Meskerem

In Short
Donning fancy hanging lights, a flat screen above the bar and wonderful aromas that knock you over when enter, Maskerem sets itself apart from other Ethiopian hole-in-the-walls with a dcor that is slightly more modern. Service is attentive though a bit slow at times and the crowd ranges from international to Clairmont Road neighbors. The dishes, sauced and spiced come delivered on injera, a head-sized sourdough-crepe-sponge which you use to scoop and sop up your meal, leaving utensils un-delivered. The menu is heavy on meats but the misir wot (split red lentils in berbere sauce) on the veggie combo shine, as do the crisp and crunchy beef-filled sambusa. For dessert baklava and tiramisu throw an odd twist into things, but portions are big, prices are small and the atmosphere is inviting. It's worth a shot.