ATMOSPHERE
Well, it’s dark, it’s dank, it’s mysterious. Mama Desta’s is not trying to impress anybody with their décor, that’s for sure. Yet, there is some innate charm about the space that makes you feel comfortable. Even the murky goldfish tanks aren’t enough to make you feel uncomfortable. For seating, comfy booths for 4 people and the standard tables line the dining room.
CROWD
Well this does attract the more adventurous crowd, mostly 20’s and early 30’s, outdoorsy/hippie-esque folks. But don’t let that sway your opinion. Going out to dinner is about the food, not who else is there, so go forth and enjoy.
ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS
On Sunday nights, there’s often a poet or musician performing, call ahead to see what’s going on your week.
SPIRITS
There’s a full bar and a nice choice of domestic and African Beers, but the real story is the “Tej”. This is an African Honey Wine, made by brewing honeycomb with hops and fermenting like liquor or beer. The taste is indescribable, but it dances across the palette like nothing I have ever tasted before, plus it accompanies the spicy Ethiopian fare like nothing else can.
GRUB
When I told people that I was going to try Ethiopian food for the first time, more than one person made off-color cracks about Ethiopian “food.” We all know the stigma, so let's just get that out of the way. There are no Red Cross workers air dropping rice here or unloading cans. Get that crap out of your mind and just enjoy the delicious array of food that will be set before you. I would recommend that you order about one less entrée than there are people, meat, or veggie. The food comes to you on a plate covered with something resembling a sourdough crepe, called “Injera.” You use this “bread” to roll up small bites of the food and eat it! This place is awesome! No Silverware provided you eat with your hands! Everything is already bite sized, prepared like a stew. Try one of the combo plates to get a taste of everything.
PRICES
What a bargain! Dinner for 4 plus a liter of Tej runs around $60. A huge bargain. Plus, the portions are huge and you won’t leave hungry. There isn’t a better bargain in the city, proving that great ethnic foods don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
WHY IT'S UNIQUE
There are very few places like this in Chicago, and to find such a great place just blocks from the read line is a godsend. Low prices, huge portions, and amazing taste combine to make this place truly outstanding.
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