@lydtefera: 💔❤️‍🩹 @Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant DC When my dad passed, the idea of closing Dukem felt impossible, even though it was something he and my mom had already talked about and were eventually planning toward. I think for me, keeping it going became a way of holding onto a piece of him. For the past two years, I’ve worked my 9–5 and then come straight to Dukem and the lounge after work almost every single day. But I’m really proud of everything we’ve been able to do and how much of myself I’ve poured into this place. I’m also so proud of my sister and, most importantly, my mom. I don’t think people will ever fully understand how much she’s given to Dukem over the past 30 years. And I’m so grateful for our staff who have truly become family, and for all of the friendships and relationships I’ve made along the way because of Dukem and the lounge. This place has brought so many special people into my life. Our last day will be November 7, so please come see us, eat, drink, and make a few more memories with us before then. Dukem and the lounge may be closing, but I’ll continue carrying my dad’s legacy forward. It’ll just look a little different moving forward.

Lydia
Lydia
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Region: US
Thursday 01 October 2026 21:17:34 GMT
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ebone.monet
Eboné :
Keith Lee just went there
2026-10-01 23:29:59
52
lil_kyana
KEKE BOO. :
everything on U Street is closing 😩
2026-10-01 22:52:19
687
theeritreanhalimo
theeritreanhalimo ✨ :
Awwww took this photo back in 2014 when I went cause the food was SO GOOD! Wish you and your family all the best!
2026-10-02 00:11:05
700
trell1418
Trell1418 :
I was one of your dad’s bankers 🏦 Mr. Zewdie was so kind and always talked about his girls. He even bought me an Ethiopian painting back one year when he came from Ethiopia when he’d go every year around Christmas 🎄 best wishes to you all.
2026-10-01 23:01:40
259
user4784716303432
yo :
I can’t believe Dukem Restaurant is closing permanently. I have so many great memories there from the early 2000s. Dukem was truly one of the best, and it’s so sad to see such a special place close its doors. So many memories, so much history. You will definitely be missed. Rest in peace, Tafara. ❤️
2026-10-01 22:36:57
55
backwardshattim
Tim :
You continue to do your Father’s legacy justice ❤️
2026-10-01 21:53:42
544
chiroadari
ChiroAdari :
Dukem! My comfort place when I came to this country! After a rough day, I used to feel totally home replenished before I go for the night . God bless your family.
2026-10-01 23:02:06
255
jgaile007
jgaile007 :
this is the first Ethiopian restaurant I've ever been to. thank you for the memories and condolences to you and your family
2026-10-02 02:51:31
19
amandablainec
Amanda :
U Street will never, ever be the same. Always my favorite place to bring people from out of town. Thank you for everything ❤️
2026-10-02 00:03:28
17
tiarasimoneeee
tiarasimoneeee :
So sorry to hear that…Dukem was my first try of Ethiopian food and Ive been hooked ever since…
2026-10-02 02:57:52
14
jastheunifairy
Jas_The_UniFairy :
Wow! DC is losing a gem 💎!!
2026-10-01 23:04:17
173
gnashxyz
gnashxyz :
Ah man I’m sad to hear the news. Looking forward to what’s next!
2026-10-01 21:51:18
716
dinewithmel
melanie :
sending you all so much love ❤️the restaurant might be closing but your legacy will live on forever — trust!
2026-10-01 22:03:33
97
cristinaashly_
cristina ashly 🧡 :
i just hope you know we’re ALLLL proud of you! you reallllllly did the work. it does not go unnoticed! you 10000% have a career in programming.
2026-10-01 22:01:40
123
azraelflash7
azraelflash :
:( thanks for the memories & Tibs! [Broken heart]
2026-10-02 09:56:41
0
carolinejhingory
Caroline Jhingory :
I'm sending you and your family a hug. Thank you for being an amazing institution in our amazing city ❤️
2026-10-02 09:13:10
0
ericthemusedance
ErictheMuse :
I’m so so sorry Lydia 🥺🫂🙏🏼
2026-10-02 08:20:36
0
lily_flower097
The most beautiful Lily :
I’m so sorry
2026-10-02 07:21:17
0
emushi45
Mary7865 :
I am sad to hear that 😔 . Dukem is one of the og Ethiopian restaurant in the DMV .
2026-10-01 22:19:10
112
babygurll333
babygurll333 :
Maybe try to do a food truck or something smaller operation wise ?
2026-10-01 22:42:03
38
yo_digity
Todo :
I never got the chance to go since I live on the other coast, but you frequently came across my page and I was always rooting for you/family business from afar. The love and passion yall have is palpable and wishing you all the best in yours future endeavors. Such an incredible accomplishment to even made it this far ❤️
2026-10-01 23:10:41
23
superiornunu
Nunu :
please no what can we do
2026-10-02 02:57:12
12
sonyabn0116
SonyaAnnette :
Oh wow we will miss this place my hubby proposed to me here and we spend our anniversary here for dinner for not than 20 years best Ethiopian food and a warm welcoming atmosphere!!!!! A Dc staple but I totally understand you all have to do what's best for your family!!!!!!!
2026-10-01 23:05:59
52
thatssofaee
thatssofaee :
my fav Ethiopian restaurant, I’m so sad to hear this! 💔💔
2026-10-01 23:45:05
6
poohkee22
PoohKee🗝️ :
First place I ever eaten Ethiopian food and the experience was amazing….God Bless
2026-10-02 00:53:33
6
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