Outside of Art Activated events I quite literally don't understand what the issue is with this establishments security and waitress. Instead of providing relevant information or timely service they want to get angry at you for asking questions about the establishment protocols. This place not only sells dinner/brunch/lunch but also runs parties throughout the timeframe some through promoters and some without. None of these events have any adequate direction and when you ask ... as in my case SEVERAL times either the waitress gets an attitude (waitress with the red wig/tracks) or the security (with the nose ring) will tell you I don't have to tell you nothing... actually you do as your job in hospitality if I ask... ???? What type of response is that... when you question them they ask for you to be removed (as with some random habesha waitress who I informed SEVERAL times I was working w a manager who told me to stand where I was standing) instead she requested I be thrown out. No one will EVER throw me out of anywhere especially when the expectation is them doing their job. The issue is the over selling of tickets and capacity the space is NOT big enough to hold the events they'd like without the speakeasy portion open... which has NEVER been open except art activated events . Security and management have no way to vet the flow of traffic right in the font so there is an access of individual instead of clearing that they yell at ppl to Move off the steps... but my question is go where? Along in the short is the food is not the greatest although sometimes you can catch a good vibe if it is an extremely packed event I recommend that you not go as the security nor the waitress are actually very nice nor are they indoctrinated in their role as service providers and hospitality.. I would recommend going to the art activated events because those are always run in a decent manner outside of that. I'd probably avoid this place. read more

Nice venue. Staff was pretty good. Drinks are def overpriced. The food looked good. I didn't that's any but I might next time I'm there. I'd go back. read more

Well.. when we pulled up there were three guys fighting in the street. I'm not sure if they came from sost-but a little scary to walk up to-there were also police cars parked with lights flashing.. so maybe the establishments aren't safe? Anywho-my real issue was that we checked maps, Google and their website before we came, the sign was lit and said open but the door was locked. I read the hours listed on the door and they were supposed to be open until 2am (it was 11). There was a doorbell-so puzzled... I pushed it...thinking-no way this is how you get in-but thought maybe since there were people fighting they keep it locked? Then we see a guy inside (assisted to be a doorman and a server) leaning against the glass looking at us laughing while talking to a girl in front of him. We were just looking for a quick drink after work on a Wednesday night. Obviously it doesn't feel good seeing people peering out the window laughing-he could have said-we're closed it the door is over there (idk if there was another one) or given some sort of help- instead of being a jerk. Maybe because we had on work clothes? I honestly don't know-but sometimes the "want to be elite" end up shooting themselves in their own foot trying to be bourgeois. We ended up going to old ebbit (where there were actual elite young professionals) and had a great time! Ordered food and drinks and were met with warm smiles and great customer service. I did not have a good interaction with sost at all. read more

Absolutely love this establishment! SOST events are rich cultural experiences in an upscale dynamic atmosphere with prompt and warm service. The food is delicious! I am excited to go again to try more on the menu. I enjoyed a Saturday happy hour, a simple meal of fries and wings. They were so tasty! Though, I am looking forward enjoying dinner options, including trying out a dish with salmon! Beautiful music and amazing guests. Extending a suggestion to put on your best, snap some pics and enjoy an amazing evening! Don't be surprised when you meet someone new in a new space! read more

Sost - Black History Movie Series - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Keiko was great! So attentive and warm. Phenomenal customer service. Made great recommendations.

Visited SOST now twice since they opened. The first was for NYE which was definitely a vibe. Ended the night with an espresso which was so good. I went again about a month ago for drinks after a friend's birthday dinner. The bartenders were attentive and kept the line moving, DJs were good, appreciate the different music selections. The vibe of this place definitely gives off grown and sexy which is exactly what we were looking for. I would definitely recommend for a night out but nothing too crazy. Very chill. read more

10/10 experience the food was amazing but it doesn't do justice to the exceptional service that my family and I received. I was having a bad day and I don't usually write reviews but one of your servers Ahmod did a great job in making our experience worth while. I had the Sost wings and they were 10/10. I've already recommended multiple friends and family to come here when they are in DC. The food made me want to stay but the service made me want to comeback again. read more

Sost is a vibe and a great atmosphere. I wasn't able to try their food but I was able to grab a few drinks with friends. The bartenders were extremely nice and I'll definitely be back. read more

First time there and def wont be my last. I'm originally from the DMV and I'm always trying to catch a go-go. Luckily, random as it comes we walk in this spot and they have a live go-go band on a Wednesday. Good vibes good music. Our server was cool and Crazy as it is he was originally for GA. Also, Sost is an African based spot with 3 levels can't wait to go back and try their food. read more

Looooove sost. Fun nights good music great events good energy beautiful looking people

For the food, I have to give it three stars. It could be a matter of personal preference, but my expectations were high after hearing everyone rave about this new restaurant. I ordered the salmon platter, which was good but not particularly distinctive. The mashed potatoes were a bit thicker than I expected, which surprised me. My girlfriends all ordered the Suya Platter and were quite disappointed with the beef. They found it dry and lacking in flavor, although they did compliment the rice, calling it the best item on the plate. The seating arrangement was also somewhat awkward; the table was much lower than the chairs, forcing us to bend down to eat or place our plates in our laps, which I found inconvenient. On the other hand, the atmosphere was fantastic! There are several floors to choose from for socializing after dinner. I would give the ambiance five stars, though the music in the basement could have been better. However, once the drinks started flowing, it didn't matter much. Overall, I would rate it 10/10 for a night out with the girls. But for the food, I would choose another restaurant. read more

Beautiful establishment and the server was friendly! Will deff be back to try all the floors as they didn't fully open till five!!

This place is an absolute vibe. We had reservation for the vinyl room. The food was amazing the service was great. We the. Moved upstairs to the lounge and the bartenders there were awesome. All three levels serve the same cocktails. read more

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Service was good, drinks were good and food was ok.. Nice ambience and vibe....................... read more

The food was fantastic. The talent that was chosen was amazing. There was an artist doing a live painting. He was incredible. There was more of his work hanging on the walls to create an inviting ambiance. There was also a DJ and folks were able to dance and or observe the live painting. It was a great night. Also, the service was top tier. I intend to visit again with my friends. read more

I didn't know what to expect when I was invited to Sost just last night. Familiar with the street and other venues I was pleasantly surprised with the renovated, bright, and lively establishment upon entrance. The lit staircase was the first eye-catching characteristic. The multi-level layout gave me DC/U Street vibes. However, the vinyl theme, contemporary lighting, acoustics and speakeasy gave me New York City nights! And I miss that atmosphere and total package for nightlife. First, I need to give a shout to James who was my server, companion while I waited on my party, and had great suggestions for ordering. I took every suggestion to heart and was NOT disappointed. Carlos, the Sost Sommelier, helped the table decide between two honey wine selections from Negus Winery. Reservations were set. With a succinct menu, each person ordered something different. I had the Moroccan Mint cocktail and it was superb . We also ordered glasses of honey wine to pair with the spiced appetizers. They also concocted a delectable mocktail for the person participating in Dry January. I tried the Grandma's Suya and Sost Chicken Wings with the Signature Sweet Tunisian Harissa pepper sauce and they were fantastic. And cooked thoroughly. Sometimes places do not prepare the wings properly and they are not cooked thoroughly. This place got it RIGHT! The spices were perfection. I chose the Harissa Creamy Salmon entree and it came with the mashed potatoes and creamy spinach. Chef's kiss! After dinner we toured all floors: the cafe, the speakeasy, and lounge. Very sexy, chic, the playlist was phenomenal. SOST definitely fulfills what's been missing. A great place for solo night out, a date, and hanging with your crew! I was also told about R&B Wednesdays. And there is a happy hour on food and drinks during the week. read more

I've visited SOST (pronounced like roast) a few times so I've had the pleasure to experience the array of vibes the space offers. I can say each visit was exceptional because the staff is always attentive and warm, the drinks and food are creative and have always come out delicious. The cafe provides the perfect space to get some work done while enjoying soulful tunes and a delicious matcha latte. Shoutout to Rahwa for the hospitality, she is the loveliest Barista, always checking in to make sure that my drink is to my liking. The food is fun and tasty. I love their take on Suya, it so tender and perfectly spiced. The sambusas are flavorful and have the right amount heat...but the all out stunner is the burger. Not sure what they're sprinkling in that because it is DELICIOUS! If you want a vibey evening moment, go ahead and make your reservations for the Vinyl lounge. The craft cocktails are where it's at and if you're a mezcal gal like me, order the Sahara Smoke! Also, you can always ask Ian to make you something special if nothing peaks your interest from the menu...he does not disappoint. They also have great DJs spinning an eclectic array tunes for you and your company to groove to! Overall, it's a great multipurpose joint that I has something for everyone. I highly recommend you check it out. read more

We didn't try the food here, but the drinks and service were both great! The decor, and vibe was chic and modern. There are three levels with bars on each, so gives you some options! The music was also on point! Very grown and sexy! This will definitely be the spot of the summer. read more

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The food was very delicious, and the service was very good. Overall, it was a great experience with reasonable quality and value.

I only stopped in for drinks, and will definitely return for a bite! Rawa (?) had solid recommendations and was a sweetie. It's a cute spot with service to match. read more

Had dinner here last night. The restaurant was very cute and the music was great (a little too loud for a 7:30 seating), but everything else was lackluster. We tried all the appetizers and enjoyed the wings, but nothing came out hot. Everything was room temperature, even the French fries. We didn't really love anything so we decided to skip entrees and ordered both desserts. The cheesecake was basically frozen and the sweet potato funnel cake didn't taste fresh. My friend ordered a cocktail and she enjoyed that. read more

My nonprofit held an event there recently. The staffs flexibility and professionalism was impeccable. They worked with us in many ways than one. The team was lovely and very welcoming. They went above and beyond to make sure we felt comfortable. This place isnt just a cafe its a place that provides greats spaces for the community to engage and network while providing an venue for simple fun time as well. I will would give it 6 stars out of 5 ! read more

Visiting from NY for a conference. Great food and amazing service and vibe! Enon was a friendly, attentive, and warm server. I'll definitely be coming back. read more

This new swank bar is ahhmazing! I didn't try the food, but the vibes were remarkable. There's a speakeasy/coffee shop, resto- lounge area. The dj plays a music set for the mature crowd that I love. The host was very accomadating to my party/reservations as well. Jada was our server and she SERVED honey! The staff looks amazing be the way. Great facility, can't wait to come back! read more

Arrived around 11:15 AFTER CALLING to confirm the kitchen was OPEN and they were still dinning. After 20 mins of trying to find parking I get there the host is standing outside doesn't help open the door for me or the band guy holding drums and such trying to get out... he's just standing there blocking the way being so UN-HELPFUL.... That was my first issue. I ended up holding the door for the guy. I'm thinking RUDE! Bad vibes right.... I walk inside and ask the other guy. Is that dinning open. He said he doesn't know ask the ppl in the corner chatting lol I ask. The guy walks over and skips me and ask the guy sitting at the door what does she need? Lmao lmao am I invisible? Lmao immediately I'm like. TIME TO GO...: tf is this lmao then guy at the door outside comes in and tries to offer me a menu as if I want to order Togo! Completely weird vibes. Would never go again. Thanks read more

Sost is a gem! The perfect blend of Black diaspora flavors, great music, and a stylish vibe. Every dish is packed with bold, global flavors, and the cocktails are just as thoughtful. Whether you're in the café, speakeasy, or lounge, the energy is just right. Amazing service & A much-needed spot in DC--definitely coming back! read more

Sost - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Popped in for dinner and drinks with friends. It's a cool four level place w/different vibes on all levels. We sat in the hybrid cafe and was the perfect spot to have a catch up since it was a bit more chill than the other levels. Had the suya to eat and a Sahara smoke both were great. Highly recommend. read more

Very nice place! Went there yesterday to grab cocktails before dinner. Checked out all three floors but decided to sit in the lounge area. The cocktails were amazing and the service was phenomenal. From the hostess greeting us, providing us a tour and accommodating us as a walk-in to the waiter (James) that was very knowledgeable about the menu. The customer service was superb and I'll definitely return. read more

"Delicious food, friendly staff, and a fantastic atmosphere! This place is set to be the highlight of the year. Highly recommended!" read more

Sost - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Multiple red flags coming here. Watching someone getting dress coded at the door. Not being able to get specialty cocktails after 10pm even though the menu doesn't say anything of the sort at all. The drinks taste like ass and it seems like the bartenders here don't appreciate sales or good mixing. It only has good ambience with the DJ. All in all I won't be coming back and I hope you Guys get a major over haul. read more

Customer Service Needs Work but It's a beautiful establishment. Food was okay & drinks are really strong. Its new so hopefully they work out the correct way to treat customers & Staff Members. read more

Went to a private event at this venue on 12/21/2024. Purchased a drink at the bar but the bartender never returned my debit card (and I randomly thought about it after I had left the venue and could not return because it was at closing). I had Christmas travel the very next day so called on 12/22/2024 and spoke to an owner/manager (assuming since it was a personal cell phone) regarding my debit card but that someone has yet to return my call. Though, early this morning (01/01/2025), a charge was attempted on my card but thankfully, I've had my card locked since early morning 12/22/2024. This is a reminder (and warning) to consumers to ensure that you keep an eye on your debit/credit cards while at the bar and to make it a priority to get your card back since it could potentially be fraudulently charged as mine was this morning. read more

Sost - Fraudulent charge attempt on my debit card - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great vibe. Food was seasoned to perfection and I really liked my drink. Just wished the food was hotter!

0/10 Would NEVER Patronize This Place Again. The Server Was Great But The Manager Ruined The Entire Experience!

Good vibes and amazing service. Our waitress, Jade was so sweet and attentive. She made me feel welcome from the moment I sat down.

So... this was my first time visiting. EVER. Bianca is amazing, absolutely amazing. Very attentive and caring.

I typically don't do reviews, but I felt it was important to do so after my incident. I'm visiting DC and this spot was recommend. So my crew and I went to check it out. We were seated in the third level, but we forced to evacuate after some type of gas or orderless substance was discharged in the air. Employees open all the windows and hollered for us to leave this floors. We were coughing and having issues breathing. We didn't smell anything or see a fire, but it was an orderless substance that caused us all to cough profusely and throat was hurting. I spoke with staff who was unsure of what the substance was said - it may have been pepper spray that was sprayed in the air by a customer. I don't believe the authorities were called to check out the spot. But that story didn't add. I think it's something wrong with the ventilation or building. Definitely not going back and wouldn't recommend others to go. This incident was crazy! I hope my lungs will be okay. read more

The staff was extremely friendly and the food (especially the wings and sits platter) were DELICIOUS. I can't wait to bro g my friends back here and enjoy the cocktails and food. read more

Nothing but good vibes and good drinks with great art work. three floors with great service

tldr: bad food. bad seating options. poor service. We set a reservation for 4 people on Friday, March 7 @9pm at the Sky Lounge. 2 people arrived first. When we arrived we were not walked to our table. we were just told "she's up both sets of stairs" and forced to find our way. This is a new establishment so it should be assumed that most of your customers don't know their way around the establishment and good service would be to walk your guests to their table. Which brings me to my next point...the "table". My friend said it felt like we were in an Airbnb. I describe the table as a Wayfair coffee table. Hope that helps you get the picture. The tables were entirely too small in height and surface area. In the photo attached you can see our knees were higher than the table. We had to hunch over to eat. We ended up putting the plates on our laps and eating like we sitting on a damn couch! Now the food...just don't come here for the food. Our mistake of thinking this place was a restaurant more than a club but it seems they do not prioritize their food quality. The menu is very very limited. They only have about 5 entree options and they arent very cohesive. The water cups were plastic. The kitchen apparently is in the basement so they have to bring it up two floors. Regardless of that, the food came quickly but was all cold. It was as if they prepared the plates ahead of time and when someone ordered it they passed it out. The salmon entree came with mashed potatoes that were watery like a puree. The beef skewers had no flavor. The jollof rice lacked in flavor as well. It tasted like day old rice. The burger was unique, had a sweet sauce. The french fries legitimately tasted like McDonalds fries but were so bad couldnt even finish them. One person at our table refused to even order a meal once he saw ours. Mind you, we were all starving so this food analysis is on the lenient side. The drinks were good and came in glass cups. We did go down to the Vinyl lounge and it was small space and too packed to be enjoyable. read more

Sost - Suya platter and Salmon - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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