Era - Philadelphia

Updated 9/3/22: my earlier review has found that I have come to think since they were opened, I believe that their Ethiopian foods are very good. but at my prev... read more Updated 9/3/22: my earlier review has found that I have come to think since they were opened, I believe that their Ethiopian foods are very good. but at my previous visit the bartender forgot to submit my food order and said nothing until I asked another 45 minutes later an hour. after almost 90 minutes I went without being served. but I like to eat her, so I went back in the following week, I ribbed the bartender (all kerl), he apologised me immediately my order, and I had a reasonable time at night. so we were both good sports. yebeg wot (lamb stew in a red pfeffer sauce), atkelt wot (mixed cauliflower, carrots, carrots in a ginger/garlic sauce), miser wot (piced yellow lenses) served with injera (spongy sourdoughcake) were all delicious. a thing that I like to eat in Ethiopian restaurants is that eating in the rule is made by scratches/homemade in restaurant. the reason is simple: in the usa they can buy unprepared components for Ethiopian cuisine, as they say for, a bag of French pommes or an Italian aubergine rollatini, or frozen egg rolls, etc. from a load or food distribution center. when you saw the last time injera in the supermarket? So, still glad we have era in the neighboring,

Era was my favorite restaurant for many years till 2-3 years ago. I have eaten several times last year or taken from there because it is so close to my friend h... read more Era was my favorite restaurant for many years till 2-3 years ago. I have eaten several times last year or taken from there because it is so close to my friend house and we love absolutely Ethiopian cuisine. each time was a bigger disappointment than the last one, and I finally swore for good, unless I hear that they made changes. the portions have become so small. the prices have gone by 50% for the half of the food. the last time I ordered from there, I ordered a complete order of doro wot with 2 pages. what I got was 1/2 a piece injera (in the regular 1.5-2 pieces) and the doro wot was 99% sauce; there was only about an unze huh. I have no idea how they think that this is a meal. It seems that management will do everything to cut corners into cost. they have lost a long-term customer.

I was recently introduced into era as I am not familiar with Ethiopian cuisine and although it was very tasty it was dingy inside, the trite sounds, but not hel... read more I was recently introduced into era as I am not familiar with Ethiopian cuisine and although it was very tasty it was dingy inside, the trite sounds, but not help to enjoy the evening meal.

This is one of my all-time worst dining experiences, and I can't help but laugh when I think about it. I considered giving it 5 stars just for the amusement val... read more This is one of my all-time worst dining experiences, and I can't help but laugh when I think about it. I considered giving it 5 stars just for the amusement value, but a 1-star rating is more fitting for how the average person would feel. The kitchen seemed like a grease-laden closet, with one person cooking everything on a couple of frying pans over a gas stove. Canned goods were strewn about in the common area, and honestly, Oscar the Grouch's trash can was pristine in comparison. Our waitress informed us that they were out of several menu items, which turned out to be around 70% of what they offered. I did manage to get a warm Allagash White just a few minutes after ordering. As for the food, it felt like something straight out of an Ethiopian prison—definitely not something you'd expect at respectable restaurants or homes. It was laughably awful. The staff seemed completely out of sync, doing everything in the most unhelpful way possible. I still tease my friend for suggesting this place, but in a way, I’m grateful for the experience. It was like a scene from a Sharknado movie!

Wow, I haven't had a dining experience this disappointing in a long time. One dish was incredibly undercooked, while another was so overcooked that the meat was... read more Wow, I haven't had a dining experience this disappointing in a long time. One dish was incredibly undercooked, while another was so overcooked that the meat was charred all the way through. The chicken was very watery and lacked seasoning. However, the injera, lentils, cabbage, and collard greens were decent.