Medium Rare

"Medium Rare’s straightforward menu is perfect for budget-conscious diners. There are now four area locations (Cleveland Park, Bethesda, Arlington, Baltimore), along with a few around the country. For $29.95, guests get a prix-fixe menu of rustic bread, mixed greens salad, and a top sirloin steak served with hand-cut fries. The steak is bathed in Medium Rare’s super-secret sauce (the recipe is in a bank vault). The restaurant was a superstar during the pandemic, delivering free meals to individuals in need. Reservations, carryout, and delivery info here." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

"Medium Rare’s straightforward menu is perfect for budget-conscious diners. There are now three locations (Cleveland Park, Bethesda, Arlington). For $25.95, guests get a prix-fixe menu of rustic bread, mixed greens salad, and a top sirloin steak served with hand-cut fries. The steak is bathed in Medium Rare’s super-secret sauce (the recipe is in a bank vault). The restaurant was a superstar during the pandemic, delivering free meals to individuals in need. Reservations, carryout, and delivery info here. A Baltimore location is opening soon." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

"Picky eaters, rejoice: Cleveland Park is home to a location of Medium Rare, a steak-frites restaurant with a three course, prix-fixe menu. (Vegetarians have the option of grilled portobello, also served with fries.) Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles." - Adele Chapin, Kalina Newman

"Steak frites with a “secret sauce” is the only entree offered, making an affinity for beef a requirement for dining here ($28.95 for prix fixe). Vegans can sub in grilled portobello for the award-winning culotte steak. Weekends also feature bottomless brunch. The Cleveland Park stalwart is joined by Bethesda and Arlington locations." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Eater Staff

"It's going to sound bizarre coming from a vegetarian, but Medium Rare restaurant has done tremendous things for communities over the past few years. The six-layer carrot cake is a pretty good trade-off for not eating steak. Chef Kevin Tien has done a lot with his platform to run Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate. Also, Common Good City Farm is bringing the community back to the urban farm through feeding and educational programs to promote equity and self-sufficiency in food security." - Rob Rubba