The Early Word on The Passenger's Return

D.C.'s been dreaming of The Passenger's return for a year and a half, and the beloved bar reopened this month to much anticipation.

But with a comeback comes pressure to do it right. So what does the public think about Tom Brown's revived watering hole? Read on to hear what critics and customers are saying just a few weeks in:

The Band's Back Together News: Yelper Suzy D. returned for a front-row seat opening night and gave her stamp of approval on the nachos: "They are as good as they were at the former location and after two years, I was definitely ready for that pork cheek and cheese." And Brightest Young Things sums up their excitement by tweeting, "@PassengerDC is back and everything is right with the world." [Yelp, Twitter]

The What's Missed News: Yelper Glinda G. wishes the look and locale were back to the basics: "I don't love the new decor. It's too modern and shiny. I like the darker old school feel of the old one. Also the old location wasn't near other bars and was kind of remote like a cool find. This is in the heart of the new Shaw." [Yelp]

The New and Improved News: DCist was happy to report that little has changed when it comes to "cozy seating and familiar bar staff," but there is also a welcome addition on tap. "They're now serving both yellow and green Chartreuse on draft. Every day, the bar will be whipping up a new cocktail with Chartreuse in it. A recent drink was the refreshing French Dandy, which pairs yellow Chartreuse with cognac, orange and lemon juice, ginger beer and angostura bitters." And while the menu is basically the same, The Washington Post says the new space benefits from "a much larger kitchen." [DCist, WaPo]

The Tried and True News: Washingtonian thinks the original incarnation's best traits spilled over, like the "laid-back vibe, knowledgeable staff ready to mix your every whim, and a chalkboard menu of unfussy cocktails around $10—try the expert gin martini." Washington City Paper calls the spot "a mix of old and new," adding it just might be "the greatest sequel since The Godfather Part II...it helps that some of the staff have ties to the old spot." [Washingtonian, WCP]

The TBD News: The Washington Post is looking forward to another addition coming in the spring: "One of the most buzz-worthy items about the Passenger's reopening was that the new digs would have a rooftop deck." [Washington Post]