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| - If you're an avid fan of Ethiopian and you've been to, say, DC's numerous restaurants, feel free to take my review with a grain of salt. My only experience with Ethiopian cuisine was at Pittsburgh's two (only this one remains) Ethiopian joints, so I'm by no means well-trained in the flavor profiles, BUT I will say that it doesn't take experienced tastebuds to enjoy Tana!
We've tried nearly everything on the menu, except the lamb, and I have to say that I've enjoyed everything. Eating with injera might seem odd at first, but it's a wonderful! For first-timers from Pittsburgh, I always describe injera as the same consistency and texture of a Pamela's pancake without the heaviness. It doesn't have much flavor, so it doesn't take away from all of the flavors of the main dishes.
Speaking of flavor, there's plenty of it! If you're in a big group, the family-style samplers are an excellent option. After numerous trips to Tana, we were recently told by our waiter that we could do a few samplers of meat and a few of vegetables, which lowers the cost per person and allows everyone to try nearly every item on the menu! Perfect for exploring!
The waitstaff is also really nice, and on Thursdays they have live jazz. It definitely gets packed, so I'd make a reservation if you're planning on a Thursday evening around 8. Otherwise, we've never had any issues with getting a seat. Parking it also fairly easy, even on busier nights.
I'd say the only real thing that Tana lacks is atmosphere. Yes, there are the Ethiopian posters and African-inspired color palettes, but something about the atmosphere just feels flat and cold. The back section of the restaurant seems like an afterthought, and when you sit there, you feel like you're stuck in the back of a dark cafeteria.
Overall, Tana is delicious enough to become a mainstay for us, and with a slightly more inviting atmosphere, it would DEFINITELY be a 5-star experience. Great, delicious options for meat lovers and vegans/vegetarians, with fair prices! You really can't go wrong. I'd recommend certain dishes, but honestly, I don't think you can go wrong. I know we haven't! Enjoy!
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