This is the second time we've been here and again, excellent. Food gets a 5, but have a 4 review only because if the space/decor. Frankly, I'd rather have money spent on food. Soups are excellent. Manhattan seafood chowder and today crab corn chowder. I've had the jerk chicken and today's special, black and blue burger. Our 9 year old wanted to know how soon we were coming back. Also kudos for advertising breast feeding welcome. Lastly, owner, Troy, super friendly, and even noted they are dog-friendly.
(4)
Terry F.
My wife and I occasionally meet for lunch and this place neither one of us have tried before it and wasn't far from your work so we gave it a shot and was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the Jerk Chick Sandwich which was char-grilled perfectly, served on a brioche bun with pesto aioli, lettuce and tomato and onion, in a word awesome. Since that first time, I go once or several times a week. The food has been thoughtfully paired to add and and enhance. The Johnny burger was one of my favorites, gotta try the Italian Focacca Sub, it's awesome! My only critique is the side dishes are pretty small portions. Also, on one of my visits I decided order online using the Yelp Eat24. It was easy and pretty straight forward once it got my credit card info. It seemed to place my order, send me a email confirmation, but when I arrived they gave me the "Deer in Headlights" look, and I had to show them I paid on my phone, they didn't get my order. This was very awkward with other customers standing inline and the nice folks behind the counter where very confused. They did make my Johnny Burger and apologized. I recommend using low tech (call in) :)
(4)
Mackenzie F.
Veggie burger and jerk chicken sandwiches are great. French fries are crispy and tasty too.
(4)
John K.
The name of this restaurant is ironic because I felt like I needed a passport to find this place. Once I got here, the outside felt like I was walking into a bank. Upon entering, I was promptly greeted and given the rundown on the menu. The employees were super friendly and made great conversation. The menu has a Caribbean feel, and the black bean soup & jerk chicken sandwich were both exceptional. Don't let the strange location and weird outside facade fool you, Passport Cafe is a diamond in the rough.
(4)
Bryant M.
I want to write a 5000 word essay on why I love Passport so much, but I'm pretty sure even that won't do it justice. So, I'm going to try to express my feelings in much, much fewer words. Think Caribbean Northstar. Everything as Passport is light, flavorful, and with a bit of a kick. I eat here every time I'm next door at Dr. Chen's office, and I try something new each time. I haven't been disappointed yet! They make everything-from-scratch soups, sandwiches, smoothies, and loads of other goodies. Just get something - you won't be disappointed. In addition to fantastic food, the owner - Troy - has one of the biggest hearts around. He's a genuinely nice guy, and he really cares about his food, his customers, and his community. I know Passport is in an obscure location and may be a bit out of the way, but I promise it's worth the hunt. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Jessica H.
Used them for company boxed lunches twice now. Jerk chicken sammie is a full jerked breast. Amazing coleslaw w shaved red cabbage, excellent cucumber salad!
(5)
Julie Y.
Greatly spot for lunch. Reasonably priced but quality food. I haven't had anything I didn't like but he jerk chicken, on sandwich, salad, or in quesadilla, is exceptional. Something different instead of typically commercialized, bland, Ohio junk food.
(5)
Sarah G.
I'm a huge fan or Passport Cafe. THE FOOD: House salad with jerk chicken. It's super simple but oh, so delicious. The tandoori cucumbers with the chicken = amazeballs. The burrito is always pretty damn awesome, and a coworker loves the Zoe's chicken salad wrap. THE SERVICE: I've only had take out, but each time I've been the woman at the counter has been great. I work with some picky eaters and we always have modifications to our orders (extra lettuce, no onions types) and she is always patient as I go thru our laundry list. I've had big orders an even though there are only a few people working they have offered to help me carry it to my car. Don't expect anything fancy. I mean, the place is in a corporate office strip. But do expect a great lunch with friendly service!
(5)
Emma L.
Such a pleasant surprise! I was tipped off to Passport Cafe from all the rave reviews on Yelp. It IS a tough spot to find, but follow your gps and it will take you right to the front door! It is a very unassuming office building cafe type of place with a walk up counter to order and a half a dozen tables or so for dining in (and a few outside, too). We were immediately greeted by the owner/chef -- he was SO friendly! Check out the specials on the dry erase board, grab a paper menu and have a seat because you are going to need about 10 minutes to even begin to decide what to order. Everything sounds delicious! I love food with a Caribbean twist and I think I could have eaten anything on the menu. I opted for the veggie burger (~$6) and a side of the soup of the day, crab corn chowder. Bf got the chicken and chorizo jerk burrito with the tandoori cucumbers on the side. *Yelp tip, a check-in here gets you a free side & drink!* The veggie burger was really good, made with rice, other grains and beans and served on a yummy brioche (homemade?) bun. The pesto was a great accompaniment. The crab corn chowder had a great flavor but was made with crab substitute. Still really great though and for only $2.50, I couldn't really complain. Bf enjoyed his burrito, it had a slight kick to it and seemed well balanced. The tandoori cucumbers were okay but I think we'll pass next time. Basically just cold sliced cucumbers with a mix of spices. We will definitely be back here, I noticed they have Saturday hours and the owner let us know they'll be opening for dinner soon (with a liquor license!). Also cool, he said they're only going to offer the things he grew up with in the Caribbean -- think rum punches and hand-squeezed lime margaritas! Do yourself a favor and try this hidden gem!
(4)
Matt S.
Absolutely phenomenal. My co-worker Caleb introduced me to the Jerk Chicken Sandwich and mentioned to add pepper jack cheese and bacon, and I havent found a sandwich that beats it. Except for their Jerk Chicken Club for special on occasion. I've found myself introducing my friends to the sandwich, and have been visiting several times a week. Can't get enough! Great staff, amazing quality food, and always more than satisfied. This is must eat!
(5)
Katherine D.
Go here. Now. It's probably the best cheap lunch spot in town. Passport has become my go-to place for lunch during the work day...you can't go wrong with the veggie burger and the jerk burrito (which has just a bit of heat, but not too much for those of you who are spice-averse). I also love that they have some unusual sides...the tandoori cucumbers and the samosas are yummy! So much better than hitting the drive-thru, and roughly the same price. Yes, Passport Cafe is in the middle of what looks like a medical center, and everyone else who's said it's hard to find on your first trip is right. But I (and all these other good Yelpers) aren't lying when we say you won't regret seeking it out.
(5)
Kristen M.
Simply wonderful. I had never heard of Passport, but my boyfriend would talk incessantly about their jerk chicken sandwich. We finally got a chance to try it out. It's in a completely unassuming location, and is easily missed if you aren't looking for it. I ordered the jerk chicken sandwich and he ordered the specialty which was the cornholio quesadilla. My sandwich was delicious. Great seasoning that wasn't too overpowering, fresh toppings and a soft brioche bun. The quesadilla looked amazing...cheesy, stuffed with ingredients. I don't think my bf came up for air. All in all, a great spot for lunch. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Paul F.
I came over today for an early lunch. I didn't have any trouble finding it because I'd been here before. It's a (really) small cafe in an office building on Riverside Drive. Their menu is exclusively sandwiches plus a few side dishes. I went with the flow and ordered the special of the day; a jerk chicken sandwich. And it was GOOD! According to the menu, it was marinated overnight in jerk seasoning, then griiled and served on a brioche bun. A good sandwich!
(4)
Joe B.
I was in town on business and this little gem was a stone's throw from the office. Blink and you'll miss it but if you have the chance I'd highly recommend stopping in for lunch. At first glance the menu didn't strike me as mind blowing but once the food landed on the table I knew what I was iny for. It was a thing of beauty. For my order I made a layup...something simple that would either end in "meh" or a "hell yes". The Smoked Turkey and Bacon sandwich with a curious side of Tandoori Cucumbers was the perfect choice. Get them both but definitely try the cucs! The sandwich was nicely piled on toasted multi-grain with cheddar and plenty of fresh fixins, and quality quality (yup, that's 2 "quality"s folks) meats but the clincher were the mild peppers that pulled it all together and put it over the top. The cucumbers were fantastic...really light and with the tandoori spice, a perfect side. Space is limited so come early to get a seat. Service was friendly and courteous and the food came out pretty quickly...prices are definitely reasonable for what you get here, FYI. I'm counting the days until I get back down to the Columbus so I can try more of the menu. I've got my sights set on anything Jerk off their menu. Nicely done!
(5)
Pam B.
Great food, every time, all the time! Three lunches so far, and each one has been outstanding. Chef Troy has a passion for good food, and it shines through in his menu. Sandwiches are on the freshest bread possible, with wonderful combinations of fillings. Soups are flavorful and original. Looking forward to working my way through all of the menu! This is my family's go-to place for lunch.
(5)
Kevin D.
Came here for lunch on a Saturday and wasn't crowded at all. The menu has lots of good fish and chicken options. I got the chicken jerk burrito, which was great and a lot of food. Service was extremely nice and answered all our questions about the menu, and checked on us once we got the food. Outdoor seating was nice. Prices were very reasonable. Overall great experience, can't wait to go back and try some more of the menu.
(5)
Liz M.
Is it too soon to update my review?? I have been getting take out from here once or twice a week for a month now and every single thing I've tried has been off-the-hook good! Seriously delicious! Do yourself a favor and save yourself from spending $12 for a Northstar burger and come here and pay $6 for the best veggie burger you'll ever taste. Plus, Troy, the owner/chef, makes amazing soups and his specials are so so tasty. Sometimes he comes up with combinations I wouldn't think work, but are drool worthy when you taste them. So, go to Passport and get the soup of the day and either the daily special or the veggie burger and you and your wallet will thank me!
(5)
Gerry J.
A hidden gem, I don't know why I did not hear about Passport cafe more often. Probably because all the lovers want to keep these good stuff for themselves, and refuse to share them to us. Oh, how I resent people who work around the area and able to get lunch from Passport cafe. Everything is mostly around $7, so it's a steal, and a very delicious steal. I tried the jerk chicken sandwich, and they were made of fresh ingredients, nice flavor and just nice portion.
(5)
Brit A.
Since my first amazing experience I have been back several times and unfortunately I can no longer justify 5 stars. The veggie burger is simply rice and beans placed in a bun. It falls apart as soon as you dig in. The aioli is still amazing as well as the brioche bun. I just returned from a trip to Jamaica and can say that the jerk chicken at passport cafe tastes mediocre at best. It just lacks the punch.
(3)
Jenny J.
Definitely a hidden gem. The food is delicious and the owner is very friendly. The burrito and marinated chicken sandwich are my favorites!
(4)
Peter D.
I'm a big fan of this place. Its easy driving distance from the west side, it has a welcome diverse menu, and the big plus is their awesome staff. I'll be honest, the jerked chicken is toned down far too much to accommodate the demographics of their lunch crowd and it feels like some of the other dishes have been adjusted to play to the audience but the food has yet to be anything less then great (except maybe the nachos). The Galaxy burger is my personal fav so far and I really like the daily specials. As stated earlier the staff is great. Always in a good mood and always interested in feedback and making sure the trip out to them is a good one. Lunches get packed in there so try to beat the crowd and if possible hit them up on the weekend and you'll have the place to yourself.
(5)
Sheikha T.
Awesome little hole in the wall in Columbus! Randomly came across this place and had very low expectations, the exterior looks dingy and even inside its very low-key diner style atmosphere. We walked in and the owner and his wife were both there, both had smiles on their faces and greeted us as if we were regulars. We didn't even have to look through the menu, the owner started talking to us about what kind of food we like and made some awesome recommendations and even something off the menu. Seems like he absolutely loves his job! And the food was AH-MA-Zing! One of a kind dishes with all sorts of flavors mixed into one dish or sandwich. Can't wait to go back to try what they've come up with next! The only reason I gave a 4 is because the of the decor.
(4)
Monae K.
If I could give this resturant a 10 out of 5 I would! They are THAT good... I usually get their veggie burger (and I am not even a vegeterian). I work as a waitress at another local resturant and end up telling the guests who order our veggie burger about this place. The owner is VERY nice and even suggested getting the veggie burger in a spinach wrap after I stated the only downfall to the veggie burger is it is a lot of BREAD... and OMG the wrap was the PERFECT touch! I did not think that the veggie burger could get any better. I don't know what it is about this place but I at least have to eat there once a week and it is usually the veggie burger although I have had the Italian Sub which is fabulous but the veggie burger has crack in it they are addicting and their fries are PERFECTLY fried and just so YUMMY - my mouth is currently watering thinking about this burger LOL - it is made of rice and beans and they have this mayo (I believe) to slightly spice it up. I would recommend this resturant/catering business to anyone who is looking to eat local and experience some amazing tastes!
(5)
Anna H.
After reading Yelp reviews, I called lthem last night to order carryout. The guy was super nice on the phone and in person (he appeared to be the only person there, given it was almost closing time when I picked up). My husband had the special, which was a "Golden Bear" sub and I had the veggie burger. We both had an order of Carribean Slaw. All very good and flavorful. I especially liked the fresh bun and the toppings on my burger. I want to go back.
(4)
Rick J.
This is a small place with 7-8 tables. They do have four tables outside but each only seats four people. I went with four other people and everyone loved their food. I had the galaxy burger and it was very good. One person ordered a hamburger but was later told they were out. The real downer was the wait time; we had to wait 45 minutes for our food. There was a table next to us who waited 35 minutes. And although it was lunch time they weren't very busy. In short, good food but long wait.
(2)
adam s.
I've been taking advantage of groupons offered to passport cafe. Not only have they been a great deal, but the food is really quite good. So far, I've had the Johnny Burger (hand shaped, very nicely seasoned), jerk chicken (moist, and nicely seasoned) and the tandoori turkey burger (a little crumbly, but juicy and the tandoori rub is slightly sweet and delicious). I will definitely be returning here even without the groupons. The owner is very nice and accommodating. My girlfriend and I have been trying to eat paleo, so we order a few things without the buns. He brought out a platter with all of our meats and a nice pile of lettuce (a nice spring mix, not iceburg) and tomato. Highly recommended for lunch if you work in the area, or dinner if you don't. It is not very busy around dinner time.
(5)
Lyndon C.
Two words: Jerk Burrito Update: Everything I've from Passport has been exceptional. The chef is a genius.
(5)
Laura C.
Been ordering lunch here regularly for the past year. Their consistency is on point. I've tried a variety of things on their menu: veggie burger, Jonny burger, house salad, Zoe's chicken salad wrap, and of course the jerk chicken burrito. The burrito and veggie burger remain my favorite menu items. Their veggie burger is massive. Made out of black beans and a variety if grains. The spices truly set their veggie burger apart from others. Speaking of spices, they really know how to spice and season here and this is shown in their daily specials. The ones worth being on their regular menu are the chicken curry (with loads of veggies - potatoes, onions, carrots, peas; coconut rice, side of pita and herbed cucumbers!) and turkey burger with mozzarella, shrimp, guacamole. Holy crap that filled me up all day! Only could manage a grapefruit for dinner. If their crab and corn chowder is the soup of the day, you must get it. Also have tried their brownies which were better than expected and satisfied my sweet tooth. Between the flavors, rotating and creative daily specials, consistency and truly fair lunch prices (gets pricier if you do a combo but items on their own will fill up a person within normal BMI) I can't stop coming here once or twice a week. If you work in the area and would rather saw off your arm than drive down 5th ave during lunch (or really any other time of day), give passport a whirl.
(5)
Christina C.
A freakin' hidden gem. To my surprise, this place has been here for a couple years and hasn't been on my radar until recently. In a very inconspicuous string of offices along Dublin Road, blink and you might miss it. It's nothing fancy, and it's pretty small, but the food. The food! I love Caribbean inspired food. The flavors. The creativity. The spice. The smell! The daily specials are where it's at so be sure to check them out on the white board when you arrive - or call ahead and place your carryout order. Beyond the specials, the incredible sandwiches are another top lunch contender. I mean, c'mon. We're talking Jerk Chicken Sandwich, Smoked Turkey and Bacon, the Jonny Burger -- a half pound that's made fresh daily - and my personal fav so far, the Veggie Burger that's char-grilled and served on a toasted brioche bun. Incredible! One of my favorite in the city! Sides are additional, but you have options like French Fries, Tandoori Cucumbers or Chips & Salsa. I swear, a visit is an absolute must if you're in nearby Grandview, UA or downtown. It will blow your mind and make you wonder why you hadn't heard of this place earlier!
(4)
Amy B.
First time here today and will definitely be back. Owner was extremely friendly and helpful in helping us decide. I went with the daily special - grilled teriyaki chicken sandwich. Chicken was tender and the siracha sauce was tasty. Caribbean coleslaw was excellent. Very crisp and refreshing. Can't wait to try more next time.
(5)
Laura B.
What a fun and unusual find near my place of work! Stuck in what would appear to be a medical building is a small and unassuming cafe that serves up fantastic fusion food at a great price. Today was my first trip and I had the Caribbean jerk chicken burrito and it did not disappoint! The gentle flavors of the coconut rice and the subtly smokey and slightly hot chicken was not over dressed by the cilantro sour cream. About the size of a chipotle burrito and so much more unique. I have so many more things to try and friends to being here. Super friendly staff!!!
(5)
Ray W.
Really good jerk chicken sandwich. Soup is good too.
(5)
Lisa C.
Tried this place for the first time last night - LOVED! I had the veggie burger - which is totally different tasting from my previous favorite, the Northstar beet burger. Passport won me over with the spicy flavor in theirs, it is my new fave. I paired it with the tandoori cucumbers - what a fantastic meal, lots of flavor and healthy too! My friend had salmon and coleslaw and she loved her food too. We were surprised with the price compared to the quality of food. It's nice to see a place offer such great food at a very reasonable price. Friendly service, clean little diner, fabulous food. I'll be going back soon and often.
(5)
Jason S.
Passport Cafe features an amazing mix of Caribbean and American food, with all items made fresh to order. One of my favorites is the Jonny's Burger, a large 1/3 lb burger with pesto aioli, lettuce, tomato and Bermuda onion on a toasted brioche bun. The Veggie Burger is also amazing. I'm not sure how they do it but it is one of the best vegetarian burgers I've ever eaten. The jerk chicken sandwich is also good, and the seasoned french fries and Caribbean cole slaw are both excellent side items. The owners also offer daily and weekly specials, which are usually worth ording. One recent special was a blackened tilapia sandwich. While I didn't eat it the person I shared lunch with said it was one of the best he'd had. The only downside to the Passport Cafe is it can be hard to find. It's in the Rivers Edge Corporate Center at the front of the complex facing Dublin Road.
(5)
Dave N.
Really liked the Jonny burger. The patty was plenty big and was grilled like it came off the grill in your backyard. I would have preferred it a bit more towards medium than medium well, but it was still quite juicy. The brioche bun was just right, and the pesto aioli was subtle but worked really well with the greens and onions. I will definitely have this burger again, but before that I have to try the jerked chicken and see if I can handle the heat.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : No Drive-Thru : No Caters : Yes
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Joelle N.
This is the second time we've been here and again, excellent. Food gets a 5, but have a 4 review only because if the space/decor. Frankly, I'd rather have money spent on food. Soups are excellent. Manhattan seafood chowder and today crab corn chowder. I've had the jerk chicken and today's special, black and blue burger. Our 9 year old wanted to know how soon we were coming back. Also kudos for advertising breast feeding welcome. Lastly, owner, Troy, super friendly, and even noted they are dog-friendly.
(4)Terry F.
My wife and I occasionally meet for lunch and this place neither one of us have tried before it and wasn't far from your work so we gave it a shot and was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the Jerk Chick Sandwich which was char-grilled perfectly, served on a brioche bun with pesto aioli, lettuce and tomato and onion, in a word awesome. Since that first time, I go once or several times a week. The food has been thoughtfully paired to add and and enhance. The Johnny burger was one of my favorites, gotta try the Italian Focacca Sub, it's awesome! My only critique is the side dishes are pretty small portions. Also, on one of my visits I decided order online using the Yelp Eat24. It was easy and pretty straight forward once it got my credit card info. It seemed to place my order, send me a email confirmation, but when I arrived they gave me the "Deer in Headlights" look, and I had to show them I paid on my phone, they didn't get my order. This was very awkward with other customers standing inline and the nice folks behind the counter where very confused. They did make my Johnny Burger and apologized. I recommend using low tech (call in) :)
(4)Mackenzie F.
Veggie burger and jerk chicken sandwiches are great. French fries are crispy and tasty too.
(4)John K.
The name of this restaurant is ironic because I felt like I needed a passport to find this place. Once I got here, the outside felt like I was walking into a bank. Upon entering, I was promptly greeted and given the rundown on the menu. The employees were super friendly and made great conversation. The menu has a Caribbean feel, and the black bean soup & jerk chicken sandwich were both exceptional. Don't let the strange location and weird outside facade fool you, Passport Cafe is a diamond in the rough.
(4)Bryant M.
I want to write a 5000 word essay on why I love Passport so much, but I'm pretty sure even that won't do it justice. So, I'm going to try to express my feelings in much, much fewer words. Think Caribbean Northstar. Everything as Passport is light, flavorful, and with a bit of a kick. I eat here every time I'm next door at Dr. Chen's office, and I try something new each time. I haven't been disappointed yet! They make everything-from-scratch soups, sandwiches, smoothies, and loads of other goodies. Just get something - you won't be disappointed. In addition to fantastic food, the owner - Troy - has one of the biggest hearts around. He's a genuinely nice guy, and he really cares about his food, his customers, and his community. I know Passport is in an obscure location and may be a bit out of the way, but I promise it's worth the hunt. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Jessica H.
Used them for company boxed lunches twice now. Jerk chicken sammie is a full jerked breast. Amazing coleslaw w shaved red cabbage, excellent cucumber salad!
(5)Julie Y.
Greatly spot for lunch. Reasonably priced but quality food. I haven't had anything I didn't like but he jerk chicken, on sandwich, salad, or in quesadilla, is exceptional. Something different instead of typically commercialized, bland, Ohio junk food.
(5)Sarah G.
I'm a huge fan or Passport Cafe. THE FOOD: House salad with jerk chicken. It's super simple but oh, so delicious. The tandoori cucumbers with the chicken = amazeballs. The burrito is always pretty damn awesome, and a coworker loves the Zoe's chicken salad wrap. THE SERVICE: I've only had take out, but each time I've been the woman at the counter has been great. I work with some picky eaters and we always have modifications to our orders (extra lettuce, no onions types) and she is always patient as I go thru our laundry list. I've had big orders an even though there are only a few people working they have offered to help me carry it to my car. Don't expect anything fancy. I mean, the place is in a corporate office strip. But do expect a great lunch with friendly service!
(5)Emma L.
Such a pleasant surprise! I was tipped off to Passport Cafe from all the rave reviews on Yelp. It IS a tough spot to find, but follow your gps and it will take you right to the front door! It is a very unassuming office building cafe type of place with a walk up counter to order and a half a dozen tables or so for dining in (and a few outside, too). We were immediately greeted by the owner/chef -- he was SO friendly! Check out the specials on the dry erase board, grab a paper menu and have a seat because you are going to need about 10 minutes to even begin to decide what to order. Everything sounds delicious! I love food with a Caribbean twist and I think I could have eaten anything on the menu. I opted for the veggie burger (~$6) and a side of the soup of the day, crab corn chowder. Bf got the chicken and chorizo jerk burrito with the tandoori cucumbers on the side. *Yelp tip, a check-in here gets you a free side & drink!* The veggie burger was really good, made with rice, other grains and beans and served on a yummy brioche (homemade?) bun. The pesto was a great accompaniment. The crab corn chowder had a great flavor but was made with crab substitute. Still really great though and for only $2.50, I couldn't really complain. Bf enjoyed his burrito, it had a slight kick to it and seemed well balanced. The tandoori cucumbers were okay but I think we'll pass next time. Basically just cold sliced cucumbers with a mix of spices. We will definitely be back here, I noticed they have Saturday hours and the owner let us know they'll be opening for dinner soon (with a liquor license!). Also cool, he said they're only going to offer the things he grew up with in the Caribbean -- think rum punches and hand-squeezed lime margaritas! Do yourself a favor and try this hidden gem!
(4)Matt S.
Absolutely phenomenal. My co-worker Caleb introduced me to the Jerk Chicken Sandwich and mentioned to add pepper jack cheese and bacon, and I havent found a sandwich that beats it. Except for their Jerk Chicken Club for special on occasion. I've found myself introducing my friends to the sandwich, and have been visiting several times a week. Can't get enough! Great staff, amazing quality food, and always more than satisfied. This is must eat!
(5)Katherine D.
Go here. Now. It's probably the best cheap lunch spot in town. Passport has become my go-to place for lunch during the work day...you can't go wrong with the veggie burger and the jerk burrito (which has just a bit of heat, but not too much for those of you who are spice-averse). I also love that they have some unusual sides...the tandoori cucumbers and the samosas are yummy! So much better than hitting the drive-thru, and roughly the same price. Yes, Passport Cafe is in the middle of what looks like a medical center, and everyone else who's said it's hard to find on your first trip is right. But I (and all these other good Yelpers) aren't lying when we say you won't regret seeking it out.
(5)Kristen M.
Simply wonderful. I had never heard of Passport, but my boyfriend would talk incessantly about their jerk chicken sandwich. We finally got a chance to try it out. It's in a completely unassuming location, and is easily missed if you aren't looking for it. I ordered the jerk chicken sandwich and he ordered the specialty which was the cornholio quesadilla. My sandwich was delicious. Great seasoning that wasn't too overpowering, fresh toppings and a soft brioche bun. The quesadilla looked amazing...cheesy, stuffed with ingredients. I don't think my bf came up for air. All in all, a great spot for lunch. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Paul F.
I came over today for an early lunch. I didn't have any trouble finding it because I'd been here before. It's a (really) small cafe in an office building on Riverside Drive. Their menu is exclusively sandwiches plus a few side dishes. I went with the flow and ordered the special of the day; a jerk chicken sandwich. And it was GOOD! According to the menu, it was marinated overnight in jerk seasoning, then griiled and served on a brioche bun. A good sandwich!
(4)Joe B.
I was in town on business and this little gem was a stone's throw from the office. Blink and you'll miss it but if you have the chance I'd highly recommend stopping in for lunch. At first glance the menu didn't strike me as mind blowing but once the food landed on the table I knew what I was iny for. It was a thing of beauty. For my order I made a layup...something simple that would either end in "meh" or a "hell yes". The Smoked Turkey and Bacon sandwich with a curious side of Tandoori Cucumbers was the perfect choice. Get them both but definitely try the cucs! The sandwich was nicely piled on toasted multi-grain with cheddar and plenty of fresh fixins, and quality quality (yup, that's 2 "quality"s folks) meats but the clincher were the mild peppers that pulled it all together and put it over the top. The cucumbers were fantastic...really light and with the tandoori spice, a perfect side. Space is limited so come early to get a seat. Service was friendly and courteous and the food came out pretty quickly...prices are definitely reasonable for what you get here, FYI. I'm counting the days until I get back down to the Columbus so I can try more of the menu. I've got my sights set on anything Jerk off their menu. Nicely done!
(5)Pam B.
Great food, every time, all the time! Three lunches so far, and each one has been outstanding. Chef Troy has a passion for good food, and it shines through in his menu. Sandwiches are on the freshest bread possible, with wonderful combinations of fillings. Soups are flavorful and original. Looking forward to working my way through all of the menu! This is my family's go-to place for lunch.
(5)Kevin D.
Came here for lunch on a Saturday and wasn't crowded at all. The menu has lots of good fish and chicken options. I got the chicken jerk burrito, which was great and a lot of food. Service was extremely nice and answered all our questions about the menu, and checked on us once we got the food. Outdoor seating was nice. Prices were very reasonable. Overall great experience, can't wait to go back and try some more of the menu.
(5)Liz M.
Is it too soon to update my review?? I have been getting take out from here once or twice a week for a month now and every single thing I've tried has been off-the-hook good! Seriously delicious! Do yourself a favor and save yourself from spending $12 for a Northstar burger and come here and pay $6 for the best veggie burger you'll ever taste. Plus, Troy, the owner/chef, makes amazing soups and his specials are so so tasty. Sometimes he comes up with combinations I wouldn't think work, but are drool worthy when you taste them. So, go to Passport and get the soup of the day and either the daily special or the veggie burger and you and your wallet will thank me!
(5)Gerry J.
A hidden gem, I don't know why I did not hear about Passport cafe more often. Probably because all the lovers want to keep these good stuff for themselves, and refuse to share them to us. Oh, how I resent people who work around the area and able to get lunch from Passport cafe. Everything is mostly around $7, so it's a steal, and a very delicious steal. I tried the jerk chicken sandwich, and they were made of fresh ingredients, nice flavor and just nice portion.
(5)Brit A.
Since my first amazing experience I have been back several times and unfortunately I can no longer justify 5 stars. The veggie burger is simply rice and beans placed in a bun. It falls apart as soon as you dig in. The aioli is still amazing as well as the brioche bun. I just returned from a trip to Jamaica and can say that the jerk chicken at passport cafe tastes mediocre at best. It just lacks the punch.
(3)Jenny J.
Definitely a hidden gem. The food is delicious and the owner is very friendly. The burrito and marinated chicken sandwich are my favorites!
(4)Peter D.
I'm a big fan of this place. Its easy driving distance from the west side, it has a welcome diverse menu, and the big plus is their awesome staff. I'll be honest, the jerked chicken is toned down far too much to accommodate the demographics of their lunch crowd and it feels like some of the other dishes have been adjusted to play to the audience but the food has yet to be anything less then great (except maybe the nachos). The Galaxy burger is my personal fav so far and I really like the daily specials. As stated earlier the staff is great. Always in a good mood and always interested in feedback and making sure the trip out to them is a good one. Lunches get packed in there so try to beat the crowd and if possible hit them up on the weekend and you'll have the place to yourself.
(5)Sheikha T.
Awesome little hole in the wall in Columbus! Randomly came across this place and had very low expectations, the exterior looks dingy and even inside its very low-key diner style atmosphere. We walked in and the owner and his wife were both there, both had smiles on their faces and greeted us as if we were regulars. We didn't even have to look through the menu, the owner started talking to us about what kind of food we like and made some awesome recommendations and even something off the menu. Seems like he absolutely loves his job! And the food was AH-MA-Zing! One of a kind dishes with all sorts of flavors mixed into one dish or sandwich. Can't wait to go back to try what they've come up with next! The only reason I gave a 4 is because the of the decor.
(4)Monae K.
If I could give this resturant a 10 out of 5 I would! They are THAT good... I usually get their veggie burger (and I am not even a vegeterian). I work as a waitress at another local resturant and end up telling the guests who order our veggie burger about this place. The owner is VERY nice and even suggested getting the veggie burger in a spinach wrap after I stated the only downfall to the veggie burger is it is a lot of BREAD... and OMG the wrap was the PERFECT touch! I did not think that the veggie burger could get any better. I don't know what it is about this place but I at least have to eat there once a week and it is usually the veggie burger although I have had the Italian Sub which is fabulous but the veggie burger has crack in it they are addicting and their fries are PERFECTLY fried and just so YUMMY - my mouth is currently watering thinking about this burger LOL - it is made of rice and beans and they have this mayo (I believe) to slightly spice it up. I would recommend this resturant/catering business to anyone who is looking to eat local and experience some amazing tastes!
(5)Anna H.
After reading Yelp reviews, I called lthem last night to order carryout. The guy was super nice on the phone and in person (he appeared to be the only person there, given it was almost closing time when I picked up). My husband had the special, which was a "Golden Bear" sub and I had the veggie burger. We both had an order of Carribean Slaw. All very good and flavorful. I especially liked the fresh bun and the toppings on my burger. I want to go back.
(4)Rick J.
This is a small place with 7-8 tables. They do have four tables outside but each only seats four people. I went with four other people and everyone loved their food. I had the galaxy burger and it was very good. One person ordered a hamburger but was later told they were out. The real downer was the wait time; we had to wait 45 minutes for our food. There was a table next to us who waited 35 minutes. And although it was lunch time they weren't very busy. In short, good food but long wait.
(2)adam s.
I've been taking advantage of groupons offered to passport cafe. Not only have they been a great deal, but the food is really quite good. So far, I've had the Johnny Burger (hand shaped, very nicely seasoned), jerk chicken (moist, and nicely seasoned) and the tandoori turkey burger (a little crumbly, but juicy and the tandoori rub is slightly sweet and delicious). I will definitely be returning here even without the groupons. The owner is very nice and accommodating. My girlfriend and I have been trying to eat paleo, so we order a few things without the buns. He brought out a platter with all of our meats and a nice pile of lettuce (a nice spring mix, not iceburg) and tomato. Highly recommended for lunch if you work in the area, or dinner if you don't. It is not very busy around dinner time.
(5)Lyndon C.
Two words: Jerk Burrito Update: Everything I've from Passport has been exceptional. The chef is a genius.
(5)Laura C.
Been ordering lunch here regularly for the past year. Their consistency is on point. I've tried a variety of things on their menu: veggie burger, Jonny burger, house salad, Zoe's chicken salad wrap, and of course the jerk chicken burrito. The burrito and veggie burger remain my favorite menu items. Their veggie burger is massive. Made out of black beans and a variety if grains. The spices truly set their veggie burger apart from others. Speaking of spices, they really know how to spice and season here and this is shown in their daily specials. The ones worth being on their regular menu are the chicken curry (with loads of veggies - potatoes, onions, carrots, peas; coconut rice, side of pita and herbed cucumbers!) and turkey burger with mozzarella, shrimp, guacamole. Holy crap that filled me up all day! Only could manage a grapefruit for dinner. If their crab and corn chowder is the soup of the day, you must get it. Also have tried their brownies which were better than expected and satisfied my sweet tooth. Between the flavors, rotating and creative daily specials, consistency and truly fair lunch prices (gets pricier if you do a combo but items on their own will fill up a person within normal BMI) I can't stop coming here once or twice a week. If you work in the area and would rather saw off your arm than drive down 5th ave during lunch (or really any other time of day), give passport a whirl.
(5)Christina C.
A freakin' hidden gem. To my surprise, this place has been here for a couple years and hasn't been on my radar until recently. In a very inconspicuous string of offices along Dublin Road, blink and you might miss it. It's nothing fancy, and it's pretty small, but the food. The food! I love Caribbean inspired food. The flavors. The creativity. The spice. The smell! The daily specials are where it's at so be sure to check them out on the white board when you arrive - or call ahead and place your carryout order. Beyond the specials, the incredible sandwiches are another top lunch contender. I mean, c'mon. We're talking Jerk Chicken Sandwich, Smoked Turkey and Bacon, the Jonny Burger -- a half pound that's made fresh daily - and my personal fav so far, the Veggie Burger that's char-grilled and served on a toasted brioche bun. Incredible! One of my favorite in the city! Sides are additional, but you have options like French Fries, Tandoori Cucumbers or Chips & Salsa. I swear, a visit is an absolute must if you're in nearby Grandview, UA or downtown. It will blow your mind and make you wonder why you hadn't heard of this place earlier!
(4)Amy B.
First time here today and will definitely be back. Owner was extremely friendly and helpful in helping us decide. I went with the daily special - grilled teriyaki chicken sandwich. Chicken was tender and the siracha sauce was tasty. Caribbean coleslaw was excellent. Very crisp and refreshing. Can't wait to try more next time.
(5)Laura B.
What a fun and unusual find near my place of work! Stuck in what would appear to be a medical building is a small and unassuming cafe that serves up fantastic fusion food at a great price. Today was my first trip and I had the Caribbean jerk chicken burrito and it did not disappoint! The gentle flavors of the coconut rice and the subtly smokey and slightly hot chicken was not over dressed by the cilantro sour cream. About the size of a chipotle burrito and so much more unique. I have so many more things to try and friends to being here. Super friendly staff!!!
(5)Ray W.
Really good jerk chicken sandwich. Soup is good too.
(5)Lisa C.
Tried this place for the first time last night - LOVED! I had the veggie burger - which is totally different tasting from my previous favorite, the Northstar beet burger. Passport won me over with the spicy flavor in theirs, it is my new fave. I paired it with the tandoori cucumbers - what a fantastic meal, lots of flavor and healthy too! My friend had salmon and coleslaw and she loved her food too. We were surprised with the price compared to the quality of food. It's nice to see a place offer such great food at a very reasonable price. Friendly service, clean little diner, fabulous food. I'll be going back soon and often.
(5)Jason S.
Passport Cafe features an amazing mix of Caribbean and American food, with all items made fresh to order. One of my favorites is the Jonny's Burger, a large 1/3 lb burger with pesto aioli, lettuce, tomato and Bermuda onion on a toasted brioche bun. The Veggie Burger is also amazing. I'm not sure how they do it but it is one of the best vegetarian burgers I've ever eaten. The jerk chicken sandwich is also good, and the seasoned french fries and Caribbean cole slaw are both excellent side items. The owners also offer daily and weekly specials, which are usually worth ording. One recent special was a blackened tilapia sandwich. While I didn't eat it the person I shared lunch with said it was one of the best he'd had. The only downside to the Passport Cafe is it can be hard to find. It's in the Rivers Edge Corporate Center at the front of the complex facing Dublin Road.
(5)Dave N.
Really liked the Jonny burger. The patty was plenty big and was grilled like it came off the grill in your backyard. I would have preferred it a bit more towards medium than medium well, but it was still quite juicy. The brioche bun was just right, and the pesto aioli was subtle but worked really well with the greens and onions. I will definitely have this burger again, but before that I have to try the jerked chicken and see if I can handle the heat.
(5)