 2010 - 08:39 PM, said:

Todd Kliman has mentioned another place lately that he likes. Despite the fact he's mentioned it more than once in recent chats, I can't seem to bring the information up, but I need sleep badly. Maybe a more alert person can find it by searching his chats. (He's the only person I've seen mention this place.)

here's the exchange:

Alexandria, VA:
Hi, I know that you've recommended Etete for Ethiopian dining. Any idea if Meskerem is just as good?

Todd Kliman:

Meskerem is not just as good.

If you're looking for another Ethiopian restaurant in the city, I'd recommend Madjet, on U St. It's not as good as Etete, either -- the cooking tends to be heavier -- but it's good, and a fantastic experience in addition because of the tight quarters and the lively atmosphere. Service is more approachable and personable, too, than Etete.

I also like Axum, one of the stalwarts of DC's Ethiopian dining scene. Axum has been around a long, long time.

[Rhone1998]

We decided to go back to old standby Dukem after all, and had a fantastic meal. The group of us split regular as well as a vegetarian sampler platter, plus kitfo and a really nice special dish of spicy, ground fish. With one minor exception (bland yellow lentils) all the flavors were vibrant, and the place was hopping.

[pleen]

For those in VA who don't wish to schlep into DC on a weeknight for good Ethiopian, try Caboose Cafe in Del Ray (run by Ethiopian family - they make small batches of Ethiopian food, so everything is really fresh-tasting) or Meaza @ Bailey's Crossroads. Of course, it's worth following that up with a trip to Dama for dessert. You'll have to jockey with the cab drivers for a parking spot, but sooooo worth it!