Axum Restaurant & Bar

Our friends were in town for a concert at the 9:30 club. They wanted to try Ethiopian food near the club. We found this place via google search. They had good reviews there and pics looked awesome. We went there around 9:30 pm on Friday night. It wasn't crowded at all. We were kinda skeptical as I did not find any reviews or pics on Yelp. However, we decided to stick with it and give them a chance. Glad we did. The food was unbelievably delicious. We were 6 of us. We ordered the Axum special with the veggie platter. It had three different types of beef tibs with various veggie options. The platter was huge. The biggest I have seen. I can't tell you which one was my favorite. Everything was so delicious. Perfect combination and portion for a table of 6.Service was good. Ambiance is good as well. I think they have their own bar with great music. We didn't go upstairs but the music was loud enough to entertain us. Highly recommend this place.

If you're looking for a satisfying, flavorful meal before catching a show at DC9 (or anywhere in the area), Axum is *the* place to go. We were looking for something quick but delicious, and this spot delivered in every way. I ordered the four veggie combo along with the spicy juicy beef, and it was more than enough food for two hungry people. The split peas and split lentils were both spiced perfectly, offering a nice balance of flavor without being too heavy. The collard greens were silky and cooked just right -- not overdone, which is often a challenge! The cabbage and carrots were also spot on, adding a great balance to the dish. The spicy juicy beef was definitely a highlight -- it was flavorful and tender, and while it had a nice kick, it wasn't overwhelming. The portion was generous, so we felt totally satisfied. The service was quick, and our waitress was super helpful. She gave us great suggestions on portion sizes and helped us balance our plate, which was much appreciated. I also couldn't resist trying the lentil samosas, and they were fantastic! Super fresh, crispy on the outside, and perfectly seasoned on the inside. Definitely worth the extra order. Whether you're heading to the 930 Club or another spot along the strip, Axum is a perfect pre-concert dinner choice. But honestly, it's worth going out of your way to try this delicious Ethiopian food.