One of my favorites! Good portions, delicious food, decent prices, and friendly staff. They do run out of things occasionally, but that doesn't bother me as it tells me they are moving through food and that it is freshly made. I generally get the meat combo and the vegetarian combo to share with my partner, but we have tried a few other dishes as well, some stews and made-to-order stir fried types -- all great (sorry, I'm bad with the names). The Sambusas (both meat and veggie) are tasty and I really enjoy the spicy dipping sauce with the yogurty sauce -- THAT is a flavor I could have every day. Chicken Wings are spicy-sweet, very saucy, very tasty if you like wings/drummies. The sweet drinks are delicious. Nothing has been _super_ hot/peppery, but you can request hotter. Flavors are nicely balanced as is, I feel (caveat: I do like hot and have high tolerance). The service can be slow, but I don't go here for fast food. Just be aware. I think the most # of people I've seen working are 3 (2 servers and 1 cook). African time is like Mexican time is like Caribbean time is like Greek time, etc. Eating is an experience to be enjoyed and savored. I have tried Fasika (my mom really likes Fasika), and I like Flamingo better -- there seem to be some differences in food offerings, and although both are tasty, I felt like a number at Fasika and one of the family at Flamingo. They are happy to see me when I go in.
(5)
Andy B.
Amazing and overlooked Ethiopian restaurant! This place is really a hidden gem, and I do mean hidden. For so long I walked by barely even looking at it, but this place was fantastic! I was reading the food blog The Heavy Table and they wrote a profile about the restaurant and how it had recently had a power surge which fried a bunch of their appliances I decided to give it a shot. The service was so personal, and friendly, the food was really outstanding. You can easily share an entree with a few people. I had a chicken dish that was recommended by our server and my wife had a vegetarian platter. We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Kevin N.
I absolutely love this place and the owners are amazing.
(5)
Annie N.
I had high hopes, but this place can't hold a candle to Fasika. 'sall I'm gonna say, except see Thisoldboo's review for a detailed explanation with which I agree wholeheartedly. Maybe I just caught them on an off day?
(2)
Thisoldboo B.
This is what happens when the Unitarian Church gets a hold of email: we have a mediocre dinner that leaves us thinking about stopping by Fasika on the way home. Here was the situation. This is a woman-owned business, a neighborhood joint nestled next to a Subway at the corner of University and Syndicate. One of the owners is the author of _Hiidden Scars, Visible Strengths_, a moving account of her journey to safety as a refugee. According to a viral email, "The Flamingo was opened with a powerful vision in mind - to help refugee women transform their stories of suffering and loss into stories of triumph and healing. As refugee women themselves, they know first hand, the challenges of having left behind all they knew and loved to start a new life in an unfamiliar country. They understand the journey of healing that is needed to move from a place of unimaginable pain, loss and abuse to one of contentment, peace and strength. The restaurant is simply a vehicle to reach that goal." I'm not sure how the restaurant contributes to this goal but no matter. THEN the operation almost goes bust due to electrical problems that ruin their inventory and which insurance won't cover. So, some do-good St. Paulite, maybe a regular, finds out and spreads the word. They find themselves besieged by pale earnest folk, and, straining under the weight of this benevolence, manage to make some great tropical-fruit lemonade and lassis too. And maybe the meat dishes are amazing (Chris M. raves about some mysterious green sauce). But vegetarians beware: if you've come to depend on East-African food for generous portions of tasty and varied veggie dishes, the Flamingo isn't for you. First, this is Eritrean food, which is not as spice-driven as Ethiopian or Somali food. So the dishes are not shouting with flavor. Next, the veggie dishes were just not very varied or interested. The Gomen tasted like the jalapeños had been neutered. And we thought the Shiro ("soul food") would be like dumplings in a thick sauce but it was more like lentil gruel. The Miser was good, the Difen Miser was tasty (though careful, if you order the lentil sambusas you will find that they are made with the Difen Miser basically. They are delicious, the best item we had, but it was disappointment to have the same dish served two different ways), and the Alicha was tasty. No dish was terribly plentiful on the plate and the service was laconic but friendly. We had a nice meal and hope these people succeed -- they are awfully friendly and nice. But as vegetarians, we'll not be back.
(2)
Joan P.
I like Ethiopian food, and this restaurant did not disappoint. Tasty food, I especially liked the herbed butter. Not too spicy. Authentic feel to the place. I will be back.
(4)
Aaron D.
I had the sambusa, which were good on their own, but the sauce was amazing, as well. Then I had the chicken tsebhi dorho, which I wasn't really sure what it was going to be, since I had no idea what injera meant. However, it was something I've had before at an ethiopian restaurant in downtown minneapolis, so I was pleasantly surprised to not be... totally surprised. For those who don't know, it's several types of food (chicken, salad, and some potato salad like substance (?) on a tortilla like thing). I also had a flamingo signature juice, which was a-mah-zing. I'm pretty sure Shegitu was my waitress, and she was very nice. I was considering giving 4 stars because the prices are a little high for my budget, but dang, it was too good and Shegitu was too nice.
(5)
Neal L.
Five stars because I've been going to Flamingo for years, and it's always good. Five stars for fast and very friendly service. Five stars for having the best Gyro I've ever had, now accompanied by fries! I was with someone who wanted to stop at Subway and I said "fu@# that, I'll check this place out." Got the Gyro, a nicely spiced and moist meat-filled behemoth I raved to my friends about. I've been back quite a few times since, trying various items on the menu, dining in and taking out and they've all been great. Standouts are the gored-gored, curried lamb, doro wot, and especially the sambusas. The sambusa sauce is amazing. Get your butt to flamingo.
(5)
BB S.
I really wanted to like this place. I had heard good things and thought my boyfriend and I would check it out. Would have liked to try the sambusa's but they were out. Wanted to try their signature juice. Out. Service was awful. Waited forever to have our order taken. Our server sat behind the counter most of the time, playing on his phone, and had another boy do most of the work. Once we ordered, the food came out pretty fast. I ordered Ater, which I thought was good. After eating, it took forever to get the bill. We finally just got up and paid at the counter. It was an altogether disappointing experience and I do not plan on going back again.
(2)
j p.
Despite my inescapable perception of injeera as alien flesh, I still love to wrap up globs of spicy stews and things with it and jam it in my yap. Injeera is one of the oddest things I have eaten, and I have eaten a lot of odd things. I have to say that I have only been here a couple times, but I am determined to go back, and one of the reasons is unrelated to food quality or snappy service. I work in the industry, and I know what good service is, but I really don't hold it as one of my top criteria for how much I like a restaurant. Maybe because I am too close to that process, or maybe because I am just too saturated in it (training, managing, et al) to worry about it when I go out. I don't know. Don't get me wrong; I do like to have water and get my food and all.... but in some instances speed-of-service is not worth worrying about. And, I have not had bad or slow service at the Flamingo... I just want to set up my other point. In my experiences, my favorite restaurants have had some essential quality that may or may not be related to the dining process. The Harbor View, apart from its good food and exceptional view, has a vibe that is always so sweet and wonderful that one can almost taste it. I'd drive down there only for that. Everything else is bonus. Redamak's in New Buffalo Michigan has good cheeseburgers, but it is the fact that they have been doing it for so long and so well in the same building (and that they can open on 3/1 and close on 10/1 every year) that a side trip down the Red Arrow Highway when in the area is necessary. We all have places like this. For the Flamingo, it is the story of the two women who started it, and run it. That two women from disparate but similar cultures both escaped war, hunger, oppression and more were able to come together and have the Dream be realised in Saint Paul is good enough to bring in curious patrons. But to me, the fact that the men of their two cultures reportedly refuse to support them and their business because they are women makes it much more satisfying for me to go and give them my business. As for a review: the food is delicious and plentiful at really great prices, and these two women are wonderfully sweet and caring. Really, do you need more than that?
(5)
Courtney I.
This is an ever-improving business. The first time we went there, it took a little too long for the food to arrive, but it was understandable given that it was very busy and they didn't have enough staff on hand. The food was a delightful experience and well worth the wait. We left happy. I have not had to wait as long since, and the food is always consistently delicious. The lady who appears to be the owner or manager recognized us the second time and treated us like we'd been going there for ages. If you've never had Ethiopian food... prepare to get your hands dirty, and prepare for some spice. If you like Indian food, this shouldn't be far out of your comfort zone. We highly recommend giving it a try- especially here at Flamingo.
(4)
Alex I.
Fantastic. We love going here. The food is fantastic. Personally I love an excuse to eat messy food with my hands, but hey, that's me. For those of you less inclined I did see someone get a fork there once. It was actually pretty funny, they sat there bewildered staring at their food for a whole 3-5 minutes before angrily asking why they hadn't received silverware, not realizing that no one around them had silverware and was eating just fine. The service here is the only thing that brings it down a little, the wait staff could definitely be more attentive. Often we just avoid the whole thing by getting take out and bringing it home. (Plus those of you who can't stand to eat with your hands can eat your food at home with silverware, in peace without people judging you.) The food is really quite fantastic, we always order the kilwa tibs, though if you're new at east african, try the traveler or veggie combo, it's enough to feed two people and sometimes still have leftovers. My friends and I once split two of them between the four of us and we took a bunch home. At any rate, if you haven't been, try it out because it is really good. Edit: The last time we were there the waitress actually asked if we wanted silverware, but if they don't ask, you still might not get it without asking.
(5)
Morgan A.
I went here with my bf and we had their sambusas and the meat platter. We both agreed that we loved the sambusas. The meat platter we differed on but I generally liked it but the lamb seemed a bit tough. The beef we agreed was good and I liked the chicken. I will certainly return here and re-review other menu items as this single dish didn't seem to be so much my thing. My 2 cents.
(4)
Milo G.
Great Ethiopian restaurant. It has become our favorite because of the service. The food is just as good as any other Ethiopian restaurant, and while the menu might be slightly smaller than others, the service more than makes up for it.
(4)
Sonja R.
Just got back from lunch at Flamingo Restaurant with my mom, and it was fabulous. Our server was very helpful in explaining the menu to us, the eating style, and just overall how to of the restaurant. We ordered her recommendations, shared one platter for the two of us (there were left overs too) and started with samosas. The food was delicious. Our meat platter gave us a sampling of the different offerings of the restaurant. The lamb was my favorite but would recommend any of the options that come with the flat bread. Overall pleasant lunch that I will be back to enjoy again.
(4)
Jan M.
Hands down, Flamingo is the best Ethiopian Restaurant in the twin cities. The flavors are complex and absolutely delicious. I have tried Fasika and I must say that Flamigo's flavors and the quality of its food is superior. The meat platter, which includes salad and two vegetables, is amazing. The two women owners get their spices directly from Ethiopia, don't use American substitutes and it shows. They are also meticulous about the presentation of the food. It is a work of art. The place faces University Ave although the address is on Syndicate Street. If you blink, you miss it. Jan.
(5)
Andy R.
Portion size was good, service was terrible and food was over cooked. Sat for over 15 minutes before having our order taking. Ordered an appetizer and it took another 20 minutes (saw tables get their apps plus their entrees in that time). We ordered a chicken dish and a steak dish. Both meats were very dry and overcooked. The vegetable sides (not the salad) had at one point been hot however they had clearly been sitting around for a while and were mostly cold when served. We special ordered the steak to be cooked without jalapenos because one of us doesn't like spicy food, however the menu failed to mention that the sauce also has Sriracha paste in it which we didn't ask to remove (since we didn't know it was in it). We explained to the server about not liking spicy food, and this was never mentioned. It seemed like they were about 2 people short on the floor, so I'm sure that contributed to the problems I experience. However as the saying goes, you only have 1 chance to make a first impression.
(1)
Georgia D.
Delicious food and lovely women owners...........be sure to try the Flamingo. Georgia Duncan
(4)
Becky L.
A simple African restaurant with lots of delicious flavors and beautiful smiles. I really, really hope this one survives the light rail construction because the food was delicious!
(5)
Kate P.
Not a bad lunch--tried the curried chicken and "travelers" platter. Good food! Chicken was a little dry in the curry dish. We'll be back.
(3)
Ali W.
I recently bought a groupon for Flamingo and after my lovely dinner last weekend, I am very happy that I did! I ordered the Chicken Tsebhi Dorho and it was tasty! The meat was falling off the bone, the blend of spices was so interesting, and the HUGE piece of injera it was served with was fresh and full of flavor. Next time I want to try ordering a vegetarian dish since the red lentils that came with "The Traveler" were awesome. Also, the lamb with "The Traveler" was delish so I'd like to try a curry with lamb in the future, too. I guess I'll be making a few more trips ; ) As for the ambiance, the woman who served us was very kind and I liked the low-key atmosphere. The place was full but she was very attentive and the food came quickly. I've already recommended it to a few friends and I can't wait to go back. I had heard they don't offer silverware before my first visit, but that's not the case. We got forks and napkins with our meal without having to make a special request. Certainly a fun place for a non-traditional date night or to go out with friends. Be sure to come hungry because the servings are large and it's cheap so it's tempting to order more than you can finish!
(4)
Cailin R.
The food is cheap and delicious. The customer service is spectacular. We got a living social deal to go there and got what they served-- a delicious drink, appetizer, and giant main course. For some delicious East African food, I would definitely recommend this place. (Be sure you know how to eat the food first though! For first timers, it might be a bit confusing.)
(4)
Terri W.
Good first impression. Since I have not had the appetizers before i cannot say if they are usually cold but they were. Being used to eating deep fried things hot the temperature of this dish was a bit of a surprise. That being said It was delicious. Deep fried pastry squares with meat filling(lentil was the other choice). One of the owners waited on us and was very helpful in her suggestions and was very tolerant of our mispronunciations of the dishes we wanted. The portions were very large and could be shared. The menu holds opportunities to sample a couple of the dishes at a time. There is a list of all the spices that are contained in the dishes and it was explained how it was made so even a novice in this cuisine could make an intelligent choice. The owner was more than willing to listen to what we did and didn't like and guide us so we didn't choose something we may not like. Everything was very fresh, I will definitely return to try some of the other dishes.
(4)
Hannah f.
I have been wanting to try Ethiopian Food for quite some time. I found Flamingo restaurant and went for dinner with a friend. The owners are really friendly, the food is authentic, really reasonably priced and DELICIOUS! I will be going back soon. I live in Minneapolis and normally don't venture over to St. Paul very often unless it's for something worthwhile. This is definitely worth the trip!
(5)
Rhonda G.
What brought us here was the bullshit parking situation at Fasika's. The neighboring businesses, a bookstore and liquor , etc. decide they want to hog an entire parking lot, that happens to be behind Fasika's, even when they are closed. Bastards. I couldn't find this place on Yelp, because it's Flamingo, not THE fucking flamingo. I can't help but compare to the other ethnic places. But I appreciate Thisoldboo's references, so to me it would be like comparing Russian to Ukranian. In other words I don't know a goddamn thing. I'll give it this, it's cleaner, and the menu's a little broader. Breakfast in the AM, pasta, and sandwiches. Spaghetti and goat meat anyone. Hell this might be my answer to veal and peppers. We had zilzil tibs (that's all I know). Not plentiful, but not too bad. Differences, they add tomatoes, and the injera is brown. They give you a nice lettuce salad BEFORE the entree, we specifically asked for this, and they "got "it. We got sides of greens, and also mushrooms, both were good. Decor is just a bunch of framed pics, and the east african community doesn't tend to hang around, so Fasika's gets the points for both of these. So the experience is somewhere in between Fasika and Blue Nile. Fasika's is where to go if you're really hungry, but Flamingo has good stuff, and I'll definitely be back for the spaghetti and goat.
(3)
Style M.
We became aware of Flamingo because of a living social deal. My wife and I are big foodies and we like to try new restaurants that provide out of the box flavors. We were greeted by the friendly owner, promptly seated and provided with ice water. Our server was extremely nice, communicative and helpful in guiding us through the menu. The homemade ginger lemonade with fresh mango juice was most delicious just like the meat platter and the spinach chicken. The portions are generous and especially the platters can be shared easily. All meats were flavorful and since everything is prepared freshly, you can ask them to keep it milder or spice it up. Everything we had was fantastic and we will definitely come back. We had Ethiopian food before in one of the best restaurants in Washington DC (where there is a huge Ethiopian community) and the food here was as good as it was there just slightly milder - much to the liking of my wife. But as I mentioned earlier, you can request the degree of spicyness. At the restaurant, we learned from the two owners, that they came from Ethiopia and Eritrea and as such they created a menu with dishes from both countries which both use interesting, bold flavors with cinnamon, cardamom, chilies etc. With prices ranging from $8 for a normal dish to $11.50 for a vegetarian platter and meat dishes ranging from $9 to $16 for a huge platter with all kinds of different things, this place is an absolute winner! We will definitely come back and bring along some friends.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Jennifer K.
One of my favorites! Good portions, delicious food, decent prices, and friendly staff. They do run out of things occasionally, but that doesn't bother me as it tells me they are moving through food and that it is freshly made. I generally get the meat combo and the vegetarian combo to share with my partner, but we have tried a few other dishes as well, some stews and made-to-order stir fried types -- all great (sorry, I'm bad with the names). The Sambusas (both meat and veggie) are tasty and I really enjoy the spicy dipping sauce with the yogurty sauce -- THAT is a flavor I could have every day. Chicken Wings are spicy-sweet, very saucy, very tasty if you like wings/drummies. The sweet drinks are delicious. Nothing has been _super_ hot/peppery, but you can request hotter. Flavors are nicely balanced as is, I feel (caveat: I do like hot and have high tolerance). The service can be slow, but I don't go here for fast food. Just be aware. I think the most # of people I've seen working are 3 (2 servers and 1 cook). African time is like Mexican time is like Caribbean time is like Greek time, etc. Eating is an experience to be enjoyed and savored. I have tried Fasika (my mom really likes Fasika), and I like Flamingo better -- there seem to be some differences in food offerings, and although both are tasty, I felt like a number at Fasika and one of the family at Flamingo. They are happy to see me when I go in.
(5)Andy B.
Amazing and overlooked Ethiopian restaurant! This place is really a hidden gem, and I do mean hidden. For so long I walked by barely even looking at it, but this place was fantastic! I was reading the food blog The Heavy Table and they wrote a profile about the restaurant and how it had recently had a power surge which fried a bunch of their appliances I decided to give it a shot. The service was so personal, and friendly, the food was really outstanding. You can easily share an entree with a few people. I had a chicken dish that was recommended by our server and my wife had a vegetarian platter. We'll definitely be back!
(5)Kevin N.
I absolutely love this place and the owners are amazing.
(5)Annie N.
I had high hopes, but this place can't hold a candle to Fasika. 'sall I'm gonna say, except see Thisoldboo's review for a detailed explanation with which I agree wholeheartedly. Maybe I just caught them on an off day?
(2)Thisoldboo B.
This is what happens when the Unitarian Church gets a hold of email: we have a mediocre dinner that leaves us thinking about stopping by Fasika on the way home. Here was the situation. This is a woman-owned business, a neighborhood joint nestled next to a Subway at the corner of University and Syndicate. One of the owners is the author of _Hiidden Scars, Visible Strengths_, a moving account of her journey to safety as a refugee. According to a viral email, "The Flamingo was opened with a powerful vision in mind - to help refugee women transform their stories of suffering and loss into stories of triumph and healing. As refugee women themselves, they know first hand, the challenges of having left behind all they knew and loved to start a new life in an unfamiliar country. They understand the journey of healing that is needed to move from a place of unimaginable pain, loss and abuse to one of contentment, peace and strength. The restaurant is simply a vehicle to reach that goal." I'm not sure how the restaurant contributes to this goal but no matter. THEN the operation almost goes bust due to electrical problems that ruin their inventory and which insurance won't cover. So, some do-good St. Paulite, maybe a regular, finds out and spreads the word. They find themselves besieged by pale earnest folk, and, straining under the weight of this benevolence, manage to make some great tropical-fruit lemonade and lassis too. And maybe the meat dishes are amazing (Chris M. raves about some mysterious green sauce). But vegetarians beware: if you've come to depend on East-African food for generous portions of tasty and varied veggie dishes, the Flamingo isn't for you. First, this is Eritrean food, which is not as spice-driven as Ethiopian or Somali food. So the dishes are not shouting with flavor. Next, the veggie dishes were just not very varied or interested. The Gomen tasted like the jalapeños had been neutered. And we thought the Shiro ("soul food") would be like dumplings in a thick sauce but it was more like lentil gruel. The Miser was good, the Difen Miser was tasty (though careful, if you order the lentil sambusas you will find that they are made with the Difen Miser basically. They are delicious, the best item we had, but it was disappointment to have the same dish served two different ways), and the Alicha was tasty. No dish was terribly plentiful on the plate and the service was laconic but friendly. We had a nice meal and hope these people succeed -- they are awfully friendly and nice. But as vegetarians, we'll not be back.
(2)Joan P.
I like Ethiopian food, and this restaurant did not disappoint. Tasty food, I especially liked the herbed butter. Not too spicy. Authentic feel to the place. I will be back.
(4)Aaron D.
I had the sambusa, which were good on their own, but the sauce was amazing, as well. Then I had the chicken tsebhi dorho, which I wasn't really sure what it was going to be, since I had no idea what injera meant. However, it was something I've had before at an ethiopian restaurant in downtown minneapolis, so I was pleasantly surprised to not be... totally surprised. For those who don't know, it's several types of food (chicken, salad, and some potato salad like substance (?) on a tortilla like thing). I also had a flamingo signature juice, which was a-mah-zing. I'm pretty sure Shegitu was my waitress, and she was very nice. I was considering giving 4 stars because the prices are a little high for my budget, but dang, it was too good and Shegitu was too nice.
(5)Neal L.
Five stars because I've been going to Flamingo for years, and it's always good. Five stars for fast and very friendly service. Five stars for having the best Gyro I've ever had, now accompanied by fries! I was with someone who wanted to stop at Subway and I said "fu@# that, I'll check this place out." Got the Gyro, a nicely spiced and moist meat-filled behemoth I raved to my friends about. I've been back quite a few times since, trying various items on the menu, dining in and taking out and they've all been great. Standouts are the gored-gored, curried lamb, doro wot, and especially the sambusas. The sambusa sauce is amazing. Get your butt to flamingo.
(5)BB S.
I really wanted to like this place. I had heard good things and thought my boyfriend and I would check it out. Would have liked to try the sambusa's but they were out. Wanted to try their signature juice. Out. Service was awful. Waited forever to have our order taken. Our server sat behind the counter most of the time, playing on his phone, and had another boy do most of the work. Once we ordered, the food came out pretty fast. I ordered Ater, which I thought was good. After eating, it took forever to get the bill. We finally just got up and paid at the counter. It was an altogether disappointing experience and I do not plan on going back again.
(2)j p.
Despite my inescapable perception of injeera as alien flesh, I still love to wrap up globs of spicy stews and things with it and jam it in my yap. Injeera is one of the oddest things I have eaten, and I have eaten a lot of odd things. I have to say that I have only been here a couple times, but I am determined to go back, and one of the reasons is unrelated to food quality or snappy service. I work in the industry, and I know what good service is, but I really don't hold it as one of my top criteria for how much I like a restaurant. Maybe because I am too close to that process, or maybe because I am just too saturated in it (training, managing, et al) to worry about it when I go out. I don't know. Don't get me wrong; I do like to have water and get my food and all.... but in some instances speed-of-service is not worth worrying about. And, I have not had bad or slow service at the Flamingo... I just want to set up my other point. In my experiences, my favorite restaurants have had some essential quality that may or may not be related to the dining process. The Harbor View, apart from its good food and exceptional view, has a vibe that is always so sweet and wonderful that one can almost taste it. I'd drive down there only for that. Everything else is bonus. Redamak's in New Buffalo Michigan has good cheeseburgers, but it is the fact that they have been doing it for so long and so well in the same building (and that they can open on 3/1 and close on 10/1 every year) that a side trip down the Red Arrow Highway when in the area is necessary. We all have places like this. For the Flamingo, it is the story of the two women who started it, and run it. That two women from disparate but similar cultures both escaped war, hunger, oppression and more were able to come together and have the Dream be realised in Saint Paul is good enough to bring in curious patrons. But to me, the fact that the men of their two cultures reportedly refuse to support them and their business because they are women makes it much more satisfying for me to go and give them my business. As for a review: the food is delicious and plentiful at really great prices, and these two women are wonderfully sweet and caring. Really, do you need more than that?
(5)Courtney I.
This is an ever-improving business. The first time we went there, it took a little too long for the food to arrive, but it was understandable given that it was very busy and they didn't have enough staff on hand. The food was a delightful experience and well worth the wait. We left happy. I have not had to wait as long since, and the food is always consistently delicious. The lady who appears to be the owner or manager recognized us the second time and treated us like we'd been going there for ages. If you've never had Ethiopian food... prepare to get your hands dirty, and prepare for some spice. If you like Indian food, this shouldn't be far out of your comfort zone. We highly recommend giving it a try- especially here at Flamingo.
(4)Alex I.
Fantastic. We love going here. The food is fantastic. Personally I love an excuse to eat messy food with my hands, but hey, that's me. For those of you less inclined I did see someone get a fork there once. It was actually pretty funny, they sat there bewildered staring at their food for a whole 3-5 minutes before angrily asking why they hadn't received silverware, not realizing that no one around them had silverware and was eating just fine. The service here is the only thing that brings it down a little, the wait staff could definitely be more attentive. Often we just avoid the whole thing by getting take out and bringing it home. (Plus those of you who can't stand to eat with your hands can eat your food at home with silverware, in peace without people judging you.) The food is really quite fantastic, we always order the kilwa tibs, though if you're new at east african, try the traveler or veggie combo, it's enough to feed two people and sometimes still have leftovers. My friends and I once split two of them between the four of us and we took a bunch home. At any rate, if you haven't been, try it out because it is really good. Edit: The last time we were there the waitress actually asked if we wanted silverware, but if they don't ask, you still might not get it without asking.
(5)Morgan A.
I went here with my bf and we had their sambusas and the meat platter. We both agreed that we loved the sambusas. The meat platter we differed on but I generally liked it but the lamb seemed a bit tough. The beef we agreed was good and I liked the chicken. I will certainly return here and re-review other menu items as this single dish didn't seem to be so much my thing. My 2 cents.
(4)Milo G.
Great Ethiopian restaurant. It has become our favorite because of the service. The food is just as good as any other Ethiopian restaurant, and while the menu might be slightly smaller than others, the service more than makes up for it.
(4)Sonja R.
Just got back from lunch at Flamingo Restaurant with my mom, and it was fabulous. Our server was very helpful in explaining the menu to us, the eating style, and just overall how to of the restaurant. We ordered her recommendations, shared one platter for the two of us (there were left overs too) and started with samosas. The food was delicious. Our meat platter gave us a sampling of the different offerings of the restaurant. The lamb was my favorite but would recommend any of the options that come with the flat bread. Overall pleasant lunch that I will be back to enjoy again.
(4)Jan M.
Hands down, Flamingo is the best Ethiopian Restaurant in the twin cities. The flavors are complex and absolutely delicious. I have tried Fasika and I must say that Flamigo's flavors and the quality of its food is superior. The meat platter, which includes salad and two vegetables, is amazing. The two women owners get their spices directly from Ethiopia, don't use American substitutes and it shows. They are also meticulous about the presentation of the food. It is a work of art. The place faces University Ave although the address is on Syndicate Street. If you blink, you miss it. Jan.
(5)Andy R.
Portion size was good, service was terrible and food was over cooked. Sat for over 15 minutes before having our order taking. Ordered an appetizer and it took another 20 minutes (saw tables get their apps plus their entrees in that time). We ordered a chicken dish and a steak dish. Both meats were very dry and overcooked. The vegetable sides (not the salad) had at one point been hot however they had clearly been sitting around for a while and were mostly cold when served. We special ordered the steak to be cooked without jalapenos because one of us doesn't like spicy food, however the menu failed to mention that the sauce also has Sriracha paste in it which we didn't ask to remove (since we didn't know it was in it). We explained to the server about not liking spicy food, and this was never mentioned. It seemed like they were about 2 people short on the floor, so I'm sure that contributed to the problems I experience. However as the saying goes, you only have 1 chance to make a first impression.
(1)Georgia D.
Delicious food and lovely women owners...........be sure to try the Flamingo. Georgia Duncan
(4)Becky L.
A simple African restaurant with lots of delicious flavors and beautiful smiles. I really, really hope this one survives the light rail construction because the food was delicious!
(5)Kate P.
Not a bad lunch--tried the curried chicken and "travelers" platter. Good food! Chicken was a little dry in the curry dish. We'll be back.
(3)Ali W.
I recently bought a groupon for Flamingo and after my lovely dinner last weekend, I am very happy that I did! I ordered the Chicken Tsebhi Dorho and it was tasty! The meat was falling off the bone, the blend of spices was so interesting, and the HUGE piece of injera it was served with was fresh and full of flavor. Next time I want to try ordering a vegetarian dish since the red lentils that came with "The Traveler" were awesome. Also, the lamb with "The Traveler" was delish so I'd like to try a curry with lamb in the future, too. I guess I'll be making a few more trips ; ) As for the ambiance, the woman who served us was very kind and I liked the low-key atmosphere. The place was full but she was very attentive and the food came quickly. I've already recommended it to a few friends and I can't wait to go back. I had heard they don't offer silverware before my first visit, but that's not the case. We got forks and napkins with our meal without having to make a special request. Certainly a fun place for a non-traditional date night or to go out with friends. Be sure to come hungry because the servings are large and it's cheap so it's tempting to order more than you can finish!
(4)Cailin R.
The food is cheap and delicious. The customer service is spectacular. We got a living social deal to go there and got what they served-- a delicious drink, appetizer, and giant main course. For some delicious East African food, I would definitely recommend this place. (Be sure you know how to eat the food first though! For first timers, it might be a bit confusing.)
(4)Terri W.
Good first impression. Since I have not had the appetizers before i cannot say if they are usually cold but they were. Being used to eating deep fried things hot the temperature of this dish was a bit of a surprise. That being said It was delicious. Deep fried pastry squares with meat filling(lentil was the other choice). One of the owners waited on us and was very helpful in her suggestions and was very tolerant of our mispronunciations of the dishes we wanted. The portions were very large and could be shared. The menu holds opportunities to sample a couple of the dishes at a time. There is a list of all the spices that are contained in the dishes and it was explained how it was made so even a novice in this cuisine could make an intelligent choice. The owner was more than willing to listen to what we did and didn't like and guide us so we didn't choose something we may not like. Everything was very fresh, I will definitely return to try some of the other dishes.
(4)Hannah f.
I have been wanting to try Ethiopian Food for quite some time. I found Flamingo restaurant and went for dinner with a friend. The owners are really friendly, the food is authentic, really reasonably priced and DELICIOUS! I will be going back soon. I live in Minneapolis and normally don't venture over to St. Paul very often unless it's for something worthwhile. This is definitely worth the trip!
(5)Rhonda G.
What brought us here was the bullshit parking situation at Fasika's. The neighboring businesses, a bookstore and liquor , etc. decide they want to hog an entire parking lot, that happens to be behind Fasika's, even when they are closed. Bastards. I couldn't find this place on Yelp, because it's Flamingo, not THE fucking flamingo. I can't help but compare to the other ethnic places. But I appreciate Thisoldboo's references, so to me it would be like comparing Russian to Ukranian. In other words I don't know a goddamn thing. I'll give it this, it's cleaner, and the menu's a little broader. Breakfast in the AM, pasta, and sandwiches. Spaghetti and goat meat anyone. Hell this might be my answer to veal and peppers. We had zilzil tibs (that's all I know). Not plentiful, but not too bad. Differences, they add tomatoes, and the injera is brown. They give you a nice lettuce salad BEFORE the entree, we specifically asked for this, and they "got "it. We got sides of greens, and also mushrooms, both were good. Decor is just a bunch of framed pics, and the east african community doesn't tend to hang around, so Fasika's gets the points for both of these. So the experience is somewhere in between Fasika and Blue Nile. Fasika's is where to go if you're really hungry, but Flamingo has good stuff, and I'll definitely be back for the spaghetti and goat.
(3)Style M.
We became aware of Flamingo because of a living social deal. My wife and I are big foodies and we like to try new restaurants that provide out of the box flavors. We were greeted by the friendly owner, promptly seated and provided with ice water. Our server was extremely nice, communicative and helpful in guiding us through the menu. The homemade ginger lemonade with fresh mango juice was most delicious just like the meat platter and the spinach chicken. The portions are generous and especially the platters can be shared easily. All meats were flavorful and since everything is prepared freshly, you can ask them to keep it milder or spice it up. Everything we had was fantastic and we will definitely come back. We had Ethiopian food before in one of the best restaurants in Washington DC (where there is a huge Ethiopian community) and the food here was as good as it was there just slightly milder - much to the liking of my wife. But as I mentioned earlier, you can request the degree of spicyness. At the restaurant, we learned from the two owners, that they came from Ethiopia and Eritrea and as such they created a menu with dishes from both countries which both use interesting, bold flavors with cinnamon, cardamom, chilies etc. With prices ranging from $8 for a normal dish to $11.50 for a vegetarian platter and meat dishes ranging from $9 to $16 for a huge platter with all kinds of different things, this place is an absolute winner! We will definitely come back and bring along some friends.
(5)