SOST, meaning "three" in Amharic, is a new cultural hub located in Little Ethiopia, Washington D.C.
Opened by siblings Siem, Izzy, and Mariam Abebe, SOST aims to connect African Americans with the African diaspora. The venue features three distinct yet cohesive floors, designed to serve as a community pillar. Mariam Abebe emphasizes honoring Black jazz musicians from D.C., including Duke Ellington, through the space's design and programming. SOST includes a vinyl bar, specialty coffee by day, and coffee-based cocktails and wines from South Africa and Black-owned U.S. vineyards by night. The ground floor features a retail space with curated books and records, while the second floor offers dining and a gallery for Black artists, currently showcasing Charles Philippe Jean-Pierre's work. The menu, created by Kristin Holmes, combines global flavors influenced by D.C. and the African diaspora, including dishes like harissa creamy salmon and chicken with Berbere seasoning from Ethiopia. The historic building previously housed the Ethiopian Community Center and underwent significant ...