Written by DCist Contributor Andrew Chriss

Enjera Eritrean Restaurant opened in Crystal City in May 2007. On an early visit over the summer, the restaurant was not very inviting from the street level, which was disappointing due to the vast amount of outdoor seating space available. The menu was crudely assembled from what seemed like loose-leaf, and the signage for the restaurant did little to sell the restaurant besides intrigue passersby to ask, “What do they eat there?”

HGTV talking heads would be proud, as the curb appeal has significantly increased since that first visit. A new sign, with a fancy new logo, now hangs above the restaurant. A new, laminated, professional-looking menu is available for perusal. Enjera has also mounted a focused advertising campaign, particularly in local Arlington/Alexandria newspapers. The website is also a welcome enhancement to their cyber-presence, although the information regarding their menu doesn’t match with the menu at the restaurant and has broken links, in the case of the vegetarian selection.

The restaurant has three options for seating. You can sit outside on the patio, which has both a deck and street level seating. It’s set up in such a way where you don’t feel crowded or that you can interact with the passers-by. There’s also a bar inside, although the mechanics of eating with the traditional bread that the restaurant takes its name from with the various entrees, while sitting at a bar is a logistical challenge. For agoraphobics and introverts alike, the dining room has seating for between 40 and 50, as well as areas for private parties. If conversation with another human being isn’t enough to pass the time, the main dining room has a TV set to Telemundo where you can watch your favorite telenovelas on mute while regional music blares in the background.