SOST

"Sost debuted in Shaw in December with a multi-use space including a cafe and wine bar, restaurant, and vinyl lounge in the basement. Three siblings, Siem, Izzy, and Mariam Abebe, opened the new spot to celebrate their Ethiopian Eritrean heritage with nostalgic vinyls plus food and drinks from the African diaspora, including wines sourced from South Africa and Black-owned vineyards and berbere-covered entrees. Former La Jambe chef D’Angelo Mobley created the upstairs restaurant and rooftop menu with plates that include injera chips, jolly rice, and black-eyed-pea fritters." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky

"Sost in Shaw is a restaurant and bar (but mostly bar) spread across three stories, each with its own distinct vibe. The top floor, aka the Resto-lounge, is where the social butterflies flock—live DJs spin on some nights, tables are packed tight, and conversations spill over from one group to the next. The Vinyl Room is moody and open, perfect for a date night or a long, drawn-out debate over the best D’Angelo album. And the speakeasy-style basement is where someone—one mezcal too deep—will insist that ginger cocktails are a form of self-care. The menu has five entrees, all solid, but the harissa tiger shrimp is worth paying attention to—seared until crisp, swimming in a smoky-spiced sauce, and the one dish that might actually make you pause your floor hopping. Food Rundown Grandma’s Suya Platter Technically, this is suya. Realistically, it’s on its own wavelength. Instead of a quick hit of spice on the surface, the pepper is charred and marinated deep into the chicken, giving it a slow, smoky burn. The usual onions are replaced with Haitian pikliz—a vinegary, pickled cabbage slaw that slaps you awake and makes every bite sharper. It’s suya with a side of diaspora. Harissa Tiger Shrimp These charred tiger shrimp land on the table swimming in a pool of golden harissa butter, the sauce slick, smoky, and thick as a glaze. It’s bold, fragrant, and the kind of dish that makes you forget whatever conversation you were having, slow down, and drag every bite through the last streaks of sauce. Moroccan Croissant Regardless of whether or not you ate dinner here, order these croissants to finish your night. The mini, buttery pastries come in a set of three, lightly drizzled with coffee and topped with a plantain crumble for a sweet-salty crunch." - Omnia Saed

"Here at this three-story Shaw social club spot run by three Ethiopian Eritrean siblings, a knock on the plant-covered wooden door in the lower-level reveals a chic listening room painted in burnt orange that serves smoked cocktails and spins vinyl until it closes. The newest basement gem is the place to go to hear neo-soul, Afro-piano, and jazz-funk, but there is also so much to discover here besides the great music. A hybrid Ethiopian coffee cafe upon entry transforms into an elegant wine bar at night, and the restaurant with a rooftop lounge is where traditional African dishes get an elegant upgrade. Dinnertime highlights include berbere-braised chicken, a D.C. half-smoke, harissa creamy salmon, and jollof rice." - Claudia Rosenbaum, Tierney Plumb

"A multi-use venue celebrating Ethiopian-Eritrean heritage, offering cafe, wine bar, and vinyl lounge experiences." - Emily Venezky