My mistake for trying out the place on Mother's Day, but my wife and I have enjoyed the Ethiopian food in our area and liked what we saw, online, of the ambiance. It didn't deliver on that in person. The windows (which are directly pointed at the sun for much of the day, to be fair) were blotted out with a TV screen in front. We walked in to pleasant music; the owners changed this to a channel playing a soccer game. It took 45 minutes to get glasses of water despite the place being 1/4 full, and there was no coffee; a first for me and any Ethiopian place. Food, when it came, was fine, even though the breakfast food we came for was not available. I was hoping to register my opinion with the size of my tip. Too bad: it was an automatic 18% gratuity for a party of three. There's a lot of good Ethiopian food in the area. Skip this place and find another one. read more

This was my second visit to Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar. I gave them five stars before, but this time felt more like a three. The place is beautiful and clean, which I still love. Our waitress was polite but pretty quiet - possibly a language barrier, so no big deal. We ordered injera, doro wat, beef tibs, collard greens, and lentil stew. Everything was good, but the beef tibs were a lot more watery/soupy than I prefer, and we also got the wrong vegetables, which was a little disappointing. Everything was good, tho... so I forgive them. Nothing was bad overall, just not as on point as my last visit. I'd still come back if I'm in the Castle Blvd area again. read more

See all

Second time ordering. While the service is good the food is horrible. No taste, unseasoned and very bland. Won't be going back. read more

I ordered the leb leb kitfo, but I was served something completely different. The food was extremely oily, and I ended up feeling sick the next day after eating it. Based on my experience, I wouldn't recommend this place. read more

Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar - Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

The true definition of your friendly neighborhood restaurant; From the food to the amazing service to the relaxed atmosphere, this is one of the best places available for you to try in the area. I've been here now more than 10 times, and every employee I run into apprehends me with a smile, friendly voice, and cheerful attitude; This evening, I decided to try the pasta with meat sauce, and it did not disappoint - In fact, it truly was even better than I had prepared myself for. Do yourself a favor and come check out some amazing genuine Ethiopian cuisine and vibes here in the heart of Silver Spring! read more

Great food it was fresh, flavorful and tasty. The music and decor added to the experience, and all the tables were filled! read more

Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar - Delicious veggie, very flavorful and fresh - Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I'm reviewing this again after giving it 5 stars when Elsi's first opened. FYI - I have visited the restaurant 15-20 times since the last review. The food quality and service has slipped drastically. The food quality is not the same (especially meat dishes). The last few tibs meats were bad! Very noticeable difference!!! They have also instituted automatic 18% gratuity .... even on carryouts and party of 2 (I can understand on big parties of 5 or more) Wrong move! I gladly tip generously for great service but the service has gotten worse and no incentive for the waitresses to do a good job. I hope management changes course and things get better. If not, I'll start driving the downtown Silver Spring! read more

The worst customer service ever the fish was not seasoned at all we asked to change to the fish goulash after 30 minutes wait the waitress came and said sorry we don't have it ,so we asked why she waited that long her answer was calling some where to find if they have it and asked for Manger she said just left very disappointed not coming again also not recommended. read more

The food is great, and the service is generally good, though it can be a bit slow even when it's not busy. We often meet for work lunch and the music can be too loud for lunch time dining. I've previously asked to have it turned down, but was told it couldn't be adjusted. This time, our server was kind and lowered it slightly, which we appreciated. read more

Food was okay, but WOW it was impossible to get anyone to wait on us. Genuinely stressful, since we could not figure out why the waitresses would make eye contact then ignore us. It seems like maybe if you don't make a hand gesture to go with the eye contact, they don't come over? It was almost like a bad dream where you just can't seem to get the help you need no matter how hard you try. Can we place an order? Can we pay and leave? Please??? Also, the bathrooms were so so unpleasant. One of the bathroom sinks had backed up water and hair and food particles (ugh!) in the sinnnnnnk, and the other shared sinks all also had food particles and scraps collected around the drains. So disgusting! Definitely get a patterned sink or something if the staff aren't going to keep it clean, white porcelain sinks show every particle and it is so disgusting . Would avoid this place, the state of the bathrooms made me worried what the kitchen might look like. Seriously upsetting! ! read more

This place is running a cutthroat business. My friend and I went for dinner around 7:30 PM. There was a guy playing the piano loudly, making it hard to enjoy our conversation. We chose to sit near the VIP area to try to escape the noise and enjoy our dinner peacefully. We ordered Golden Tibs, one Tej, and one Blue Moon draft. When the bill arrived, it was $68. I asked the waitress why a glass of Tej was $14, and she told us it was because there was a "band" playing. First of all, it was just one guy playing the piano--not a band--and second, we didn't come there for live music. We came to eat. This was supposed to be happy hour--a time when people can come after work to relax, eat, and drink at reasonable prices. But they are doing the opposite by adding hidden fees and charging customers for entertainment they didn't ask for. Charging people without clear notice is dishonest. This is a cutthroat business that takes advantage of customers. I do not recommend this place to anyone looking for fair service and transparency. read more

Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar - Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

My best friend and I was looking for food on Oct 20th, and saw your restaurant. Our first time eating there and the food was absolutely delicious. And the cost was so modest I couldn't believe. I can't wait to eat there again. read more

the food was alright, it could have been better. What I was pre disappointed by was how on fridays we would come with kids but we would never be able to have a good time because of the extremely loud music. Even once we complained the sound has not changed. read more

Disgusting and unacceptable. The food I received was spoiled and clearly unfit for consumption. Selling rotten food is dangerous and shows a complete lack of care for customers' health. This wasn't just a bad experience -- it was a health risk. I had to throw everything away. Do NOT buy from this seller. They should not be allowed to sell food read more

Flies all over the beer taps. And it smells like they just sprayed raid or some thing. I can literally taste bug spray. Yuk!! Got a bottle instead of a draft. Won't be back. read more

Great food Great service I highly recommend They even have injera made with teff, not wheat flour Great coffee too read more

There's a new Ethiopian restaurant a bit further out, for those who don't care to deal with downtown silver spring. The space is L shaped, cozy, and brightly lit. The bar runs down the left side. What I must assume is E-pop music is playing at a moderate level. A stage in the front promises live music to come. For those who are not familiar with Ethiopian dining, one eats with one's hands. The additional sinks outside the gender neutral restrooms are a thoughtful addition. The food is served with injera, a flat bread made from the ancient grain teff, which is gluten-free. Fermentation gives it a lacy texture and a bit of tang. You tear off a piece, pinch a bite of food, and pop it into your mouth. I ordered the classic kitfo, finely minced beef with complex spices and just a tickle of heat. A hot sauce is on the side for those wanting more Scovilles. Very tasty, on point recipe, cordial service. I am looking forward to the grand opening on September 7th. Four ****. read more

See all

The staff was amazing. The food was amazing. The cover was so fresh. The ambiance was awesome. We will be back. read more

Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar - Veggie combo, Awaze Tibs, raw beef - Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Good service, nice ambiance. The menu is limited on vegetarian options compared to other Ethiopian restaurants in the area. They also didn't have any chicken, but I couldn't tell if that was just that day or a daily occurrence. I like that you can order imported injera for a more authentic experience. All the lentils are delicious. Awaze tibs was flavorful but a little oily for my preference. Nice spice levels and heat in everything we ordered. read more

I was on site for a private memorial and celebration of life. The food offered was delicious, well seasoned, and served w empathy and love considering the percent of the occasion. I will definitely return! read more

This place is a hidden gem in the DMV area. I would even argue it to be better than the ones in the Silver Spring downtown area. My personal favorite orders are Awaze Tibs, kitfo, and Fish Gulash. Also, its interior is pretty modern, and the smell of freshly roasted coffee in Ethiopian style is to die for :) read more

Delicious food, good customer service...amazing atmosphere fair price...Keep it up the Good job

Came here for what we hoped would be lunch a week ago. Walked in, and there was a malodorous haze throughout the restaurant! Smelled like they were fumigating for bugs!!! Oh, no thank you. Restaurants should NEVER be open for that. My husband and I walked right back out. read more

I loved the food! The ambience, the price was good, the service was amazing too! I will go back again and again! read more

Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar - Shiru, Keywot, salad and collard greens! Yum - Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

For was amazing. Customer service as well. Had the awaze tibs and it was a 10/10. More importantly this the cleanest and most aesthetically pleasing Ethiopian restaurants I've ever been to. Wowwww I was blown away at how clean the bathroom was as well as how many sinks were available inside and outside the bathroom so we can wash our hands. This is very important for a restaurant where we use our hands to eat. I hope this place starts a trend. Gobez!!! I also met the lady who might be the owner because she came by to check on how everything was. A1 food and customer service. I'll be sure to keep on coming back read more

Food is good. Decor is nice. But it seems hospitality is reserved only for Habesha? When I asked for a menu the waiter pointed at a QR code. When I told them I have no phone to scan, they shrugged as if to say sorry can't help you. I asked for a physical menu and was told there are no physical menus. Then miraculously one appears. In fact it was a stack of menus that the waiter pulled from after declaring "no physical menus". My food arrived quickly but I had to assume the person handing me my order was really tired as they could barely lift their hand to hand me my order. They might as well have dropped the bag with my food to the floor. It's very odd reaching down for something being handed to you. I don't think it is a matter of needing to "improve" their service. Because it seems they are good at being hospitable, only that they are selective about who is treated with human decency in the restaurant. read more

Had an amazing time at Elsi for my son's graduation! The food and the ambiance were incredible! Communication could've been better when setting up the party but they didn't disappoint!! We will definitely be back!! Not to forget the cook/manager Yenenesh is the best!! Thank you again! read more

Be carful when you order 3-4 meal in one tray. They cheat you. we ordered 3 similar dishes in one tray, but they just gave us 2 and said that was 3. that is very dishonest and cheep. I hate cheep ppl. We were ashamed for them so we just left. read more

Ordered the Doro Wet and veggie platter to go. The veggie platter was pretty good, good variety of greens and flavor. The doro Wet was the only chicken item on the menu and at $19 the dish came with only 2 medium size drum sticks and an egg. The gravy was alright but felt one dimensional and got old pretty quick and was carried by the hefty amount of oil in the dish which also got old really quick. The doro wet was said to be spicy but was mild at best. read more

Excellent Ethiopian food, service and atmosphere. 3 of us shared a vegetarian platter and kitfo special. Delicious!! And we have lots of leftovers too. read more

The place is very beautiful.. i loved the atmosphere but i was quite disappointed with how cold and uninviting the waiters were.. we waited for over 30 mins after asking for mitmita and additional injera at which point i walked up to the bar and asked for it and our waiter said to give her min she is just busy and disappeared for yet another 10+ mins.. though i understand things can get busy, over 40 mins waiting to finish our meal while we were constantly being ignored was a bit much.. on a separate occassion i had ordered derek tibs and geba weta for take away.. it was tooo salty and and the geba weta wasnt even chewable.. i wanted to love the place coz its so close to were we live and they did a wonderful job with the ambience and all but i was disappointed 2x now.. and finally, for some reason the phone they listed on google almost always never work.. wish they would fix that! i ofcourse will remain hopeful try to keep in mind this is a new place that opened and they will get it ryt! read more