SOST

Highly anticipated going to Sost for the first time. Sost encompasses stunning/elevated decor consistently throughout its 3 levels--the vinyl room (speakeasy bar), hybrid cafe and resto-lounge. I met up with a friend for dinner. We enjoyed the Sambusas together which were spiced to perfection. I then went on to have the Grandma's Suya Platter for my main. The portions of jollof rice and beef suya skewers were plentiful. We topped off our dinner with the Sweet Potato Croquette which reminded me of a funnel cake. I wish it would have been a little softer, but it was still really good, especially with the fresh vanilla ice cream. Our server, Nicole, was pleasant and super attentive! She checked in on us frequently. After dinner, we made our way all the way downstairs to the vinyl room for another cocktail. I loved the vibes at Sost. I easily see this being a go to spot as the weather starts to get nicer. Looking forward to coming back for one of the upcoming DJ sets.

I love this place! It's such a neighborhood gem - like a brownstone with four levels of entertainment. 1st floor is the cafe lounge that seems like a great place to get some work done and enjoy a mimosa or latte; the 2nd floor is the restaurant portion which has a very comfortable ambiance; 3rd floor is a small rooftop with a vibe and the dimly lit basement is a speakeasy. We didn't have a reservation but were able to get a seat at the bar on the 2nd floor around 8:30p on a Thursday and enjoy the live music. The food was really good - from the lemon pepper wings, sambusas, beef suya (the jollof rice was undercooked) and harissa salmon. We enjoyed a paloma and skinny margaritas - James was very attentive when it came to our cocktails and what we wanted. The live entertainment was 'chef's kiss'! I forgot the name of the artist but her voice captured what I'm looking for when I say I want "a vibe".

This place has had a good start as a restaurant and as a night club. I’ve been here twice now once for dinner on a Wednesday and once to hear a DJ. I would keep eating here but I probably won’t come to party unless there is a DJ I want to hear. Restaurant: The food is pretty good, I’ll have to come back and try again because unfortunately they were out of jollof rice the day I came idk how that happens at an African restaurant, but the power also went out on the whole block and they did a good job of keeping everyone calm. They felt bad about the jollof and since it was my friends bday they gave us a complimentary champagne. This is customer service But also, please have jollof lol. grandma’s suya was seasoned well, my friend said the salmon was good, however the creamy mashed potatoes were not good, not seasoned and cold, the server brought out French fries instead. As for the club, well, idk what to say it was a typical packed second floor that I had to wait to get upstairs to because it was packed, there was no DJ downstairs at first but once one came I just went back downstairs so I could breathe. Also for the men, they randomly started charging after a certain time, with no real heads up. Seriously I was in like for 15-20 min and after about 10 people in front of me they started charging for men. So be aware of the time you show up.

If you’re looking for a spot in DC with amazing food, good people, Sost is it. It’s more than just a restaurant, it’s a lounge where you can really enjoy yourself. The ambience is warm and inviting, with a down-to-earth energy that makes you feel right at home. The food is top tier — flavorful, fresh, and clearly made with love. I had the salmon which was so good I’m still thinking about it but everything we tried hit the spot. What really made the experience stand out was the energy of the space. Everyone—from the staff to the guests—added to the vibe. It felt like a spot where people come to enjoy life and good music. Ziti was amazing and made our time so special. If you’re in DC and want to eat well and catch a vibe. Sost should definitely be on your list.

Had a wonderful time. This place was the where Haitian-American Artist Charle Jean-Pierre held his viewing in February of 2025. The salmon and the wings were great.

This was my first time hearing of this new spot SOST, but apparently I was the only one because this place was action packed! The ambiance was live, hip and happening. The food was well seasoned and tasty. The Harissa Creamy Salmon succulent and the creamy sauce was flavorful super creamy with a welcomed spicy kick. James, our server, was impeccable. While busy he made sure to check on us regularly ensuring we were okay. He made excellent food and drink recommendations too. We will definitely go back to check out the Vinyl Room with DJs .

We went with some friends to celebrate a birthday! Had a blast. Has 4 floors. The top floor has a cute balcony. No view though. I like how there is a dj on every floor, so that was dope. Had different music types on all levels. The top floor is only open sometimes. Probably during the summer months. My friends said drinks were pretty good as well. Thanks for the good time.

The food is excellent; I really like the takes on African cuisine. I had the Berber-Q chicken and the sambusas as an appetizer, and they were both delicious; my wife loved Grandma’s Suya, and the portions are generous. The jollof rice was a little underwhelming, mine was lukewarm and I think you really have to excel at rice when you’re doing cuisine that really uses rice as an integral component. But it was fine and the perfection of the meats more than made up for it. We went to the happy hour in the cafe while we waited for the restaurant to open; it’s a great deal and they were serving South African wine as their house white, which we love. Definitely recommend happy hour there. The vinyl decorating the cafe is awesome. My one real complaint are the tables in the reso-lounge. They are just super short, and you have to maneuver your legs weirdly to fit. It’s the only reason I’d give this place four instead of five stars. Everything else, the vibe, the bar stools, the wait staff, the food, is on point. Highly recommend this place, just be prepared to sit at an awkward angle for dinner if you’re at the reso-lounge. It’s worth it!

I didn't know what to expect when I was invited to Sost just last night. Familiar with the street and other venues I was pleasantly surprised with the renovated, bright, and lively establishment upon entrance. The lit staircase was the first eye-catching characteristic. The multi-level layout gave me DC/U Street vibes. However, the vinyl theme, contemporary lighting, acoustics and speakeasy gave me New York City nights! And I miss that atmosphere and total package for nightlife. First, I need to give a shout to James who was my server, companion while I waited on my party, and had great suggestions for ordering. I took every suggestion to heart and was NOT disappointed. Carlos, the Sost Sommelier, helped the table decide between two honey wine selections from Negus Winery. Reservations were set. With a succinct menu, each person ordered something different. I had the Moroccan Mint cocktail and it was superb . We also ordered glasses of honey wine to pair with the spiced appetizers. They also concocted a delectable mocktail for the person participating in Dry January. I tried the Grandma's Suya and Sost Chicken Wings with the Signature Sweet Tunisian Harissa pepper sauce and they were fantastic. And cooked thoroughly. Sometimes places do not prepare the wings properly and they are not cooked thoroughly. This place got it RIGHT! The spices were perfection. I chose the Harissa Creamy Salmon entree and it came with the mashed potatoes and creamy spinach. Chef's kiss! After dinner we toured all floors: the cafe, the speakeasy, and lounge. Very sexy, chic, the playlist was phenomenal. SOST definitely fulfills what's been missing. A great place for solo night out, a date, and hanging with your crew! I was also told about R&B Wednesdays. And there is a happy hour on food and drinks during the week.

On a recent afternoon, my companion and I stumbled upon the newly opened Sost Resto-Lounge, lured in by a sign promising a happy hour from 3 to 6 PM. With the promise of drinks and bites, we eagerly made our way inside. However, what started off as an exciting visit quickly turned into a bit of a rollercoaster experience. Upon entering, I made my way upstairs, but we were told that the upstairs wasn't quite open yet, so we had to wait a few minutes before being seated. Once we finally settled in, we were met with another delay--getting anyone's attention. After some patience, we were handed a QR code to access the menu. As we tried to place our orders, the bartender informed us that the kitchen was operating on a limited menu until 5 PM, meaning our options were restricted to just the Sost Cheeseburger. This wasn't mentioned on the happy hour sign or when we were handed the menu, so it was a bit of a letdown. Still, we decided to roll with it and ordered the cheeseburger along with a Sahara Smoke and a Mojito. The drinks, thankfully, were a standout. The Sahara Smoke cocktail had that perfect balance of smoky depth with a refreshing finish, while my companion thoroughly enjoyed his Mojito. The cheeseburger, though tasty, didn't quite live up to the elevated vibe of the lounge. It was fine--just a basic cheeseburger, and the fries were, well, just fries. The ambience of Sost is where things really shine. The soft lighting, plush seating, and sophisticated design give the place an upscale feel, perfect for a chill evening out. However, that's where the magic seemed to stop. The service didn't quite match the elegance of the setting. Our bartender, while friendly, appeared visibly flustered, even spilling some of my cocktail during the rush. And while it wasn't just her--many of the other staff members seemed distracted, often sitting down or glued to their phones. One even took selfies in the large mirror on the second floor. There was a clear lack of coordination and professionalism, especially from the owners or higher-ups who were milling around but not actively engaging with the service. I'm inclined to give Sost the benefit of the doubt, as they're still in their early days. The potential is certainly there--the space is stunning, the cocktails are solid, and the food has room to grow. But the service needs a lot of work. The staff could be more attentive, the communication clearer, and there's definitely a need for better coordination and a stronger sense of professionalism. I'm hopeful they'll work out these kinks and turn what's currently a decent spot into a must-visit. Until then, I'd say Sost has a lot of promise, but there's still much room for improvement.

Speakeasy's have become a thing lately. Well, when I went to this spot, for the food, I was surprised that they had a whole secret level in there!! This spot was an experience!! LET'S GO!! . Where I am: @sost.dc . Location Reviewed: 1901 9th Street., N.W. Washington D.C. . Items Reviewed: STAMP!! Their Mocktail ($12 with pineapple, bubbles, orange juice, grenadine, & Passionfruit boba). Absolutely refreshing!! I need a gallon of this!! STAMP!! Their Sost Chicken Wings ($16 Six baked, Mumbo sauced wings). Super tender, a savory Mumbo...try these!! LIKE THAT!! Their SOST Halfsmoke ($18 a grilled beef & pork sausage with pikliz, a Haitian slaw, onion jam, seeded mustard, shoestring fries, & a spicy Ethiopian Awaze sauce). Serious heat to it!! Tasty with STAMPED fries you don't need to dip!! LIKE THAT!! Their Berber Q Braised Chicken ($24 braised chicken with an Ethiopian pepper spice blend, pikliz, & Jollof rice). This also had heat, & nicely braised with STAMPED Jollof!! STAMP!! Their Grandma's Suya Platter ($26 West African Suya beef skewers with Jollof rice, & pikliz). The absolute BEST beef Suya I've ever had!! Tender, flavorful, & fulfilling!! STAMP!! Their Moroccan Croissant ($12 a croissant drizzled with coffee glaze, sweet plantains, & vanilla ice cream). Flaky, sweet, & creamy!! . Customer Service: On Point . Parking: Rough!! . Accessibility: Nit Wheelchair friendly, but differently abled persons accessible. . The Inside: Swanked out!! . Recommendations: Get the Skewers!! 5 Stars=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews

We didn't try the food here, but the drinks and service were both great! The decor, and vibe was chic and modern. There are three levels with bars on each, so gives you some options! The music was also on point! Very grown and sexy! This will definitely be the spot of the summer.

Welcome to Shaw, SOST! SOST is a cafe, vinyl room, and a resto-lounge, all in one, and we came here to check out their lounge and grab some dinner during their opening weekend. We ordered: +Sost chicken Wings - baked and glazed; could choose from buffalo, mambo, or the signature sweet Tunisian Harissa pepper sauce; we went for the Tunisian Harissa pepper sauce +Akara Fritters - Senegalese black-eyed pea fritters, served with mild and spicy pepper sauces +Grandma's Suya Platter - West African beef skewers, served with jollof rice and pikliz +the Harissa Creamy Tiger Shrimp - with Tunisian harissa pepper cream sauce, served with mashed potatoes and spinach +and, the Sost Cheeseburger - patty glazed in mambo sauce and topped with onion jam, muenster cheese, fried onions, seeded mustard, and spicy aioli; served with french fries For dessert, we tried the Moroccan Croissant, drizzled with coffee glaze and crumbled plantains; this was served with ice cream. Staff were friendly, and the place was cozy and intimate. Ensure you make reservations, as the place could potentially get busier due to their scheduled live performances. This place offers 3 types of venue spaces for get-togethers and private events. +live performances +3 venues +friendly service

I visited SOST during the day and wanted to try the coffee and check it out. I had no idea what to get but the bartender/ barista was extremely helpful. I decided to get the Ethiopian slow pour and it was amazing. The place was beautiful and I plan on going back later in the day to see how the other levels are.

I really wanted to like this place, but the service left so much to be desired that it completely overshadowed the experience. We had a reservation, but when we arrived, there was no one at the front to greet us. Tons of people were just walking in and seating themselves while we waited about five minutes before someone finally showed up. When the hostess did appear, we told her about our reservation, and she went to check on our table. She came back and told us the people at our table were refusing to leave, so there was no seating available. Instead of having a plan to fix this, she awkwardly walked us upstairs, where there were no available seats. We stood around looking confused for a few minutes before heading back downstairs, where we were finally seated at a table. Once we were seated, it took another 15 minutes before anyone came to greet us. The hostess and one of the many owners eventually brought us water--without straws--and apologized for the confusion. The waitress who finally came over was visibly upset and told us she had just received some bad news. We told her she could take a moment, but she insisted on working, which felt uncomfortable because it seemed like she was struggling. To make matters worse, there was another woman sitting in the back with a laptop--who also appeared to be an owner--and she didn't step in to help at all, even though the waitress clearly needed support. When the owner came over to apologize after we were finally seated, they offered my friend and me a shot. We didn't take the shot right away because we had no food yet. Later, after we placed our orders, they offered us a second shot. Normally, after two shots, you'd feel something--but we both felt absolutely nothing. It made us wonder if the drinks were watered down. The lack of leadership was apparent throughout the night. At one point, another owner cut to the front of the bar line, grabbed drinks, and went downstairs to party and socialize instead of helping manage the chaos. Meanwhile, we struggled to even order a drink. When we went upstairs to the bar, it was so crowded that the bartenders didn't even look up to take orders. We eventually gave up and went back downstairs. My friend tried to order a specialty drink, but they said they don't serve specialty drinks past a certain time. Later in the night, I ended up ordering a lemon drop, and when it came, it had a curly black hair in it. I pointed it out to the bartender, who apologized and took it back, but at that point, I didn't even bother asking for another drink. The food was good--honestly, no complaints there. I ordered the harissa creamy salmon, which is salmon, mashed potatoes, and spinach. It was good, slightly salty, but tasted fine -- but the service was so disorganized that it completely ruined the vibe. It was hard to overlook how chaotic everything was, especially since there were at least four people who appeared to be owners or managers, yet none of them seemed to be doing much to keep things running smoothly. To top it off, we spoke to an acquaintance who had also experienced a long wait earlier in the evening, so it sounds like this wasn't just bad timing--it's a pattern. If you're going to have this many staff members and claim to offer a more upscale experience, then the service should match the atmosphere and prices. Unfortunately, SOST missed the mark in that department. Would I come back? Honestly, probably not--at least not until they figure out how to properly manage their staff, take better care of their customers, and serve drinks that actually hit.

This new swank bar is ahhmazing! I didn't try the food, but the vibes were remarkable. There's a speakeasy/coffee shop, resto- lounge area. The dj plays a music set for the mature crowd that I love. The host was very accomadating to my party/reservations as well. Jada was our server and she SERVED honey! The staff looks amazing be the way. Great facility, can't wait to come back!

Arrived around 11:15 AFTER CALLING to confirm the kitchen was OPEN and they were still dinning. After 20 mins of trying to find parking I get there the host is standing outside doesn't help open the door for me or the band guy holding drums and such trying to get out... he's just standing there blocking the way being so UN-HELPFUL.... That was my first issue. I ended up holding the door for the guy. I'm thinking RUDE! Bad vibes right.... I walk inside and ask the other guy. Is that dinning open. He said he doesn't know ask the ppl in the corner chatting lol I ask. The guy walks over and skips me and ask the guy sitting at the door what does she need? Lmao lmao am I invisible? Lmao immediately I'm like. TIME TO GO...: tf is this lmao then guy at the door outside comes in and tries to offer me a menu as if I want to order Togo! Completely weird vibes. Would never go again. Thanks

Very nice place! Went there yesterday to grab cocktails before dinner. Checked out all three floors but decided to sit in the lounge area. The cocktails were amazing and the service was phenomenal. From the hostess greeting us, providing us a tour and accommodating us as a walk-in to the waiter (James) that was very knowledgeable about the menu. The customer service was superb and I'll definitely return.

Disappointed is an understatement. Such a major let down after high expectations. I hope this new restaurant can learn from their mistakes as the concept and venue is nice. Our experience at this restaurant was incredibly disappointing. We had a reservation, yet we had to wait over 45 minutes past our scheduled time to be seated. We were given the excuse the kitchen was backed up. Time management should be the first key skills a restaurant has, which they did not. The lack of organization and efficiency from the staff and management was evident, and it left a terrible first impression. I even saw servers on their phones while on duty taking pictures and videos of the live music while we waited to be seated. Once seated, things didn't get much better. The servers seemed more interested in taking selfies and filming shots for their social media accounts than attending to customers. This level of unprofessionalism was shocking and completely unacceptable for any establishment claiming to provide good service. Although we were given free shots it didn't make things better and no portion of our meal was comped. Overall, this restaurant seems more focused on their image and going viral on social media than the actual quality and satisfaction of their customers. Between the poor management, inattentive staff, and overall bad customer care, I can't recommend this place to anyone. I just hope they can improve down the road but I won't be a patron again.

Good vibes and amazing service. Our waitress, Jade was so sweet and attentive. She made me feel welcome from the moment I sat down.

Went to a private event at this venue on 12/21/2024. Purchased a drink at the bar but the bartender never returned my debit card (and I randomly thought about it after I had left the venue and could not return because it was at closing). I had Christmas travel the very next day so called on 12/22/2024 and spoke to an owner/manager (assuming since it was a personal cell phone) regarding my debit card but that someone has yet to return my call. Though, early this morning (01/01/2025), a charge was attempted on my card but thankfully, I've had my card locked since early morning 12/22/2024. This is a reminder (and warning) to consumers to ensure that you keep an eye on your debit/credit cards while at the bar and to make it a priority to get your card back since it could potentially be fraudulently charged as mine was this morning.

I typically don't do reviews, but I felt it was important to do so after my incident. I'm visiting DC and this spot was recommend. So my crew and I went to check it out. We were seated in the third level, but we forced to evacuate after some type of gas or orderless substance was discharged in the air. Employees open all the windows and hollered for us to leave this floors. We were coughing and having issues breathing. We didn't smell anything or see a fire, but it was an orderless substance that caused us all to cough profusely and throat was hurting. I spoke with staff who was unsure of what the substance was said - it may have been pepper spray that was sprayed in the air by a customer. I don't believe the authorities were called to check out the spot. But that story didn't add. I think it's something wrong with the ventilation or building. Definitely not going back and wouldn't recommend others to go. This incident was crazy! I hope my lungs will be okay.

Great food and amazing atmosphere! The service was amazing. I highly recommended it! Great place to celebrate a special occasion.