New Ethiopian restaurant? (New posts March 2016)

It looks like Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant is getting ready to open at 554 S. Fifth St. (that's just north of Chestnut). They've had brown paper covering the windows for some time, but I noticed last night that the paper is gone now. I can't find any website for it, and I don't know if the restaurant is connected to the Abyssinia that was once on Frankfort Avenue.

It's a little odd that this place is in the same block as the second location of Queen of Sheba, which opened recently. I doubt there's that much demand downtown for Ethiopian food.

[Robin Garr]

Abyssinia is an ancient name for Ethiopia and likely not trademarkable, so it's not an unusual name for an Ethiopian restaurant. I sort of agree, though, that if we have two in one block downtown, it might be a good idea for those curious to visit them sooner rather than later.

There apparently wasn't enough demand, because Queen of Sheba is closed now. There's a note in their door, basically saying they weren't prepared for the work of running two establishments.

I ate at Abyssinia today and got the lunch veggie combo, which I found quite delightful. The service was very good, and nice, too. The gentleman (the owner, possibly?) asked if it was my first time in there, and I said it was, and he wondered how I'd found them.

Here's their website: http://www.abyssiniaauthenticethiopian.com/

Good to know! Don't forget that Addis Grill on the north end of 4th St also serves Ethiopian food.

We hit Abyssinia for lunch the other day. friendly welcome and lots of tasty food on the buffet incl lots of veg options.

good value and quick.

we'll be going back

[Robin Garr]

We hit Abyssinia for lunch the other day. friendly welcome and lots of tasty food on the buffet incl lots of veg options.

good value and quick.

we'll be going back

Thanks for bringing this back up, Joel. It's shameful how little I eat downtown now that I don't work downtown, even though I'm less than 10 minutes away. Must. Correct. This.

Actually, Abyssinia opened at that address in December 2012. I ate there in the summer of 2013 for lunch, I also don't get downtown much! Maybe they were closed for a time for remodeling or something.

[Robin Garr]

Actually, Abyssinia opened at that address in December 2012. I ate there in the summer of 2013 for lunch, I also don't get downtown much! Maybe they were closed for a time for remodeling or something.

Yep. This thread actually began in December 2012, but Joel found it and resurrected it to report a recent visit.

Ha! Mobile is hard for my aging eyes.

[Robin Garr]

Ha! Mobile is hard for my aging eyes.

I like to piggyback on existing threads if we already have them. If folks prefer a new thread with title like Abyssinia visit, 2016 then I can try to remember to do that.

[Robin Garr]

I like to piggyback on existing threads if we already have them. If folks prefer a new thread with title like Abyssinia visit, 2016 then I can try to remember to do that.

Either way. It's all good. Actually, I could probably tweak the original subject to highlight it, I guess, but really, just bouncing it up to the top gets the job done.

This place deserves a shout out. It is one of my afternoon "to go"places. Their buffet is very good and fresh. The people are friendly and appreciative and the place has a nice "maw and paw" feel to it. If you like Ethiopian food I highly recommend the lunch buffet (I've never had dinner there).