Portland Mercury

Bete-Lukas

2504 SE 50th Ave.
Portland, OR 97206
Southeast
503.477.8778
bete-lukas.com

Hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm

Tags: African: Ethiopian,Moroccan, etc.

Restaurant Details

Portland has quite a few Ethiopian restaurants but they predominately lie in the North/Northeast side of town. Bucking that trend is Bete-Lukas. Occupying the second floor of a newer multi-use apartment building in mid-Southeast, you will need to find the stairs on the right side of the building to gain access. Once inside, you will dine on that wonderful spongy/sour injera and numerous spicy, savory dishes to eat with it. Also, unlike most other Ethiopian joints, the menu lists the actual names of the dishes so you might learn somethin'! Beer, wine and a full bar are also on hand. Enjoy!

Features: Vegetarian Friendly, Cocktails, Family Friendly (Nice to Babies), Good for Groups, Wine/Beer

Since I live just up the street, I ordered carry-out from here the other night, and it was just what I was looking for! The owner was very friendly, the injera (spongy bread) was awesome, and the veggie combo was delicious and ready to go in ten minutes. The prices were very reasonable, too: for $11, I got a small salad, five vegetarian entree selections, and two giant circles of injera. Sweet deal!

My only reason for not giving it five whole stars was that it was a little less spicy than I normally like it (I usually like it VERY spicy) - I'll order it a little spicier next time and keep you posted :)

Posted by leah.steiner.suter on August 6, 2008 at 9:02 PM | Report this comment

I LOVE this place! The food is great, my husband and I are both vegetarians and we get an amazing spread of lentils, and different vegetables. It's super healthy and filling. The buttered injera appetizer and sambusas are both very tasty, and they make their own cottage cheese which we love! I could go once a week and not get sick of it, and have a friend who does just that. It has kind of a romantic vibe, the owner is nice and friendly...Try this place

Posted by lepiota on January 4, 2009 at 7:23 PM | Report this comment

Great food and incredible service. The veggie combo plate is a good place to start, wide selection of flavorful kale, lentils, cabbage, carrots, etc. For the more adventurous, try the Kitfo (ground beef) served raw. And our server (the owner?) said they will be bringing in several Ethiopian beers in the next few weeks! Glad I live around the corner.

Posted by SilkySlim on January 23, 2009 at 9:44 AM | Report this comment

Bete-Lukas is a gem. The best Ethiopian food in Portland, hands-down. Extremely flavorful, wonderfully spiced, generously portioned, reasonably priced. The space is wonderful--dimmed lights, comfortable seats, maintaining a feel that is at once homey and atmospheric. The service is equal to the food. The owner, who also waits tables, is one of the friendliest, most engaging, quick-witted guys out there. In a city with decidedly poor service, he's exemplary. Bete-lukas is a favorite of mine. It should become a favorite of yours, too.

Posted by gabrielm on February 3, 2009 at 2:16 AM | Report this comment