First Cup | Ethiopian Restaurant & Cafe

- 4432 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015

For Arizona locals seeking an authentic and deeply satisfying culinary experience, look no further than First Cup | Ethiopian Restaurant & Cafe. This local gem in Phoenix brings the vibrant, rich flavors of Ethiopia right to your neighborhood, offering more than just a meal—it offers a warm welcome and a taste of East African culture. Blending the traditions of a classic Ethiopian restaurant with the cozy ambiance of a cafe, First Cup is a destination for both expertly prepared traditional meals and some of the best coffee and tea in the Valley.

Known for its commitment to high-quality ingredients, consistently fresh and flavorful food, and outstanding hospitality, First Cup has cemented its place as a favorite among Phoenix residents. From hearty meat stews to generous and diverse vegetarian platters, the menu is designed to be explored and shared, making it an ideal spot for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a solo culinary adventure. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast of Ethiopian cuisine or trying it for the first time, the staff at First Cup create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for all.

A highlight that sets this establishment apart is its dedication to the traditional Ethiopian coffee culture, often cited as a standout feature. The Ethiopian Traditional Coffee, which is listed to serve three to five people, alludes to the deeply rooted social ceremony surrounding coffee in Ethiopia—a ritual of respect, conversation, and community. Paired with quick, attentive service and a casual, cozy atmosphere, First Cup truly lives up to its name as a cafe offering both exceptional food and outstanding beverages.

Location and Accessibility for Arizona Patrons

First Cup | Ethiopian Restaurant & Cafe is conveniently situated in a central area of Phoenix, making it easily accessible for residents across the Valley. You can find this popular African restaurant at:

4432 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015, USA

Its prime location on North 19th Avenue means easy navigation for drivers coming from surrounding Phoenix neighborhoods and beyond. For the comfort and convenience of all guests, the venue has ensured robust accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. Parking is also stress-free, with both a free parking lot and free street parking available. This commitment to accessibility reflects the restaurant's goal to be a welcoming spot for everyone in the Arizona community.

Services Offered by First Cup

First Cup is dedicated to offering flexible options to fit every patron's lifestyle, whether you wish to sit down for a leisurely meal or enjoy their delicious offerings at home.

• Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, quiet, and casual atmosphere with full table service.
• Takeout: Place an order and pick up your meal to enjoy the authentic flavors at home or on the go.
• Delivery: Have your favorite Ethiopian dishes brought directly to your door.
• Curbside Pickup: A convenient option for quick, contact-free collection of your order.
• Table Service: Full service is provided for a relaxed dining experience.
• Payment Options: Accepted payments include Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
• Dining Hours: Open for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.

Features and Menu Highlights

The menu at First Cup is a testament to the depth and variety of Ethiopian cuisine, offering flavorful dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. The combination of slow-cooked stews, tender meats, and nutrient-rich vegetables makes for a balanced and exotic dining experience.

• Signature Meat Dishes: Experience the complexity of Ethiopian spices with mains like Doro Wot (Chicken stew with a boiled egg, featuring a rich, spiced berbere sauce, available with two chicken legs and an egg for $18.99, or $15.99), Kitfo (Very lean beef chopped and warmed in spiced butter with mitmita, $17.99), Awaze Tibs (Tender beef flavored with a kicky blend of berbere spices, $16.99), and Beef Tibs (Beef pieces cooked with onions, jalapeños, and butter, $15.99).
• Vegetarian and Vegan Options: A standout is the Veggie Combo ($16.99), featuring a selection of lentils, yellow split peas, Shiro, and various vegetables, which is a highly popular and well-liked choice. Other offerings include Shiro (A mild stew/sauce made from spiced chickpeas, $12.99), and the menu clearly offers a variety of healthy, vegetarian, and vegan options.
• Firfir Specialties: Try the flavorful, traditional Yetibs Firfir (Beef, onion, garlic, butter, and berbere mixed with injera, $16.98) or the savory Quanta Firfir (Smoked beef with onion and spice sauce mixed with injera, $15.99). Firfir is a unique preparation where shredded pieces of injera bread are tossed in a spiced sauce.
• Snacks and Sides: Appetizers and sides include Sambusa (Lentil or Beef options, starting at $12.99 for 4 pieces), Ethiopian Snack/Dabo Kolo (a crunchy snack, $6.99 for 1/2 pound), and the essential base of any Ethiopian meal, Injera ($6.00, with Extra Injera available for $1.60).
• The Cafe Experience: The beverage menu is as extensive as the food, featuring the ceremonial Ethiopian Traditional Coffee (serves 3-5 people for $15.00), alongside modern favorites like Caramel Macchiato ($4.50), Espresso ($3.00), and a selection of teas like Ginger Tea ($3.25), reflecting its dual role as a restaurant and a high-quality cafe.
• Atmosphere and Crowd: The dining environment is described as casual, cozy, and quiet, attracting both groups and loyal locals, and is noted as a good place for kids.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, place a takeout order, or make inquiries, here is the essential contact information for First Cup | Ethiopian Restaurant & Cafe:

Address: 4432 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015, USA
Phone: (623) 562-2918
Mobile Phone: +1 623-562-2918

What Makes First Cup Worth Choosing in Arizona

In a busy metropolitan area like Phoenix, choosing where to dine comes down to a few critical factors: quality, authenticity, and experience. First Cup excels on all three fronts. This Ethiopian and African restaurant is not just serving food; it's sharing a culture. The consistently excellent quality of the dishes, from the perfectly seasoned Doro Wot to the flavorful vegetarian stews, is repeatedly highlighted by patrons. Customers frequently mention the food is 'fresh, flavorful, and consistently prepared with care,' a rare consistency that speaks volumes about the kitchen's dedication.

Beyond the incredible food, the true differentiator is the unparalleled service and hospitality. Customer reviews warmly recount being treated 'like family' and praise the owners and staff for their 'love and compassion.' This is a place where every guest is genuinely welcomed, creating an atmosphere that one reviewer noted 'feels like home.' This personalized, heartfelt service elevates the entire dining experience, making every visit a memorable occasion.

Furthermore, its dual identity as a restaurant and a cafe means it caters to multiple needs. The reputation for having 'Great coffee' and a 'Great tea selection,' particularly the traditional Ethiopian coffee, makes it a must-visit for local coffee aficionados. Combined with its wide range of healthy, comfort food, and small plate options, suitability for solo dining, and convenient location with ample accessibility and parking, First Cup | Ethiopian Restaurant & Cafe offers a compelling reason to choose it for your next lunch, dinner, or coffee break in Phoenix, Arizona.

First Cup | Ethiopian Restaurant & Cafe

4432 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015, USA