Medina: A Cozy Escape
This blog will be short and sweet because, truthfully, we went to Medina for the cocktails, not necessarily for a full dining experience. My best friend and I were simply in the mood for cocktails on a Friday night—nothing too serious. Medina, a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant, had been on my list for a while. It’s brought to us by the same group behind Maydan, which sits just across the street. I’ve never been to Morocco, but if I had to imagine the feel, Medina seems pretty close.
Location… Medina is tucked away at 1328 Florida Avenue, between 13th and 14th Streets. It’s a bit tricky to find, so keep that in mind when following GPS directions. Since parking in this area has always been a challenge, plan accordingly. I managed to find street parking, but my friend opted for a garage at 14th and U St.
The Vibes… I made a reservation and requested a seat in the lounge area. Even though it was just the two of us, our table was spacious enough to seat four comfortably. The atmosphere was intimate, cozy, and dimly lit, with Moroccan-inspired decor—plush colorful couches, high-top tables, deep reds, and flowing drapery from the ceiling. It was a perfect bestie date spot, but honestly, this place screams top-tier date night.
Service was exceptional. While waiting for my best friend (who, let’s be real, is late 6/10 times), my server constantly checked on me, making sure I was comfortable. This attentiveness didn’t change once my friend arrived—10/10 for service.
The Drinks… I went with my usual: a Tito’s Dirty Martini. One day I’ll switch it up for the sake of my readers, but today was not that day. My friend ordered the Espresso Martini, which had a unique twist—Tito’s Vodka, Turkish Coffee Ice Cream with Cardamom, and Grind Double Espresso. The Middle Eastern flavors really stood out, and we both loved our drinks enough to order a second round.
Next time, I’m definitely trying their Martini Service—a $60 experience for two where you create your own martinis table side. Sounds like a fun way to elevate the night.
The Food… Medina’s food menu is small but intentional. Since we weren’t really here for the food, we kept it light but still made solid choices:
Lamb Merguez (sausage) – Served with Tfaya (caramelized sweet onions in sauce), roasted peppers, yogurt, and fresh herbs. Absolutely delicious.
Medina Bravas – Baby potatoes, labne, and chili crisp. If something has labne on it, I’m eating it. These did not disappoint.
They also have larger dishes, so if you’re planning to eat more, definitely check the menu in advance.
Final Thoughts… Medina was a whole vibe, and I’ll absolutely be back. If you go, I highly recommend making a reservation and taking in the experience for yourself. Whether it’s for drinks or a full meal, it’s worth checking out.
Cheers!
