Ras Dashen - (773) 506-9601

We usually love Ras Dashen. Food-wise, its probably the best Ethiopian in the city. However, we went just this past Friday and it might be my last time. When we walked in there was about a 20 min wait. No problem. The time was 8:30PM. When we were seated, we waited 15 min. for a waitress to finally take our order and then another 15 min. for her to bring the drinks. Fine. So, 10:05PM rolls around, we still have not been served our food. Every time we had asked where our meal was over the course of an hour and a half, we were just answered with a certain, 'Its coming, its coming.' It didn't come...not until around 10:15P. We were starving by then, so we didn't even feel like taking up a complaint. When we received our bill, no consolation was given. No appetizer had ever been offered, no drinks were taken off, everything was there. I would advise others not to go on a Friday night , if at all.

This was our second experience with Ethiopian Food, and it was even better than the first (at Queen of Sheba). Beginning with ambiance, Ras Dashen's walls are decorated with interesting Ethiopian paintings, and pleasant Ethiopian folk music plays in the background. There are 4 or 5 'special' tables made of a large wicker basket which has a large metal round top to hold the serving platter. Around the table you lounge in cushioned wicker seats. We ordered the Dinner for 2 for $29.95 which included 3 sides and 3 entrees from which we picked: Dora Wat - chicken and egg cooked in spicy berbere sauce - tasty; Yebeg tibs -- Lamb in a spicy sauce of onions, garlic and rosemary -- Excellent; and, Sega Wat - beef in fiery berbere sauce - really delicious. Our sides were a yellow pea mixture, a kale collard and mustard green mix, and green beans with zuchini potatoes and carrots. All of the above were served on the traditional bed of injera - a spongy bread used in place of eating utensils to pick up and eat with all of the food. Additional Injera is also served separately. We absolutely loved each and every entree and side -- our only minor criticism of the food being the chicken was on the bone so there was less chicken to eat than we would have liked. Service was also delightful. Our only other criticism is that it is not really Inexpensive as one would imagine, in part due to it not being BYOB. (Meal with wine cost about $65). Otherwise highly recommended.

Ras Dashen is my absolute favorite Ethiopian restaurant. I have tried several places in the area and always seem to find myself comparing them to Ras Dashen. After a while, I came to the conclusion that there was no place better in the area. The price is great, the portions are very generous, the ambience is satisfying, the food is delicious and the customer service is delightful. I highly recommend it.

If you've never tried Ethiopian food, check out Ras Dashen. I think it is the best Ethiopian in the city, and the restaurant has the nicest atmosphere -- warm and inviting, where you can visit with friends and enjoy an exciting meal. Ethiopian food is full of spice, but it is not necessarily spicy, except for a few dishes. This is the perfect place to go with a small group so you can all share the mini-portions of each dish. Ordering a sampler is a great way to go. They offer a huge menu, including alcohol and dessert. Meat eaters and vegetarians alike will love this place! Servers are friendly and encourage you to try new things and can answer any questions and make suggestions. Other diners are friendly as well -- it's a nice communal place. Try to get seated at one of their traditional wicker service areas! It's so relaxing and fun!

In my opinion, this is the best Ethiopian restaurant in Chicago. The combos have the biggest selection, which makes it a great place to bring first-timers to Ethiopian food. Traditional or regular seating is available. There is live music on Saturday nights. It is a great place for vegetarians and carnivores alike. There is a huge selections for both groups of people. Also, the prices are wonderful. Two people can usually get full on about $20-25 total before drinks are added. Sometimes, though, as it gets very full, the service starts to get a lot slower than it should.