Seemor
Minya's PizzaBWorth Trying
1932 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
· Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (292 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Creative Eritrean-influenced pizza with a lively vibe and downstairs speakeasy; excellent hospitality, solid slices, some late-night inconsistency and occasional service/facility complaints.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Minya's Pizza delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by distinctive Eritrean-influenced specialty pies and exceptional service warmth from an engaged owner and staff. However, inconsistent execution during late-night hours and limited seating capacity prevent grade A-level standing. The creative fusion concept and vibrant speakeasy synergy make it a worthwhile destination for adventurous eaters seeking bold flavors and genuine hospitality on 9th Street.
Restaurant Summary
On buzzing 9th Street, Minya’s reads as a cheerful slice shop up top with a secretive-but-proud speakeasy below. Staff are described as warm and welcoming, with the owner often greeting guests. A typical line: "Stopped in late and still felt taken care of," while the downstairs bar draws praise for grown-and-chic vibes. The cooking blends Italian pizza fundamentals with Eritrean spice and spirit. Expect berbere heat, awaze and tibs-inspired toppings, and seafood surprises like tilapia on the Amatere. It is a creative fusion approach that suits adventurous eaters who like bold flavors; classic cheese and pepperoni keep traditionalists covered. Families do fine here thanks to kid-friendly staples like cheese or pepperoni, wings, and fries. No kids menu is needed when the basics are this accessible, though the spicier specialties are better for curious palates. Seating is limited upstairs; the speakeasy skews adult evening outings.
At a Glance
- Distinctive Eritrean-inspired specialty pizzas (Derho, Amatere) with bold spices
- Friendly, hands-on owner and welcoming staff
- Downstairs speakeasy adds date-night appeal
- Quality dips late-night with limited slice choice and holding issues
- Occasional complaints about restroom access and service tone
What Sets It Apart
- eritrea_inspired_pizzas
- downstairs_speakeasy
- owner_hospitality
What People Love
- Spicy, aromatic Derho sauce that wakes up a slice
- Owner hospitality that feels personal
- Speakeasy cocktails and ambiance downstairs
- Reliable classics alongside inventive specials
- Fast, friendly counter service
Points of Concern
- Late-night selection can be sparse and slices may lose crispness
- A few sharp complaints about service tone and restroom access
- Isolated cleanliness and foreign object allegations—monitoring advised
- Parking is tight; plan for Metro or rideshare
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-$42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose 12" specialty pies for best price-to-flavor ratio
- Vegan pizza is available with red sauce and plant cheese
- Wings come in 6-30 pieces; add ranch or blue cheese if you like extra sauce
Perfect For
- Pre- or post-nightlife slice and a cocktail downstairs
- Adventurous pizza seekers chasing new flavors
- Casual date nights that start with pizza and move to the speakeasy
- Locals wanting a quick, satisfying grab-and-go
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Shaw corridor with nightlife, bars, and late-night foot traffic; popular with locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; some late-night urban issues possible as noted in big-city nightlife zones.
Nearby: Near bars, clubs, and restaurants; downstairs speakeasy attracts cocktail seekers; convenient pre- and post-show stop.
ShawShaw is a dynamic neighborhood blending historic charm with modern development. It offers a lively dining scene featuring a mix of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and late-night spots, attracting a diverse crowd seeking both traditional and contemporary cuisine.
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Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–00:00
Tuesday11:00–00:00
Wednesday11:00–00:00
Thursday11:00–00:00
Friday11:00–03:00
Saturday11:00–03:00
Sunday11:00–00:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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