Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant and Lounge

The "Lucy" celebrated in the name of Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant and Lounge isn't the owner, the chef, or the Peanuts character. Rather, she is the three-million-year-old hominoid that was discovered in Ethiopia's Awash Valley—a symbol of humanity's ancient roots in Africa. The authentic East African menu found here also stands the test of time, with chefs treating guests to slow-simmered meats and stewed legumes that get mopped up with sheets of tangy enjera bread. A reviewer for the Houston Press was delighted to discover that these family-style entrees arrive to the table "hot, fresh, and in heaping portions." Guests debating the merits of the yadoro watt's sauce-simmered chicken versus the alitcha watt's chopped beef and ribs can take heart; special combination platters bring together many of the restaurant's signature dishes on a single tempting platter. Lucy's is also vegan and vegetarian friendly and features an assortment of vegetarian dishes, such as shiro watt, or seasoned chickpeas simmered in a hot and spice barbecue sauce, or kulet fir-fir, a spicy vegetarian stew with ingera. All vegetarian dishes are served with a side salad and enjera.