mesob

Ethiopian restaurant · Montclair

mesob

Ethiopian restaurant · Montclair

2

1422 Poplar St, Denver, CO 80220

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Highlights

Authentic Ethiopian food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere  

Featured in Eater
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1422 Poplar St, Denver, CO 80220 Get directions

mesobethiopianrestaurant.com

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

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1422 Poplar St, Denver, CO 80220 Get directions

+1 303 370 1370
mesobethiopianrestaurant.com
mesobrest

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@eater

The Best Restaurants in Denver for Big Groups | Eater Denver

"There’s something about using one’s hands to scoop up a rainbow of meat stews, legumes, and greens with tangy, tender injera that makes the Ethiopian dining experience feel especially merry with a group, which this easygoing Montclair charmer will gladly accommodate (though it’s not a bad idea to confirm availability in advance)." - Ruth Tobias

https://denver.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-good-for-groups-denver
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@eater

Where to Eat With a Group in Denver

"There’s something about using one’s hands to scoop up a rainbow of meat stews, legumes, and greens with tangy, tender injera that makes the Ethiopian dining experience feel especially merry with a group, which this Montclair charmer can gladly accommodate (though it’s not a bad idea to confirm availability in advance)." - Ruth Tobias

https://denver.eater.com/maps/where-to-eat-with-a-group-in-denver
View Postcard for mesob

Salik Ghaus

Google
I ordered the lamb tibs and it wasn’t as tender as I would like. Perhaps it should be cooked longer to be more tender and less chewy. Someone dark atmosphere but still nice. Injera bread was good.

C.M. P

Google
Here visiting from Texas and lucked up on this gem. We had the veggie combo and Shiro and it was AMAZING. You could taste the love it was cooked with. We also had the opportunity to watch the coffee ceremony. What a delight. Also, the owner and her daughter were so friendly. They explained the coffee ceremony and some of the history. We'll definitely be back.

Saurav Shrestha

Google
There are a lot of Ethiopian cuisine options in Denver. This one stands out from other. However, the atmospher of the restaurant is not of high standard. Food was okay. Their injera was too sour compared to other ethiopian restaurants I,ve been to. Server was great explaining everything to us. Overall I would say this is a great restaurant.

Vivi “Colombian Brat” Rose

Google
Great spot! Best Ethiopian authentic restaurant. The place has a great vibe and really good energy, besides is a family own restaurant and the food is freshly made so you need to be patient for your fresh food to come, best thing ever. We choose the meat combo with sides of vegetables but anything in the menu is excellent. I definitely recommend it, try it out and thank me later.

Gabi Kliegle

Google
First time eating Ethiopian food, and we will definitely be back! Everything was phenomenal. Between 3 people, we split the meat combo, the veggie combo, and the beef tibs. The beer was amazing too! Service was so warm and welcoming. We’ll be dreaming about this meal until the next time we’re back :)

Sophia Przybylo

Google
It all started because it was 10pm and we were hungry. We didn’t realize that this late night dinner was going to be one of our favorite spots. Delicious food (highly recommend the veggie combo), great atmosphere and decor. The owner is such a friendly woman who didn’t rush us even though we were there until close

Ash F.

Google
Amazing atmosphere and food! Get the Dry and Spicy Tips and Veggies

Kelly McWilliams

Google
Look no further for delicious food with exquisite atmosphere and amazing service. Pleasantly open late night as well. Undoubtedly, Denver’s best Ethiopian food.

Miles C.

Yelp
Amazing authentic Etheopian food! Open late! Our server was amazing! Beef tibbs and the Veggie Sampler
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Jailyn J.

Yelp
This place has been one of my go to spots for the past several years! The ambience is always calm when I go, so I appreciate that. Whether you call or wait for your order to be made, you're in for a treat. The lentil samosas is one of my favorites, along with the beef tibs. The portion sizes, sometimes fluctuate, but the quality is consistent. Come hungry, they will take care of you!

Laura C.

Yelp
I highly recommend this restaurant! It has delicious Ethiopian food, with a casual ambiance. The service was excellent. We had a lovely time here!
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Abbey L.

Yelp
Food was good and had a great variety! Service was great as well! The lentil dish was amazing!! Wouldn't get the collard greens again.
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J J W.

Yelp
Hermes service was great. I went with the veggie combo and everything was delicious. They have a spice that you can put on top, kinda like a salt with a little kick. Very good!! Vibes here are great. Hoping to one day come back when they get the live music, spoken word night, and other events popping again. Support your local spots!! They were very genuine and nice to chat with. I would support them even if the food wasn't as amazing as it was!!!
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Dawn L.

Yelp
Did an order for carry out while doing trivia near by. The veggie sampler was good, grateful for it in the end. The meat - the ribs, were just downright awful. Seasoned well - but so dry, you couldn't chew any of it. The picture was what was tossed - truly couldn't enjoy it. For a $50 meal - I wouldn't return.
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Michael A.

Yelp
We ordered the veggie combo and the meat combo and it was perfect amount for 2 people. It was served on one plate and on top of a large Injera. You can tell they make their own Injera and is fresh when it comes out. The Qey Wat (Beef type stew) was amazing and incredibly flavorful and tender. We ordered the veggie combo and the meat combo and it was perfect amount for 2 people. It was served on one plate and on top of a large Injera. You can tell they make their own Injera and is fresh when it comes out. The Qey Wat (Beef type stew) was amazing and incredibly flavorful and tender. It was my favorite of the 3 meats and would order it by itself the next time. Doro Wat was their chicken drum and hard boiled egg. The seasonings were so good with the Injera bread.
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Zachariah S.

Yelp
Great local family restaurant with great food. Everything we had was full of flavor and made fresh, not pre-cooked. The sambusa was cooked and seasoned well, they are larger than they appear. The vegetables and ribs were really good. The ribs were a bit over fried but still flavorful. They don't provide plates because traditionally you eat with your hands or with injera (bread like substance). Next time I come I'll try the meat combo as well to get a better variety. I would definitely recommend to anyone who Likes Ethiopian food or just wants to try something different.

Sylvia T.

Yelp
The service was absolutely amazing. The food was out fast and not a long tome to come to the table. The only thing I was I told the waitress the food was Salty. She told I better drink my sprite.
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Wendy S.

Yelp
The service was excellent. The food was good and the ambience was very sweet. I was impressed how quickly we got our food I'm always getting to Ethiopian restaurants way in advance, but we were in an out within an hour.

Steve B.

Yelp
Not a fan. The space is pretty rough around the edges, the service was slow and disorganized and although the place had nice smells when you enter, the food really didn't back it up. It's possible I just don't like Ethiopian food, but either way, I won't be returning. Good Ethiopian beer and everything was pretty inexpensive, is the best I can say.
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Gabriel B.

Yelp
Food was absolutely Great. I really enjoy the food and ambiance. The lighting at dinner made me feel like I was some place back in time. Definitely a place to come dine.

Ricardo V.

Yelp
Came out to celebrate with a large party and I can't begin to explain how sweet the staff was. It was a small wait, but the food was more than worth it. A perfect introduction to Ethiopian food, and stamped as "authentic" by people who KNOW. They even threw in a free round of shots once we finished, and i'll for sure be back to visit whenever i'm in Denver. I would've uploaded a picture but we finished it before i could think to do so. Lovely atmosphere as well. 10/10
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J C.

Yelp
I love this place! The food is the best flavor every time I come here. My go to Ethiopian restaurant. Staff is always friendly also.

Shay G.

Yelp
We came in with a reservation of 10 and ended up having 18 people and the one waitress had took care of us with no problem AT ALL. She was amazing. The food was soooo amazing!!!! And the atmosphere was welcoming to ALL. We had a groups of people for all walks of life. All different races and beliefs and we all felt welcomed. It was my first time have Ethiopian and it was noting short of delicious. I will be back! 10/10

Patricia I.

Yelp
Great food! Great service! Serene local hideaway for neighbors to enjoy great local spot!
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Aakrati K.

Yelp
Amazing Ethiopian food. We have not encountered such a beautiful looking Ethiopian place before. The service was great and friendly. We tried veg platter and lentil sambusa and both were yummy.
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Matthew W.

Yelp
Really great Ethiopian food! Thankfully they have both vegetarian and meat combo platters that let you sample a variety of their dishes, which I loved all of them. Definitely worth checking out!!

Jared G.

Yelp
food was so fire !!! got the meat combo and added beef tibs. Would absolutely come here again
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Kimberli R.

Yelp
Great food and awesome experience. This was my first experience at an Ethiopian restaurant. We had a great guide. She walked us through the night. The food was spicy but delicious. My friends tried Ethiopian beer and they loved it. Appetizer (Sambussa) was amazing. Atmosphere was pleasant and music was cultural and new to me. We had plenty of space and time to catch up with our friends. This is a family business and my hat is off to the cook!! We will be back!! Try the beef ribs....

Sheven M.

Yelp
I'm trying Ethiopian food the second time and prior to this experience I was NOT a fan. I came in with 0 to very low expectations. I was BLOWN AWAY at how AMAZING EVERYTHING was here. They were understaffed so the food took a little long to come out, however the manager came and interrupted our table to apologize for the delay and to insist that we not leave a tip. They also gave complimentary shots to our party for the delay. I am now a fan of Ethiopian cuisine!!

Jacquelyn A.

Yelp
Food was amazing. Ambiance was mellow and perfect for our large group to be able to talk and enjoy each other. The service was great, servers were so accommodating and gave great recommendations.
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Tim T.

Yelp
Very friendly , made me feel home. Food was great . It was my first time trying Ethiopian food. I definitely recommend this place. They also have great beer. Enjoy friends !

Winifred L.

Yelp
Really enjoyed our meal tonight. We ordered the beef tibs and fosolia and the kik. It was all delicious and really probably the best tasting and most flavorful that I've had here in Denver. The service was lovely and both members of the staff we interacted with were warm and welcoming. I forgot to take pictures, but if you like Ethiopian cuisine - definitely check out Mesob! Cheers!
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Heather F.

Yelp
I came across Mesob one day when having an Ethiopian craving, and was pleasantly surprised to see they delivered, since not many Ethiopian places do. In an effort to avoid various (Grubhub) platform delivery fees, I ended up waiting a few days to do a takeout order that I could share with a friend. I placed the order just before the restaurant opened at 4pm via Mesob's website, for the earliest available pickup time which was 4:30pm. My friend went to pick it up, and arrived shortly after 4:30pm. He was told it would be another 15 minutes. Ultimately, the food wasn't ready until about 5:15pm. That said, given I placed the order before open for the earliest pickup, that could've been part of the problem, so something to keep in mind if you're an early/starved eater. We ordered the Vegetarian Sampler, the Meat Sampler, the Lamb Tibs and an order of Sambusa. The sambusas were by far the best sambusas I've ever had! Very flavorful; well fried, and the filling had a nice consistency (ones I've had elsewhere, e.g. Axum, tend to have the lentils all fall out once you bite in). The various other dishes were well seasoned; there was a depth of spice present in the traditional favorites that I hadn't experienced elsewhere. Normally I don't think of even 'spicy' Ethiopian dishes as being that hot, but there definitely was some kick in the denoted items. There was a plentiful amount of injera, (each entree came with an extra piece), but I did find the portions to be smaller than what I had experienced with Abyssinia's take out (which also included a salad thrown in). The plated picture gives you a sense of splitting all of the items amongst two people (more injera to the side). On the whole I definitely enjoyed Mesob, but I'm definitely going to continue my tour of Denver Ethiopian takeout as Covid continues.
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Patrick S.

Yelp
This is our new favorite place for Ethiopian food. Located near the east Colfax cluster of Ethiopian food options, this always has super fresh and tasty food. We typically get the meat and veggie combos together. It's delicious. Also, we love the katinya appetizer. The buttery spicy goodness of it all. We always get great service, plenty of food for the price and a unique atmosphere. The videos featuring regional Music are great too.
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D T.

Yelp
What an unexpected, pleasant surprise finding this quaint, but oh sooooo delicious Ethopian restaurant. They're open for dine-in and delivery, but I decided to dine in and glad I did. I was greeted by a dear older woman who promptly allowes me to sit where I liked. They have a bar area with TVs (one was showing sports, the other, Ethopian dancing) and the dining room is quaint and very tasteful. I ordered the meat combo and had a very good beer, while I waited on my entree. MAN, was this food good!! Every bit of authentic Ethopian food like I'm used to from LA and D.C. (which have the best Ethopian foods in the US, IMHO). The flavors was so on point, I kept licking the inside of mouth! Needless to say, I'll be visiting this place again next time I'm back in Denver!!
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Sarah B.

Yelp
A group of us ate at Mesob to celebrate my sister in laws birthday and had the best time! The food was delicious and the service impeccable. Our waiter was so kind and personable. It's a family run restaurant and you could tell the care that was put into the food. I called a few days ahead as I have Celiac disease and they made gluten free Injera for our party and ensured everything was safe for me to eat. I felt great afterwards. We will definitely be back!
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Bill Z.

Yelp
A large group of us came to Mesob on a quiet weeknight recently. The food was great, and we had a fantastic time. Mesob is cozy and welcoming, but not as welcoming as the owners and our waitress. The decor is very casual. There is a small stage for live music, and at other times Ethiopian music and videos will be playing on the TV near the bar. This is not a place to go if you are in a hurry. As a big group which ordered a large number of items off the menu, I knew it would take a while, which it did. But it was so worth it! Everything was delicious and fresh and nicely spiced, with plenty of injera. Several in my group had never before eaten Ethiopian food - after eating here they became hooked - kudos again to our waitress who took the time to explain each of the dishes in detail to the newbies. Ironically, this had not been our choice for dinner. I had been given a recommendation for a different Ethiopian restaurant by a local friend, and unfortunately (for them), they did not answer the phone when I tried to make a dinner reservation. So we chose Mesob, left satisfied, and Mesob would again be my first choice during future visits to Denver.
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Sarah L.

Yelp
Wow....just wow. Was greeted by sultry sounds and a decadent Ethiopian scenery as well as open arms and welcoming smile from Kessanet. A Denver native with southern hospitality, her service made her feel like a friend we've known for years. The food which is second to none, healthy, authentic is filled with deliciousness and pleasant spices. I appreciated the unique flavors present in the veggie and meat combos and enjoyed the experience eating with just hands. There isn't anything on the menu i wouldn't recommend from the this local favorite. We will definitely be back to see Kessanet and her family again

Anonymous D.

Yelp
Got take-out, so can't comment on ambiance or service. Overall the food was good here-- got a meat combo and a veggie combo and split it with one person. Servings were small. Most Ethiopian places I can get multiple meals from an order but the entrees here are truly one meal. Lots of injera, though. Most places are too stingy with injera but Mesob is generous. Injera was a little different from most places-- darker color and more sour. Some of the veggies were slightly undercooked-- carrots, potatoes, and cabbage were a bit hard. The flavors in the dishes made up for most shortcomings though- good flavor, doro wat is always a favorite, as is the string bean. Order was ready on time, and I would order again. Glad to have Ethiopian food in Denver.
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Shin M.

Yelp
The appetizer that had garlic injera was freaking intense! Too many spices! All 3 of us had difficulty finishing it. Would def never recommend!!! Felt like they took the cap off of a spice bottle and poured half of it into a folded piece of injera and then pan dried it a little. The short ribs were not edible. They were black and burnt to the bone- no meat to eat and no flavor, it was quite ridiculous. The vegetables were just ok. Not a fan of the greens. Lentils were good. One of the brown meats was good, the other reminded us of the over spiced appetizer injera. Chicken was meh. Egg was nothing special. Portions were super tiny. Prices were def expensive for what we got and the lack of quality. The restaurant itself was really big and nice for an Ethiopian restaurant on colfax. Service was very slow. Would not eat here again to be honest.
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Tyler A.

Yelp
This place is the best Ethiopian restaurant I have ever been to. The staff is super friendly and attentive. The food is extremely traditional and has extremely fresh ingredients. I recommend getting the golden tibs and the veggie combo. Great for date night or family. They also have live music and are open super late. Don't forget to get the coffee, it's very strong and super delicious!!!
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Talisa D.

Yelp
Wow so yummy! And very friendly service. Walked in today when the place we usually go to across the street was too busy - glad we tried Mesob! I think I prefer this place actually because of the Goden tibs and the general ambiance is nice! Really tasty food overall. Got the Goden tibs, tibs, meat combo, and shirt. Goden tibs were like deep fried super crispy goodness - nothing like anything we'd tried before! Would highly recommend this place.
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Eddie C.

Yelp
My favorite Ethiopian restaurant!!! Authentic food that is a great value. You'll love this place if you keep your expectations in check! I love the Doro Wat (spicy berbere chicken and egg), Beef Tibs (buttery spiced beef chunks like a carne asada), and Goden (fried crispy short ribs). Also good to get a veggie combo if you a a few in your group. If you like strong coffee, ask for a coffee ceremony. They'll roast the coffee beans in front of you and you'll get a strong waft of them. Realistic Expectations- Ethiopian dining is about sharing a communal food experience! Just like when you go out for sushi or tapas, expect to spend some time here. The more in your group, the merrier! The food is made fresh so it might take you 30-45 minutes to get your food. This is normal so sit back and watch some traditional Ethiopian dance on TV. (Can you move your shoulders like that? Try it?) Ethiopian food is finger food. It's is enjoyed by scooping is up with the spongy and sour injera bread. It's a bit clumsy at first but that's part of the fun. It's a sign of kindness and affection to feed others in your table. Try it and have fun. Also, when you enter the doors, assume you are being transported to another country. You have to ask for ice water, extra napkins, and forks - this is not an automatic at Ethiopian restaurants and in Ethiopia. Just ask when you order and they'll take care of you. If you run out of the injera bread, just let them know and they gladly get you more. Totally recommend and hope you enjoy!
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Shar S.

Yelp
One word: yum! I haven't had much Ethiopian food, but I do know quality dishes when I taste them. My friend was in town from Oakland on a layover and wanted to grab a late night bite to eat. We made it just in time before the kitchen closed, and still got fresh food and top notch service (on top of getting to listen to the live DJ). We also treated ourselves to a glass of their chilled honey wine (it was delicious!) and a bottle of Ethiopian beer, which was very modestly priced for an import. I'd definitely like to check this place out for lunch sometime!
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Sarah H.

Yelp
By far the best service experience I've ever had at a Ethiopian restaurant - my server was very friendly, my drink was kept filled, and the food and check were both prompt. Quality of the food was also quite good. The only reason I can't give Mesob 5 stars was the lack of lamb options. They only had one dish with lamb or beef as an option and they were out of lamb that night. What a bummer!
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Elizabeth S.

Yelp
Everything was wonderful! Comfortable atmosphere and delicious food. My husband and I got the veggie combo for two. It was the perfect amount. We live in New Mexico but will someday be back!
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Ami D.

Yelp
Absolutely fantastic food! Every time I come the staff is friendly, attentive and the food is delicious. The portions are big and the price is small. It's definitely a place you don't want to miss out on experiencing.
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Ginny G.

Yelp
The most delicious food- and the most kind and friendly waiter I've ever met. Love love love this family owned treasure- can't wait to go back

Eri H.

Yelp
Food is good, but this restaurant need to improve on the portions. At all they have a nice and helpful waiter...
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Shani C.

Yelp
Okay, to be honest, we were heading for the place around the corner but had way too many people in our party. However, this place not only accommodated our group of 12, but was also helpful and deliciously assisted the Ethiopian food virgins in the group and guided us through a delicious meal that pleased all involved. I loved the flavors and the service. Bonus points for having a layout and seating that was more than accommodating for an electric wheelchair.

Dugald m.

Yelp
Fabulous culinary experience. First time Ethiopian light refreshing spicy. Very clean bathrooms. Will be back.
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Keegan H.

Yelp
This place is amazing, I can't rave about it enough. It's extremely authentic so gives you a great idea of Ethiopian culture. The staff are also incredibly welcoming and know everything about the menu which is a huge plus for me (vs recommending something blindly). Will definitely be back!
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Bianca S.

Yelp
Food is still good but portion size has gotten alot smaller. Ordered a vegetable combo and another dish to go. The portions were almost the size of two tablespoons. They also forgot the salad that is usually included. They gave extra Injera but it wasn't needed because of the small portions.
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Jennifer D.

Yelp
My husband and I have been big fans of Ethiopian cuisine for over 20 years now. We wanted to try a new Ethiopian restaurant andfound Mesob! We would say we are connoisseurs of Ethiopian food so we know what's good and what's not. Mesob is now our new FAVORITE Ethiopian restaurant! The food and the service are wonderful! We highly recommend Mesob, a must try!
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Winston H.

Yelp
My friends and I had such a great time at Mesob! The food is delicious and plentiful, and they have some of the best injera I've ever had. The staff is also very welcoming and friendly, and the interior is nicely decorated with Ethiopian crafts. Highly recommend a visit!

Falcone S.

Yelp
Great food, great service. We ordered a combination plate and every item was delicious.
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Nicole W.

Yelp
Pretty darn tasty food. Now, I'm comparing to my fav hole in the wall in Dallas where the food is completely out of this world (Arif Cafe). Mesob is pretty darn good. Not over the top great, but good enough that I'd return for sure. As I now live in rural nowhere Colorado, I'm happy with anything tasting good. Mesob definitely scratched my itch and I ate every single bite of leftovers and injera.
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Ricardo J.

Yelp
When to visit Denver with my friends and stopped at this spot food was amazing. The owner was really friendly and helpful. 10 out of 10 times I would go there for Ethiopian food