I'd passed by the new Queen of Sheba (528 S. 5th St.) a few times, but today was my day to pop in. I'm an omnivore, but am always looking for some vegetarian lunch options and am glad to have more close to my work. I was dining alone, and was mostly alone in the restaurant, although a couple of people did come in for takeout, and a pair of ladies asked for a carry out menu for future reference. I was there after 1 PM, and one other person did come in while I was there. They've only been open about 3 weeks, and don't seem to have publicized their opening very much.
I ordered the Gomen wot with injera. Most entrees are served with a side salad and either kik wot or misir. Mine came with the kik wot, very tasty and somewhat, though not very, spicy. The salad of leaf lettuce and red onions tasted fresh with the lemony dressing. I really enjoyed my gomen wot and the collards and carrots were nicely cooked; tender but not mushy. The server initially asked if I needed a fork, and trying to be cool I said no, but when I was a little over halfway done, I was starting to wish for one even though I was enjoying picking up the food with the injera. And I loved seeing the spongy look of the bread draped on the plate (there were 2 more nice-sized rolled up pieces on the plate). My server asked again if I would like a fork, before I had to ask her for one. It was nice to enjoy some of the stew bites without the bread; I was able to detect more spices that way. There are a few dessert options, but I was plenty full.
The small space is pleasantly decorated. The only (minor) misstep was the melamine plate--china would be more in line with the menu and decor. My tab was $7.37 with water. The meat dishes are all higher-priced and entrees range from about $6-$10, so it's pricier than many lunch options, but I'm still anxious to try more of the menu.