Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant, Sports Bar & Lounge — Restaurant in Saint Paul

I discovered this place last February on a visit from my home city of Los Angeles. I am not from Africa but have traveled a fair bit and enjoy trying different types of cuisine from varied countries and cultures. This restaurant has a massively long bar with loads of stool seating and tons of tables, all enveloped by walls lined with a gazillion tvs airing sports from here in the US as well as around the globe. The Ethiopian food fare is solid and the staff friendly. While the large wooden deck/patio in the back was not serving when i discovered this establishment in February, it seems like it would be poppin’ in the less frigid times of the year. I just returned for another visit to Minnesota late this afternoon and have ordered food to go and asked my uber driver to stop there on the way to the hotel so that i can enjoy the food a second time as my first meal upon returning to the state. I only give it 4/5 stars because i never give anything 5/5. I think its great however and would...

EDIT: Rating is still a STRONG 5, but now I have been here and eaten here multiple times. Recently I came here on a Saturday afternoon. This place is packed on Saturdays, lots of activity, lots of TVs with multiple sports playing, and a very fun and boisterous crowd. Despite the crowd, service was still prompt and everyone was super nice. Just give it a try!

Original: It took me way too long to give this place a try. I walked in and was greeted at the bar with a smile, and a cold glass of water. I was just in to get some food to go but grabbed a beer while I waited. It was served ice cold in a nice glass. The menu has a great selection of items and everything sounds delicious. Ended up getting the ZilZil tibs and would highly recommend that dish. I’m very happy with the taste, quality and portion I received for the price, and cannot wait to come back and work my way through their menu. Also, if you are into espresso drinks, definitely come by and give this a try, their set up...

I wasn’t sure what to expect before visiting — I thought it might be more of a sports bar or club — but it turned out to be a great restaurant with delicious food at very reasonable prices.

The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff (and guests) were all very kind, which made our experience even better.

My only small critique is that there was incense burning during our visit, which gave off a strong smell. It seemed like it may have been covering up tobacco smoke, though we didn’t actually see anyone smoking inside.

Overall, the food, value, and friendly vibe make this place one I’d...