Spicy stews & other traditional Ethiopian dishes served with injera bread in a bright eatery & bar.
Glen
A happy hour date at Dukem was right on time! After a busy day of work and running errands, my wife and I settled on Ethiopian food for dinner and that’s when I remembered seeing Instagram advertisement and Google reviews for happy hour at Dukem so we decided to give it a go! The food was fresh, service was great and the establishment welcoming. Since the weather was nice, we decided to sit outside on the terrace area. We really enjoyed the special beef tibs, pieces so flavorful and tender, the sambusas, both the chicken and spinach. I ordered the Shiro and gomen, while my wife ordered the misir wot and alicha kik, awesome portion size for the price and shareable with the injera. While waiting on our order we had a chance to speak with one of the owners, Yodit, very sweet of her checking in on how the evening and service was going. We will definitely be back again and can’t wait to check out more of the menu. I recommend Dukem be your next DC Ethiopian restaurant to check out and also check out their happy hour specials.
… moreAlex Stipano
Great atmosphere, kind staff, and amazing food. I have been here 2x now and both experiences have been exceptional. I look forward to my future meals at Dukem!
… moreMichaela Ruffino
We were very disappointed with our experience trying to coordinate a group meal with Dukem. Our organization was looking to bring approximately 30 guests to the restaurant with a very healthy per-person budget, and our group was genuinely excited about the opportunity to dine here.
Unfortunately, after calling multiple times, we were repeatedly told to “call back later.” When we finally asked if we could confirm bringing our group in, the individual on the phone responded, “I don’t have time.” That response was surprising and discouraging, especially given that we were trying to bring a large group and establish what could have been an ongoing relationship.
If there isn’t time to speak with potential group clients, then unfortunately there isn’t room for our business either. We frequently coordinate group dining experiences and would have happily recommended and returned with additional groups in the future.
A missed opportunity on their end.
… moreAlex Novelliere
I’ve been coming to Dukem since 2017, and it’s still one of my favorite spots in DC. The food is always fresh, full of flavor, and genuinely Ethiopian – the kind of cooking that feels warm and homemade. The injera, the spices, the way everything comes together on the plate… it just hits every time.
After all these years, the consistency is what keeps me coming back. If you want real, well-made Ethiopian food, this is the place.
… moreTanner LaFavor
The food came quickly and was quite excellent. I have never had Ethiopian food before this, but I will definitely be looking to come back. Our server BK took great care of my party of three and she gave us helpful recommendations as well.
… morekarys a
I enjoyed eating here nice clean atmosphere with family vibes. Only complaint was I wish the food was spicier (i like very spicy African food) and a LITTLE more seasoned. Shared a combination platter with 2 others and it was a decent portion for all of us. We were served by BK and she was very nice.
… moreNzhingha Nkhrumah
The waitresses were very kind & attentive and seating was comfortable. The food was amazing – my first time eating Ethiopian food. 10/10 I’ll definitely be back!
… moresnavi1010
A must if you visit dc. First time trying Ethiopian and I was impressed. We ordered #28 combo which had everything you needed to try. The servers were very nice and helpful. Explained everything on the menu. The prices were as very reasonable as well.
… moreT. Quinn, Esq.
So, I think I really love Ethiopian food! I was in the DC area for a work event and we stopped by Dukem when we were done. Everyone at my table (5 total) LOVED their food, even the two of us who are vegan/plant-based (I ordered #33 which included lentils, cabbage, greens, a fantastic tomato medley, plus more). The meat-eaters among us raved about the lamb that was included in their meal. Lastly, the service was great! They were welcoming and very helpful giving us ideas on what we should order. Oh, and the vegan (and non-vegan, apparently) samosas were a great appetizer. Yes, go here. Don’t think about it. Just go.
… moreHewan Solomon
I ordered the asa gulash which was very yummy. My friend enjoyed her lamb tibs. I didn’t like the injera so i asked for ethiopian injera which I paid a bit more for. Changing the injera type made a huge difference in the quality of the meal. Nice atmosphere with Ethiopian music playing in the background!
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