Questionable. I ordered pick-up from here through GrubHub. They confirmed, I showed up, and they acted like they had no idea what I was talking about. They didn't offer to help, to make my order right there, or anything - they just wanted me to go away. Seems like they were hoping to make money off of orders they didn't actually plan to make! read more

Beautiful shop, beautiful people. Roasted beans on site in small batches. I wish I could have purchased a bag. This is not your boogie spot. This is a genuine authentic Ethiopian cafe that also does coffee in their traditional way. I'm as thankful for the lesson, story telling, and warmth I was for the delicious cup. read more

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.). read more

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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. read more

Ethio Cafe - Tibs with beets and collard greens - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Don't be fooled by the outside. The inside is clean and the food is outstanding. We had tibs and the veggie platter and it was served quickly for Ethiopian food. The shiro was very tasty and had that creamy texture. The tibs were bursting with flavor, with tender, well-marinated meat. Service was also very polite. This is a real gem. read more

This is a review of the cappuccino. Definitely strong (but not burnt tasting) and satisfyingly piping hot. They only have 2% milk so I took a point off for lack of customization. There's only one (huge) cup size available for takeout coffee but it's still relatively cheap so I can overlook that. They don't have a to-go menu so I am not sure what the food options are. Definitely an informal atmosphere with no frills customer service. The coffee, although not my favorite, is solid if you need something strong and extremely hot. Compared to other coffee shops, you get a lot more bang for your buck. Just don't expect flavored syrups and fancy toppings! read more

Ethio Cafe - Huge cappuccino made from Harrar Ethiopian coffee beans. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Ordered the Bozena shiro and awaze tibs, both were very good and comparable to other five star Ethiopian restaurants I've been to. Portion size is large and with injera to spare. Service was quick and very friendly and they even taught me about a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony that they can perform in house! I will come back for the coffee in the morning as they had various different beans and brewing styles. read more

So yummy! I've came here twice and it's been great. The owner and I believe his wife are very kind and hospitable.

My fanaticism for Ethiopian coffee led me about ten miles, on foot, to find the Ethio Cafe. The goal of my pilgrimage was to find, sample, and stock up on some fine Harrar beans for a New Years celebration out in the middle of nowhere, where I'd be hard up to find fresh coffee of any kind. So you see, I couldn't fail. When I ended my panting, sweaty trudge across lower Arlington, I was welcomed heartily at the door of the Ethio Cafe. It was a quite afternoon, and the owners kindly offered me a seat and made room for my hefty Osprey backpack carrying all my worldly possessions. I had a cappuccino and an apple pastry. Fine. Very caffeinated, and very hot, as "dc" said. Before I left, I scored two pounds of Harrar beans. They were fantastic, as Harrar always is. The magical power of Ethiopian beans made many a convert at our holiday party, and I saved a pound for myself to take home. I'm posting because I hope more people hear about and enjoy the glory that is Ethiopian coffee. It's the best. Living in Eugene, Oregon, where we love our coffee, I'm surprised that it's so difficult to find Harrar. Support Ethio Cafe, and Ethiopian coffee farmers! read more

I got a shot of espresso here. It smelled and tasted divine! Definitely stop by if you are in the neighborhood.

Got a latte - very tasty, highly caffeinated, and extremely hot. Hottest Latte I have ever seen...errr....tasted. Owner was friendly, talked me into a couple Sambusas - kinda like Samosas, but made with lentils. The owner also offered samples of some breakfast dish - looked tasty, but I declined. They sell TO.MO.CA coffee from Ethiopia by the bag. Oldest coffee place in Addis Abiba and they make some very good coffee. read more

What a great find! It's a nondescript joint in a nondescript building close to Arlington Drafthouse in Columbia Pike. Came here for a Saturday breakfast taking a break from my regular Brooklyn Bagel run. Previous reviews mention the good coffee, I can attest to that. But the breakfast was really good too. We had the foul special- eggs and fava beans and scrambled eggs- with Jalapeños and onions. It's a family run business, the owner was really nice. We'll be back. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Great independently owned cafe, friendly owner, great coffee. Bought some whole bean Ethiopian coffee to go. Would love to see some of the supporters of corporate coffee across the street switch over and support local business. We are now due back for food, but can tell you the place smelled delicious! read more

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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. read more

This place was horrible.NO I WILL NEVER EVER EAT HERE AGAIN! MY FRIEND SAID HE DIDNT WANT SPAGETTI...GUESS WHAT THEY GAve him spaghetti rolled up in the bread for 20$... of course when we got home I ordered pizza.Dont recomend unless your Ethiopian. read more

I have been trying to check out local businesses on the pike to support the neighborhood, and this one is one of my favorites. It seems very authentic, and although I only had a cappuccino so far, I plan to try out lunch very soon. The cappuccino was the best I've had in DC, hands down. I definitely recommend this little gem without hesitation. read more

Food was amazing. They fly in the bread daily from the motherland. They brought out a chicken dish for me to sample since I'm not a huge beef eater. It was delish. Soon to be on the menu they said. The vegetarian dish was also very flavorful and yummy. My latte was decent, I was hoping for the Ethiopian brew but they do a ceremony first at lunch time and we were there for breakfast more or less. It was a little hard to find, look for the vertical Ethio sign just below the large Subway sign. Great place. read more

If you've ever had a cup of coffee or macchiato in Ethiopia, Ethio-Cafe is the only place in the DMV that can live up to it. The ownership is friendly, the prices are ridiculously low, and the coffee is the best in the world (the beans come from Tomoca coffee in Addis Ababa). The atmosphere is far from fancy, but they'll never rush you out. Closed on Sundays, but definitely deserving of a weekly trip. I envy the folks that work around Ethio-Cafe for easy workday visits. read more

I had beef tips and my bf had the vegetarian dish and was in love with it. They don't serve Ethiopian coffee until the afternoon and the incense was nice but a little thick. The music was a lot of fun and added to the ambiance. Overall a great experience! read more

Coffee was okay but not super impressive. Very small place makes it almost impossible to spend too much time in it, especially when you want to work a bit. It could be a nice place to meet friends though. read more

I was roaming around the area when my nose caught smell of the most delicious fragrance I've ever had the pleasure of smelling. The staff was super nice and helpful. The food was the most exquisite Ethiopian food I've ever had and to this day I'm still dreaming about it months later. Can't wait to go back there. read more

This little gem is hidden in a strip mall. Ethio Cafe is worth a stop for some flavorful Espresso drinks poured with care. No drip coffee.

I found this cafe very reasonably priced and good portion with tasty exotic spices. The one I ate was the Ge-At or Gonfo. It is made with whole wheat and Barley flowers mixed and boiled until it thickens. It is shaped a dome with the a crater lake lin the center. The crater lake like shape is filled with exotic spiced ethiopian butter and hot pepper powder mixed with the butter. I went there for the second time during lunch and tried the Tilapia fish fillet on rice complemented with salad and bread and butter. It was delicious and when I checked for the price, it was very reasonable. read more

Very nice addition to the Columbia Pike neighborhood. We were searching for a quiet, cozy place to relax and have coffee or tea, and we found it here. Small and quiet with concerned hospitality. People from all walks of life. Saw many people buying bags of coffee beans to take home. read more

This is a small hole in the wall place with mixed success on the food we ordered. The awake ribs were quite good, but the injera had stale places, and was not so good. Also, the vegetarian platter that we ordered, and which is usually the best part of eating Ethiopian, was really dull--all the vegetable dishes except the lentils were very bland and boring. read more

Love this place. The coffee reminds me of home. Definitely five stars.

My partner and I have been here a few times and we absolutely love the veggie combo. Oh and not to mention their amazing cappuccino. We wish they were open later. read more

I am going to cut out caffeine. This time I really mean it. But until I do, I'm coming to this place. Here are the two things that I like about it. First, the coffee. It's as good as Northside Social (though admittedly without the selection) and less expensive. Coffee is strong and darn hot. Second, this is no hangout for yuppy elites like me. I am easily annoyed by my own kind, and we just own Northside Social and the like, cluttering the place with sleek tablets, yammering on about our grad program, summary judgment motion, or whatever. Don't get me wrong, I love Northside. But enough already. Ethio couldn't hold that many people if it wanted to. It's tiny. Plus, it's jammed in the middle of this decidedly unimpressive building, with a Subway as it's most upscale neighbor. The folks working there are Ethiopian, I'm guessing. Last time I went there, the woman that served me spoke little English, and served me with something other than what I ordered. I didn't complain, though, because is was darn good and jacked me up for the rest of the day. Staff have always been very friendly to me. I wouldn't come here if you are rushing to the office and are basically looking for a caffeine mainline (been there). But if you want really, really good strong coffee and an experience, this is the place. Buy some of their beans, too. Good stuff. read more