Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

Tried to meet a friend who drove in from out of town here. At 1pm on a Sunday (an hour and a half past their posted opening time), they were closed. I guess my friend (who had arrived before us) went in and asked if they were open since the time on the door indicated that they should be, and they simply told him that they were cleaning and were not open. Sad day.

What a gem! What a great find!

Okay with 100 reviews it wasn't exactly lost but it was new me and oh so good.

What we ordered:
Everything

Appetizer:
Yemser ~ pastry filled with lentils ~ pretty good
Spinach Sambusa ~ decent

Salads:
Lalibela Selata ~ awesomely lightly dressed

Entrees:
Lentil salad ~ nice blend
Yesmer Wat ~ flavorful
Ater Kik ~ I love yellow split peas ~ but I thought these was a little too cruchy.
Gomen ~ collards were good
Defen Yemiser Wat ~ green lentils were good. Seasoned well.
Duba Wat ~ this was the banger. I was pleasently surprised by the sweetness and the spiceness of this dish
Shuro~ these chickpeas were good but not the best.
Quosta ~ the spinach was decent but didn't stand out
Ye-Shembera Asa Wat ~

We went to Lalibela this past Saturday and have fallen in love.  We are big fans of Demera and Ethiopian Diamond, so we didn't know what to expect.  Highlights of the evening included:

-BYOB
-BEST Injera I've EVER tasted
-2 entrees and 2 sides, an appetizer, coke, tax and tip for $37
-BEST kitfo I've had in Chicago
-The lamb was like butter - I've never had lamb so tender and well seasoned
-My boyfriend offered to pay me so he could finish the lentils.. they were unbelievable

The service was slow - they actually warn you on the menu because of the preparation time needed in the kitchen - but it was worth the wait.  

I also felt perfectly full afterwards. I forgot to BYOB so I ordered a coke and they ran to the store to get me one (as they didn't have any in house) which was greatly appreciated.  I believe it's a family that works there, but regardless, they were so friendly, great with recommendations, and lovely people.

I HIGHLY recommend Lalibela as it was inexpensive, delicious, and lovely.