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    Heat Da Spot

    4.8 (536 reviews)
    Closed • 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

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    HEAT DA SPOT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Heat Da Spot

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    Eisha K.

    I had the ethiopian breakfast which is just eggs and injera, and a mango soda. I think the food was okay but prices were quite high. I'd rather have smaller portions/cheaper prices than a huge $$$ one

    Mel R.

    I stopped by this Ethiopian spot just outside DC and was blown away by how flavorful everything was. The injera was some of the softest bread I've had perfect for scooping up all the different dishes. Every item we tried was packed with flavor, and there were plenty of both vegetarian and meat options to choose from. Inside it's a bit on the cramped side, especially if you're coming with a larger group, but there is additional seating toward the left side once you get inside which helps. The woman working there was an absolute sweetheart and helped me a ton when I felt a little overwhelmed by all the menu options. She was patient, kind, and gave great recommendations. Overall, really delicious food and a welcoming experience. I would definitely return.

    Jake B.

    This was our best meal in DC, by far. The eclectic Ethiopian breakfast menu was wild (and maybe a bit overwhelming), but amazing. The injera and egg dishes were unreal, but it was clear you could not go wrong here. The seating felt like someone's home, with various couches and coffee tables filling the restaurant. The coffee was one of the standout things they served; I'm not sure what they're doing with the coffee, but it was one of the better quality coffees I think I've ever had. Huge fan of this place, and would definitely return!!

    Veg platter (big enough for 2) & Ethiopian breakfast (non veg)
    Yvette 'Divie' E.

    So this place is fascinating -- great food, chill vibe, toddler doable-ish with some creativity... Food/drinks: veg platter (works for two - fyi), Ethiopian breakfast, smoothie, and tea were all fantastic. Gluten free injeera is available for surcharge. Well seasoned. And enjoy the spicy homemade green sauce as well; it's worth it! Service: Fine but you do have to do some work. You stand in line, order at the counter, and then they bring the food to you wherever you're sitting. Comes quick-ish. Ambiance: quirky. Main room has traditional furniture with royal-like chairs; it was crowded and people were working from there. Outside there's a heated patio situation; it's all bumper to bumper but we snagged a perfect space for a toddler. Lingering is not the norm for group meal/date. Kid-friendly? Saw no high chairs, would not want to bring stroller in, did find seating space that let her move more freely. Best part: this place is not precious. I'm not mad at it. Would do it again!

    Suri S.

    Had brunch here with a DC local, recently. It really is a diamond in the rough and feels like a NYC bodega. The staff were very friendly and I liked the decor inside, feels really unique. I ordered the ETHIOpian STYLE X (Sambosa) with the eggs and injera. It was very cooked very well, and I enjoyed the spices and flavor profile. I wished the particular dish came with more options, although this place has plenty of choices on the menu. Heat Da Spot a fast casual experience, unlike a late-night dining experience at somewhere like CherCher. However, place is bustling with locals for great reason. It works for meeting up with friends or grab-and-go meals. I'd highly recommend to drop by for a visit!

    Ethiopian Vegetarian Style Breakfast
    Madison C.

    well loved for a reason! very kind owners and delicious food. the green sauce is really spicy but so good. the inside is eclectic and there's a huge patio through the inside too.

    Jennifer V.

    Everything at this place is so unbelievably BOMB. The menu is killer and has something for everyone. The service is so kind. They have a very cool coffee selection. Everything is priced exactly the way it should be. There's seating outside for small parties. This place is the embodiment of DC cuisine and I highly recommend it for everyone.

    Kaya E.

    When you walk into Heat Da Spot it automatically feels like you've stepped into your grandma's kitchen--homey and filled with love. There's highlight menus everywhere on the wall with things that they offer. What stood out most was the sign above the register that says, " Do not rush the chef. We're not fast food. Your food is made with love. Place your order and sit on the throne kings and queens" lol I loved this sign so much. It reminded me to chill out so I sat down and enjoyed a soursop drink while my to go order was being made. I ordered a bacon egg and cheese on an everything bagel. Unfortunately I was not really a fan. It seemed like a small portion for the price. The egg tasted weird and microwaved and the bagel tasted like a Thomas bagel you would get from the grocery store. The bagel also came with a special spicy green sauce that I wasn't too fond of. I think the next time I will just go for the Ethiopian breakfast. Service was great, I'll return to try something else.

    Vegetarian omelette with sourdough toast.
    Lydia B.

    Lovely experience. The staff is so kind and welcoming. My omelette had an abundance of vegetables and quite savory. Will definitely be back to try other items on the menu.

    Taylor L.

    One of the best places for breakfast in DC. Super friendly staff, delicious food, options for everyone. The outdoor seating area is great!

    Sydney G.

    3 years later and Heat Da Spot remains one of my favorite spots in DC. I love their traditional Ethiopian breakfast, but literally everything on the menu is delicious! And the service is amazing--you can really tell the love and care they put into every meal they make.

    Sausage Omelette, I added bacon.
    Vinton S.

    I happened to be in Washington DC for work and stumbled across this spot close to the Howard University Campus. I went with the Sausage Omelette and added bacon. This thing was AMAZING. It was packed with green peppers, tomatoes, red onions, potatoes and cheese. The toast came with light butter and a honey drizzle. If you are OK with somewhere where the decor is not so fancy, this place is a GEM. The owner was so accommodating and went above and beyond to ensure I enjoyed the experience. Their honey cinnamon iced coffee with cream was a winner. Oh, I was also able to log onto my laptop to get a few work items done due to the free WIFI. Please check them out.

    Chicken tibs with eggs and veggies
    Zhen C.

    Sharing some more photos! Tried something that wasn't one of the Ethiopian entrees - the pizza bagel. And that was insanely good. Continues to be a 10 out of 5 experience

    Home Fries

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    2 years ago

    I went with my girlfriend and the Ethiopian style breakfast was so good. Definitely recommend this place for breakfast.

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    3 years ago

    Welcoming service with a smile and great breakfast Trying different places up and down Georgia Avenue that looks like the DC I grew up in.

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    2 years ago

    The Ethiopian cuisine served here didn't meet my expectations in terms of taste and authenticity.

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    Page 4 of 14

    Ask the Community - Heat Da Spot

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    Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart

    Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart

    4.4(913 reviews)
    1.5 mi•Shaw, Downtown
    •$$

    This spot was one of the highlights of my trip to DC!…read more My friend and I shared the Chercher Vegan Special with the Chercher Beef Special Tibs. The vegan platter was phenomenal- super flavorful with so much variety which I loved. As for the beef, it was tender and seasoned well. Honestly, it was hard to choose which one was our favorite because everything tasted so good! And when we were running low on Injera (Ethiopian flatbread), our server gave us more. On top of the delicious food, the service was friendly and the inside was small and cozy (there's also outdoor seating too!) Overall, fantastic spot for Ethiopian food and I will definitely come back if I visit DC again.

    Despite being located in a quaint setting that looked like a remodeled house with beautiful decor…read moreinside and out it lacked in key features necessary for a favorable rating. Namely custom service and the unfortunate late discovery of hair in my food. Arrived for a late lunch and the restaurant was sparsely populated. I noticed outdoor seating and wanted to enjoy the sun. No one was seated out there and I found a spot. A server came out @5 minutes later and advise me that I couldn't sit there. She mentioned seating was for larger parties despite being midweek and After most lunch rushes. I was moved to another table. The view was fine and I ordered my lunch. The platter I ordered had beef tibs, vegetables and njeri. As a connoisseur of Ethiopian food, I was accustomed to having lentils included in the meal. I soon found out that that was not the case, and also that utensils was not given unless requested. The couple that had finally joined me on the patio requested utensils. I opted to follow traditional style and used the njeri as my utensils. The food had good flavor and was enjoying despite the lack of lentils until I came across a piece of hair. I immediately lost my appetite and brought to the attention of the person at checkout, as it appeared, you had to bring your bill to the Bar area to check out. The person was unapologetic and swore that no one's hair was exposed. I feel that was the way of them saying that it was my hair, which was farther from the truth. I was not seeking a discount and gladly paid my bill while pointing out the obvious about the extra bonus in my meal. Sadly, I was recommended by the workers at the Marriott where I was staying. Its proximity to the hotel and adjacent Washington Convention Center made it a great choice for lunch, and was happy for the referral. They spoke highly of this restaurant, and that made the experience worse as I was anticipating the goodness. Hopefully receive better treatment when they dine there.

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    Keren Restaurant - Spread the Silsi on the French bread and it is heavenly!

    Keren Restaurant

    4.6(1.3k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    •$$

    Keren is an amazing, no frills Eritrean spot located in Adams Morgan! Lots of great options for…read morevegetarians, we got the: - Breakfast combo (Mashed fava beans, Egg frittata, and Kitch tesmi): Loved this! The ful or fava beans cooked with berbere and topped with onions, jalapeños, and tomatoes was unique, but also reminded me of familiar Indian pav bhaji in a sense (especially coupled with the amazing crusty bread). The kitch tesmi (torn unleavened bread called kitcha mixed with spiced clarified butter and berbere) was so interesting. The eggs were basics done really well. - Keren special (Lentils, Cabbage, Spinach, Potato with Carrots & House Salad, and Special Tibsi): The injera was soft, bouncy, and had the perfect amount of fermented essence. All of the veggies were absolutely delicious and so flavorful. My family said the meat was great too, very tender. Service was fine, but fair warning that the food did take quite a bit of time (however, it was definitely worth the wait). There aren't a ton of tables so you might have to wait if you go during rush times. 9.5/10 would recommend!

    My first experience with Ethiopian cuisine at Keren was such a memorable one. The staff was…read moreincredibly friendly and welcoming, and the surrounding neighborhood felt vibrant and full of life. We walked into a cozy, intimate space and were lucky to grab a small table for two by the window. Since it was our first time, we asked for guidance in choosing something authentic. Our server pointed us to the left side of the entrée menu, and we followed her lead. We ordered the special tibsi with chicken and the special shiro served with enjera--a traditional chickpea dish presented in a clay pot. Both dishes came with spongy enjera, which you tear and use to scoop up the food by hand. It made for a fun and immersive dining experience. The food was rich and flavorful, and we truly enjoyed everything we tried. Midway through, we did ask for forks as the enjera started to feel a bit heavy for us, but it didn't take away from the experience. Overall, I'm a fan and excited to explore Ethiopian cuisine more--maybe even closer to home next time. Highly recommend Keren if you're looking for something delicious, authentic, and welcoming.

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    Eatopia Eatery - Sambussa Medley

    Eatopia Eatery

    4.7(98 reviews)
    1.0 mi•U Street Corridor

    Food was great! Very accommodating. The platter was able to easily serve 5 not-so-hungry folks.read more

    I seriously wish I lived in the DC area because I would be back here ALL the time! The entire…read moreexperience was amazing, but Blen was absolutely the shining star of our night. She was so personable, gorgeous, and had the most welcoming aura. She made us feel comfortable from the moment we sat down and genuinely seemed excited to help us experience the food the right way. We told her we wanted something traditional and MEAT HEAVY, and she understood the assignment! She walked us through the Ethiopian platters, explained everything, and gave us recommendations that were exactly what we were looking for. And the FOOD?! Everything was delicious. The different meats, spices, sauces, and injera all came together so perfectly. There were so many different flavors on the platter, but somehow everything complemented each other. Every bite and every new combination tasted different in the best way. We left VERY happy and very full! We also tried the traditional Ethiopian honey wine, tej, and I'm so glad we did. It was sweet, smooth, and completely different from any wine I've had before. The fermented honey gives it such a unique flavor profile, and it paired so well with the food. Definitely something you should try at least once...although I'd happily drink it again! Amazing food, amazing experience, and exceptional service. Blen, you made our night! If I lived in DC, you would absolutely have a regular on your hands. Until next time! Oh!! Also LIVE JAZZ ROMANTIC AMBIANCE!!!

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    Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar - Veggie and steak meals with all the lentils!

    Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar

    4.8(42 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    This place was amazing. I was honestly super hesitant because I had never had Ethiopian food before…read morebut I am so glad CherCher was my first experience. They have a diverse menu ranging from vegan and vegetarian options to meat heavy dishes and fish. I went with my family and we all tried something different. Unfortunately I cannot remember the names of what we got but I can tell you the raw beef dish and the chickpea sauce with beef are both delicious. I got the beef special Tibs I think it was called which I thought was the best tasting. The service was great, the place wasn't crowded or anything so we didn't wait at all for service and food to come out. It's well decorated with TVs and a wine bar. The only nit picky thing I have about the restaurant is that it wouldn't hurt for them to dust the windows haha. On another note, the server was awesome, she didn't hesitate to recommend dishes or help us narrow down our menu options. If you're interested in trying Ethiopian or just looking for a great restaurant, I would highly recommend CherCher!

    5/5 When family…read morecomes to town, I take my hosting responsibilities very seriously. My sister and brother-in-law were visiting DC, and since my sister had never tried Ethiopian food before, my partner and I decided that CherCher would be the perfect introduction. Thankfully, we chose wisely. We had a reservation, although funny enough, no one actually asked us about it when we arrived. Fortunately, it didn't matter because the restaurant wasn't crowded, and we were seated immediately. Sometimes the universe just aligns in your favor. We kicked things off with a bottle of honey wine because if you're introducing someone to Ethiopian cuisine, you might as well commit to the full experience. For food, we ordered the Deluxe Veggie Platter, which included three types of lentils, chickpeas, collard greens, beets, cabbage, and the tomato and onion salad--which, in my opinion, deserves its own fan club. I also ordered an extra green salad because I know who I am and what I like. For the meat dishes, we went with the Gored Gored, the Assa Dullet (tilapia), and the Lamb Awaze Tibs. Every single dish was delicious. The flavors were rich, well-balanced, and exactly what you hope for when you're craving Ethiopian food. The Gored Gored was especially flavorful, and the Lamb Awaze Tibs had just the right amount of spice and tenderness. One thing I always appreciate about CherCher is how quickly the food comes out. There's nothing worse than introducing someone to a cuisine for the first time and then having to spend 90 minutes explaining what injera is while waiting for the food to arrive. The kitchen moved quickly without sacrificing quality. The service was also exceptional. Both women taking care of our table were warm, attentive, and genuinely kind throughout the meal. Great service can elevate a meal, and they absolutely did. The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, but it's cozy rather than cramped. They also have a covered outdoor patio, which I'm sure is lovely during the approximately four weeks a year when DC weather isn't actively trying to harm us. As for pricing, I found it to be very fair and comparable to other Ethiopian restaurants in the area. Considering the quality of the food, service, and portion sizes, I left feeling very satisfied. Would I return? Absolutely. In fact, CherCher remains firmly on my list of places I take out-of-town guests when I need DC to show off a little. As I always say: I'm not difficult to please. I just have standards.

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    Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar - Checher Vegan Deluxe - an assortment of vegetable stews, include peas, lentils, collard greens, carrots, and more, served atop injera

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    Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant - We for the Vegetarian Plate #3, the Beef Goden Tibs, and the Awaze Tibs (Lamb)! Soooooo good

    Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant

    3.5(988 reviews)
    1.0 mi•U Street Corridor
    •$$

    The food here is delicious!! My friend is vegetarian so we both had combo meals. Mine had nothing…read moreoverly spicy. Hers was regular with spicy and non-spicy dishes. Service was quick. We had water with our meals and our glasses were refilled. It's casual so you don't have to dress up. And get ready to eat with utensils. Injera is the fork, knife, and spoon.

    It's no secret that I love Ethiopian food--so when I say **Dukem Restaurant** holds a special place…read morein my DC journey, I mean it. This was actually one of the very first Ethiopian restaurants I tried after relocating to DC, so yes... this review is *long* overdue. From the very beginning, what stood out to me was how they manage to balance fine dining energy with genuine warmth. You get the elevated presentation, the polished atmosphere--but still the friendliness and hospitality that make Ethiopian dining feel like home. I'm a loyal veggie combo person (it's who I am at this point), so I was especially excited to see that their combo options offer a wider variety of dishes than most places. It's truly a "little bit of everything" situation, which is perfect when you're indecisive--or when you're dining with a large group and want everyone to taste it all. More variety, more flavor, more happiness. The food? Rich, flavorful, beautifully prepared. The kind of meal where you slow down and savor every bite. I'm already planning to return with my partner because I recently saw on social media that they offer Ethiopian wine and even wine flight tastings. Ethiopian cuisine paired with Ethiopian wine? Say less. I love when restaurants create experiences, not just meals. And of course, we can't ignore the moment they had in August 2024 when they went viral after receiving stellar reviews from viral food critic **Keith Lee**. What stood out most wasn't just that he praised them--it was that he spoke highly of Dukem while being candid about not having the same level of service and food quality at other local spots he visited. That says something. Excellence stands out. Dukem delivers flavor, hospitality, and atmosphere in a way that feels intentional. Whether it's your first time trying Ethiopian food or your hundredth (like me), it feels special every time. If you love Ethiopian cuisine--or just love great food and great service--this place absolutely deserves a visit. And if you're like me, it won't be your last.

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    Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant - Seating

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    Letena Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat and vegetable sampler

    Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

    4.6(300 reviews)
    0.5 mi•Columbia Heights
    •$$

    I ate here a few weekends ago with my boyfriend. I've eaten Ethiopian food a handful of times, but…read morewanted him to try since he's never eaten it before. Since they had high reviews, and weren't too far from me, I figured this would be a good place to try. We had perused the menu online before coming inside so knew what we wanted to eat. I ordered the veggie sampler with red lentils, tomato salad, yellow split peas, and collard greens and a side of goat stew while my boyfriend ordered the mushroom tibs (unfortunately there are no pics due to us being too hungry to snap a photo :-( ...The veggie sampler came with a side of injera. The injera came out way before the actual platter. Since I was very hungry, I actually nibbled on that, and wished everything came out at once. The veggies were pretty tasty, but for some reason, I wasn't excited about my overall meal. The goat stew was pretty good too. What I really enjoyed was my boyfriend's dish of mushroom tibs. It was nicely sautéed and well seasoned. I'd probably order that if I ever went back. The interior was very colorful and earthy. The owner, I think, was also very hospitable.

    Excellent Ethiopian spot! All the staff are super kind, and all the tibs have such good flavor…read more There is lots of seating inside, and there is a warm atmosphere you can feel as soon add you walk in. We got theMeat Lover Sampler for 3 people, and we left so satisfied and stuffed! I can't choose a favorite, everything was so delicious. Definitely worth the money, you have to stop here!

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    Letena Ethiopian Restaurant
    Letena Ethiopian Restaurant - Injera, Yemisir Wot, Asa Tibs, cottage cheese and collard greens for pairing with the kitfo, Kitfo, Kik Wot, Beet and Potato Salad

    Injera, Yemisir Wot, Asa Tibs, cottage cheese and collard greens for pairing with the kitfo, Kitfo, Kik Wot, Beet and Potato Salad

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    Cozy ambiance

    Ethiopic - Beef Sambusa

    Ethiopic

    4.0(828 reviews)
    2.4 mi•H Street Corridor/Atlas District/Near Northeast
    •$$
    Gift cards
    Mobile services

    Met up with a friend who was in town from New York and decided on Ethiopic since it had been way…read moretoo long since we'd had Ethiopian food. H Street was also having a festival that day, so it seemed like a good excuse to head over. We started with the sambusa and then shared the Signature Tibs and the chicken and beef wot sampler. Everything was really good, but the tibs were probably my favorite. Plenty of flavor and spice, and obviously half the fun is tearing off injera and trying a little bit of everything on the table. We also decided to try a bottle of the Ethiopian Acacia dry red wine. We'd never had Ethiopian wine before and it paired really well with the beef and all the spices in the food. Definitely glad we tried it. Service was friendly, although definitely on the slow side. We weren't in much of a hurry since we were catching up with a friend, so it wasn't a huge deal for us, but it's worth knowing if you're trying to get in and out quickly. Overall, really good Ethiopian food and a nice dinner on H Street.

    I read the reviews before walking in the door, so I knew I could encounter "meh". And that's what…read moreI received, so it didn't necessarily disappoint me. We entered a sparsely populated restaurant and STILL encountered delays in ordering and getting our food. But that's okay, we chatted through ten minutes of hunger pains until the waitress approached. I will add that the decor was wonderful inside. They also had outdoor dining as well. As for our food, we ordered the samosas as a starter. They were very crispy; almost too crispy. They were not as favorable as others I have tasted, but definitely edible. The vegetable sampler #1 was more than enough, with a great variety of menu selections. I must state that the gomen was my least favorite because it lacked favor. We added doro wat and beef tibbs. Both were just okay. As others have mentioned, there are many Ethiopian restaurants in DC. Some stand out, while others barely try. This one on this day, was just okay.

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    Ethiopic - Artwork inside

    Artwork inside

    Ethiopic - Beef Tibs, Ethiopic Signature Kitfo, Miser - Spicy Lentils, and Doro Aletcha Wot | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin

    Beef Tibs, Ethiopic Signature Kitfo, Miser - Spicy Lentils, and Doro Aletcha Wot | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin

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    Inside seating

    Heat Da Spot - coffee - Updated September 2026

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