Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar

I usually don't give bad reviews for services and love to support the locals. When I seen that this restaurant was going to be walking distance, from where I live, I was excited.
I have been coming here for awhile and love the food but today, I was very disappointed. I ordered my food for take out (Awaze Tibs). I asked to not put a lot of juices. When I finally got my food, the juices was filled at the top. The server kindly took it back and drain some of it out. As I was waiting, a random employee came up to me with a hot pan of cooked coffee beans, that was smoking hot and waived the pan so close that, I had to tell her, what are you doing. She was trying to explain that the smell in the restaurant was that, but I never communicated to anyone that I had an issue with the smell. I said, do you normally come up to customer with a hot pan, without an invite. The lady who served me intervened and was like, that's part of the culture. I said, maybe the smell but not coming up to a customer with a hot pan of coffee beans and just waiving in my direction, like you want to burn me with it. At the end, I just couldn't believe of what I encountered and I really loved going there for the good food. After today's fiasco, I will not return. I kindly asked for a refund because I no longer had the desire to support such nonsense. The lady needs training on customer service skills. She needs to learn what not to do, especially not coming up to a customer with a hot pan. She could of had easily burnt me because she was that close. Although she apologized, I don't think I can bear seeing that lady again. It's almost felt like she was trying to antagonize me with that pan.

Service: 1

I was fortunate enough to eat lunch here recently while visiting a client. I don't know much about Ethiopian food so I sat at the bar and asked the bar tender to order for me. I had a mix of vegetarian and meat based dishes which were terrific. Then I had some Ethiopian coffee to finish it off. A great experience at a place that seems to have a solid base of regulars from the local Ethiopian community.

Recommended dishes: Extra Ethiopian Injera, Veggie Combo, Goden TIBS

I’m extremely disappointed and concerned after dining here. Three of us got seriously sick from the food, and when I checked the reviews afterward, I saw that other customers have had similar experiences. It’s unacceptable that this is a recurring issue, and it’s clear they’re not taking health and safety seriously. I would strongly advise against eating here until they address these problems.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 4

The best restaurant in

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

! ? yes. This is what i wanted.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food. Great atmosphere!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food makes up for any complaints here. Over a few trips the 7 dishes we've tried have all been excellent. There is sometimes a wait and once (on a Friday) the music was painfully loud, but in all cases the food is worth whatever else may be going on.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

The best restaurant in dmv , they have the best service, best food and amazing atmosphere. It is really amazing for family gathering. We will definitely come again
Thank you????

Vegetarian options: Veggie combo

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Goden TIBS

One of the best places to eat Ethiopian food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Veggie Combo, Awaze TIBS, Goden TIBS

I like the food and test fantastic

Idk maybe it’s what I ordered (Elsi’s Special) but it wasn’t good. Plain and simple. Almost made me sick, tasted and smelled funny and didn’t look appetizing overall. The sauce that comes on the side was the only thing that made this edible. The server I had was also not great or attentive at all. Not sure if I will return. Sad!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

I recently dined at this restaurant and tried the Kitfo and Awase Tibs. The food was incredibly authentic, and the portions were generous, especially for the price. The place itself is clean and well-maintained, which added to the experience.
However, the service was disappointing. Despite the quality of the food, the staff seemed inattentive and slow, which took away from an otherwise great meal. If the service improves, this place could easily become a go-to spot for Ethiopian cuisine."

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Extra Ethiopian Injera, Awaze TIBS

Inviting place with good atmosphere if you're ok with the smell of the incense they burn. Food was excellent. Service was just ok due to some language barriers. Would recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Chekena TIBS

I like the resourtant when dine inside. That's why I ordered online and this happened 2nd time. I ordered Geba wata first, it had a lot of water inside taste was so bad. I give exception maybe be they give some one else food. I doesn't look geba wota even and same thing happened again. My friend also had same experience when ordered online.
So what do you guys think. Why guys cook not good food for online orders? I review it because you guys need solve this problem. It will teach you.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Went for lunch today and we were served by Saron. Both food (Veggie combo and Goden tibs) and service were great. Thank you!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5