Medina’s Hideaway on 14th Street

Medina’s Hideaway on 14th Street
by:Sydney (@with_sydney)

It’s hard to find someone in the, quote, “food scene” of DC who’s not familiar with Maydan. However, the restaurant’s somewhat new younger sibling, Medina, is a bit more unknown, despite sitting on the same small alley just off 14th a few blocks north of U Street (For those of you who know Little Hat Coffee, it’s practically outside the front door). Even once you arrive, it’s hidden, and a bit unclear as to which of the doors in the mural-covered alley lead to the right place. 

Once you find your way in, however, Medina reveals itself. The space is small and windowless, with every surface covered in bright patterned fabrics, tassels, and other decorations that make it feel more like a tent than a restaurant. The shapes are soft and organic, with half the seats and tables actually consisting of low couches and ottomans crowded with groups of people bent over the restaurant’s vibrant sharing-style menu. Although reservations exist, it’s a competition to get them, so Bryan and I took seats at the winding bar that takes up a third of the main dining area. It’s wrapped in a mosaic of cream and sage tiles, but even here, a long string of golden tassels runs along the edge (perhaps a fire hazard given the number of candles around, but at least a very pretty one).

We were immediately greeted by bartender TJ, whose bright smile clearly ran the room as he arranged barstools and guests to seat the maximum number around his bar. Perched along one side, he didn’t blink an eye as we unloaded a tripod and camera gear, taking an inordinate amount of time to read the menu as we tried to balance coats, umbrellas, and tripod along the stools and counter. Like any good bartender, he seems to know everyone effortlessly or gets to know them immediately. 

After finally reading through the menu instead of continuing a friendly argument about the source of Bryan’s impressively late arrival, I started with a citrusy, floral cocktail from the nonalcoholic menu (Bryan was also late to the drinks–his Old Fashioned order was placed halfway through the meal, though he says it was great). The food menu is small, but after an enthusiastic endorsement of the kefta hummus and the chermoula from TJ, we ordered the mezze board and added the other two starters. The board is large–a heavy wood slab topped with tiny ceramic containers of jam, cheese, olives, dates, and peppers, with matching slim brass spoons. There’s also a whole tin of fresh tuna alongside fruit and radishes and not nearly enough bread to handle the sheer volume of mezze options. I think the mezze board is the way to go for a starter here, especially on your first time. Nearly everything on the board was excellent, fresh, and distinct (unfortunately, a difficult time of year for fresh figs, however). We spent half the time talking to TJ, who was happy to let us film him for some of our video content and seemed unfazed by the vlogging/influencer situation happening in the corner of his bar. 

After making our way through the mezze board, we ordered the vegetable tagine and the couscous, which came out hot in the base of the clay pot, alongside more fresh bread. The tagine really is good; all the vegetables are evenly cooked but still distinct, in a warm saffron broth with pieces of preserved lemon and pine nuts studding the dish. The saffron couscous is also very well done and perfect with the tagine, especially since the dish maintains a savory balance instead of being overwhelmed by raisins. We spent much more time lingering at the bar than anyone has any right to, but the staff seemed happy to host us as long as we wanted to stay. TJ checked in periodically, offering suggestions on other dishes to try at this visit or in the future, and the experience was warm, casual, and genuinely fun. Although the portions were small, we had plenty of leftovers, which made an excellent lunch the next day. 

Medina is a fun choice if you want something relatively casual, but with a unique feel and elevated interior. The staff were very welcoming and seemed to genuinely enjoy getting to know guests and the menu is great if you prefer sharing to individual plates. Despite how small the space is, we had plenty of room to stretch out without bothering anyone with camera gear and the atmosphere makes for a super fun backdrop if you’re a photo person, like both Bryan and me. In my opinion, I can wholeheartedly endorse Medina (although, to be fair, perhaps your wallet won’t) for any time you have a weeknight dinner plan with room to turn it into a two to three-hour affair and the self-control to not order the whole menu, as we did run out of space for additional plates on the table after the fourth dish. Just don’t get lost on your way like some people! (Hint–it’s the door on the left).