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Medi Kitchen & Cocktail
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Medi Kitchen & Cocktail
8.3
Medi Kitchen & Cocktail is a Lebanese-inspired small-plates restaurant on Halsted where shareable mezze, kafta, and shakshouka meet a serious cocktail list in a dim, design-forward room. It reads like Lincoln Park’s Mediterranean lounge: part dinner destination, part bar for lingering over drinks and dips.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Benni, Kafta Kabob, Shakshouka
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A cocktail-focused Mediterranean spot where Lebanese family recipes meet a moody, club-adjacent dining room.
Who should go: Groups or couples wanting mezze with strong cocktails.
When to visit: Weekend evenings after 7pm when the bar is full.
What to order: Falafel Benni, kafta kabob, shakshouka with warm pita.
Insider tip: Anchor your reservation near happy hour and start with a round of house cocktails at the bar before sitting down to eat.
Medi Kitchen & Cocktail
8.1
Medi Kitchen & Cocktail is a Lebanese-inspired Mediterranean restaurant on Halsted’s restaurant row where shareable mezze, grilled meats, and a polished cocktail program land in a plant-filled, mood-lit room. It reads as a Lincoln Park date spot first, but regulars use it for small-group celebrations built around spreads, skewers, and knafeh or baklava cheesecake to finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze Sampler with Hummus and Labneh, Kafta or Mixed Grill Platter, Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A Lebanese-inspired Mediterranean dining room where mezze and cocktails feel equally headlining.
Who should go: Groups sharing spreads, grilled meats, and cocktails in a pretty room.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners when the bar and dining room buzz.
What to order: Mezze sampler, kafta or mixed grill, pistachio baklava cheesecake.
Insider tip: Anchor your reservation at the earlier end of the evening if you want more space to linger at the bar before sitting down.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on Halsted and side streets; can be difficult on weekend evenings—plan to arrive a bit early to find a space or use nearby public transit (Fullerton Red Line / Armitage Blue Line) if possible. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Dress code: Casual elegant — neat casual wear works great; you don’t need full dressy attire, but upscale casual fits the vibe. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Noise level: Moderate — lively without being overwhelming, generally allows conversation but can feel buzzy on busy weekend nights. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without reservation on Friday/Saturday evenings; reservations recommended to avoid waits. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Weekday lunch: No wait typically (though the restaurant opens later in the afternoon; lunch times are less busy). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian-friendly mezze and salads on the menu. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Vegan options: Limited — some mezze and salads are vegan or can be modified; check with staff. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Gluten-free options: Yes — several gluten-free options are noted on the menu. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate, mood-lit dining room plus shareable food and standout cocktails make it a strong pick for a first date with a fun but relaxed vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — early weeknights are easier without a reservation, but weekend dinner often fills up; reservations are wise to secure your preferred time. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Is it kid-friendly? Generally better for adults and older teens — the vibe leans more toward date nights and evening celebrations rather than family dining with young children.
Best For
Better for: More romantic and cocktail-forward Mediterranean experience compared to neighborhood casual spots, with a trendier interior and elevated sharing plates.
Skip if: Skip if you want traditional Mediterranean comfort food or a family-style casual meal on a budget — other local favorites might fit better for those priorities.