Birthday dinner in DC for a travelling Chowhound -help!

[Cokeylicious]

I'll be in DC for work next month. However, I want to invite my colleagues to a birthday dinner, one of whom only eats halal. I'm looking for somewhere easy to get to by public transport, a smart but relaxed atmosphere, not too expensive but fantastic food. I love food of any description and sadly cannot narrow it down. We do live somewhere which already does fantastic Indian and Pakistani food and one colleague is from Spain so something we don't get at home would be good . Suggestions please!

[Elyssa]

How about Ethiopian? I would recommend Etete. I'm not sure if there meat would meet halal standards but their vegetarian platter is incredible (and what I order even though I'm a meat eater).

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Etete
1942 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

[Jeserf]

Does he eat Halal as in no pork, or only items that are certified halal? If he would be able to eat, say, a vegetarian dish, then it opens doors. However, if it has to be certified I would suggest calling around to various U Street-area Ethiopian restaurants and asking if they serve certified halal.

I know of two Kosher spots in the city, if that helps! :)