Many locals dream of bringing back their beloved neighborhood bar after it closes, but chef Sanjay Mandhaiya, known for his work at Pappe and Karravaan, is actively working to revive his favorite watering hole, the Passenger. He is transforming it into a contemporary gastropub named the Grace, located in the vibrant Shaw neighborhood.
The new establishment features an inviting atmosphere, adorned with Americana touches such as faux wooden mounted fish and Western-themed artworks. While the ambiance is cozy and stylish, the highlight is the creative takes on classic American dishes. Executive chef Courtney Evans, who gained attention from her appearance on Netflix’s Next Gen Chef, has curated a menu meant to resonate with D.C. residents seeking familiar flavors from their hometowns. Whether it’s a French bistro dish from New York, an egg-topped club sandwich from the suburbs, butter-basted steak and extra-crispy Parmesan fries from the Midwest, or a Cuban sandwich from Miami, there’s something to please everyone’s palate.
The decision to incorporate a menu centered around daiquiris is intriguing, possibly paying tribute to Passenger’s tiki-themed pop-up, Hogo, which offered many rum-based drafts. The cocktails exuded a delightful balance, with prices starting under $15. The tamarind-banana daiquiri presented a perfect blend of sour and tangy flavors, while other offerings such as the Ranch Coconut Water featuring tequila and manzanilla, alongside the peach pie daiquiri made with moonshine, anise, and fresh peaches, were notably refreshing.
One of the standout elements of this experience was the exceptional service. The staff, including servers, bartenders, and hosts, were enthusiastic in sharing their favorite drink recommendations and engaging visitors in discussions about the dishes they had recently sampled.
Although the new venue has an upscale vibe, it still pays homage to the Passenger with quirky touches, including a mounted, stuffed antelope head honoring Gary, the beloved mascot of the old establishment. For those looking to indulge late at night, the bar remains open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Diners can enjoy a range of creative bites, from crab cream sauce-drenched fries with pickled Fresno chiles to tuna tartare on buttery brioche, and fried chicken sliders, all available from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on weekends, with prices ranging from $14 to $17.
