Goodbye to Capitol Hills Queen Sheba

Queen Sheba, a beloved Ethiopian restaurant in Capitol Hill, has permanently closed after two decades of service, marking the end of an era for many local patrons. The restaurant struggled with challenges including nearby construction, rising costs, and unanswered lease inquiries. Property owner Dru Agarwal plans to renovate the historic 125-year-old building and is seeking a new restaurant to occupy the prime location across from Capitol Hill Station. Queen Sheba had been a family-run establishment since 2002, introducing many in the neighborhood to East African cuisine. The building itself has a rich history, originally built in the early 1900s, and has hosted various restaurants over the years.

Prior to Queen Sheba, Zula Restaurant occupied the space, and the site has undergone numerous changes since its inception. Agarwal purchased the property in 2021 for $1. 8 million and aims to improve existing structures in the area. The closure aligns with a trend in Capitol Hill, where several restaurants have recently shut down, leaving restaurateurs with many available options.