Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Boxcar – Seattle
Boxcar - Seattle
Photo from Boxcar
Boxcar at a glance
Seattle Magnolia
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 30 of the guests
#284 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#35 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
222
Reviews
84.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Burger quality
- Karaoke fun
- Value deals
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Smoking patio
- Bartender problems
The bar & pub in Seattle’s charming Magnolia neighborhood offers a truly engaging experience. Step into Boxcar Ale House, where you can immerse yourself in a cozy and casual atmosphere.
You’ll find yourself enjoying vibrant live music and performances, making it a perfect spot for entertainment. With a great beer selection and exciting bar games, it’s an ideal destination for a fun night out in Seattle.
Overview: Introducting Boxcar
Boxcar offers a lively atmosphere, often featuring fun karaoke and a comfortable outdoor patio. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the overall welcoming vibe.
It’s a spot where the drinks flow and the good times roll, making it a popular local choice. While the Happy Hour deals and food generally hit the mark, some experiences with service inconsistency have been noted.
Additionally, the presence of cigarette smoke on the patio has been a point of contention for some patrons.
Good
7.9
out of 10
222
Reviews
84.7%
Satisfaction
17
negative
17
neutral
188
positive
Boxcar generally earns solid marks, with an overall score of 7.9 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 84.7%. This indicates a largely positive experience for most visitors.
The feedback, gathered from 222 customer remarks, highlights several areas where the establishment truly shines. The Food (8.3) stands out as a particular strength, with many praising the quality of the offerings.
The Ambience (7.8) also contributes significantly to its appeal, creating an enjoyable setting. Customers find good Value (7.6) here, and the Service (7.5) is generally well-regarded, though some minor issues have been mentioned across 188 positive comments versus 17 negative ones.
What people like
- Excellent burgers
- Lively karaoke nights
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Patio smoking
- Bartender issues
Boxcar presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a casual, fun environment with good food and drinks. With a recommendation score of 8.1, it’s clear many patrons find it a worthwhile spot.
If you appreciate a lively atmosphere and value, it’s certainly worth considering. However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the smoking policy on the patio.
If these aspects don’t deter you, Boxcar offers a generally positive experience, especially for its well-regarded food and entertainment options. It’s a place that delivers on its core promises.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Boxcar
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The food here is definitely a highlight, earning a 8.3 score and leaving 87% of customers satisfied. Based on 67 positive remarks, many rave about the delicious and affordable burgers, especially the standout Inferno burger. Youll also find praise for the crispy wings, tasty Engineer’s Dip, and perfectly executed simple menu items like tater tots.
However, out of 77 total comments, a few experiences werent as stellar. There were some mentions of subpar or frozen food, and one specific instance of a cold dip sandwich. Also, a heads-up: the wings are noted as being quite spicy, which might not be for everyone.
Food
77
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
3
negative
7
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, affordable burgers
- Crispy, tasty wings
- Surprisingly good food
What people don't like
- Subpar, frozen food
- Cold dip sandwich
- Wings are very spicy
Often praised
- foodthe food and drinks make up for what's may not hit your benchmarks
- burgersIt has a real family vibe and offers karaoke. The beer was tasty, and the burgers were good. Just a heads-up, the wings are SPICY!
- drinksthe food and drinks make up for what's may not hit your benchmarks
- bar foodMy experience at this local dive bar in NE Magnolia was great. They offer fun Saturday night karaoke and decent bar food. My go-to order is the Inferno Burger with Sweet Potato fries and a side of Honey Mustard.
- Inferno BurgerGrabbed the inferno with pepperjack instead of monterey and loved it
- beer selectiona decent beer selection
- beers on tapMy experience at this restaurant was that of a classic dive bar, but with some standout features. It consistently offers the best selection of beers on tap and some of the most delicious and affordable burgers. The Inferno burger, in particular, was exceptional.
- good foodGood food good atmosphere good beer
- wingsBest wings around!
- Bloody MarysDive with great Bloody Mary’s
Frequently criticized
- dip sandwichThe dip sandwich was cold
- frozen foodsubpar, frozen food
- wingsWings are SPICY!
If you're looking for a spot with reliably good bar food, especially fantastic burgers and wings, this place is worth a visit. While a few minor issues like cold items or very spicy wings popped up, the overwhelming sentiment points to a satisfying meal experience.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite good, scoring a solid 7.5, with customer satisfaction also looking strong at 75.8%. Many guests, accounting for 25 positive remarks out of 33, frequently praise the friendly staff and great bartenders for their efficient and welcoming service. Youll often find people smiling and feeling well-cared for.
However, its not always smooth sailing. A few experiences, 7 to be exact, point to slow service and issues with consistency, particularly regarding the dog policy. Some even mentioned problems with the cashier or a bartender being less than ideal, suggesting some individual inconsistencies need addressing.
Service
33
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great bartenders
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inconsistent policies
- Problematic bartenders
Often praised
- servicehanded to me shortly after I ordered it
- staffThe Boxcar staff are friendly
- ServiceService:5
- bartenderthe very busy bartender somehow kept up with the customers
- ChristyChristy is an amazing bartender with the experience to back it up
- Nice serviceNice service
- bartenderseasy going bartenders
- courteousand was courteous
- great staffGreat staff
- peopleI've been coming here for a while and it's a great bar with awesome people. I usually try to come when Jesse is cooking; he definitely knows what he's doing.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was subpar and tasted like it was frozen. Additionally, the service was slow and the staff were not very friendly. It definitely felt like a place primarily for locals.
- bartenderthe bartender was wasted. Forgot my order (twice)
- cashierthe cashier can’t work the system
- consistencyThis inconsistency seems to be bartender-specific, which makes it challenging for customers. I live in Magnolia and have tried to be a regular here, but it's impossible without consistency.
- dog policywildly inconsistent with their dog policy
- point of sale systemtheir point of sale system doesn’t work
If youre looking for generally good service with a friendly vibe, this place is usually a safe bet. While most experiences are positive, be aware there might be occasional inconsistencies or slower moments, especially if you encounter a new staff member or a busy period. Its worth trying, but manage expectations for perfection.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.8 score and a strong 86.9% customer satisfaction. Many of the 86 positive opinions rave about the great atmosphere and vibe, often highlighting the live music, karaoke nights, and outdoor seating. Its praised as a neighborhood bar with a family vibe and even dog friendly areas, making it a truly local pub experience.
However, a few of the 7 negative opinions point out a significant drawback: it has unfortunately become a smoking bar. Concerns about cigarette smoke on the covered patio and ashtrays' being present suggest that the smoking policy might detract from the experience for some, despite the overall positive atmosphere.
Ambience
99
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
7
negative
6
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Live music, karaoke
- Great outdoor patio
What people don't like
- Smoking on patio
- Cigarette smoke
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was great, rated a 5 out of 5.
- dive barIt's a dive bar with fun karaoke
- outdoor seatingtrivia nights and outdoor seating
- pool tablehave a pool table available
- barI've been coming here for a while and it's a great bar with awesome people. I usually try to come when Jesse is cooking; he definitely knows what he's doing.
- customersthe customers are respectful and fun to hang out with
- karaokeI usually try to come when Jesse is cooking; he definitely knows what he's doing. They also have live music and karaoke.
- live musicexperienced live music
- outdoor patioHeated outdoor patio with lots of seating
- Karaoke nightWas there for Karaoke night had a blast
Frequently criticized
- ashtraysAshtrays all over
- cast of characterscast of characters can be a bit much
- cigarette smokeThey allow cigarette smoke on the patio
- covered patiocovered patio to be taken over by smokers
- ping pong tableMiss the ping pong table though
- placePlace looks scary when you pass by
- smoking barit has unfortunately become a smoking bar
If youre looking for a lively, local spot with great entertainment like karaoke and live music, and dont mind a bit of a dive bar feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that the patio can get smoky, which might be a dealbreaker if you're sensitive to cigarette smoke.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 76.9%, its clear guests feel theyre getting a good deal. Folks are consistently praising the overall value, especially highlighting the affordable drinks, reasonable beer prices, and awesome happy hour deals.
Based on 10 positive remarks out of 13 total, it seems the burgers are also a hit for their affordability! Interestingly, there arent any negative comments about the value, which is quite impressive. It seems the establishment has truly nailed its pricing strategy, ensuring that guests consistently feel theyre getting a fair and enjoyable experience without breaking the bank.
This strong positive sentiment suggests a well-received approach to affordability.
Value
13
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
0
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable drinks
- Awesome happy hour
What people don't like
Often praised
- Happy Hour dealsGreat Happy Hour deals 4-6 daily
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced
- beer pricesthe beer prices are very reasonable
- burgersmost affordable burgers
- drinksthe drinks are affordable
- happy hourHappy hour is awesome!
- price on beerMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The atmosphere was good, and the price on beer was also a positive point. However, the food was not up to par.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- valueGreat value
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your money goes further, especially for drinks and happy hour, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Youll find great value here, making it an excellent choice for an affordable outing.
How are the prices at Boxcar?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 30 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While many guests spend in that $11–$20 sweet spot, we also see a good number opting for slightly higher-priced items, pushing into the $21–$30 range. So, there’s a nice mix of options!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 30 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in Seattle.
Overall, for a Bar & Pub, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Youve got options whether youre looking for a quick bite or something a bit more substantial.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Boxcar
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Favorite Dive Bar Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a truly unique Seattle establishment, offering a refreshing change from the usual tech bros and hipsters. I found it to be a working class breath of fresh air.
This is hands down my favorite dive bar of all time.
- establishment10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great atmosphere and variety!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the variety of chairs, people, and beers. It was reasonably priced and had a great atmosphere to talk sports.
The service and food were excellent, with a perfect atmosphere score.
- variety of chairs9
- variety of people8
- variety of beers9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Neighborhood Dive Bar
My experience at this neighborhood dive bar was positive. It offers both a covered and uncovered outdoor area with tables and a TV. In the back, there's additional seating, a stage for karaoke, and a pool table, providing a good atmosphere for a casual outing.
- neighborhood dive bar8
- covered and uncovered outdoor area7
- stage for karaoke7
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Bar with Awesome People and Food
I've been coming here for a while and it's a great bar with awesome people. I usually try to come when Jesse is cooking; he definitely knows what he's doing. They also have live music and karaoke.
- bar9
- people10
- Jesse is cooking10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Food, Dive Bar Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was surprisingly good, offering way better food than I expected from a place with such a proper dive bar atmosphere. While I missed the ping pong table, the overall quality of the food and the atmosphere made for a memorable visit.
- food10
- dive bar8
- ping pong table4
What Boxcar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of entertainment can you find at Boxcar Ale House?
At Boxcar Ale House, you’ll discover a vibrant entertainment scene. This Seattle bar & pub regularly features live music and engaging live performances. You can also enjoy watching sports and participate in various bar games, ensuring a dynamic and fun experience during your visit to Magnolia.
What dining and service options are available at Boxcar Ale House?
Boxcar Ale House provides flexible dining and service options. You can enjoy delicious food and happy hour food directly at the bar, or opt for dine-in service. Outdoor seating is available for those who prefer it, and takeout is also offered. Plus, you’ll usually find plenty of free parking.
How does Boxcar generally rate with customers?
Boxcar holds a good overall score of 7.9, with customer satisfaction at 84.7%. Its Food (8.3) is highly rated, followed by its appealing Ambience (7.8), good Value (7.6), and generally competent Service (7.5).
What kind of atmosphere and activities can I expect at Boxcar?
Boxcar offers a lively atmosphere, often described as a fun dive bar. You can enjoy karaoke nights, live music, and a heated outdoor patio. There’s also a pool table for entertainment.
Is smoking permitted at Boxcar?
While Boxcar features an outdoor patio, some customers have noted the presence of cigarette smoke and ashtrays there, indicating it can be a smoking-friendly area.