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The Passenger
(Now Closed)Cocktail Bar, Bar, and Lounge$$$$
Mount Vernon Square, Washington
The experts at Washington Post and Eater recommend this place
116 Tips and reviews
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Washington PostDecember 17, 2014The 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 MediaAugust 4, 2014If 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
ShanenAugust 20, 2013Great 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 HanrahanDecember 19, 2013Okay, 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 PostMarch 14, 2013Life 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 EatsAugust 19, 2013The Passenger is one of DC's darlings: it's a casual neighborhood bar that makes some of the best cocktails in town.
- AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014The Passenger is a must for anyone who likes to drink—and anyone who likes to soak up their drinks with gourmet grease. Read more
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.
Graham HApril 9, 2012The 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.
aj (andrea jo)October 5, 2014Nice 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.- Michelle LeeDecember 9, 2013Get 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 50January 3, 2012Though 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.
The staff is friendly and their cocktails are delicious. Try the burger and house-made chips. Sad that this gem might go away.
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.
AskMenMarch 19, 2010Offering 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.
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 BrunchJanuary 12, 2014Bitches Who Brunch voted The Passenger as the best hole-in-the-wall brunch and as serving the best creative cocktails in 2012!- FiOS 50November 28, 2011Are 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.
My favorite bar in the country. Doesn't get more creative and knowledgeable than the ladies behind this bar.
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
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
T FungSeptember 25, 2010It 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
Kara KMarch 30, 2013Make 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 PostMarch 2, 2013The mac and cheese arrives sizzling in a cast-iron skillet, the perfect warmer for a cold winter day. Read more
There's no more mac and cheese! Someone tell management to stop changing the menu every few months! And add more vegetarian options!
Bob StaffordFebruary 26, 2010ask 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.
Karthik RamanNovember 7, 2014Good happy hour and local beers. Not too many drafts, but reasonably priced. On the louder side
Alexandra ChristoforakisMarch 27, 2014The fried chicken sandwich is divine. Don't forget to add bacon!
Jackie GutierrezJune 21, 2011JP & 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 PetersMarch 30, 2013The bacon-wrapped peanut butter cups are what heaven tastes like. Eat them or the Tea Party wins.
AishaDecember 30, 2013The glorious truffle mac & cheese is no longer on the menu. Bring it back please!
Philip HsuFebruary 1, 2014Reigning hipster bar of the Mt. Vernon square area. Most imitated, never replicated.
scott steadNovember 21, 2010Want 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.
Be sure to ask for the Sunday brunch cocktail and potato chip pairing.
ShannonRenee Mouton GrayJuly 21, 2011The hummus with fava beans is delicious. A great portion size for an individual.
- Try this popular night spot for drinks and brunch on Sunday afternoon. Same great bartenders, no crowds.
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Permanently closed (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 5:00 PM–1:30 AM
- Fri–Sat
- 5:00 PM–2:30 AM
- Sun
- 2:00 PM–Midnight
(202) 393-0220
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Cocktails
See More
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"Delicious middle eastern inspired cocktails. Lots of arak. Also good food n snacks."
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"A quiet spot to get some great gin cocktails! Just skip the raw oysters, not the best preparation on those."
Julia Lord Nickle - 7.8
"Great light plates- we really liked the fried chicken with thigh confit, the agnolotti pasta & the cauli and kale dish! Service on the slower side & cocktails were okay"
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