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the food was good though for 4 people the 4 person sampler plate was not really enough food. the place was empty and we got one of the cooler tables upstairs but we kept getting water and they kept pouring it in our glasses from a water bottle. we thought this was odd - but figured it was something wrong with their water. turns out they charged us for each bottle. then as we were leaving we noticed someone getting water from a 'regular' water jug. make sure to ask for that. otherwise a nice unique experience.

We went with a friend from DC who dines here quite often. We had never had Ethiopian and were excited to try it. We were not disappointed! We were a large party and did the dinner for 4. We enjoyed getting to sample some of everything and it was very cost effective. Service was slow, but we were too busy visiting to notice. Make sure you sit upstairs in the traditional way.

i think this is the best ethiopian food in dc. others brought me to u street but i thought it didn't even compare. the kay watt and alitcha watt are fabulous. the portions are great sized. the only thing i don't like is the main floor seating. the chairs used at the traditional low tables make it uncomfortable to eat. the chairs should all be low, like the ones upstairs.

I love the vegetarian dishes in this resturant the best. I have gone to Ethiopian resturants in different cities and still find Maskerem outstanding. I love that you can sit upstairs almost on the floor and although others have complained about the service on the 10 - 12 times I was there in the last two years, I don't think I was neglected (I have been there for dinner and lunch). I always take friends & Family there. I would recommend it to anyone who loves Ethiopian food.

I know, I know--Adams Morgan isn't any longer the place to go for Ethiopian food in DC, but I had fond memories and was in the neighborhood anyway, hungry, and thought I'd give it a try. How bad could it be, right? Contrary to the other reviewers, I found the service to be attentive and friendly, but the food was subpar by any standard, relative or absolute. The appetizer samassas were so greasy as to be virtually inedible, and the beef filling had the texture and flavor of hamburger spiced with cheap taco mix. The "house special tibs" were large hunks of beef, haphazardly cut, with mushy slices of onion in a tasteless sauce. Injara bread was soft, tasty, and copious, but the side order had the flavor and consistency of leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes--diced with chunks of lukewarm "hot" peppers someone was too lazy to chop up properly. The whole meal and preparation had the feel of someone going through the motions. On top of all this, I had the entertainment of watching a beetle make his way down the wall toward my plate, only to dive into the leftovers just as the check arrived and I made my escape. Interior is depressing--faded tablecloths and worn carpet as old as the "Best of DC" signs in the windows from the 1990's. Should have known better and hopped into a cab to 9th street. Place is running on life support.

Simply amazing! I had the chickpeas and the lentils and it was great. The service was efficient.

This is my second time going to Meskerem. The first time was on a Saturday night and we all know how a Saturday night in Adams Morgan can be.....so I gave the waitress the benefit of the doubt when it took her 20 minutes to bring me a glass of the signature honey wine. The second time I went on a Thursday afternoon (around 3) (so what played hookie from work) but the service was still bad. This time my waitress took 15 minutes to bring my honey wine and another 15 minutes for my entree. Did I mention that within those 30 minutes my water wasn't refilled once and my service never asked me how the food was....you know all the normal stuff that happens in a restaurant. Despite this I still gave a 20% tip but I wrote my complaints on the bill. All in all I will never go there again!!