Meskerem

Review by Butternut on April 3, 2008

Meskerem has good Ethiopian food for a decent price. It is a fun and relaxed place to go with friends and family (you are all eating with your hand off a big communal platter, so you should like and trust the people you are eating with). They are able to accommodate large parties on short notice. The service has always been informational and at times comical - one of the guys that worked their stopped my friend mid-bite to correct his sponge dipping method. Though you may have to flag down your server every now and then. I have eaten here a number of times, but only ever get the samplers, which are about $13 a person and offer plenty food and variety. The honey wine is very sweet, which I liked on its own but not with the food (though the Ethiopian beer was a great compliment to the meal). Meskerem is best when you are looking for a leisurely and laid back meal that doesn't cost a lot.

Review by Reed.SLR on July 15, 2007

My first taste of Ethiopian cuisine lived up to the hype. Meskerem provides the experience of Ethiopian dining--complete with communal plates and sponge-like bread instead of utensils. We ordered a vegetarian sampler that gave a good overview. I just wish it had included more of the dishes...

Review by minx on January 11, 2005

There are some people who don't like eating with their hands. They miss the most fun part of Ethiopian traditional food. Still, they can come to this restaurant and enjoy the food. Just ask for a spoon.

Review by notyourbroom on October 11, 2004

Review by n0r1 on August 24, 2004

While it's arguably the best known Ethiopian restaurant in town, I wouldn't by any means say that makes it the best. Meskerem is good, yes, but overpriced (you can get better food -- and more of it -- at the U-Street Dukem for two-thirds of the price). It's also full of the Adams Morgan scene -- half-shirted skinny interns coming in with their visiting parents. If you like that, great; if you prefer a more lounge-y atmosphere where they play Ethiopian music videos and give you more and better food, try Dukem.

The food also came remarkably fast -- a plus if I had been starving, but it made the atmosphere just a little more fast-food-y than I would have liked.

This is all picking nits, however. Meskerem's yummy, there's no denying.

Review by notyourbroom on August 9, 2004

Excellent food in an excellent atmosphere, though the service can be slow.

Review by booth on June 30, 2004

The best of a large group of somewhat interchangeable Ethiopian places in Adams-Morgan. Go for the big shared platters of finger food and try not to think about hygene or manners.

Review by jtabak on May 25, 2004

The food at Meskerem is nothing short of addictive. Their dishes offer just the right level of spiciness--enough to be interesting, even a little intoxicating, but not so much that the taste of the actual food your eating is overpowered. (Ever have a dish that leaves your mouth so hot you have no idea if it was made of chicken, tofu or unshelled cricket?) And, while some folks seem annoyed by the traditional Ethiopian seating (low-set stools and tables that require you to crouch over your meal), it actually makes the experience more unique. Just don't wear a short skirt like I did, or you'll end up giving the diner across from you a pretty racy view.

Review by sandituck on May 1, 2004

The Meskerem has been a favorite for years. I would say that the level of spiciness seems to have gone down recently. Great for those who may be put off by spicy foods, but bad for me. I would prefer they keep the heat, and recommend different dishes for those who can't take it. Also, the portion sizes have gone down, but I think they were too large before. Overall, my recent visit was great!

Review by mary1709 on April 28, 2004

Despite the sometime lackluster service at Meskerem, I couldn't recommend a better Ethiopian restaurant. The combination platter for two is fantastic. There is more than enough variety in the dishes offered that you don't feel like you're being rooked. Meskerem also offers Ethiopian beer and honey wine. Either will complement your meal.
Although there are two floors to the restaurant, try to get a seat in the window. The foot traffic on 18th street is endlessly facinating.

Review by Elnok on January 4, 2004

Meskerem is a fantastic restaurant. The food is wonderful and the prices are as well. The only problem we had with this dinner is that we were seated on the lower floor-- no ambiance whatsoever! Next time we go we will insist on eating on the main floor, even if we have to wait.