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    Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar

    3.3 (28 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Order Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar Takeout or Delivery

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    ELSI ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT AND BAR ATMOSPHERE

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    Delicious veggie, very flavorful and fresh
    Louisa A.

    Great food it was fresh, flavorful and tasty. The music and decor added to the experience, and all the tables were filled!

    This place is running a cutthroat business. My friend and I went for dinner around 7:30 PM. There was a guy playing the piano loudly, making it hard to enjoy our conversation. We chose to sit near the VIP area to try to escape the noise and enjoy our dinner peacefully. We ordered Golden Tibs, one Tej, and one Blue Moon draft. When the bill arrived, it was $68. I asked the waitress why a glass of Tej was $14, and she told us it was because there was a "band" playing. First of all, it was just one guy playing the piano--not a band--and second, we didn't come there for live music. We came to eat. This was supposed to be happy hour--a time when people can come after work to relax, eat, and drink at reasonable prices. But they are doing the opposite by adding hidden fees and charging customers for entertainment they didn't ask for. Charging people without clear notice is dishonest. This is a cutthroat business that takes advantage of customers. I do not recommend this place to anyone looking for fair service and transparency.

    Veggie combo, Awaze Tibs, raw beef

    The staff was amazing. The food was amazing. The cover was so fresh. The ambiance was awesome. We will be back.

    Dining room
    Jerry S.

    There's a new Ethiopian restaurant a bit further out, for those who don't care to deal with downtown silver spring. The space is L shaped, cozy, and brightly lit. The bar runs down the left side. What I must assume is E-pop music is playing at a moderate level. A stage in the front promises live music to come. For those who are not familiar with Ethiopian dining, one eats with one's hands. The additional sinks outside the gender neutral restrooms are a thoughtful addition. The food is served with injera, a flat bread made from the ancient grain teff, which is gluten-free. Fermentation gives it a lacy texture and a bit of tang. You tear off a piece, pinch a bite of food, and pop it into your mouth. I ordered the classic kitfo, finely minced beef with complex spices and just a tickle of heat. A hot sauce is on the side for those wanting more Scovilles. Very tasty, on point recipe, cordial service. I am looking forward to the grand opening on September 7th. Four ****.

    Shiru, Keywot, salad and collard greens! Yum

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    3 years ago

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    Elsi R.

    Thanks very much for the positive comment and support!

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    2 years ago

    Delicious food, good customer service...amazing atmosphere fair price...Keep it up the Good job

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    Ask the Community - Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar

    Review Highlights - Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar

    My personal favorite orders are Awaze Tibs, kitfo, and Fish Gulash.

    $25.99 Awaze Tibs

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    I'm never on this end of Silver Spring... but a friend who performs video game jazz (yes) had a…read moreperformance here. It has a very nice outdoor area, and an indoor area with a long row of high tables and a long bar. I sat at the bar for the best view, and they ID'd me the second I sat down... it's been a while outside of a security person lol. Anyways, I decided to try the samosas and their potstickers...both were lovely appetizers. I could've gotten even more, but I didn't need all that. I've been hearing things about their sandwiches... perhaps I'll try one next time! The place reminded me of Big Daddy's in the sense that it was connected to a beer & wine shop. They have quite the variety of things, and there's a takeout spot in the back of it -- in fact, all the food seems to come from back there. It wasn't on the menu I was looking at, but they definitely have pizza. I'm going to have to try that next time I go. The vibe of the spot was really nice... but then again, it might've been the music. They do trivia, and they might do karaoke? Who knows. But either way, I'll be back!

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    5 stars for an awesome local "pub experience"- and to get this full experience I recommend coming…read moreon a weekend night for karaoke. No matter what you're expecting it to look like- you'll find a surprise in this bar. You need to come here for the experience. This is not a craft cocktail bar, not a fine dining restaurant. This is a place of comradery, drinking and playing pool. My parents are right down the road from this spot and I started coming here with my dad so we could play some pool. Not only did the regulars and staff accept us- but welcomed and embraced us. We also had some pool pros help teach us how to play better! -APA pool league -lots of parking in the shopping center lot -they have great, cheap drink deals for happy hour and certain holidays. -karaoke several times a week- Mike the DJ is a very warm person with an amazing voice. He always makes sure karaoke is fun and everyone gets to sing. They have some amazing singers. -Cici and Juliet are great bartenders. -friendly locals (it may appear that people are cliquey but once you talk to them everyone is so nice & welcoming) -Hammy really loves cooking and puts a lot of thought into what he puts out -try the old bay honey wings (we like them extra crispy)

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    Myste Lounge - Hookah and delish white wine

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    4.4(27 reviews)
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    TINY is one word that comes to my mind when I think of this place. SUPER TINY. It's newly renovated…read moreand has reopened. The website and advertisements say it's a hookah and cigar lounge. That's the main reason we decided to go. The two other people I was with smoke cigars. I don't do neither one (hookah or cigars) but was willing to check it out with them. The owner was super nice and answered all of our questions. So, I would say the service was fine. However, he quickly explained how it was not a cigar lounge because the furniture would not be able to withstand the cigar smell, only the hookah one. There were approximately 10 people in the lounge, which made it "crowded". One thing I noticed was the decor. Nice furnishings and absolutely STUNNING photographs hanging on the wall. It gave a sultry vibe. They don't serve real food there, just bites. However, we didn't really inquire or stay longer than 5 minutes to eat. We had eaten at another location. Overall, if you're into hookah and a lot of smoke everywhere (in a SUPER TINY) local spot, this is your place. I don't see myself returning. There's nothing there for me.

    I visited Myste for a private event, and while the space itself is very aesthetically pleasing, the…read moreoverall experience was disappointing, mainly due to the food and service. The lounge is on the smaller side, which actually worked well for the event and gave it an intimate vibe. The owner was also very nice and welcoming, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, that's where the positives ended. The menu is extremely limited, and you pretty much have to piece together a meal from a few items. I ordered the jollof rice and six-piece chicken wings. The wings were overpriced, overcooked, and had no flavor at all. The only options were sauces on the side (honey, ranch, or blue cheese), and when I specifically asked for honey drizzled on top with blue cheese on the side, that request wasn't followed. Even more frustrating, our server never came back to check on us or make sure everything was okay. The jollof rice was honestly the worst part. Instead of that rich, smoky flavor you'd expect, it tasted burnt with a harsh charcoal aftertaste. I've had jollof rice many times before, and this was nowhere close. I ended up sending it back. Because I was hungry, I forced myself to eat the wings, even though they were dry and lacked flavor. Overall, Myste Lounge has a nice look and potential, but the food and service really need improvement. A revamped menu and better attention to guests would make a huge difference.

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    Small bites menu

    Myste Lounge - Prosecco

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    M Blue Bar & Lounge

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    2.9(12 reviews)
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    I spent a few evenings in this place, mostly out of necessity. It's located in the Greenbelt…read moreMarriott and as I was without a car, there weren't many other options. Luckily, it more than fit the bill. The atmosphere is definitely more like any other bar you'd go to rather than a hotel bar. A good L-shaped bar with plenty of seats, lots of tables of varying size and height. And plenty of TVs with a variety of games (in this case, college basketball, hockey, NBA). The food menu I believe had just been redone and was imaginative. The Cuban sandwich was a hit (outstanding bread, good size, plenty of meat, I could only eat half), as was the crab cake balls appetizer (worthy of the Maryland crab expectation). Seeing the other food that came out, nobody seemed disappointed. The portions per price wasn't the best, but it certainly was palatable (no pun intended). I might have wanted a few more evenings to sample the fare. The diversity of drinks was a plus, and a minus. They had a number of local bottles and taps, but seemed to be out of a few of them (or they were doing the "dreaded" keg change that rendered them foamy). Seems like a little bit better management here might help (it could very well be I just caught them on a few bad nights). Bartenders were very attentive and the service was quick. Most of the patrons were travelers, many by themselves so there were a lot making conversation for those who were solo. Would I make a special trip to this bar if I were in the area? Probably not. It would be a great place to meet friends after work and it was definitely a plus for someone like me without many travel options.

    The new menu is anazing, you have to try the crab fritters and the portobello mushroom sticksread more

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    The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille - Fake crab meat

    The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille

    2.6(178 reviews)
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    This is another Branch of Restaurants I enjoy in Montgomery County, Maryland . Its Burtonsville,…read more Maryland of the intersections of Colombia Pike and National Drive. I have walk across the street to it which is not bad. Its inside the Burtonsville shopping Center. Filled with great places to shop at. As I get to the restaurant it has a huge parking area for everyone to come too . As you enter the double glass doors you see the host area and customer service Desk where they hosts or hostess sits you down at in the dunibg areas . To the right nd left they have dining areas in the far back they have a huge barista area For serving all sorts of assorted drinks including exotic, Sodas and more. Plus tgay place has some arcade and lottery machines . This place has no wifi to charge cell Phones. The servers cime to your tables to take your orders after going through the menus . The have fantastic Fods here . Starters, Appetizers , Sandwiches subs and more . They been have 25 HUGHE WIDE SCREEN TVS ON THE WALLS AND HAMGING ftom rhe ceiling area to watch sports of all kinds yoy cant sse at home . They host thing i think like birthdays to wedding Receptions and more .But i think they should consider my offer to get a karaoke in there for kids and adults to all enjoy to boost business . Maybe have caps apparel and mugs with logos as a items ti sell remember people's timez there. This was my first return since the Covid Pandemic. It was good to be back there to write this review to help businesses there . I loved coming there before the pandemic when things were good and decent and had friendly family and community oriented atmosphere. But what happened during the Covid Pandemic it was unlawful, Inexcusable, Unjustifiable, Reprehensible, Irresponsible, Disrespectful, Wreckless, And Down Right Wrong. We all have a chance to prove we are the better men. This os our time to prove it by showing our patronage and community loyalty again to guve them the business they deserve and appreciate the staff who bust their assescthere for us all each and everyday. I used to come with my family there firnthe subs , Speghetti, And the sports ob the HGTVS . I Do appreciate the staff there . But I recently applied for positios there host and food runner , But never heard back. I wish they management there would guve me and irhers chances there to show what we can do without Judgment, Fear , And Bad Politics used against me and others. The past rule books dont wirk anymore and its time to play tukngs new outgoing friendly and more . Things have not always been grwat since the pandemic thatsvwhybthe old tile book doesn't work anymore. This place always has great hospitality and more 8ts time t show thatvine again. There was a time I lost faith in people , I was wrong . Same should the management. We are not perfect saints nine of us are . Is time to become better than tgat again . Iwant to be a team player again . I want to help build bridges there of all walks of lifebthat ckme there . He people Feel welcomed , At Home, And Make Them Feel Like Family There again as it should and must be again . This place was the best in the business and ir can be again . We have to have the strength to try. I love coming there, I hope to go back someday or have a job there . If you love this place as I do , This place is for you. We all look forward to seeing you all there very soon. My pictures will tell the story .I think the Greene Turtle should get landmark historical significance to.protect it By Law for future Generations as it should and must be again.

    Pros- Great Service, great food and good pricing. Cons-…read moreToday, none! We haven't been here in a while. Either they stepped things up or we got lucky tonight. We got seated right away, the staff was extremely friendly and attentive. Our server was Mark who we loved as hecwas personable and very attentive to our needs. Today we ordered The Buffalo Chicken Nachos which honesty is always good here, the right amount of everything and layered nicely so you do not get to the bottom and just find chips, the goodness goes all the way to the bottom and the order is more than you can eat. We also ordered The Crispy Cauliflower which was OMG good. We ordered ours with a sweet and spicy sauce on them which was perfect but you have many options to choose. It had a great crunch and flavor. Bottom line- great job today Green Turtle dudes.

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    The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille
    The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille
    The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille

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    Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar - bars - Updated May 2026

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