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The Passenger

The Passenger

(Now Closed)
Cocktail Bar, Bar, and Lounge$$$$
Mount Vernon Square, Washington
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  • Stars
    The experts at Washington Post and Eater recommend this place
    • Washington Post
    • Eater
Tips and Reviews icon116 Tips and reviews
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  • Washington Post
    Washington PostDecember 17, 2014
    The gooey pasta at the Passenger arrives sizzling in a cast-iron skillet. But the highlight? This incarnation of mac and cheese is laced with truffle oil, giving it an utterly addictive kick. Read more
  • AFAR Media
    AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
    If you are out drinking on Saturday night, ask the bartender to make you anything with rye whiskey and enjoy your artisan concoction with a kimchi hotdog. Read more
  • Shanen
    ShanenAugust 20, 2013
    Great drinks, nice low-key atmosphere, great brunch on weekends also. Lots of DC bartenders come for drinks on their days off. Columbia Room is in the back (few seats, reservations only).
  • Janine H.
    Janine HanrahanDecember 19, 2013
    Okay, so it's a bit slow getting your drinks but it is worth the wait because they are so well made. The food is to die - pork cheek chili nachos and slaw dog. OMG!
  • Washington Post
    Washington PostMarch 14, 2013
    Life is short. Order the deep-fried, bacon-wrapped peanut-butter cups. They're mini peanut-butter cups wrapped in fried bacon and dipped in a cola batter. Read more
  • Serious Eats
    Serious EatsAugust 19, 2013
    The Passenger is one of DC's darlings: it's a casual neighborhood bar that makes some of the best cocktails in town.
  • Eater
    EaterJuly 28, 2011
    The Passenger is primarily a trendy watering hole that also happens to have really solid bar food to complement the cocktail stylings of master mixologist Derek Brown. [Eater 38 Member] Read more
  • AFAR Media
    AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
    The Passenger is a must for anyone who likes to drink—and anyone who likes to soak up their drinks with gourmet grease. Read more
  • aj (andrea jo)
    aj (andrea jo)October 5, 2014
    Nice cocktail bar. High quality ingredients. But be warned, there's no menu and the bartenders don't have the time of day for waffling when you order.
  • Graham H.heart icon on user image
    Graham HApril 9, 2012
    The closest thing to a San Francisco bar in this otherwise vapid city. Be specific with what you want to drink, though. Bartenders' judgments err on the side of strong tequila and rye drinks.
  • Alex L.
    Alex LeonidasNovember 20, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Love the staff and the vibe; plus, you really can't mess with the institutional knowledge of this bar. Exercise every opportunity to try new and different styles of liquor.
  • Michelle L.
    Michelle LeeDecember 9, 2013
    Get the beignets. Get a cocktail. (If you're not sure what you're feelin, just let them know & they'll get you sorted.) Awesome joint.
  • FiOS 50
    FiOS 50January 3, 2012
    Though best known for its cocktails, hit up the Passenger for its Hangover Brunch that doesn't even get started until 2 p.m. but has a killer brunch cocktail menu and hangover cure dishes.
  • Michael S.
    Michael SingletaryAugust 14, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    The staff is friendly and their cocktails are delicious. Try the burger and house-made chips. Sad that this gem might go away.
  • Fred K.heart icon on user image
    Fred KAugust 7, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    Order off the daily drink menu, trust the bartenders' recommendations. Most everything on the menu is very good, not a fan of the shrimp & grits.
  • AskMen
    AskMenMarch 19, 2010
    Offering a customized tasting menu of cocktails, each drink prepared with house-made bitters or tinctures and poured over hard-carved ice. You may even get a little history lesson with your drink.
  • Jon P.
    Jon PNovember 10, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Ask Tom for a drink w/@AtlanticoRum because it is ridiculously good - if you want to sip a good rum that's been aged in bourbon cask ask for Atlantico Private Cask!
  • Bitches Who Brunch
    Bitches Who BrunchJanuary 12, 2014
    Bitches Who Brunch voted The Passenger as the best hole-in-the-wall brunch and as serving the best creative cocktails in 2012!
  • FiOS 50
    FiOS 50November 28, 2011
    Are you a cocktail person who doesn't actually know a lot about cocktails? The folks here have you covered. Tell them what you like and they'll come up with something you'll love.
  • Benjamin B.
    Benjamin BannerAugust 10, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    My favorite bar in the country. Doesn't get more creative and knowledgeable than the ladies behind this bar.
  • AskMen
    AskMenOctober 29, 2010
    The city’s 2 most imaginative mixologists have boiled up a drink called El Zombie. Try it out & then stuff your faces with tacos, along with a pig roasted on site (Oct. 30, $10). Read more
  • Nick S.
    Nick ShockeyNovember 19, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    This doesn't have a name, but ask for these together and it'll be the best drink of your life. Guaranteed. Ingredients: Sereno pepper, lime juice, Bulleit, maple syrup, velvet falernum
  • Jim M.
    Jim MaloneOctober 3, 2010
    Been here 5+ times
    Definitely take advantage of their creative drink mixing skills. Just tell the bartender or waitress what kind of drink/liquor you're into and let them surprise you with something amazing
  • USA TODAY
    USA TODAYDecember 6, 2010
    This busy bar also has an 18-seat, reservation-only area called the Columbia Room.Try Gin Rickey - a refreshing mixture of gin, lime juice and soda, invented by a lobbyist in the 1880s. Read more
  • Kara K.
    Kara KMarch 30, 2013
    Make sure to take the stick out of the bacon wrapped pb cups or you will get a stick in your mouth...and not the good kind!
  • Washington Post
    Washington PostMarch 2, 2013
    The mac and cheese arrives sizzling in a cast-iron skillet, the perfect warmer for a cold winter day. Read more
  • T F.
    T FungSeptember 25, 2010
    It was very hot (seemed like they only had fans!). But, the beer and cocktail lists are extensive and our waitress was very nice (and prompt!). I had the Aviator, which is made with gin or vodka and
  • Alice L.
    Alice LiSeptember 24, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    There's no more mac and cheese! Someone tell management to stop changing the menu every few months! And add more vegetarian options!
  • Kathy D.
    Kathy DuongApril 14, 2013
    Beignets topped with condensed milk and pork belly crisps
  • Karthik R.
    Karthik RamanNovember 7, 2014
    Good happy hour and local beers. Not too many drafts, but reasonably priced. On the louder side
  • Bob S.
    Bob StaffordFebruary 26, 2010
    ask Alex to just mix up whatever is on her mind - she made me a great Sherry Flip, and a custom cocktail w/ tequila, ginger liqueur, cava, and thyme. Amazing. Derek is cool too.
  • Alexandra C.
    The fried chicken sandwich is divine. Don't forget to add bacon!
  • Jackie G.
    Jackie GutierrezJune 21, 2011
    JP & Katie: Just about the most amazing bartenders to grace this planet. Please move to Miami? The Ramos Gin Fizz is off the chizz-ain. Read more
  • Sam P.
    Sam PetersMarch 30, 2013
    The bacon-wrapped peanut butter cups are what heaven tastes like. Eat them or the Tea Party wins.
  • Denrael
    DenraelJune 14, 2013
    Ani rocks the bar here on Wednesday nights. The burgers are off the hook .
  • Aisha
    AishaDecember 30, 2013
    The glorious truffle mac & cheese is no longer on the menu. Bring it back please!
  • Kathleen
    KathleenMay 1, 2014
    Hands down.. The best shrimp and grits I've ever had.
  • Chris F.heart icon on user image
    Chris FredericksDecember 28, 2014
    Amazing cocktails. I hope they find a new location soon!
  • Nicole K.heart icon on user image
    Nicole KyleAugust 8, 2014
    Cucumber and green hat gin, my favorite bespoke cocktail
  • scott s.
    scott steadNovember 21, 2010
    Want a history lesson made by a skilled mixologist in a relaxed setting? Skip the bullshit and check out the pure genius at Wisdom on Capitol Hill.
  • Brian D.heart icon on user image
    Brian DavisDecember 27, 2014
    The fried chicken sandwich with bacon is so unique.
  • Venu
    VenuAugust 30, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Best Kimchi hot dog in city.
  • Philip H.
    Philip HsuFebruary 1, 2014
    Reigning hipster bar of the Mt. Vernon square area. Most imitated, never replicated.
  • Craig H.
    Craig HicksJanuary 20, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    Be sure to ask for the Sunday brunch cocktail and potato chip pairing.
  • Andrew P.
    Andrew PalosMay 10, 2012
    Beef jerky: perfect to nibble with some spirits , and it tastes great.
  • TV Food Maps
    TV Food MapsAugust 29, 2014
    Check out The Passenger as seen on Drinking Made Easy Read more
  • Craig H.
    Craig HicksDecember 26, 2010
    Been here 25+ times
    Try this popular night spot for drinks and brunch on Sunday afternoon. Same great bartenders, no crowds.
  • ShannonRenee M.
    The hummus with fava beans is delicious. A great portion size for an individual.
  • yoner
    yonerJuly 17, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Best oyster po' boy in town, hands-down. The beef jerky is also unbelievable. Read more
  • BC .
    BC 😎🎶March 29, 2013
    Great spot to meet friends for some cocktails.
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