A very pleasant surprise! Almost appears to be a store at first sight, but is a hidden gem of a restaurant! A smaller, but beautifully crafted menu! Also appreciated the non-alcoholic beverage options, my blood orange spritz was fantastic! Our table shared the rolls, carrots and a salad for starters. I ordered the cacio e Pepe for my entree and very much enjoyed it! We finished with an apple dessert. The dishes were thrifted and thought that was a very cute and thoughtful touch of personality. Everything was 10/10. Couldn't recommend it enough! read more

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So so good. The food was amazing. Everything we ate felt like it was thoughtfully created. The ambiance was eclectic, quiet, and you could dress up or down and feel comfortable. I would imagine during the day it may be loud w/ a construction site next door, but it would still be worth it to eat here. The service was wonderful. He anticipated our every need. Great experience. read more

Brunch with sister. - biscuits & MUSHROOM GRAVY, fried egg, mixed greens - japanese milkbread FRENCH TOAST, seasonal compote, labneh, cinnamon whipped cream, maple syrup read more

The cocktails are the star of the show here. Most of the food is well thought out, but the execution is just meh. With only four entrees I would have expected perfection. My rib-eye was tough and overcooked and the mushroom pan sauce was flavorless. The half chicken however was fantastic. I will double down on the cocktails, they were brilliant and prepared perfectly. I had the mezcal tequila old fashioned and it was amazing. Sadly, with ever growing competition, I don't think this is a place we would come back to. Enjoy it while it lasts. read more

Passerine - New American Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Great little atmosphere. Food was amazing fresh local homegrown. Great service. Lovely outside area.

Loved this place - good quality, fresh ingredients, and friendly staff! Loved the tomato water and the seasonal scallops dish!

Came in here last night and sat at the bar. Our bartender Bailey was beyond knowledgeable and personable. The ambiance of the entire place is breathtaking. We ordered several cocktails that were wonderfully crafted. We ordered the scallops, clams, and beef Wellington which were all made to perfection and beautifully presented. We will definitely be back soon as it will become a regular date night spot ! read more

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Charming atmosphere and wonderful service. My sidecar wasn't as fabulous as it was on our last visit but it was okay. Too much lemon juice. The mushroom soup and crepe tarte with ricotta and caviar were delicious. The chocolate mille feuille tarte seemed stale and I couldn't eat it. The waitress noticed but I just said I was full. My bad. However, am concerned about one thing. I had a bad reaction to something I ate ( probably not their fault). I was quite sick all night with what seemed like food poisoning. I wrote the manager just in case others had reported being sick. I doubt now it was food poisoning because I was okay the next day. It bothers me, though, that they never acknowledged my email. read more

Food was flavorful and imaginative. Service was excellent. I did not love the desserts, but everything else was so good that I still highly recommend it. read more

My first time here with friends was really great for Saturday brunch. The restaurant gets plenty of light and is a beautiful, spacious setting. We enjoyed the cocktails and shared the scallop crudo. Delicious! The brisket was tender, the shakshuka not too acidic for my stomach. Just right. Our waiter was super friendly, and I was seated right away as I waited for my friends to join. You'll love it here. read more

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I was looking forward to dining at Passserine. Maybe my expectations were too high. Our service and the food (in my opinion) was not on par with what NYTimes calls one of the 50 best places to eat in the US. It was strange, we waited for a long time to even be acknowledged after being seated.I get it, it can be chaotic when a place is busy. But a little communication goes a long way. Especially after driving an hour to eat at Passerine. I have no problem waiting when a place is busy. I feel like it's really easy for a server, host, anyone really, to just stop and say, "hey thanks for coming, we will be right with you." It may have just been a timing thing, because the two tables that were seated next to us after we were seated, seemed to get timely attention and communication. But then we get to the food. Appetizers were ok, nothing remarkable. Had the crepe cake and it was good. My dinner was over cooked. I asked for rare to medium rare and it came out grey and well done. I would have said something immediately, but she didn't come back for at least 15-20 minutes. When she did finally come to check on how we were doing, I told her about the overcooked dish. They did remake one for me, but by that time my wife was finished with her food so I sat there watching her eat, and then she was able to have the same experience of watching me eat. The dish, even once it was cooked properly was just ok. Like I stated previously, maybe my expectations were too high, but I don't think so. I do not mind paying for good food and service that should complete the dining experience at a restaurant that is getting the hype that Passerine is getting from the Times article. But for me, Passerine missed the mark. It's too bad, I was expecting more. read more

Pros: +Beautiful interior and design +Outstanding cocktails The restaurant is beautifully designed and you can tell whoever designed the restaurant has impeccable style. The cocktails are wonderful - highly recommend. Cons: +Very limited menu +Small portions (left hungry) I wanted to order the NY Strip steak - the server told me that it comes medium rare. I asked if I could have it cooked medium - she asked the chef and he said no. I didn't find my request to be outrageous and left with a bad taste in my mouth over the experience. Overall, I would not recommend. read more

Great service, decor, and drinks, but weird flavors and very small portions. I loved the taste of my monkfish, but disliked the flavors and sides it came with (despite loving Swiss chard, peas, beans, and ponzu in other preparations). My husband was expecting a full NY strip, not three fat-laden cuts of meat. We were still hungry when we left, but were hesitant to order dessert or a small plate since we weren't happy with what came before. Unfortunately, we left disappointed and would not recommend this restaurant to other diners. read more

Passerine is lovely if you're looking for a cozy atmosphere with fresh, quality food! A new discovery for me and I've taken every visitor I get! Their brunch menu is delicious and their dinner is more tapas style with some delicious plates to share. Will definitely be back to this Lancaster gem! read more

Passerine - New American Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Ambiance is feeling like you're at your besties house who has really good taste. Food is impeccable, the pork chop with ramp butter was succulent and the potato appetizer was so satisfying to share. Had a gin gimlet with rosemary that was perfectly balanced. Wasn't a fan of the sunchoke dessert but that's a reflection of my own flavor preference and not the quality of the cake. Really great addiction to the Lancaster food scene. read more

We had a fantastic time last night. The ambiance is perfect for a patio night. The drinks were incredible, each was well thought out. So much attention to detail. The waitstaff was all personable and friendly. read more

We visited on 4/16/23. We sat on the side porch outside which was lovely. Lancaster does not have many non-sidewalk outdoor dining spots, so Passerine's set up is extra sweet. I walked through the newly designed inside spaces which have been reimagined and are unique to this restaurant. The service was friendly and informative. We tried several items, all of which were delicious. So many more menu items were calling us, so I know we will return. Welcome to Lancaster, Passerine! We hope you'll stay. read more

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Great spot just opened right in the heart of downtown Lancaster. We were there one of the first few nights and enjoyed everything that we tried. The salad, crispy potatoes, and Wellington were our favorites cocktails were creative and delicious, and on the less sweet side, which is always a plus for me. great staff and interesting menu, will be back! read more

Passerine - New American Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Great food, great service. This is my 11yo son's favorite restaurant. Usually, we eat dinner here and really enjoy ourselves. My son loves the mocktails. I love the cocktails. Every dish has its own personality and flavor you would not predict would be so good together. The food is unique and surprisingly filling. We recently tried brunch here, and we were just as pleased, I highly recommend. read more

What a delight! One of the most delicious meals I have had in a while. Really subtle tastes make each dish a new culinary adventure. Dishes that are familiar have an interesting take that makes something familiar, new. The NY Times review has not gone to the head of the restaurant and it is welcoming and unpretentious as one would hope from PA establishment. I hope they never change. read more

Fun place. Walked in on a Monday (because in Lancaster EVERYWHERE is closed) so Kudos to this place for allowing us to have a great meal in a Monday!! Asked for a table and they were booked so we bellied up to the bar. Cool and friendly bartender made us fun drinks and talked with us a bit. Sold the drinks well. Only did apps and booze. Mussels and cheese board where great. Fun cheese board with great cheese. Needed more bread or crackers to work with. Had some weird shortbread with it. It was fine but they gave you about 4 triangles with lots of cheese. So at some times I was just eating scoops of cheese. Let's be honest that's not a bad Monday but that's my only complaint. Really good food. Good drinks fun place. Go out on a Monday Lancaster!!!!!!!! read more

The menu was small but interesting. Good service and nice ambience. Simple selections. Small menu, which I enjoy. Warm and cozy dining area and good service read more

Went with high hopes because of what we've heard about the restaurant. The service was unremarkable. Did not really feel welcome. Very small portions. My main entrée came in a small dish that looked like an appetizer plate. It was served lukewarm and with the smallest amount of meat. It was supposed to be a lamb dish. No bread or roll was offered. No side was included with the whole fish entree. For dessert, we had apple cake, which was very dry, as if it had been baked a month ago. We weren't offered any refill of our coffee. Overall, quite.disappointing, especially for the cost. read more

Food was delicious. We had the roast chicken and the lamb Ragu, Service, ambience were nice but not exceptional.

The place is way overrated. Service is slow, beer is warm, not a lot of flavor in the food, portions are on the smaller side. Overall, meh.

Parking is super easy, street or deck. Seated promptly with a choice of still or sparking water. Their craft cocktails were awesome! Small & large plates on their limited menu were interesting and what we ordered were all great! My tile fish/bean dinner was carefully prepared but was lacking a starch. Fail! The cheese plate could have used some "flat" crackers vs their homemade tiny scones which you could not balance the cheese on. After apps and main course but before dessert, it would have been great if the table was wiped of food. My biggest complaint was the auto 20% "service fee" for front & back of the house. I only tip for wait staff hence I left no extra. If you want your non wait staff tipped, PAY THEM MORE! Plenty of other local establishments without the "rip-me-off" service fee. And don't give me the fairness to all for all staff reply. Medical, dental, vision----all great! You open at 5pm hence this should be a second job for most. read more

I had the rustic mushroom soup and beef shakshuka. My wife had the parfait and shrimp and grits. The soup and the beef were outstanding. The restaurant does not do well accommodating for food allergies. If you group has no allergies it is worth the price. If they have allergies, no adjustments will be made other than less food. The bar has many unique quality wines. read more

Food was fine, service was odd. Our waitress only interacted with us twice; first to seat us, second to take our order. We had to order wine through a different person serving our meal, and when it didn't show up after we were mostly finished eating, we approached the bartender asking about the wine. When the incorrect wine did finally show up (apparently when ordering wayvine, they thought we said ravine, despite no similarity between the two) the bartender chose to come to our table to chastise us for not ordering through the waitress. Which we couldn't do because she never came to our table. After saying they'd comp the wine, the bartender ended up taking it away from us. The apps were good, the entrees were not memorable (overcooked duck). Overall a very odd experience that left a bad taste in our mouths. read more

Narrow food menu. We've been twice, and both times the "special" was exceptionally creative and perfectly executed. Server quickly brought our dinners straight from the grill. read more

Game changer! Been twice, once for lunch, once for dinner. For dinner we had the mushroom soup, the potatoes, ricotta toast and the scallop crudo for starters. For entries we enjoyed the pork chops, beef cheek Wellington and the bass. For desert we shared the angel food cake and the sunchoke torte. Without exception, everything we tried was deliciously interesting and unique. A great deal of thought and expertise has gone into the decision making and food preparation of Passerine and the meal we enjoyed was the best we have ever had in central PA and beyond! Our server happened to be the manager and paired all our courses with excellent wine choice - some from PA, imagine! All in all it was a culinary experience to savor and we can't wait to return. A word on the seats, try before you sit for two hours. The attractive wooden chairs in the front section feature an slanted back that some may not like for a long meal and the backless stools in the middle can likewise be uncomfortable. That being said, this new addition to gallery row is upbeat and warm with attractive original art and a bottle shop. read more

Passerine - The pork chop - New American Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The rating for this review is based on the service, which was well below the expectations I had based on the feedback I had received from friends. The waitress did not know anything about the wine. I had perused the list of wine by the glass and by the bottle on the restaurant website, which had detailed descriptions. But the lists were completely different, and we asked some information about the two we were considered, the server was only able to say they were red, which was the only description available on the menu. To make up for it, she offered to give us tasting of the wines, which was a nice gestature. We ordered two two vegetable dishes to share (the roasted carrots were fantastic!), but she removed the empty dishes only after we asked her to do it when she brought the next dishes. And she did not replace the silverware, and I was left with no knife since I had left it on the small plate she had removed. Definitely, staff needs more training read more

Great outdoor dining spot. Our waiter, Maurice, said to try the desserts. So we got them all... Wow! Don't skip the dessert! read more

Passerine - All the desserts! - New American Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Excellent addition to the Lancaster food scene! Small menu, but they do everything right. Plenty of options for vegetarians and an extensive cocktail menu. Great NA drinks, too. read more

Great new restaurant open in lanc. Peek at menu before coming to make your selection. Very nice people here super welcoming. And it's open on mondays!!!! read more

Passerine - Great cocktails with a kick. They're pretty strong. Good atmosphere nice people - New American Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Outstanding menu, service and atmosphere. The brunch items were delicious. We had Steak and Eggs, Ricotta Toast, Organic Omelette, Potatoes, Cheese Plate and coffee. read more

We were in town and were attracted by recent article in NYTimes listing it among top 50 restaurants in the US right now. It's ok, but it's not even among the best five in Lancaster right now. The portions are extremely small, particularly considering a price point for their pasta and chicken entrees (and separate vegetable sides) that exceeds excellent Manhattan restaurants I've dined at this year. I'm almost 65 and don't eat as much as I used to, but even considering that, I was disappointed by the portions. My wife and I split an order of carrots. Six very tiny carrots. It was very good, but just not a normal portion. More like a sampler. We each had the amatriciana pasta. Again, it was good, but definitely didn't stand out from many similar dishes I've had in Philadelphia, New York, Boston....and all less expensive and larger servings in those cities. The dessert offerings were meh, we went a few blocks away and had a wonderful dessert at the pie shop. The service and ambience were ok, not bad, but nothing special. There are many good restaurants in Lancaster with just as much nuance in their offerings (and decent sized servings) as this place allegedly has. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could give halves, but it's definitely not a 4. The cocktails were good, but again nothing where you'd be putting it on a national list. read more

Great quality food, beautiful dining space and great service. We will likely be back- hoping for a few more choices on the menu next time but we loved everything we ordered! read more

This cozy restaurant, sitting in the shadow of the Fulton Theater, will pleasantly surprise you. The food was nothing short of phenomenal! The Celariac Steak with oyster mushrooms and fried sage in a brown butter hollandaise sauce was a vegetarian dish that blew me away. The autumn trifle genoise sponge cake dessert was the perfect ending to our fantastic meal. The cozy and warm atmosphere and depth of the drink menu, truly complement the amazing culinary experience and will demand that you add Cafe Passerine to your list of favorite restaurants in Lancaster. read more

Food is wonderful, amazing and relaxed atmosphere. Potatoes are perfection. Would love some new choices! Excited to try some new cocktails this holiday season. read more

I'm updating my previous review where I raved. Went back again last night and was disappointed to find the menu has changed to not include the brunch items after 3pm. I had been dreaming of some of those items and unfortunately our schedule doesn't permit a brunch outing. The menu is really small now and I would recommend taking a look at it the day you are planning to go (it had changed in the week since we made our reservation) But here is why I dropped the stars down from five to three. First, it was super hot in there. The AC could not handle the small dining room. Second, it took 25 minutes after sitting down to get water and then another 20 minutes for two drinks, one of which was wrong. We ordered white wine, they served red. Third, the NY strip is served in three 2oz portions. One piece was completely inedible. We couldn't even cut it. The other two pieces also had gristle but we could maneuver around it. The chicken was amazing and the cavatelli was melt in your mouth. Maybe we just got a bad piece of meat last night. I would still go back once it's cooler outside to give it another try. One super excellent experience and one so so experience. read more