Welcome to Mela Bar & Lounge
Mela Bar & Lounge showcases a vibrant combination of Ethiopian cuisine, cocktails, and a fantastic hookah selection, all in a chic and inviting atmosphere. Located at 1359 Clairmont Rd in Decatur, this upscale establishment welcomes everyone from families to university students. Expect friendly service and an energetic vibe, especially during live music nights. With an exceptional happy hour menu, Mela offers quick bites, refreshing drinks, and a cozy spot for relaxation and socializing. Whether you're here for dinner or a late-night drink, Mela Bar & Lounge promises a unique experience.
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About
Mela Bar & Lounge sits at a prime location on Clairmont Rd in North Decatur, providing a warm and welcoming escape for its guests. This Black-owned establishment not only serves as a restaurant but also as a cocktail and hookah bar, ideal for casual dining or a lively night out. The decor blends traditional Ethiopian elements with modern touches, creating a cozy yet trendy atmosphere. You'll find plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the Georgia sunshine. Families, groups, and individuals alike can enjoy the spacious layout designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring everyone feels welcome. Even on bustling nights, parking is easy with free street and lot options nearby. The lounge embraces its diverse crowd; no matter your background, you're treated like family here. I often run into fellow food enthusiasts chatting over shared plates, making it a community favorite. Frequent live music and sporting events enhance the social scene here, drawing in patrons looking to unwind after a long day.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
The Mela special is a standout dish that keeps diners coming back for more. The friendly staff members genuinely enhance the experience, offering wonderful service that often exceeds expectations. Happy hour brings fantastic deals on both food and drinks, making it a hit for those seeking value. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual and upscale—ideal for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The diverse menu covers all bases, from indulgent comfort food to health-conscious options. The addition of hookah to the mix elevates your experience, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable setting for friends.
Most Disliked
Some guests mention that certain dishes take longer to arrive than expected, especially during busy nights. A few reviews point out that the seating can feel a little cramped when the place fills up, which might detract from the gathering experience. While the ambiance generally receives high praise, the noise level can spike on weekends, particularly during live events. Additionally, a handful of diners hope for more variety on the vegetarian options, even though many already praise it. It's worth noting that while the services are generally fast, not every night is perfect, and some patrons have had to wait longer for their bills on occasion.
Reviews
Charity S.
Mela’s provides an exceptional dining experience for anyone to enjoy authentic Ethiopian Cuisine. We had the Sambusa, Chicken and Fish Tibs with half platter of veggies and it was delicious. We were so ready to dig in that I forgot to take photos of the beautifully plated food. You won’t be disappointed.
Bernard N.
Authentic Ethiopian food and this is a must recommendation if you are ever in the Decatur area. For sure to try Vegetarian & Vegan all of them. I am not gone go into details but check the place out. BN
Kani S.
Great new Ethiopian spot. The staff is very friendly. There are plenty of choices on the menu, the prices are fair and the food is very tasty. Will be going back.
Sena S.
Such a beautiful upscale Ethiopian restaurant that serves traditional Ethiopian food!! The Mela special is a must! This hidden gem of a restaurant is tucked away quietly in North Decatur, but definitely deserves more recognition.
Anonymous A.
Quality food at a fair price! Hilina’s service went above and beyond my expectations. Even though I have been to a couple of other Ethiopian restaurants, this is the first time I learnt the traditional way of eating the food. The ambience is also very clean and pretty. Would come back and recommend others to come.
Matt G.
Ordered the Mela Special and Veggie Combo and OMG! First, the food presentation was so nice. Then the taste was amazing. The Kitfo Leb Leb was very good and the Beef Tibs was on point. Veggies were cooked very well. Service was excellent. Our waitress kept coming back to our table asking how things were and made sure we always had enough injera. This place is really an experience to enjoy from the Ethiopian food, the Ethiopian artwork and even the coffee ceremony (which we’re doing next time!). Plenty of free parking available! Something I always look for.
Rebekah D.
Solidly good food with plenty of injera to go with. Would happily get food here again. We had both the vegetable platter and the beef tibs. Highly recommend the veggies.