Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant

I came here for dinner on a Friday night and had a good experience! It wasn't too crowded and we were easily able to get a table for two. We got one of the combination platter I think it was 27 and it was a good way to try a variety of the food and it was plenty for 2 people! They also have a good variety of drinks. Everything tasted pretty good, it's a good option if you're looking for Ethiopian food in the area.

Almost everything about the food is amazing, ranging from taste to portion to variety. My friend and I went to Shenandoah National Park during the day for some pretty intense hiking so we went into Dukem hungry for food. I had never been there prior to such, so I could not relate to anything mentioned in some other reviews in which people had mentioned how the portions had gotten smaller either due to inflation or change of management, but there was definitely enough food for the two of us. We got one of the combination platters, and some samosas. There was so much meat and veggies that we had to use extra injera for such. The only reason I am giving the place a 4 instead of a 5 star is due to the cleanliness. Some people mentioned flies, and I experienced such as well. Our table was also very sticky and required some additional cleaning prior to us being able to dine. When my friend and I went there, there was nobody else, maybe because it was early dinner time, so once again, I cannot relate too much with the service complaints. I have been to a couple of Ethiopian restaurants around the area, and I will recommend Dukem because it is one of those "hole in the wall" places where you can rely on for good food despite potential problems elsewhere. It doesn't look as fancy, but it has quite a bit of cultural presentation and representation, and that always matters more.

This place is a DC treasure! Located on U street in the unofficial little Ethiopia. I enjoyed the juicy lamb tibs with a small tomato salad. It’s was so flavorful! I hadn’t eaten here before though I had intended too several times. After hearing the owner passed away, it gave me more reason to enjoy a meal and pay my respects.Recommended dishesDukem Special Lamb TIBS, Injera

Food is always amazing here. Great selection of food as well as drinks. Got to try Ethiopian honey wine for the first time! Service was quick and it’s a great location, take a little walk on U St afterwards. Super reasonable prices as well. Highly recommend.

This Ethiopian restaurant was worth the travel from Miami. I tried the vegetarian combo platter, and it was absolutely sensational. I devoured the whole thing, and everything was delicious and spiced, perfectly portioned, and wonderfully presented. The staff is super friendly, and the food is outstanding. This is a family owned restaurant with lots of family values. You will not regret coming to this amazing spot.

I have been a loyal customer of Dukem for the last decade. Dukem was the first Ethiopian restaurant I visited when I lived to DC over a decade ago - and till date the only one I patronize. Friends, colleagues, visiting relatives - we bring everyone to Dukem. For the first time - Service was atrocious! Beyond reprehensible. My brother and I walked in and the waitress ignored us for 10-15 minutes while all the Caucasian customers were served until I requested a menu. 1 -We ordered a beer, a tea and a vegetarian platter. My brother got his beer but my tea never came - 15 minutes later and after asking 2x - I was informed that they were out of tea. Would have been nice to know so that I could have ordered another beverage. 2- I asked for a side plate and some cutlery with my food. The waitress said she would bring it but didn’t - I asked again and then a third time. By this time we were 70% done with our food. The fourth time I walked up to the bar and asked again - she finally brought it out begrudgingly. All this while the other Caucasian tables around us were being served and asked if they needed anything / we were ignored. 3- finally after waiting for another 20 minutes, we paid the bill at the counter - only for the hostess who had been extremely rude until then to charge a mandatory 18% service charge . I’m not sure if this is a rule but their service did not warrant 18% and it was not communicated ahead of time. At this time we didn’t want to waste any more time there and we left with a very bitter taste from the whole situation It’s a shame - because the food was exceptional as always . I never experienced such blatant disregard and such terrible racial profiling at an establishment. It’s a shame it was at DUKEM

The food is good and the staff was helpful in making selections. There are about three large screen TVs...so if you don't mind that with the noise then go enjoy. The only concern I had was the restroom was not clean at all.

Disappointed! I've been coming to dukem for about 20 years and I understand inflation but they are giving half the amount of food for the same price. I even brought extra lentils but we were still too short of food. BTW I ordered 2 number 31 with no fish. We are vegan and love tasty plant based meals.Food still taste the same but I feel cheated. I will look for another althentic Ethiopian restaurant. They are remodeling so I guess they need the extra money! Not cool for loyal customers!!!

I used to come Dukem frequently a couple of years ago. Food and service was amazing with a clean facility. I actually went today place had changed to the worst. Food is exceptionally bad and service mediocre at best. There were several flies around our table the entire meal.

It's meeh..much better in the area! Their side portion sides are small too. It's literally one spoonful of the cabbage side dish which is ridiculous. I believe they have a sewage problem because the ladies bathroom always has a stench. Omg, and someone mentioned the flies. Yes, I'm always swatting fruit flies in there but I chalked it up to just being a part of nature. But yes, always flying around. I only go to this place because it's convenient to my job but it's definitely not a fav. I probably won't go back