Ethio Cafe
About
Coffee & Tea, Ethiopian
Price Range : $11-30 ($$)
Location
Adress: 3045 Columbia Pike Ste A, Arlington, VA 22204
Phone: (703) 567-6843
Work Hours
Business info
- turned_in_notHealth Score81 out of 100
- list_altTakes ReservationsNo
- move_to_inboxTake-outYes
- credit_cardAccepts Credit CardsYes
- directions_bikeBike ParkingYes
- accessibilityGood for KidsYes
- groupGood for GroupsNo
- volume_upNoise LevelAverage
- local_barAlcoholNo
- transit_enterexitOutdoor SeatingNo
- wifiWi-FiFree
- tvHas TVYes
Reviews
-
Eric L.
The new location is between the former location and the Subway: it is spacious, airy and has lots of natural sunlight.
I continue to enjoy the personal service, food and drinks (coffee, ginger tea, etc.). -
Marlene M.
Don't be put off by Ethio Cafe's unassuming exterior and its location (nestled between a Subway and a Title Loans). The cooks at this hole-in-the-wall know what they're doing.
This little gem on the Pike really is a hole in the wall. The small seating area, which has no more than 6 tables (if I'm not mistaken), makes it ideal for a solo dinner or a date. There is usually instrumental Ethiopian music playing from speakers and CNN playing (on mute) on one of the TV screens.
On my most recent visit, I ordered the beef tibs and asked the waitress to substitute the salad for collard greens and beets. I envisioned grilled tibs with slices of jalapeno, similar to how they're served at Dama. But out came the waitress with a plate of injera and veggies on one hand, and a bowl of "tibs stew" in the other. The tibs were poured over the center of the injera. It took me a few minutes to warm up to them, as the first couple of bites tasted a bit vinegar-y. But with a little persistence, I quickly found myself shoveling handfuls of tibs, collards, beets and injera in my mouth at high speed.
Although it was a satisfying and yummy meal, I'd have to say that the Yestome Beyaynetu (veggie combo) wins the prize on taste and general awesomeness. Who knew cabbage, potatoes, beets, and lentils could taste SO good!
Overall, Ethio Cafe is a great place for a quiet dinner. I suggest bringing a friend along so that one can order the beef tibs and the other, the veggie combo. One plate is too much food for one person...and you shouldn't limit yourself to just one. -
LaTonya G.
I love Ethiopian food so I have tried several different restaurants in Arlington, Alexandria, and DC to accommodate my commute between my current home and my childhood home. I didn't know Ethio Cafe existed until today so I stopped by to see if they can compete. The restaurant atmosphere was cozy and friendly. The staff was great! The food was mediocre. It did not make my top 5 list. The enjera was sour and old. I've had better Asa Gulash and veggie combos with better taste and variety. I wanted to like them so I could have a closer option to my Mom's home and work but I'm willing to drive for the best. Maybe it was a bad day. More like 2.5 stars.
-
Kay L.
Love this place. I have had take out a couple of times before and the food had been consistently good and feels like home cooked meals. This was my first time dining in. The people are very friendly.
-
A K.
Best Ethiopian in the NCR! I've eaten here several times and the food is always delicious. The owner is friendly and the food is cooked fresh. It's a small establishment and food is all cooked to order so be ready to enjoy the Ethiopian MTV or self entertain. The owner recognizes us when we come in and is very kind. I've been to Ethiopia and this is legit. The Ethiopian by Ft Myer surprised me at how flavorless the food was and the service was very poor. The one by Ft Myer actually made me sad as I was looking forward to dinner.