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The Red Sea Ethiopian RestaurantB+Worth Trying
320 Cedar Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55454
· Ethiopian restaurant, Bar, Bar & grill
· 4.5/5 Google (1446 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Vibrant Ethiopian spot with welcoming service, live-music energy, and strong value; a few complaints about portions, delays, and occasional bar-side service issues.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Red Sea Ethiopian Restaurant delivers solid neighborhood dining through warm, patient service and flavorful traditional cooking, particularly its generous veggie sampler and well-spiced tibs. However, inconsistent execution and modest ambiance prevent a higher grade, though the attached music venue and strong value proposition make it a worthwhile local destination for Ethiopian cuisine and community atmosphere.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a casual spot where servers greet first-timers with patience and pride. One diner summed it up: "We felt looked after from the first injera tear." The attached venue adds lively music energy later in the evening, so timing your visit can shift the vibe from cozy to clubby. In the kitchen, the cooking leans traditional and shareable rather than flashy—think soulful stews, spiced tibs, and a generous veggie sampler that wins over newcomers. Portions are typically solid for the price, though a few delivery orders felt light. If you like heat, awaze tibs deliver; if you prefer mild, there are gentle lentil and cabbage dishes to anchor the table. Families do fine here thanks to kid-friendly backups like chicken strips and fries, mild lentils, and simple pasta. Adventurous kids may enjoy scooping with injera, but even cautious eaters can find a plate. Music nights can run loud, so earlier visits are better for little ones.
At a Glance
- Friendly, patient service that guides newcomers
- Strong vegan and vegetarian lineup with clear options
- Good value via samplers and combos
- Occasional portion complaints on delivery orders
- Bar side can be loud or slow during shows
What Sets It Apart
- attached_live_music_space
- deep_vegan_selection
- guidance_for_first_timers
What People Love
- Warm, helpful servers who explain dishes
- Veggie sampler that feels abundant
- Awaze and zilzil tibs with real character
- Relaxed, homey room that turns lively with music
- Transit-friendly location near the university
Points of Concern
- A few reports of slow service or delayed food during busy periods
- Some diners found certain stews under-seasoned
- Delivery orders occasionally described as small portions
- Bar-side service inconsistencies on live-music nights
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share a combo and add a veggie side for balance
- Order sambusa to start, then mix one spicy tibs with mild lentils
- Families: pair chicken strips with mild Ater Kik and extra injera
Perfect For
- Sharing a first Ethiopian feast with friends
- Pre-show dinner with a lively vibe
- Value-seekers who love big samplers
- Vegans and vegetarians wanting easy choices
Location Insights
Area: Student-heavy, artsy corridor near University; casual venues and nightlife with multicultural crowd.
Safety: Generally busy and lit; typical urban late-night noise; mixed reports but no consistent safety issues.
Nearby: Adjacent to university housing, light rail, small music venues, cafes, and bars.
LongfellowLongfellow is a well-established residential neighborhood with a strong community feel, featuring a variety of local eateries, cafes, and small businesses. The dining scene is casual and eclectic, often reflecting the neighborhood's creative and family-friendly atmosphere, with a focus on locally sourced and diverse cuisine.
East LongfellowEast Longfellow is known for its quieter streets and a growing number of trendy cafes and restaurants, attracting a younger crowd interested in a relaxed yet vibrant dining experience. It balances residential calm with pockets of lively social spots.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–23:30
Tuesday11:00–23:30
Wednesday11:00–23:30
Thursday11:00–23:30
Friday11:00–23:30
Saturday11:00–23:30
Sunday11:00–23:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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