Dallas

Courtesy of Polacon

Events

As society creeps ever closer to virtual reality, digital-first doctrines, and artificially intelligent technology, it’s nice to go back to analog.

An Instant Film Fest Returns to DFW for a Weekend of Walks, Photography, and Local Music

Boston

Two Days Away

Thrillist shares itineraries to some of the best towns and small cities across the United States. Everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend away.

Two Days Away: Small Town Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

flickr/Jasperdo

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

A magical part about road trips is stumbling upon a small town that delights with unexpected surprises.

Stumbling Upon This New Hampshire Small Town Can Easily Become a Multiple-Day Detour

New York

lev radin/Shutterstock

Lifestyle

Get Your Steps in While Seeing Seeing the Empire State Building in a Whole New Way

Nation

Location Scout

Transport yourself to the real-life locations of some of the most iconic TV show and movie titles in Hollywood history with Thrillist’s Location Scout.

Location Scout: Where Famous TV Shows & Movies Were Filmed

Design by Maitane Romagosa for Thrillist

Ask any woman who acquired her first bra in the early 2000s, and she’ll agree: The Lizzie McGuire Movie is a perfect film.

The 2000s Teen Rom-Coms That Introduced a Generation to International Travel

New Orleans

Photo courtesy of National Fried Chicken Festival

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Is there any dish quite as unifying as fried chicken?

An Epic Celebration of Fried Chicken Is Coming to New Orleans This Week

Las Vegas

Photo by Anthony Mair, courtesy of Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar

Drink

The Best Sports Bars in Las Vegas for Watching the Big Game

Nashville

Nashville Paddle Co.

There’s no doubt that Nashville is a party city.

No Booze, No Problem: A Sober Guide to Having Fun in Nashville

Houston

Austin

Fall Foliage

From road trips to local guides, here's everything you need to enjoy the great autumn outdoors and see the most beautiful fall foliage in your part of the country (plus the best times to see it).

Fall Foliage in the US: Autumnal Guide to the Outdoors

Tim Speer

Autumn is an important milestone in Texas, reminding residents that summer cannot, technically, last forever.

Throw On the Performance Fleece and Go See the Best Fall Foliage in Texas

RBB/Moment/Getty Images

When 40-year-old Illinois resident Rita McNeely and her husband Chris travel, they always purchase a chess set.

How Souvenirs Became Irresistible to Travelers

Kar-Tr/iStock/Getty Images

Hiding in plain sight behind the mainstream vacation scene, a small community of extreme travelers are embroiled in a never-ending, worldwide competition.

For Competitive Travelers, the World Is a Life-Sized Game of Risk

Denver

Reasons to Drive

Visit these small and growing cities across the country just hours from major local markets. You may be surprised to find the best restaurants, hikes, beaches, and more are found here.

Reasons to Drive: Travel Guides to Local Cities in the U.S.

Courtesy of The Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival

September is a magical time of year in Colorado—not just for the cool tinge in the air and the yellowing of leaves, but because it marks the return of the annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival.

The Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Fest Is Back with Hot Air Balloons and Chihuahua Parades

Thrillist Weekend Guides

Thrillist's guide to everything you can do this weekend and this month—from hot new restaurants to art exhibits to outdoor activities.

Thrillist Weekend Guides: Everything Happening This Weekend and This Month

Photo credit: Joanna Lin, photo courtesy of The Irish Exit

Has the United Nations General Assembly traffic snarls got you down?

A Viral Croissant Spot and Famous Irish Pub Are Opening New Bars in NYC This Weekend

Yeshi Kitfo የሺ ክትፎ

United States

Yshe Kitfo

“We jokingly refer to DC as the 13th state of Ethiopia.”

Washington DC

Beteseb Restaurant

As the nation’s capital, it’s fitting that Washington DC is home to a plethora of immigrant communities. The largest of all is the Ethiopian population, which started to relocate to DC in the 1960s as refugees, attracted to the proximity of universities and the Ethipioan Embassy, and the fact that the District was a majority Black city. Huge concentrations of Ethiopians started to settle in the Adams Morgan neighborhood and, eventually, into Shaw and U Street.&nbsp; 
 
That area is known to locals as Little Ethiopia, where you’ll find many restaurants and markets even as the area transforms and gentrifies. Now, the DC metro area contains the largest population of Ethiopians outside their home country. You can also find communities present in pockets like Silver Spring, Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia.&nbsp; 
 
“We jokingly refer to DC as the 13th state of Ethiopia. It truly feels like home away from home,” says Meseret Bekele, co-owner of the popular <a href="https://www.ethiopicrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Ethiopic Restaurant</a>. When it opened in 2010, it was one of the first dine-in restaurants to set up shop on the H Street strip. “As a restaurant owner, we are super grateful that we could use all the resources we had from our family and the community. Plus, there is the familiarity and comfort&nbsp;along with ingredients and manpower that already understand it.” 
 
The restaurant’s food is what most people associate with Ethiopian cuisine: spicy chicken doro wat (the country’s national dish!), a colorful platter of assorted vegetables and lentils, beef tibs, and the creamy comforting shiro—a stew made with chickpeas or split lentils served in a traditional clay pot. 
 
Reverence for tradition has typically been one of the hallmarks of Ethiopian restaurants, since they are catering to a community that is used to authentic ingredients and serving methods. But Chef Elias Taddesse is trying to change that. Born in Ethiopia and trained in France, Taddesse’s new restaurant <a href="https://www.melangedc.com/" target="_blank">Mélange</a> is inspired by his heritage and classic French techniques. The full-service restaurant is currently being built out but, for now, Mélange offers burgers and sandwiches with an Ethiopian bent.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
“I want to tell the story of the full world that I come from—authentic and true Ethiopian flavors,” says Taddesse, who has earned a Michelen star. “But I am using techniques that I learned in my training and experiences working in high-end kitchens.” 
 
Think creations like the doro wat chicken sandwich made with spicy doro wat-style fried chicken, kebe aioli, turmeric slaw and an egg, all of which are core components of the traditional dish. His dishes are not just an interpretation of Ethiopian classics, but a true recreation of them. A typical vegan dish is showcased as The Beyaynetu, a beet lentil patty with swiss chard confit, spicy misir spread, and a tomato salad. 
 
“It’s not what you are used to, but because it is authentic and true to the flavors, people are positively receptive to it,” he says. “I’m not diluting any of the flavors or spices.” 
 
We asked locals like Taddesse and Bekele to help us curate a list of places to get Ethiopian food in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Whether you want a traditional Ethiopian meal or a creative spin on it, to stop into a mom-and-pop family restaurant or try a more chef-driven spot, you’ll find the whole gamut in the DMV.

As the nation’s capital, it’s fitting that Washington DC is home to a plethora of immigrant communities. The largest of all is the Ethiopian population, which started to relocate to DC in the 1960s as refugees, attracted to the proximity of universities and the Ethipioan Embassy, and the fact that the District was a majority Black city. Huge concentrations of Ethiopians started to settle in the Adams Morgan neighborhood and, eventually, into Shaw and U Street.&nbsp;

That area is known to locals as Little Ethiopia, where you’ll find many restaurants and markets even as the area transforms and gentrifies. Now, the DC metro area contains the largest population of Ethiopians outside their home country. You can also find communities present in pockets like Silver Spring, Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia.&nbsp;

“We jokingly refer to DC as the 13th state of Ethiopia. It truly feels like home away from home,” says Meseret Bekele, co-owner of the popular <a href="https://www.ethiopicrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Ethiopic Restaurant</a>. When it opened in 2010, it was one of the first dine-in restaurants to set up shop on the H Street strip. “As a restaurant owner, we are super grateful that we could use all the resources we had from our family and the community. Plus, there is the familiarity and comfort&nbsp;along with ingredients and manpower that already understand it.”

The restaurant’s food is what most people associate with Ethiopian cuisine: spicy chicken doro wat (the country’s national dish!), a colorful platter of assorted vegetables and lentils, beef tibs, and the creamy comforting shiro—a stew made with chickpeas or split lentils served in a traditional clay pot.

Reverence for tradition has typically been one of the hallmarks of Ethiopian restaurants, since they are catering to a community that is used to authentic ingredients and serving methods. But Chef Elias Taddesse is trying to change that. Born in Ethiopia and trained in France, Taddesse’s new restaurant <a href="https://www.melangedc.com/" target="_blank">Mélange</a> is inspired by his heritage and classic French techniques. The full-service restaurant is currently being built out but, for now, Mélange offers burgers and sandwiches with an Ethiopian bent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I want to tell the story of the full world that I come from—authentic and true Ethiopian flavors,” says Taddesse, who has earned a Michelen star. “But I am using techniques that I learned in my training and experiences working in high-end kitchens.”

Think creations like the doro wat chicken sandwich made with spicy doro wat-style fried chicken, kebe aioli, turmeric slaw and an egg, all of which are core components of the traditional dish. His dishes are not just an interpretation of Ethiopian classics, but a true recreation of them. A typical vegan dish is showcased as The Beyaynetu, a beet lentil patty with swiss chard confit, spicy misir spread, and a tomato salad.

“It’s not what you are used to, but because it is authentic and true to the flavors, people are positively receptive to it,” he says. “I’m not diluting any of the flavors or spices.”

We asked locals like Taddesse and Bekele to help us curate a list of places to get Ethiopian food in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Whether you want a traditional Ethiopian meal or a creative spin on it, to stop into a mom-and-pop family restaurant or try a more chef-driven spot, you’ll find the whole gamut in the DMV.

As the nation’s capital, it’s fitting that Washington DC is home to a plethora of immigrant communities. The largest of all is the Ethiopian population, which started to relocate to DC in the 1960s as refugees, attracted to the proximity of universities and the Ethipioan Embassy, and the fact that the District was a majority Black city. Huge concentrations of Ethiopians started to settle in the Adams Morgan neighborhood and, eventually, into Shaw and U Street.&nbsp;That area is known to locals as Little Ethiopia, where you’ll find many restaurants and markets even as the area transforms and gentrifies. Now, the DC metro area contains the largest population of Ethiopians outside their home country. You can also find communities present in pockets like Silver Spring, Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia.&nbsp;“We jokingly refer to DC as the 13th state of Ethiopia. It truly feels like home away from home,” says Meseret Bekele, co-owner of the popular <a href="https://www.ethiopicrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Ethiopic Restaurant</a>. When it opened in 2010, it was one of the first dine-in restaurants to set up shop on the H Street strip. “As a restaurant owner, we are super grateful that we could use all the resources we had from our family and the community. Plus, there is the familiarity and comfort&nbsp;along with ingredients and manpower that already understand it.”The restaurant’s food is what most people associate with Ethiopian cuisine: spicy chicken doro wat (the country’s national dish!), a colorful platter of assorted vegetables and lentils, beef tibs, and the creamy comforting shiro—a stew made with chickpeas or split lentils served in a traditional clay pot.Reverence for tradition has typically been one of the hallmarks of Ethiopian restaurants, since they are catering to a community that is used to authentic ingredients and serving methods. But Chef Elias Taddesse is trying to change that. Born in Ethiopia and trained in France, Taddesse’s new restaurant <a href="https://www.melangedc.com/" target="_blank">Mélange</a> is inspired by his heritage and classic French techniques. The full-service restaurant is currently being built out but, for now, Mélange offers burgers and sandwiches with an Ethiopian bent.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I want to tell the story of the full world that I come from—authentic and true Ethiopian flavors,” says Taddesse, who has earned a Michelen star. “But I am using techniques that I learned in my training and experiences working in high-end kitchens.”Think creations like the doro wat chicken sandwich made with spicy doro wat-style fried chicken, kebe aioli, turmeric slaw and an egg, all of which are core components of the traditional dish. His dishes are not just an interpretation of Ethiopian classics, but a true recreation of them. A typical vegan dish is showcased as The Beyaynetu, a beet lentil patty with swiss chard confit, spicy misir spread, and a tomato salad.“It’s not what you are used to, but because it is authentic and true to the flavors, people are positively receptive to it,” he says. “I’m not diluting any of the flavors or spices.”We asked locals like Taddesse and Bekele to help us curate a list of places to get Ethiopian food in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Whether you want a traditional Ethiopian meal or a creative spin on it, to stop into a mom-and-pop family restaurant or try a more chef-driven spot, you’ll find the whole gamut in the DMV.

Here you’ll find trend setting dishes such as a doro wat chicken sandwich and a kikil-style French dip with roasted rib eye and senafich (Ethiopian mustard) cream. Ethiopian tea can be enjoyed as dessert since black tea and spice-infused milk make up the “shahi” ice cream. A full service restaurant coming in 2021 will showcase Chef Taddesse’s signature cooking style blending classic French cuisine with modern Ethiopian flavors.

Photo Courtesy of Edens

Mélange

Open since 2010, Ethiopic continues to be a crowd favorite for its comforting bowls of piping hot shiro, spicy beef tibs, fried fish, and a delectable vegetable platter. Its signature doro wat—the chicken dish that sits in a thick sauce spiced with berbere, garlic, and cardamom—is a beautifully flavored dish that is perfect to scoop up with the spongy injera.

Ethiopic Restaurant

Ethiopic

Owned by two siblings with more than 20 years of experience, Family Ethiopian is just as its name suggests—food inspired by their family’s recipes served with a heaping of friendly service. The menu features Ethiopian standards including split pea based shiro, chili spiked awaze beef, and a slow-cooked chicken doro wat.

Family Ethiopian Resturant

Family Ethiopian Restaurant

This relative newcomer has quickly made a name for itself by serving homestyle Ethiopian dishes with fantastic flavors. Injera is made fresh daily, a vegetarian platter comes with six dishes to sample, and meat eaters can enjoy the lamb or beef.

Tsehay Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar

This restaurant and market is open all day from breakfast through dinner and late into the night. Breakfast features “foul,” aka mashed and cooked broad beans with tomatoes, jalapeños, and olive oil, and lunch and dinner showcases a variety of beef and lamb dishes, and a slew of vegetarian dishes. Mix and match combinations are a draw.

Habesha Market & Carryout

Habesha

The restaurant earned a Bib Gourmand nod in the Michelin guide, but was popular with those in the know way before that. Set in an unassuming row house in Shaw, the restaurant’s short ribs and kitfo are terrific. The deluxe vegetarian combo is the way to go here. Nearly a dozen vegetarian items are served on an injera platter, which is more than enough food for four people, and the flavors and spices are totally spot on.

Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart

CherCher

Meaza Zemedu’s restaurant, cafe, and gourmet grocery store has been around since 2000, starting as just a store with home baked injera and spices. The restaurant is extremely popular with expats for its traditional food and coffee service, but also as a gathering space for the community.

Meaza Restaurant

Meaza Restaurant & Market

Eating raw meat is extremely popular in Ethiopia, and many local restaurants feature a tartare version called kitfo aka minced meat that is spiked with spices and butter. At Yeshi kitfo, the raw dishes are the draw—ranging from the specialty namesake dish that has the raw beef mixed with cottage cheese, herbed butter and cardamom to the gored gored aka beef chunks mixed with a spicy awaze sauce, onions, and jalapeños. Both dishes are recommended raw, but can be served cooked to medium if you prefer.

A beloved DC institution, the family-owned Zenebech is a local favorite. The Mahberawi platter, which comes with four vegetarian dishes and four meat dishes is an excellent way to try the variety, but they also have an extensive selection of “tibs,” which combined with a vegetarian platter will easily serve as a meal for two.

Photo Courtesy of Zenebech

Zenebech

One of the many Ethiopian spots in Silver Spring, Beteseb ranks high on flavor and spice. The homemade injera here is perfectly spongy, and dishes range from the standard vegetarian items to lamb, beef, and chicken items. The Gomen Besiga contains collard greens cooked with beef, herbs, and butter and is one of the more unique and delicious items found here.

Photo Courtesy of Beteseb

Beteseb

As a native to Detroit with roots in both Ethiopia and Mississippi, Paulos Belay brought his colorful upbringing to Motown Square Pizza. The spot currently operates as a pop-up at <a href="https://messhalldc.com/" target="_blank">Mess Hall</a> and has quickly gained a lot of fans, despite opening during the pandemic. The “tibs” pizza is true to Detroit style with the requisite Wisconsin brick cheese, but adds Ethiopian flavors via chunks of beef, jalapeños, onions, and traditional herbs.

Motown Square Pizza

Mess Hall

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/aparna-krishnamoorthy" target="_blank">Aparna Krishnamoorthy</a> is a freelance food and travel writer based in Washington DC. You can generally find her obsessing over the next meal or planning the next getaway. Always willing to eat biryani, pizza, fried chicken, and chocolate cake. Follow her on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/hungrytravelist/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hungrytravelist" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for more dining and wanderlust adventures.

Black History Month

Thrillist is celebrating Black History Month in February with a collection of profiles and features on Black-owned businesses, as well as guides to neighborhoods around the country curated by locals.

Thrillist Celebrates Black History Month With a Spotlight on Black-Owned Businesses

Washington Dc

Restaurant

Chefs Share Their Favorite Ethiopian Restaurants in DC

Best Ethiopian Restaurants in DC: Chefs Share Their Favorite Spots

As the nation’s capital, it’s fitting that Washington DC is home to a plethora of immigrant communities.

Yshe Kitfo

Featured In

Chefs Share Their Favorite Ethiopian Restaurants in DC

More From Thrillist

An Instant Film Fest Returns to DFW for a Weekend of Walks, Photography, and Local Music

A historic tour through Dallas, a trip to the State Fair of Texas, local music in Denton, and more at the eighth annual Polacon.

Stumbling Upon This New Hampshire Small Town Can Easily Become a Multiple-Day Detour

From funky art and the White Mountains to the world’s longest candy counter, fun things to do in Littleton, New Hampshire.

Get Your Steps in While Seeing Seeing the Empire State Building in a Whole New Way

An 86 floor workout? No sweat.

The 2000s Teen Rom-Coms That Introduced a Generation to International Travel

In other words, 'The Lizzie McGuire Movie' is the Roman Empire for girls.

An Epic Celebration of Fried Chicken Is Coming to New Orleans This Week

More than 50 local restaurants, performances by Big Freedia and other iconic artists, and more.

The Best Sports Bars in Las Vegas for Watching the Big Game

Where to eat, drink, and cheer on the Knights, Raiders, and Aces in Las Vegas.

No Booze, No Problem: A Sober Guide to Having Fun in Nashville

Make the most of Music City—no booze required.

Throw On the Performance Fleece and Go See the Best Fall Foliage in Texas

All the leaves are brown—or red, or gold.

How Souvenirs Became Irresistible to Travelers

From key chains to chess sets, seeking out travel mementos is a shared human experience.

For Competitive Travelers, the World Is a Life-Sized Game of Risk

Apps like NomadMania and Most Traveled People (MTP) are turning globetrotting into an extreme sport.

The Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Fest Is Back with Hot Air Balloons and Chihuahua Parades

Spice life up a little.

A Viral Croissant Spot and Famous Irish Pub Are Opening New Bars in NYC This Weekend

Plus, lots more fun things to do in NYC this weekend.