Yes, we all know Maydan. But Medina should not be overlooked - it's literally one is the best cocktail bars in the city. Off menu: Penicillin East Side Army Navy read more

My nephew chose Medina - the little sister of the more renowned Maydan restaurant - as his place of choice to celebrate his 21st birthday. Something about it having a Bedouin tent. So off we went. We had a lovely time. The place was atmospheric and loungey, the service personable, the food very good. Overall a good choice for a special occasion. I enjoyed the food, all cooked over an open fire, but honestly something about it was just shy of transcendent. I think it's a little TOO flavorful. The spices feel a bit overwrought and lacking in nuance, so that there is not much difference in flavor between the dishes. The bread is excellent though, and helped to balance out those strong flavors. The two restaurants share a kitchen, so I think in future I would dine at Maydan, which is where the hearth actually is (all the food served at Medina is walked across the alleyway from Maydan) and choose Medina as a cocktail bar that also has food. read more

After having been to La Shukran, I can see how similar the vibe is. I love stepping into this spot and the core was fantastic. The walls are aligned with curtains in the lighting is perfect in there. We grabbed a few rounds of drinks, including their Espresso Martini, which was fun with the taste of cardamom. It was a Friday night, so I wasn't surprised at how full the place was. We're lucky we were able to immediately grab two seats at the bar! Next time I'll have to get food. Looking forward to it. read more

Hear me out get the shrimp kebab! Sounds the least appealing but holy shit it was delicious! The Chicken Shish Taouk was moist, charred and also divine. The Muhammara & Beet Borani were my fav spreads. The Havuc was my least favorite. It had a strong squash taste and I wouldn't get it again. My friend got the scallops and said they were perfectly cooked. Lastly the cocktails were strong & on point. I'll definitely be back! read more

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Celebrated an early Galentine's here with some friends, and we had such an amazing time! The atmosphere: Dark, romantic, and perfect for a date night or girls' night out. The interior is stunning, with colorful fabrics draped across the ceiling throughout the space. It leans more lounge-style, offering a mix of table and bar seating along with cozy options like ottomans, benches, and couches. The food: We kicked things off with the hummus and beet borani. The hummus was incredibly creamy with a beautiful toasted aftertaste, while the beet borani was sweet and delightful and provided a nice contrast. We also shared the halloumi without the peanut doukkah. It was served hot and tasty, though I wish the portion were a bit larger. For my main, I ordered the chicken shish taouk, and it was the standout of the night. Super tender, juicy, and generously seasoned. Easily one of the best chicken kebabs I've ever had. The table also split the 18 oz ribeye, cooked medium rare. It was cooked to perfection with an even sear and a gorgeous pink center. Well-seasoned and a great portion for sharing. The service: Our server was attentive all night, and other staff members checked in on us as well. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming. read more

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I came here on a Monday night with a friend for a bar reservation. I wish we had sat at a table because the service at the bar was subpar. But everyone is right, the vibes inside are very cool and it's a gorgeous space. It would be great for an intimate date night. We both chose cocktails, I had the Zaatar Martini and my friend had the Medusa. The flavor of the Zaatar Martini was amazing but it was pretty strong and I didn't finish it. My friend enjoyed her Medusa, which had a great presentation with the foam on top. For our meal, we had the following: Muhammara Itch Charred Carrots Lamb Shish Omani Shrimp The stars were the Muhammara and the Itch. The pomengrante molasses is tart and just so, so good and I grew up eating my Aunt's Itch so the flavors were there for me. The carrots were undercooked, the shrimp a bit overcooked and the lamb was pretty tough and fatty. Our waters were never refilled even though our glasses sat empty, we weren't offered additional drinks or dessert and our dirty plates sat in front of us for a very long time. I know service is different at the bar but when you're taking reservations for it, I just thought it would be a little better. I would definitely be back to try some other items and need to get back to Maydan soon because it's been years. read more

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Like majority of DC spots, the prices of the food and drinks for the amount you get makes my Asian eyes go a little wider than usually. Besides that, the service and ambience were great. Medina is located to the left when walking down the alley. I probably would've been looking for a while if I weren't with my group. Once inside, the dim lights and fabric hanging above made it feel intimate. Our group was seated in the corner near the entrance which was fine but we did feel the cold draft throughout our time there. We were there only for drinks but I ordered a couple of dishes to satiate my hunger. The falafels came in round small bites with a tahini dip and a side of bread. The halloumi was warm with the touch of sweetness from the honey. Our group enjoyed their cocktails and our server was kind enough to give us a round of bubbles to celebrate a birthday. read more

Medina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We very much enjoyed our dinner at Medina. The staff were friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is lively without being too loud. The food was well prepared and plentiful (we ordered the fixed price meal). The chicken kabob and baked cheese were really tasty. Two minor complaints. The ribeye was kind of tough and although the meal came with a lot of food, the only proteins were the small chicken kabob, the baked cheese, and the ribeye. Everything else was spreads, salads, breads, and veggies. Based on that, the $95 per person cost seemed a little high. One note; a 20% service charge is included on the bill. read more

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Medina is such a unique and beautiful bar in DC! Walking in totally transports you to what feels like another country. We only came in for drinks but I see that they serve food as well. All of the drinks were pretty unique and we liked the ones we got. My personal favorite was the Medusa. The service ended up being fine later but they did take a very long time to come take our initial order. I will probably go back and try some of the food next time. read more

Medina - Revelry (right) - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Gorgeous, intimate spot across from Maydan where you can enjoy the full menu plus fantastic craft cocktails - and actually talk comfortably amid ambient tunes. Had great service here - wish I could recall our server's name! - and really enjoyed everything. He even packed us several fresh pita to take with our few leftovers. We started with the hummus and halloumi, then the zucchini, asparagus, saffron couscous, and two kebabs: the chicken shish taouk and swordfish belly. As a condiment we got the zhoug, which was much spicier than I expected but still excellent with the kebabs. read more

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Great cocktail bar across from it's sister restaurant Maydan. Service is great drinks are also fantastic with great balance and is presented well. Do yourself a favor and check it out. read more

Our second time there. Loved the first time about 18 months ago and wanted to go back so badly. Well it was a disappointment. The wine selection was excellent but the chicken taouk is basically boneless chicken wings and the veggie tagine was 90% potatoes. Probably the most expensive potatoes we ever had... the humus was more of a tahini dish with very little chickpeas... unfortunately won't repeat. Atmospheres still great. Just go back to your quality food. read more

Medina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Wanted something a little special and knowing they've recently been featured in Yelp DMV's top restaurants meant we definitely wanted to check them out. The Medina and Maydan are the same restaurant but Medina is slightly more casual and the menu serves itself better for à la carte. We got the veggie tagine with a side of couscous, falafel, hummus, roasted sweet potatoes, and chicken kebab. Everything was good but it was not as mind blowing as I remember the Tawle being at Maydan proper. Our server was very friendly but the high top they sat us at was at a weird angle where the servers kept running into our seat. Plus the chairs are definitely not made for bigger bodies so we were very uncomfortable for most of the meal. read more

*chefs kiss* I loved everything about this place...the playlist, food, cocktails, & overall vibe. I like how it's small & quaint. This will definitely be a staple on my frequently visited list. read more

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Medina is an intimate cocktail bar across the alley from its sister restaurant Maydan. Serving the same food and drinks and Maydan plus a small menu of its own. Overall I really enjoyed the experience, great ambiance and service. I opted not to do the Tawle experience and just do à la carte. I had the branzino, ribeye, carrots, hummus and halloumi. I enjoyed everything but the ribeye, even cooked medium it was not flavorful or tender. I highly recommend the branzino, hummus and halloumi. My only other critic is that the tables and chairs are way too close. You can literally touch the person sitting behind you and you have to squeeze into the seats. read more

The ambiance is stunning--beautiful decor, great music, and a cozy, intimate vibe that instantly pulls you in. It had been on my must-try list for a while, and I'm so glad I finally made it. The food was incredible. We couldn't get enough of the Halloumi--we ordered it twice! Honestly, I'd come back just for that and some drinks. Speaking of drinks, both the Evil Eye and Medusa cocktails were amazing--creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every detail, from the atmosphere to the menu, felt top tier. I'll definitely be back! read more

Medina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This food here tasted amazing! The service was incredible. And the atmosphere was so beautiful with the drapes and ornate decor. You enter in the alley and park on the side of the restaurant. I loved the lamb here. And getting the Absinthe Tea Service is a terrific experience. Don't leave without getting it! You will definitely leave full. read more

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Hidden gem of a way to dine with Maydan. Medina is decked out and very intimate. The cocktails were top tier and the absinthe tea service was a must order. We came hungry and did the tasting which provided an overwhelming amount of food. But the diversity of dishes and flavor were knocked out of the park. read more

The food was SO good and the ambiance felt like I was transported to a different country. The service was great too! read more

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The grilled mushrooms were honestly the best thing on their menu, everything else was just not that good. Middle eastern food does not need to be fancy I don't know why they keep trying so hard and get it wrong. The bread alone was a disappointment. read more

My wife and I had the prix fixe dinner that includes many spreads, salads, entree's, and dessert. It was a great experience of flavors. Great way to share with others. read more

Medina - Spreads, pickled veggies, and pita. - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Despite the immaculate vibes and a creative cocktail list, the only word which comes to mind to describe the food here is "mid." While I understand tagine is generally renowned for depth of flavor and not a particularly complex spice profile, the vegetables were undeniably bland, and only slightly uplifted by the more colorful saffron couscous. The hummus could have used a few generous spoonfuls of olive oil to resurrect it from its dense stupor. Nonetheless a fun time on a Friday evening with an uncontroversial Millenial-oriented playlist. Order the "Daucus" from the cocktail menu. read more

Medina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We've heard about this place so we were excited to stop by for drinks. Unfortunately very disappointing experience. It was freezing cold and the they sat us outside in plastic covered tables overlooking the parking lot even though we had reservations. Cars passing by honking and lights blaring. They had small heaters that really weren't doing much. Servers were nice but service was very slow and drinks pretty mediocre. Unimpressed we left after one drink to the corner bar around the block. It was indoors and we enjoyed our drinks. read more

Not bad! I'd go again if a friend suggested it but probably not outside of that. Their ambiance was great, the service was good, but the menu is a bit limiting. That being said, everything we ordered was tasty! Everything pictured was delicious, we also got the lamb tagine (not pictured). Note: It is a bit difficult to find because it's in a back alley and their sign isn't super noticeable so definitely look it up before going so you have a good idea of where it's at. read more

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Medina was a treat. I absolutely loved it and so did my friend. Designed as an opulent Middle Eastern tent, Medina is sexy. I scored a reservation and we were seated in the lounge area, which was perfect. Service was fantastic. We shared the hummus, merguez lamb, and tomato eggplant dip. And of course, they've included their sister's famous bread service. It's a small food menu, so I wouldn't necessarily plan a meal here, but everything was delicious. The focus at Medina is cocktails, which are gorgeous. I had the Rose-Tinted Glasses, which was light and not sweet at all. I then had an old-fashioned, which I regret. It was good but nothing special. It's better to order from their house cocktails side rather than the classics menu, though I am dying to return for their martini service. My friend loved her Baywatch and Medusa drinks. I'm looking forward to returning so I can bask in the ambience and try more of Medina's creative cocktails. read more

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Really well done fairly new cocktail bar you can find in a alley across from its sister restaurant Maydan. Medina is beautiful! The design is artful, decadent, and colorful, I feel like I was walking into a totally different world. I haven't seen a bar so well decorated in a while. This place is definitely a true cocktail bar with a well curated menu. Service was great! Our server walked us through the whole menu, made notes on favorites and tasting notes and provided excellent guidance before we ordered. It was the end of the night for us so we ended up ordering non-alcoholic cocktails. Their free spirit menu is limited but the drinks offered exceeded expectations. We tried two of the three offered and still felt we were enjoying a nice cocktail. Both were on the sweet side without the alcohol to cut it so there could be some more balancing of flavor there but overall great N/A options! We had a few nibbles with the potatoes and eggplant dip -- both fabulous. The potatoes were a little spicy for me but still amazing and served with an outstanding and unique sauce. The pita the dip was served with could be better. It was lacking flavor and had an almost grocery store pita feel but it didn't detract from the flavor of the dip. Excited to come back and try a proper cocktail! read more

I think this bar may have taken the throne from Residents as the best cocktail bar in DC (others such as Jane Jane and 600T are still in my Top 5). Every single drink I tried here was phenomenal, and every single drink was boozy and bursting with flavor. I could literally taste every single ingredient in each cocktail. The Espresso Martini is really delicious and I love how they have a different take on it. Made with Tito's and homemade cardamom ice cream, it's the perfect dessert cocktail or end to the night. My other favorite drink is the Caspian Sea. Made with gin, grapefruit liquer, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and vermouth, this drink is literally perfect. Flavorful, boozy, and cute with little fruity caviar pebbles. The Clover Club is simple, but delicious. Made with gin, raspberry, lemon, and egg white, it's not too sweet, a bit tart, and flavorful. The Medina's Old Fashioned is one of the best Old Fashioneds I've ever had. It was really well made. The Medusa was okay, but a bit on the sweet side. It was good, but my least favorite. The only food I've tried is the smoked eggplant dip, and it's amazing. Service is also great as well. read more

I was honestly blown away! I'm extremely particular about my cocktails (craft my own at home), so I'm usually skeptical of any fancy cocktail bar after plenty of experiences where the drinks are all show and no flavor. I only ordered one drink since it was my last stop of the night, but The Daucus was SO delicious. It came with ginger-carrot ice which really elevated the entire cocktail adding lots of flavor. Probably one of the most balanced cocktails I've ever had, too. The atmosphere was also exquisite and the entire staff was very welcoming both upon arrival and departure. I am so excited to come back to try the rest of their menu! read more

Medina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Has to be the best, most unique house of libations in DC. This hidden gem (you really have to know where you're going), same folks as the Michelin starred Maydan (across the alley) is set in a mock Moroccan tent, the place oozes with energy, the vibe only matched by the exquisite concoctions whipped up by their top notch mixologists. Came here based on Esquires list of top things to do in DC. Spot on. Their featured martini was delish (see photo for ingredients). Their take on the espresso martini is a must... Aside from drinks, they serve small plates. We were just here for drinks...next visit! Service is friendly, knowledgeable and quick. Come here thirsty!! read more

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From the creator of Maydan across the alley is Medina, an intimate bar with a full drink menu and a smaller food menu. My friend and I walked in on a Wednesday evening around 8 p.m. without a reservation. The wait was only 20 minutes and we were served cocktails in the waiting area while our table was prepared. The cocktail menu includes 17 cocktails and martini service. Each drink is unique and pulls in Middle Eastern flavors. We each tried three cocktails and the winners of the evening were the Spice Runner and the Rose-Tinted Glasses (if you like a bit more sweet). Service was impeccable from start to end and the space is truly intimate. We sat in the corner at a community table and sat on cushions. We didn't order food, but the guys we sat by and another table intentionally told us the food was phenomenal. read more

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A wonderful ambiance and great service. I walked in today just to see the vibe and grab a drink or two. I will say that it was nowhere near full but everyone seemed to just be crowded at or near the bar with a lot of the seating spaces empty. I'm a loyalist to Maydan so I still went there for my meal, but I enjoyed the cocktails at Medina! I'll definitely be back. read more

Medina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great time and drinks at Medina. The staff were excellent and really knowledgeable. I love the decour as well, along with the speak-easy feel it had. I'll be back for the food. read more

Great ambiance and food was good.. able to accommodate us last min. Definitely recommend.

We went on a whim and found great environment and great food. Good service made the package. Highly recommended.

Great place for drinks - the sultry and dark decor inside sets the ambiance for a fun time with friends and the drinks are divine. I gravitated towards the Rose tinted glasses, which comes with a little mother of Pearl spoon to eat the sorbet with. It's smooth, sweet, and a well balanced drink for anyone who enjoys a slightly sweeter cocktail. Service is also consistent and everyone is so friendly. 11/10 would come back! read more

Medina - Rose tinted glasses - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

As a former DC resident, I was excited to go t Medina after having had great experiences at sister restaurant Maydan. Medina didn't disappoint! First of all, the restaurant is beautiful and intimate. Many of the design influences remind me of Morocco. Shout out to George, at the host stand, for his kindness as a host and remembering my friend who visited previously. The Lamb tagine was lovely and tender and flavorful. Even the couscous was fantastic, and I can't remember when I've had such a positive impression of couscous. As for cocktails, I had The Daucus, a rum-based location with ginger-carrot ice...what?! What an inventive and flavorful creation. The ice changed the flavor of the drink over time as it slowly melted, so it was like a progression. We had a great server, TJ, who was both friendly and informative. He suggested second cocktails for us, like the Bay Watch for me, that had this wonderful partially candied-tasting but really caramelized pineapple that was a great addition to the drink. As with Maydan, I'd gladly come back here any day! read more

When I learned the team behind Maydan opened up a bar across from it, I knew I had to come here. Medina did not disappoint!! There is walk-in seating available, I came as a party of two, and we were able to grab a seat at the bar. The place has an intimate, yet relaxing vibe. Medina captures the essence of eating under a Bedouin Tent, once you enter, you'll feel like you're transported out of DC. Great for a date night or grabbing drinks and small bites with friends. It is a smaller place, so it'd be a little hard to fit a large big party here. For food, we ordered the chicken tagine and it tasted wonderful. The chicken was so tender, juicy, and packed with so much flavor. I absolutely loved it! (We initially wanted the lamb tagine, but it ran out by the time we got there at 9 PM, so forewarning get there early if you want to try it). We also ordered the saffron couscous which was recommended to get with the tagines. Eating them together was great. If you're two people, getting both items was more than enough. We also ordered the roasted beets as an appetizer and it was so fresh and earthy, with a slightly sweetness to it. It was well balanced and delicious, and I don't even like beets like that. The cocktails amazing. Get the Medusa, you won't be disappointed. I had to stop myself from ordering it twice. I the espresso martini as my second drink. They put a nice spin on the classic drink, definitely a unique flavor. My sister got the Daucas, we also loved that. It has carrot-ginger ice cubs in it, so as you continue to drink it, the flavor changes. You also can't go wrong with that drink. If you're a health nut, this drink is for you. I had to give it four star because it is advertised as a bar and the portion sizes for their house cocktails, do not equate to the price. The Medusa was so tiny, I could've finished my drink it two sips. The cup wasn't even half full, I really had to take the tiniest of sips to savor the drink. For the quantity that you get it's very overpriced, especially when you compare it to other cocktail bars. Medina either need to add a little more drink to the cup or adjust the prices. But all in all, I had a good time, the place and service is wonderful. 10/10 would recommend. read more

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An amazing spot located near 14th and U St and not too far from Columbia Heights. This is the cocktail bar associated with Maydan, a restaurant right across the alley and specializes more in unique Middle Eastern wines. I booked a spot for my partner's birthday and the staff went above and beyond in their service. We felt like sultans sitting in the comfy cabana alcove. Our table wasn't ready when we arrived but everyone took care of us so well. What could have been a negative experience made it a fantastic one and makes us want to come back. I ordered the Caspian Sea cocktail, which was unique with a Middle Eastern flair with bay leaf, rosemary and boozy with gin. I was thinking we'd just get cocktails but ordered some of the small plates, which were out of this world. The roasted beets were truly a standout. I often don't get the beets at restaurants but this was a much fuller dish with Tahini, cucumbers and almonds. Finally, if you're looking for more of the classic cocktail, the bartenders can likely make it. I ordered a pretty obscure cocktail that I learned about from another cocktail bar and they were able to make it exactly right. Definitely a unique spot for DC and if you're coming on a busy Friday or Saturday night, be sure you make a reservation. We came late on a Sunday night and the place was packed. read more

Qualifier, I'm a huge fan of the Mother restaurant across the alley way, Maydan, so I was primed to love the low-key cocktail lounge Medina. Bedouin inspired interior is perfectly lit with golden light, and throwback hits are piped over hiden speakers at the perfect level to promote a light sway in your chair but not require yelling over (where my 40 and over at!!)! From the host stand to the table clearing and the pacing, this place has overcome the usual traps of the new opening month and hums like a new car. We had to try the food and being at a 4 top high table, we had plenty of room to sprawl. First, the cocktails. Tweeks on classics like Manhattans, Old Fashioneds and Margaritas are elevated with fresh syrups, and unique flavored bitters. The Black Manhattan was perfectly done and the Spice Runner (Marg) was smokey and balanced. Medina really flexes their abilities with the Caspian Sea which somehow mixes gin, grapefruit, thyme, rosemary and vermouth into a immensely gulpable and smooth masterpiece. It was topped with campari caviar and might be my new favorite drink!! There are a ton more House Cocktails so there will be something for everyone. Now onto the food. Roasted beets over yogurt were delicate and delicious. Kefta meat balls over humus that was thick and savory was sopped up with pita bread and was a hit. The lamb Merguez sausages were well spiced, with a hint of heat and succulent. The star of the show was the lamb tagine. Hefty and sharable with 4 people, the lamb was so tender, it was dissolving into the sweet and savory sauce that typifies Moroccan spice blends. Presented beautifully in an ornate tagine, we left no drop behind (no crumbs, no notes). Stellar service, seamless, sultry and sleek. Book your reservations and find me there!! read more

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Been here 3x ate twice and once just for drinks. Pretty much tasted everything on the menu and the food is average. Come here for the drinks and ambiance or after dinner drinks but don't expect Maydan quality food. Service is also good but the food is too lackluster for me to come back. read more