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Menu for Bete-Lukas
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African, Ethiopian/Eritrean and Vegetarian
$10-15 per entree
Special Features: Vegan Friendly, Kid Friendly and Romantic
Critic reviews for Bete-Lukas
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Oregonian
June 05, 2009 - In a genre not typically known for elegance -- typically, Ethiopian table service doesn't include utensils -- Bete... full review | all Oregonian reviews |
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The Mercury
November 20, 2008 - Ethiopian cuisine is very much a product of ancient trade routes. There are hints of sub-continental curries, rich... full review | all The Mercury reviews |
Blog posts on Bete-Lukas
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Stumptown Vegans
January 26, 2009 - Truth be told, this review has suffered from exhaustive delay. This can happen with our two visit minimum rule... full post | all Stumptown Vegans reviews |
User reviews of Bete-Lukas
Share your opinion with the world. Add your review below.
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"Sated and Slaked"
by happy
(1 review)
February 26, 2010 - Really likes it - Ahhhh, Ethiopian Food... my favorite food in San Francisco but not in Portland until 4 months ago. A group of people asked me to join them to eat at Bete-Lukas. Not only did I NOT have a bad reaction to the Ingera [because it is carefully fermented for 3 days] but I left happy and satisfied like the good old days in San Fran. Local and organic when possible, the food is consistently good and fresh. A great bonus is the owner [I always wonder if that is his scooter parked outside]. I get special treatment and he knows my name. So if you want special Tx, just use my name... or the name of any of the other 3000+ plus customers that get preferred service at this amazing restaurant. My family eats the Veggie Combo and the Ye-Beg Wot [Lamb in Berbere Sauce]. Call for a reservation so that you are not sad if the place is packed! Watch out for my son....he will race you to the door. 3 people like this review Recommend |
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by Tim Woolery
(3 reviews)
November 07, 2009 - Likes it - Very good food & service that brings Into focus some fond memories of a departed friend. My daughter also appreciates the tasty vegan friendly options! 5 people like this review Recommend |
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by Frank Hunger
(6 reviews)
October 03, 2009 - Likes it - We have eaten etiopian food all over town and in a dozen other cities and this place is among the best. Get the beet salad if you like beets! 5 people like this review Recommend |
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by Lisa Hockett
(3 reviews)
September 20, 2009 - Really likes it - Surprisingly wonderful, clean, and welcoming staff. The food was tasty and spicy and not greasy! We got the veg combo and eggplant tibbs and argued over which was the best. They were all the best Ethiopian I've had. And the injira wasn't too sour. We'll be going back soon! 5 people like this review Recommend |
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mobile review
by Bhavan
(6 reviews)
July 27, 2009 - Really likes it - Amazing! We've gone twice within 2 weeks and have been blown away both times. My only complaint is that they close pretty early. Both times we've had the veggie combo and it's fabulous. The sambusa is tasty. The owner is the server and he is an interesting guy. Friendly but also kind of sassy ( in a good way). I believe his wife runs the kitchen. The ambience and decoration is far beyond most of the other Ethiopian restaurants in town. But the price is strangely very reasonable. 5 stars! 7 people like this review Recommend |
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"delicious and affordable"
by Emily
(39 reviews)
April 28, 2009 - Really likes it - The restaurant has a beautiful dining room and a more upscale atmosphere than the other Ethiopian places in town. Bete-Lukas and would be a nice place to go for a romantic date, although we often take our kids. The food is absolutely delicious and fresh. The prices are very affordable. They also have a full bar and a very decent selection of wines. 10 people like this review Recommend |
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"Great!!!"
by Lynne
(21 reviews)
April 08, 2009 - Likes it - Visited Bete-Lukas yesterday to celebrate a friend's B'day. The interior decor is just perfect...actually very traditional in one sense.The restaurant owner is a chatty gentleman but, he really knows his cuisine, explains the Ethiopian tradition and is very courteous.The injera is a must have. We also tried Ethiopian Beer (which we think was larger with honey and lemon...but, it was nice).Would definitely recommend this restaurant. It's a hidden gem in SE Portland 10 people like this review Recommend |
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"My new favorite "comfort" food"
by Wendy Ice
(1 review)
March 31, 2009 - Likes it - When the weather's cold and rainy or when I'm feeling blue, nothing lifts my spirits more reliably than a meal at Bete-Lukas. The aromas alone are positively therapeutic.The food is delicious and beautifully prepared; the lighting is romantic and the service is swift and gracious; and, if for some reason that isn't enough, what takes this restaurant over the top is the authentic personal warmth of the staff. You simply won't find any nicer. Since it's so hard to choose from all the fabulous dishes, we pretty consistently order one meat combination plate and one vegetarian combination plate (for two people). This is truly a feast and unless we're ravenous we take home leftovers.Ethiopian food is traditionally eaten with the hands (served on a crepe-like teff-based bread). However, the kindly host/owner Peter (who will likely remember your name on your second visit) will, without judgment, provide silverware if that's more comfortable. The food is spicy and complex, but not hot. It is wonderful with beer or wine and Peter will happily assist you in making a selection. It has been genuinely satisfying to watch this restaurant thrive in such a tough economy. The place seems to starts filling around six on weekdays, so if you're in a huge hurry, come early. On weekends you'll definitely want to make a reservation. To go orders are welcome, and portions are generous though, of course, you'll miss out on the gorgeous presentation.Give it a try; you won't be disappointed. 10 people like this review Recommend |
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"Happy"
by Happy
(1 review)
March 07, 2009 - Likes it - this is it !!!!!!!! wow..... wow, at last we have found it. this is the best we have ever had. we love ethiopian food and bete-lukas got all we were looking for. six of us had dinner at bete-lukas last night for my friend's b-day and it was all worth it. the place was full of happy people,the food was nothing like we have ever had. most of us have had ethiopian food in this town for long time but nothing like this place. we did not think this place was any different than the others but we were wrong. we are happy that we were wrong. we will be back with more friends and family. keep up the good work. p.s. we very much like the openness of the whole place. 12 people like this review Recommend |
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mobile review
by Nursepainbegone
(1 review)
February 28, 2009 - Likes it - Excellent! My wife and I have been fan's of Ethiopian food for a long time and have triied many of the local joints, but Bete-Lukas is the best. The atmosphere is an upper class feel, but casual welcome. Our server, (who I suspect is the owner), was very informative about the food and takes it quite seriously. He explained that the food is cooked in a manner that brings out the nessesary elements desired in Ethiopian cuisine without oiling it down or adding unnessasary ingredients. After our meal, I can attest that he was not lying. It was not heavy on the stomach, like many other places, delivered perfect amount of spice, and unfolded the complex flavors we all enjoy in Ethiopian dining. This place is a must try! 11 people like this review Recommend |
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"Absolutely Amazing!"
by Josh n Kelsey
(5 reviews)
February 17, 2009 - Likes it - We had a wonderfully romantic Valentine's Day dinner here. This was my first experience with Ethiopian food but it definitely won't be my last. We will be returning to this restaurant regularly.....with friends and family in tow! Highly recommended! 11 people like this review Recommend |
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"Delicious Food, Fabulous Service"
by ST
(1 review)
February 16, 2009 - Likes it - We went to Bete Lukas to celebrate a romantic Valentine's dinner and we were blown away by the place. The cozy, candlelit atmosphere was perfect for a night out but people with friends and kids were enjoying themselves as well. It is a local, family-owned restaurant and the service and wait team were amazing [pretty good looking too!] They are so friendly and really know the details and origins of their dishes.Now on to the food, we are very familiar with injera and Ethiopian in many cities and this is by far the best. Loved the veggie dishes, the zilzil tibs [a spicy seared meat dish], and kitfo were perfectly spiced. Also, I liked that they had appetizers which you don't see at many Ethiopian restaurants. Plus they have a full bar and are happy to mix up cocktails , which was enjoyed by my date! To top it all of, they had a special dessert that was to die for: a chocolate ganache heart shaped treat filled with raspberry cream, Yummm! Overall , a great time, fantastic food, and a huge thumbs up! I learned that they do takeout, so we will definitely be back , probably later this week! 8 people like this review Recommend |
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"My name is Bete-Lukas, I live on the second floor"
by mumkin
(51 reviews)
January 03, 2009 - Really likes it - Romantic candle-lit atmosphere, wonderfully friendly service, and excellently prepared food. Bete-Lukas has all that, and at a very nice price.Many of Portland's Ethiopian restaurants tend toward the no-frills, budget end of the experiential spectrum. Bete-Lukas sets the bar higher with tastefully understated decor, cloth napkins, well-placed pools of light... you wouldn't feel out of place in a jacket and tie, nor would you feel underdressed in Portland casual. The vegetarian combo was one of the better I've had-the spice level seemed perfect, contrary to previous reviews-and the eggplant tibs was similarly excellent. The owner is hip to Urbanspoon, too. He saw my iPhone and commented that he loves how people tell their phones they want vegetarian food, shake them, and then they show up at his restaurant :) 9 people like this review Recommend |
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"Great atmosphere - low price"
by Dan
(2 reviews)
December 16, 2008 - Likes it - The food is very good, although I agree with another reviewer that next time I will ask for it to be a little spicier. The best part, however, is the care that has been taken to make the place attractive and comfortable, and the special attention from the owner. It's clear the owners have put a lot of work and attention into this venture. It's the kind of place that deserves support. 10 people like this review Recommend |
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"Bete-Lukas is awesome!"
by salmon-brad
(1 review)
November 20, 2008 - Likes it - My wife and I love Ethiopian food, and our favorite is Bete-Lukas. It is a little more expensive(about 5 dollars more for 2 people) than the other Ethiopian joints in town, but the service and atmosphere makes it well worth it! The food is outstanding, great injera, and the meat and veggie entres are delicious! You can't go wrong, check it out as soon as you can! 9 people like this review Recommend |
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"New Fave Ethiopian Joint"
by leah.steiner.suter
(1 review)
August 06, 2008 - Likes it - Since I live just up the street, I ordered carry-out from here the other night, and it was just what I was looking for! The owner was very friendly, the injera (spongy bread) was awesome, and the veggie combo was delicious and ready to go in ten minutes. The prices were very reasonable, too: for $11, I got a small salad, five vegetarian entree selections, and two giant circles of injera. Sweet deal!My only reason for not giving it five stars was that it was a little less spicy than I normally like it (I usually like it VERY spicy) - I'll order it a little spicier next time and keep you posted :) 8 people like this review Recommend |
Fans of Bete-Lukas
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