Spectrum Lounge! Listen, if you want good African food, football (or fútbol), Afrobeats, and people who came OUTSIDE to enjoy themselves, this place DELIVERS, abeg! And when I say these people PARTY, I mean they PARTY PARTY! I've been here about three times, both before and after their renovations, so Auntie has some history with this establishment! I believe it's Cameroonian-owned, and I appreciate having another African spot in the DMV where we can enjoy our music, food, and culture without having to travel all the way into DC! Now, let me explain the setup. Downstairs is the lounge, where you can eat, watch a good match, socialize, and catch a little vibe. Upstairs? HAAAA! That's a different ministry altogether! The Afrobeats are AFROBEATING, the energy is HIGH, and these people are not playing when it comes to dancing! If you're looking for a proper African party, upstairs will give you what you came for! BUT WAIT OOOO! Let's discuss these renovations because WHO authorized the shrinking of the downstairs lounge? Before the renovations, the lounge was spacious enough to actually LOUNGE! Imagine that! I could come in, find a comfortable spot, enjoy the music, order some food, watch a match, and mind my grown-woman business without feeling obligated to join the upstairs Olympics of dancing! Now? The lounge is significantly smaller, and I'm sorry, but that was NOT an improvement in my book! Everything doesn't have to be a nightclub experience, abeg! Some of us just want to sit pretty, gist with our friends, enjoy some good music, and go home at a reasonable hour. Is that too much to ask?! And this is exactly why I hesitate to recommend Spectrum when my girls and I are looking for a local spot to unwind. The old lounge gave us OPTIONS. The new setup? Ehhh...not so much. What was up with the closure of the building last year? The place was closed for months with rumors flying anyhow!!! Now, PARKING! JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL! Because finding parking around here requires patience, prayer, and possibly a small miracle! It's ATROCIOUS! Haba! We came to enjoy ourselves, not participate in a parking wahala of a scavenger hunt! All jokes aside, Spectrum still has plenty going for it. The food is good, the Afrobeats are HOT, and the upstairs crowd knows how to have a GOOD time! I'll give them their flowers for that. But management, if you're reading this, Auntie has just ONE request: BRING BACK MY SPACIOUS LOUNGE! Some of us want the African vibes without the full nightclub commitment! Will I return? Of course! But it depends on my mood and what kind of outing I'm planning. For a proper party? YES! For a relaxed evening with my girls? I'll have to think twice. And please, somebody do something about that PARKING! ABEG! read more

POV: You live in the DMV but don't feel like going into DC If you want to feel like you ran to Atlanta for the weekend , head to Spectrum Lounge in Beltsville, MD! Bottles of Ace of Spades, 1942, and Clase Azul were popping, the hookah was bomb, they serve food, AND they stay open until 3 a.m. #SpectrumLounge #BeltsvilleMD #DMVNightlife #MarylandNightlife #DMVFoodie #FYP read more

I came on a Tuesday by myself and it was a vibe! Good suya nice flavor and fries was bomb! I had a strawberry margarita with don repo and they not stingy! Waitress was super nice and attentive and trust me I'm funny about customer service they pass for me. DJ came over and greeted me made me feel welcome! I'll be back! read more

Spectrum Lounge - Strawberry margarita with don reposado - African Near Me - Beltsville, Maryland

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I been coming to spectrum lounge regularely since it first opened up in 2020. It's always a fun time. They have great music , vibes and people. If you love afrobeats you def need to check this place out. The upstairs lounge is huge and the decor and lights make this place look so lively. It gets pretty packed on weekends so def recommend reserving a table . they also have a restaurant downstairs that serves great suya . Shoutout to valery , NJ and the staff for keeping this place lit everyday. read more

Decided to stop in randomly one day for lunch. When I used to go to Jody's before they closed (RIP), I would see this place across the street and I always wondered about it. I always assumed it was just a club/lounge experience, but when I drove by I always saw their signs about having the best suya in the area. I randomly decided to drop by while in the area making my PetCo run (while they were still around). Spectrum is deceptively large. In the middle of the day, it was also quite empty -- some fans were running (it was summer) but the music was still cranking! As a first timer, I honestly didn't know where to go, so I just wandered a bit. I made my way to the back area where it definitely had the party vibes -- lights, couches, bars, all of it. I went up to the register to order food... that was a seamless process. Despite the sign about suya, I got the Passion Chicken... sorry, I wasn't in a suya mood XD. It took about 15-20 minutes to prepare, so I just hung out in one of the fancy lounge seats waiting. My chicken was ready, with plantain and jollof rice... and I sat there, in a lounge, eating it. Not gonna lie, that felt kinda weird LOL! Especially given that I was all by myself in a party room. But you know what? It was a nice vibe! I finished my meal satisfied. There was no low to the meal -- though jollof is never spicy enough for me XD. I hear there have been renovations since I was there, so I need to return some time! Looking forward to it. read more

Hung out with a friend on a Thursday night and I have randomly seen this place on Instagram, so we decided to check it out. Seems to be two sides to this place. One is the restaurant area and the other you have to go outside at least from the restaurant to go upstairs to the club/ lounge area We arrived here around 6:30 p.m. on a Thursday to the restaurant. There was one potentially bartender/ waitress. I arrived later than my guest, but it took almost 15 minutes before the waitress came over to see if I even needed or wanted water. As the night went on, we were able to get the Roku remote to change the YouTube channel because the waitress put on some 1950s music as a playlist for some reason. through the evening, the waitress switched out and our other waitress who came in was pretty friendly, funny, and seem like she was very sociable and helped us out with things that we needed it. Around 11:00 we decided to check out the upstairs part since it was finally open. The up stairs lounge you get stopped and checked by security for your ID and any big purses. That was completely fine, and the space as downstairs were very clean. A lot of space too to let you Enjoy personal space and the music, however was really loud. There was also a live DJ. We did up for a hookah, which was $50. And with that you get your own space/ cubby area which was nice. There's no smoking allowed at the bar. Just know there is a bar area upstairs but there is not one downstairs. However, downstairs is split in the two parts. where it's the restaurant side and then you have a side for hookah. Also, there is advertised happy hour on the menu. But downstairs they did not have happy hour because the waitress said that all of the mixing drinks for the cocktails on the happy hour menu were upstairs. And at the time of happy hour the upstairs was closed. So the cocktail drinks themselves will run you about 15 to 19$ The music upstairs was generally afro beats, but the DJ did change it up and played some current music of today which was all really nice The entire restaurant/bar was really spacious, I would like to check this place out for brunch with friends one day read more

change the dj please . the music was we didn't like the musics that were playing at all . And it wa emu friends birthday

It taste good. But it's not Jolof Service was to be expected at such an hour. Drinks ok. Fake bodies. Good music. read more

Spectrum Lounge - This is not Jolof Rice. Fried rice at best. But not Jolof. - African Near Me - Beltsville, Maryland

Their customer service is just zero. The waitress was really disrespectful to my friend and almost pushed her away with a table.. Very stupid!! read more

The vibe is great once the sun goes down. It's close to another location called Swahili Village which does not serve suya. So Spectrum has ten beat wit the food and the vibes read more

The best suya, the best hookah and the best bottle girls! Like seriously I use to come here as a customer now I work here and I love it. The owners Nj and Val are great and their main goal is to make sure everyone gets the best experience of the nightlife in the DMV. Everything is newly renovated so it gives off luxurious with Afro beats playing all night it's giving nollywood. Definitely come and visit us we gets lit for sure! read more

The food was really good and worth it for the price ! We couldn't even finish it all and took some home as well ! The place does have some parking space upon arrival but looked like it was limited cause it's close by the roadside The only problem we encountered was that our server gave us the old menu and prices were cheaper .. ‍ So, make sure you ask for the new & updated menu to avoid the confusion But overall nice place ! Bomb Suya ! Will be back read more

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This place has Rats!!!!!!!. Visited on march 2nd 2024, for my aunt's going away party everything was going good until we saw a rat moving behind the plants downstairs while we ever eating. The rat came back 5 minutes later and jumped on the table on top of the food. 0-10 disgusting!!! read more

Antikeke Stew / fried Tilapia is to die for. I drive from NW , DC to have this a least once every week. The pepper is hot tonight!!! read more

Spectrum Lounge - Antieke Stew with Fried Tilapia. - African Near Me - Beltsville, Maryland

FIRST TIME THERE HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE We stopped by to get some food because Swahili Restaurant was packed. We should have waited the 30 minutes to be seated instead of coming to spectrum club. Because restaurant needs to be removed from the name. As soon as we came in the waitress / bartender said oh the table is for bottle service and did we want to pay for a table. I told her "we came to eat it's a restaurant right" Mind you it's not packed yet. While we are eating she came back and said someone payed $500 for the table we were at and did we mind moving. Omg. Prior she said the table was $250. At the end if it all I told the waitress I wanted my bill. Plus cancel the additional order for food I made. Told my wife and friends to head out we are leaving due to me feeling harassed at this establishment. Buying a table would be understandable if the place was packed, but it was around 10pm it wasn't that busy yet. Now let get that suya is grilled not fried. So I don't know what kind of suya they are selling. The fish Is the only thing I will ever eat there. Also cleaning the floor and wiping the tables would be nice. The so called section I was told was bottled service smelled like a kitchen that wasn't cleaned. NEVER GOING BACK. read more

I really like this place especially since it's nestled in Beltsville. It's close to home I don't have to go to DC to have fun. I would've rated it 5 stars but the last time I went there, they had boxes piled in the corner. I almost thought they were either closed for business or not opened yet. Sadly, they were open and they were not bothered by having beer boxes on the side. read more

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Good suya a bit overpriced for the quantity, service was quick and the drinks were okay. I wish the bartenders were a bit more engaging and just didn't sit there and wait for orders. Customer service would be better if they could hold conversations and show enthusiasm read more

DO NOT GO HERE!!!! We waited forever for our food but that isn't why i am advising not to spend your money here. Spectrum lounge and parking enforcement are playing a SCAM on people. When my friends and i arrived, we spoke to the security about parking. He advised us on where to park and even helped me while i parked my car. When we left the lounge, we didn't see any parking violation tickets on our cars. Only for me to find a ticket hidden 4days later. So well hidden that i might never had found that ticket and the violation fee would have sky rocketed or even been a warrant out for me. It would have been one thing if i got a ticket out of bad luck due to my reckless parking, but security at spectrum directed us to the parking spot and even assured us that we wouldn't get a ticket. Do not go here if you don't want to be scammed by greedy people. read more

Suya was tough and rubbery, not flavorful like I'm used to. They also just threw the bag at me and wasn't very welcoming. Place was LITERALLY empty with music blaring. read more

I love it here! I've been coming for over a year now. The suya is to die for! Customer service on 1,000!!! Come on over , you won't regret it! read more

Been here twice and i enjoyed visiting. Nice ambience and attentive waitresses. The music played was really good and it's a great place to unwind and enjoy the evening. read more

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Spectrum's suya is everything and more. I love this place. If you come here pleaseeeeeeeee try it.

Waited 1 hour for a food order that was ordered online prior. This don't make no sense. Won't be coming here again.

The service was horrible. The food was okay. The waitresses had a nasty nasty attitude. I wouldn't be back. My friend and I saw an empty table and went and sat down while waiting for our meal which took close to 45 minutes to be served. The manager and waitress came and asked us to stand up and leave the table. She claimed that it was reserved, even though there were no signs saying reserved on it. Save your energy and go elsewhere to spend your money. read more

This is the place to be for authentic African food and great vibes. Peaches is not only beautiful but dedicated to providing excellent customer service with a smile that is out of this world. Would definately recommend! read more

The food was very tasty. However, when I entered the establishment, it took a while for someone to come to the register. And when she did come to the register, she was not wearing a mask and never pulled the mask up while trying to speak to me. read more

Service wasn't that great. The waitress checked on us maybe once. Plantains were not ripe and were and very light light skinned. The rice was slimy like it was from last week Suya was ok, but could been a little more tender. My teeth hurt read more

My favorite restaurant for suya service was fast great staff owner Mr.Vale is super friendly first time there will definitely be back for more good time and memories read more

Spectrum Lounge - African Near Me - Beltsville, Maryland

This place just opened, and I must say already i Lovee everything about it! The food is fresh and well seasoned! Great job so far spectrum!

Best place ever !! Suya! Plantain! Fish! Everything you crave you won't regret it...great vibes.strong drinks...bomb music..you won't regret it read more

Great food! Great atmosphere! Great service! Might be time to expand. It's a hot spot!

Great place and great atmosphere. Went there with a friend and we were pleasantly surprised. The DJ played great AFRICAN and Caribbean tunes and our waitress was great and very friendly. I'm definitely going again. read more

I am a bit biased given I know the owners but every time I have gone to Spectrum, I have been wowed by not only the level of service but by the taste of the suya(I only always eat suya when I go there). The ambiance is impeccable on Fridays and Saturdays. Amazing place to go on a family date during a Sunday afternoon and an amazing night out with your adult friends! read more

Unfortunately, I had a TERRIBLE experience during my first visit ever to this place and I would never visit again. I was driving by last month and saw a sign out front that read, Best Suya in the DMV, and being a suya-lover myself, I decided to try out their suya yesterday. Normally, I would go to my favorite suya spot at 4300 Howard road Beltsville to get my suya (they sell very good suya and well-packed for the price) but yesterday I decided to try out the suya at this place. I walked into the place and asked for a plate. They lady tells me $12 but the price is actually $10. I bring out $20 cash to pay for the suya and this light-skinned lady tells me she did not have change (a Nigerian seller trick common in Nigeria where the seller lies to the customer that they don't have change in order to coerce the customer into forfeiting their change for the seller, and thus more money to the seller), and I started to get livid that this same mentality was being displayed in America. How can you be in business and claim you don't have change and make no efforts whatsoever to try to give your customers change. Ok, I decided to pay with my debit card, which I handed over to her and she swiped and upon looking at my receipt, I noticed that she charged me extra $5 for fried plantains which I never authorized and also included a 10% tip which I never authorized. I asked her to explain the charges and she offered to get me fried plantains instead which I never asked for. I got more livid. I requested that she refund me the difference and she claimed she could not refund the money back to my debit card 'as it already went through'. I was like, 'which merchant service in America is unable to refund money if need be?' Do you guys think you are in Nigeria where stealing and cheating are rampant? This lounge is Nigerian-owned and I am Nigerian, however, I was totally disappointed at the level of trickery and deceit openly displayed at their customers, especially being my first time there and I had a bitter experience. We love to complain about how bad our country and how we want change but fail to realize that the change we need starts from us. I suddenly lost appetite for the Suya, which by the way was half the amount I would get at my favorite spot at Howard road and insisted on a full refund and she lied again that she had no way of refunding my money and she did not have change. Upon insisting on my full refund, this lady who previously lied to me that she did not have cash change finally brings out cash and refunds me in full. Such daylight stealing! Customers please BEWARE of this place and always check your receipts if you pay with a card (for unauthorized charges to your card). Non-Nigerian customers, beware of the 'I don't have change' trickery as it is a lie and a ploy to get you to forfeit your hard-earned money. Always insist on getting your change in full. read more