The DC “DCocktail” Series highlights the food, ambiance, and most especially the cocktails at restaurants in and around the District of Columbia.  We find out how the restaurant uses its menu to make a mark on the nation’s capital.  

Here at Will Drink For Travel, we strive to keep our readers up to date on eateries and bars offering worthwhile experiences. So I was looking forward to sampling the revamped menu at Etete (1942 9th Street NW 20001) in the heart of U Street.

The restaurant has been a mainstay on the 9th & U street strip for as long as I’ve been in the area (10 years). I even made a stop there during my food tour with Carpe DC Food Tours a while ago. As an Ethiopian food fanatic, I can attest to the fact that Etete does not disappoint.

Chef Christopher Roberson has kept true to the restaurant namesake’s traditional spices and flavors with the addition of his small plates. With influences from across the globe, he provides options for patrons with varying pallets. His injera tacos were definitely the stand out for me, packing all of the Ethiopian flavors I adore into a colorful taco filled with berebere chicken, pickled peppers, greens and ayib farmers cheese.

For those a little undecided about injera, a spongy flatbread made of teff flour, they also provide crispy lentil rolls, sweet chili wings, and fish & chips. Etete wows patrons with a crispy whole fish that looks too good to eat and a prawn gumbo, which you will most likely can’t find in any other Ethiopian establishment.

Along with the amazing food are the creative cocktails. The Fire & Spice was a standout with the chili gin and cayenne guaranteed to give you the energy to fill your belly. If the food and drinks don’t inspire you, the décor alone will encourage you to become a happy hour regular, and is open for private events.

If you check out this D.C. mainstay, be sure to tell them we sent you! For more information on Etete, visit Eteterestaurant.com.

- Nyasha Chikowore