Dahlak is a great neighborhood dive bar serving cheap, strong drinks and Ethiopian food. It's a very low-key, no-frills kind of place - the very opposite of pretentious. It tends to a attract a diverse young crowd of artsy people all looking to get drunk and have a good time. read more

Everybody in West Philly has their favorite Ethiopian/Eritrean place. Some claim Absynnia, some are partisans of the newer Gojo. But for me, the first place I went to (and only the second Ethiopian/Eritrean place at all) is still the best. I think the food edges out its competitors, the dining area and service is the best. But the real draw for me is the bar in the back, with a good mixed crowd (and formerly a good traditional jukebox), cheap drinks and once you're done boozing it up with the carpenter, the union organizer, the artist, the militant lesbian, the hood rat, the drunken biker trying to start a fight, the student, the professor, the crazy old man, the seasoned expat, and the immigrant fresh off the boat (or, more likely, plane) all sitting at the bar, delicious food. Yuppies, please know your place and dine in the front. read more

I haven't really tried their food, but I love meeting friends at Dahlak for a drink. It's a great hang out place, especially outside in the back, and I've had a great time every single time I've gone. The waitstaff is incredibly nice, and the drink prices are reasonable. And I have to agree that you get a nice mix of West Philly people there. I can't really comment on the food because I've only had the samosas, which were good, but kind of lukewarm. One of these says, I plan to eat there, but in the meantime, I'm having a blast hanging out there on any given nice summer night. read more

nice energy and vibe but the food is bad , and service is bad. This food was so bad it almost made me break up with my girlfriend, I do not recommend this place to no one read more

I admit that I know nothing about Ethiopian food. But after dinner out here last night with the BF and two of our closest friends, I will make it a point to get to know the cuisine better. Dahlak, in particular, was a great place to begin my foray into Ethiopian cuisine. The laid back atmosphere, cheap beers, and delicious food helped a lot. We started on the back patio where we sipped on inexpensive craft brews, underneath string lights and a cool breeze passing through. Everyone here was just hanging out and shooting the breeze. For food, I ordered the Dahlak Tibs; diced marinated beef and veggies simmered in an Ethiopian stew and served spicy. When the food first came out, I was overwhelmed and didn't know where to start, but taking the cues of my experienced company, I took the Injera served alongside the meat and just piled it high with the Tibs. Spicy, savory, and incredibly delicious, I couldn't stop eating it up. Definitely some of the best ethnic food I've had in a long time, and a welcome change from familiar Indian fare. We later moved inside where the atmosphere was a little more seedy, but at this point, we were done with dinner and just continued to drink cheap beer with the locals. Still, I really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere and the low-key attitude of the diners and servers. It's a great neighborhood joint and I hope to come back and try more of the menu. Other tips: definitely sit on the back patio if you can, and if you come around the back, order all your food and drink at the bar. The female bartender couldn't have been more helpful or nice either. read more

For good bar fun, go to Dhalak. I love this place. Food is ok, not the best, but it's a great community bar when you just want to chill, smoke hookah and get wasted with friends. read more

Great atmosphere and bar. Awesome poetry events.

Living in West Philly for well over a year I was ashamed that I hadn't been to Dahlak yet to eat. Most people rave about how great the food is and how much they love the bar area. I went here with pretty high expectations since I've had delicious northern African food before (ethiopian/eritrean/egyptian, etc.) I was a little disappointed. While the food was OK I wasn't blown away. I appreciated that it was kept in tradition style- sittin low to the ground and no silverware- however, I would've liked a wet towel to clean my hands before eating. The prices for our meals ranged from $10-12 so it wasn't terribly expensive but the portions were kind of small. My favorite part was the Sumbussa (similar to samosa) for an appetizer. I will surely come back but this time I think I'll hang out at the bar and order some food from there rather than the dining area. read more

Dahlak is an extremely cool place and it has a lot going on. On any given night you can run into a family eating good Ethiopian fare, you can catch live improve electronic jazz or karaoke, or see college kids darling beer in the back garden area. While all of these things appeal to me (the food especially), I like Dahlak as a great stop on my way to Dock Street brewing company. This place is a must try when in West Philly to get away from the typical frat boy bars that occupy most of West Philly. read more

I'm amazed to see reviews complaining that the food here is tasteless. I've never had a bad meal. I'm a vegetarian so I can't speak to the meat dishes. Just polished off a vegetarian combo of spicy lentils, kale and spicy okra. Great seasoning and a fair amount of heat. Delish! read more

Skip the restaurant. The bar is alright. They used to have pitchers but now they don't. The outside seating is nice when it is warm outside. The food should be skipped entirely. VERY overpriced for the portion size and the quality is poor. There are 2 other ethiopian restaurants within a mile that are the same price for twice the portion size and better food. They seem to be more concerned with profit than making a decent meal. An okay bar with an okay beer selection. read more

Not good at all. Went there and got the veggie combo platter. One of the dishes was a spinach dish that literally tasted like frozen chopped spinach.... No sauce or flavor just literally a mouthful of frozen chopped spinach that was lukewarm. The other veggies didn't taste fresh and the "mild" sauce was spicy. The injera bread was the worst I've ever had. Save your money and go somewhere else. read more

Finally Best Ethiopian/Eritrean food I've ever had alongside great customer service. As a foodie I've had my far share and I'll definitely be back for more delicious eats. I even found it to be a great chill spot when I just want a drink or more in the evenings. Their events are everything. read more

This place is good, not great. I don't entirely understand why everyone says it is THE place in philadelphia for great food, but it's definitely worth going to. If you like Ethiopian or want to try it this is a good place. read more

This is a cool and fun spot especially with a group. They have good live music as well!

I've never been in the front door, but around the back there is a pretty meh bar. They have bottled beer, and it's a decent neighborhood hang-out. read more

I was born really far from Ethiopia, but I love Ethiopian food because it reminds me of food from the mother country. When I came it had only opened for the day so it was still dead, but the bartender in the back kindly explained the menu to me and we both decided the best choice for me would be the vegetable tibs. It was just delicious. I really wish I got twice as much food because I would have eaten all of it. The best way I can describe it is by calling it a vegetable stew. But it tastes so much better than what I think most people picture when they hear the word 'stew'. Anyway, great food, full bar, TVs, and a little outside area to sit out back too. What else do you need? Oh, a free parking lot in the back too! Ten dollar minimum for credit cards - not bad at all. read more

I love going to Dhalak after a long day to chill on the patio. I can have a drink and a cig at the same time without feeling like a criminal. Places like this are rarer and rarer. It's a friendly, laid-back, non-meat market place to meet cool people in the neighborhood or to just have a drink by yourself without feeling weird about it. read more

Big price for small portions, though the variety of Italian-influenced Eritrean dishes are nice. Great folks, awesome neighbors. Still, there are other East African restaurants in the neighborhood that offer more food for less money with equal or better quality. read more

I Love ethio/etrian... But dahlak falls a little short of my expectations. Maybe I was spoiled by Mesob in Montclair Nj... But I think this food is missing a lot of flavor/ spice. The vegetarian options I tried were bland at best... I have been having better luck with Abyssinia. read more

Back bar and outside patio make Dahlak an essential chill spot to tuck away and hide from the city madness....not to mention the amazing food and the jukebox selection. read more

Food was really good, I recommend getting a combination platter, although they make things a bit pricer. You definitely want a bit of a lot of things to mix with the crepe bread. The place has a really nice atmosphere and service was good. There was also an open mic night when I went. read more

Until yesterday, I had no idea Dahlak housed a bar with outdoor seating. I've gone before, and was impressed with extremely tasty Ethiopian dishes and home-like atmosphere. I was caught unaware, however, that nightlife existed. This is a perfect place to catch a beer after work or school or meet friends for a relaxed evening. The city needs more bars/restaurants such as this. I was also lucky enough to catch a jam session with very talented artists. I wouldn't expect quick service at the bar, but relax-- stay awhile! read more

The food here is amazing however, as they became more popular over the years, they've scaled back on the portions and raised the prices. I'm have diabetes so I can't fill up on injera to get through my meal. Otherwise, Dahlak is the best of the Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurants in the city. read more

A couple friends and I ate here recently, and we sat on the outdoor area. Love how they have outdoor seating, but the actual area was pretty dirty and divey. I could have easily overlooked that if the food had been good. However, we found it to be pretty bland. We ordered the veggie platter and one of the chicken dishes. I'm used to Abyssinia's food, which is very rich and spicy. This food was lacking in flavor, and wasn't spicy at all. The service was good, however the servings were not as large as other Ethiopian places in the area. Overall, I think this place would be a fine divey place to get a beer, but I don't think I would come back for the food. read more

That beautiful girl with the red and black hair is the fastest bartender I've ever seen. She handles the full volume like no one else. Lolo is literally the best bartender I've ever had. Here's a secret, have her make you a kamikaze and you'll be elated. read more

Guess what, people of West Philly? Dahlak sucks! This is yet another wildly overrated yet inexplicably beloved West Philly bar/restaurant! The only thing to say for it is that it has outdoor seating in the summer. I plan to drink in my back yard rather than come here, however. First of all, the food is just passable. While some say it's better at Dahlak than at Abyssinia, I really couldn't tell much difference. Both offer horrifically expensive versions of this lovely culture's cuisine. And the hipsters really sweat the bar. I can't imagine why. Standard bar offerings at jacked up prices. Totally sweet, right? Nope. read more

The bar in the back is cool. With hookahs and they have live music with affordable drinks and beer.

Love love the vibe here! Only been for drinks and hookah. It has been fun every time - you can do karaoke, put something on the jukebox and dance, and sit outside on the random middle school chairs lol its dope def check it out. Amazing I feel so comfortable here. read more

Dining Out for Life 2011 - Dahlak was a participating restaurant, which is great! Haven't been here in awhile and really, really glad we came out to this wonderful restaurant for a great cause. My friend loves spicy Ethiopian and said she was serious about wanting it spicy. I , myself, like it mildly spicy. Well, the chef got it right and we were both delighted with our dishes - yedoro tibs and yedoro alicha. Yum! We used to travel far to get to this restaurant and are happy its so close right in our 'hood! Dahlak has a bar with a back patio which will be cool for summer months!! read more

The food here is great. We go here because of the international flare. This is the place to go if you want to really step outside the American box. Don't go expecting some lavish decor. It is cozy and comfortable. Our kids can eat with their hands which is always a plus. read more

One of my favorites in Philly! Love the food, love the décor, love everything about this place. The food is so delicious and very affordable! read more

Still one of my favorite places. I'm not sure the quality of the food is as high as it was before, but the preparation is still great! Good times and friendly people. read more

We've eaten here many times over the years. The food is good although not great, but it's an absolutely fabulous place in the neighborhood. It's never pretentious (in fact the opposite) and inexpensive. We love going to Dahlak. read more

Love the vibe here. Live music (on Fridays when I go) and an interesting crowd. The food is great here - tasty with good portions. Another awesome feature is the outdoor seating. Went here on my first date with my boyfriend and it's become "our spot." It's just that cool of a place to bring friends, kick it, and have a good time. read more

The BEST Ethiopian in the city!!! It is cool to how your share food and you sit on tradional looking seats. The food is extremely unique and flavorful. There is another part to this place which is a bar on the back side of the building ( while restaurant is awesome the back bar needs some new seating perhaps something wipable a non fabric material: I am hesitant to sit on the old bar seats). Overall, this place is well worth it! It is a fun place to take people new in town that want to try something different. Also Baltimore avenue has quite a bit to offer now a days. read more

Excellent interesting tasty food with lots of good vegetarian options. Pretty rapid prep time and good service. A staple for me, especially when friends are in from out of town. read more

I've been going to Dahlak for over 10 years. It hasn't changed... And that's a good thing. Good food, decent prices, standard West Philly crowd, and a bar & garden in the back. Should be mandatory for any new residents. read more

I really like hanging out here. I've brought a few of my friends here for drinks hookah and a goddamn good time. I wish there were more places like this one. Definitely a west philly gem. Oh and service is slow but I only go there when I know I have the time, and am not in a rush. read more

Great prices. Injera bread great. I liked the lamb dish but it had lots of tiny bones. The raw beef was good too. Service was a bit slow.