Food is good, service is good , plenty of space for parties and catfish is great. Clean and really cool atmosphere.

The sirloin tips were the best I've ever had. I had a double order of grilled veggies. So good. The service was slow to start but then excellent. The ambiance is American casual. A very comfy place to eat. Will definitely go back again and again. read more

Great food. Great service Relaxed cool vibe. This is a mom and pop restaurant and they do a great job with the home cooking! We had a patty melt and my husband said it was the best ever with a thick hamburger and thick texas toast with the best grilled onions. Not greasy. I had the small ribeye and it was cooked perfectly and flavored so well. A hot baked potato and green beans and a trip to the salad bar which was fresh and filled with anything you could want on your salad. Even fresh strawberries and a homemade apple salad! We ordered extra side to try the pinto beans and mac and cheese Our waitress was quick and courteous. The restaurant looks like it was an old cracker barrel but they said it wasnt. The name of the place was "box car grille " and the salad bar looked like it was in front of an actual box car from the railroad! Lots of railroad memorabilia all over! Clean too. Great stop during out Thanksgiving travels of I-40 at Claremont NC read more

See all

We stopped for dinner and were very pleased with the restaurant. The restaurant decor is very fitting for the area and the service was great. The food was good but the fried pickles were a little too salty. The rolls we were given were very good. The entrees were very good and the salad bar was huge with a great selection. Hard to believe that my wife and I ate for $23 with this much food in 2024. read more

See all

We dine at this location almost as much as our local Boxcar Grille due to frequent travel and timing. I can say it is quickly becoming our preferred location because of the quality of food & service. Our service here has always been friendly, quick & very accommodating. Staff are attentive and proactive. We rarely have to ask for anything because the staff does a great job upfront in offering extra napkins, condiments, etc. We have never left this restaurant dissatisfied with service or food. Food has always been cooked per request and quickly. Rarely have we waited more than 15 minutes for food. However we always order our steaks Rare to Medium Rare and given that takes less time. One of my favorite steaks cuts here is the Prime Rib-Buffalo Cut. Never disappoints! I can also say that the BLT is amazing! So much BACON! As far as ambiance or dining atmosphere goes, this is a family friendly Steak House. Depending on the night and the crowd, you will experience different levels of noise. This is not an intimate space nor is it attempting to be. Bring your date but expect lots of family discussions ranging in ages from 0-100. Personally, I love the casual, come as you are dining experience that is Boxcar Grille. And I cannot end this review without mentioning the killer wings that come in a few heat/spice levels. We always order the Mexican version & they are definitely finger licking good! So head on over to one of the Boxcar Grille locations and bring your Mama and them, too...it's sure to be an enjoyable event. PS they offer catering & occasionally have Live Music. read more

See all

It was coming down like cats and dogs when we decided to pull off and found this little place. Recent reviews said they had a fantastic salad bar and they did - nice and fresh. Service was great and friendly and they worked right up until closing time. Got to give it to employees who are that friendly and work that well without trying to push you out the door. Kids enjoyed their chicken fried steaks and hotdogs. If you're in the area, a good place to stop read more

Had lunch with the family here last weekend. Family friendly home cooking/diner style food. My 90 year old Mom really likes it. Menu has something for everyone on it. Reasonable prices, good table service. If you are willing to do a self-service salad bar in this era of Covid, then it looked pretty good. My only negative was that our entrees (ground steak, beef tips, mashed potatoes and gravy) were no longer hot by the time the food arrived at the table. So I docked them one star for that. read more

Well ordered a Buffalo wrap, it was good, but not great. Got a side of turnip greens and all they did was dump them out of a can and warmed them up. Then didn't try to season them the least bit. Why serve them if someone can't throw some bacon grease or other seasoning in there. Wife had their chicken salad sandwich which she said was okay and a bake potato. Will go back, just will not order what we ordered. And wait staff could have done better. She didn't have to tell me she was in the bathroom was the reason she hadn't been by. The place was somewhat busy and a lot of tables had not been cleaned, but eventually they got to them. Atmosphere was nice and inviting. read more

The food was cold, my steak was cooked but cold, so I guess they cooked mine but waited for the other food my group ordered. The service was somewhat fast, and the looks, just is a ton of train carts and train signs read more

Appetizer of fried mushrooms was special. Server was patient and helpful, there when we needed her. Prices were reasonable. read more

Good Food with both Value and Service I've worked in Statesville for a number of years now and have dined for lunch a number of times at the Boxcar Grille. Unfortunately was never impressed because it was so inconsistent. Had always been curious about their sister restaurant about 15 miles west in Claremont so I gave it a try for lunch yesterday. Walked in and they were swamped but was seated very quickly. Got a bit worried because I was seated in the back and at the other restaurant, I was seated in the back one time and they forgot about me and ended up leaving 30 minutes later without even placing an order. Not the case here, Seated quickly and my server was either there or just a few feet away my whole visit. Menu had changed a bit with some new items added that looked good and they again, they have a fantastic salad bar that I almost went with. Ended up saving that for next time because I am a huge fan of the BLT, the ultimate sandwich. Ordered it with a standard order or Fries and 1/2 and 1/2 tea. The 1/2 and 1/2 tea was still too sweet. Hate to think what the sweetened tea tastes like. The BLT came out a few minutes later. 8 slices of Bacon piled high on a bed of crisp lettuce and tomatoes that taste like tomatoes. Bacon was extra crispy unfortunately because I like my bacon not quite that well done. Fries were pretty good but could have used another couple of seconds in the Fryer to give them a bit more of a crunch and browning. Motif is pure trains and a bit overdone but still nice. Restaurant is right off I-40 at Exit 135 on the Southside. Easy on and off coupled with good food and value make this a good possible spot for lunch or dinner for the traveler. read more

See all

Unbelievably Fresh Salad Bar!! The rolls are fluffy, sweet pillows of air; and the sweet potato I had was filled with cinnamon and brown sugar. This family owned restaurant reminds me of a simpler time when food was just pure comfort! Rachel, our server, was so friendly and helpful. Glad we took the advice to stop in here as we travelled on the I 40! read more

This Boxcar Grille is located just off of Interstate 40 at exit 135 in Claremont, NC. During our travel to Asheville, it was time for lunch, but wanted to try something that we don't find at home, so this place fit the bill. After getting off of the interstate, the building becomes fairly easy to spot with the blue color to the building. We came inside around 11:15 am on July 30, 2018. The place wasn't too busy yet, but was likely due to the early hour for lunch. However, the place was much busier by the time we were done and leaving. The first thing you'll notice when you come in is that the place has the theme of trains and train stations. The host/hostess counter to be seated is at the "Ticket" window. We were immediately seated and our server Daniel was at the table within seconds after we were seated. He took our drink orders and gave us some time to figure out what we wanted from the menu. Because the menu had a nice assortment of options, it took us longer than normal to decide, but Daniel was very patient and checked on us a few times until we were ready, even asking if we had any questions about the menu. In the meantime, he brought out fried yeast rolls with butter, which were so good. After taking our time looking over the menu, we decided to go with some items on the 2 for $20 menu. The 2 for $20 menu includes an appetizer and two entrees. For the appetizer, we went with the Cactus Petals. For the entrees, I went with the Trainwreck's Calabash Shrimp with macaroni and cheese as the side. My mom went with the Pot Roast entree with mashed potatoes and gravy as the side. Within a few minutes of ordering everything, the cactus petals came out with a ranch sauce for dipping. The cactus petals were quite good and they weren't greasy either like I've experienced in other places in the past. Well done on the appetizer. Daniel did quite well on timing as well. Once we were slowing down on the appetizer, a few minutes after that our entrees were coming to the table. The shrimp were essentially fried popcorn shrimp, but were so good and not greasy. It came with tartar and cocktail sauce, but I don't use tartar sauce so our server brought another cocktail sauce for me as well. The macaroni and cheese was great as well. My mom said the pot roast and mashed potatoes were quite good as well. Overall, we did have a great experience here. Service was on point, the food was good, and there were no other issues. There's quite the variety on the menu, so this place would be good for anyone. If your travels take you this way, be sure to check this place out. I'm glad I did. read more

See all

Not very good. Not seasoned. Bread and grilled veggies are all prior frozen. Staff are friendly. Seems like common type of restaurant for the area. read more

I've always had good experiences here! The food is good and I love the atmosphere. The service is always wonderful.

Great to choose for catering for large events! Owners are wonderful people and make sure everything is great

Beef tips and chicken parmigiana for lunch. Food was quick and the salad bar looked super. Will stop back whenever in the area. I would say stop by for a bite. Service was superb. read more

this review has nothing to do with the food. The food was good but we have been going there for years and today when we ordered our tips and we were using a coupon from a local sports team. After we get the food and tips, and after using this coupon on many occasions a new manager says we cannot use it. we have never been told this before. I did not get the name of the manager but she finally came to our table and was rather rude and told us we could not use the coupon. she then said rather loud. I can charge you $14.99 and you can use the coupon. I told her with her attitude we would not be back and her response was she did not care if we did not come back. Not accepting the coupon is one thing but to tell 4 people she does not care if we don't come back. if I walk in and she is there I will walk back out and go to Burger King and get treated better. read more

I've been coming here several times and have enjoyed my food every time. Today I ordered flounder with mashed potatoes and slaw. And it's totally satisfying Seating is quick and service is great if you get there around 11:30 am read more

Boxcar Grille - American Near Me - Claremont, North Carolina

I'm not a big fan of the fried rolls, as they're greasy, but they have the best catfish. Big pieces, and an amazing crunch that doesn't go away, even when eat the next day. Service is friendly. read more

I liked this place. Near I-40. Also in a place where you might not easily find places to eat when traveling. A local joint with 2 locations. I had a great trout dish, solid salad bar with good fluffy Waldorf salad. Nice looking sides. Especially baked sweet potato. Huge portions. Chicken fingers are for kids..right? Adults order these. I usually hate them but tried my friends. Yummmmmmmmmm! Great, moist with awesome batter. I would try the tips next or the ribs. Has a campy train depot decor with a saloon type bar. The racing channel was on. Great for kids too. I'll come back when hungry between Winston Salem and Asheville. read more

Boxcar Grille - American Near Me - Claremont, North Carolina

Service is 5 stars. Of course with no internet they won't read this The difference between 2 and 5 stars. They have the best baked bread and real butter. No little plates. You must eat off a wet table. Decent blue cheese burger. No other than restaurant yellow mustard. Best home cooked fries. No malt vinegar. I actually said this 10 visits. The final straw. We get shrimp meal and catfish meal for my BIL. Hush puppies $2. That makes for me my final visit. They just don't care. read more

Was ok but service was slow Food was good Emma was good at reception and remembering read more

The food is not of good quality. Only reason this place is still in business is because p don't know what good food is. The salad bar is all you have going for you and the price is still a rip off. When you trade two sides that cost three bucks a piece for a salad that cost five bucks you shouldn't charge three extra dollars for the trade, another rip off. If you are starving it's a goo place to get something to survive. Rolls suck too. read more

We stoped in while we were in the area. We walked in and had to wait just a little bit to be seated. They sat us in a booth. Our waitress came up to tell us the specials and get our drink order. We asked for recommendations and the BLT was said to be piled high with bacon and a favorite. So we ordered that and I added a trip to the salad bar. The salad bar was well stocked with lots of options to choose from. Overall a good experience with friendly staff. read more

Boxcar Grille - BLT with green beans - American Near Me - Claremont, North Carolina

We love Boxcar, down to earth people, great food, good prices. Always excellent baked potato here! Had to go to Greensboro & went to a high dollar restaurant, got a twice or thwice baked Potato, could not believe it! I wanted to throw it all out ($50 dinner) and drive back to Boxcar for a decent dinner! Get the beef tips with grilled veggies and a baked potato, on tuesday nights that is on special, I (think) $8.95. read more

Everything was great! Large portions, delivered quickly and waitress was attentive and professional. Excellent place for brunch! Cute decor and friendly staff as well. read more

Boxcar Grille - Pickles - American Near Me - Claremont, North Carolina

We stopped here on our way home from Gatlinburg... it's now a favorite on my maps!!! Amazing salad bar, steak tips were cooked perfect, medium rare as we asked and the bread sticks were a little piece of Heaven!! All of the staff were friendly and efficient! Do Not Pass this place up!! read more

Good food, fresh salad bar and the best around!! Friendly staff and again the best salad bar!

Great food! The salad bar alone was worth the trip! Their fried bread was the consistency of donuts but without the sweet flavor, so good with butter! Service was great! Staff members are sweet, friendly, and attentive. Would definitely eat here again! read more

Friendly staff. Salad bar is always fun. Steak fajitas insanely delicious. Black and bleu burger cooked nice and med rare.

Love this place. My only complaint is that I do not use salt in my food and I don't like a lot of salty foods. Seems like everything from the fried mushrooms, Blue Ridge Rooster to the grilled veggies are so salty I cannot enjoy them as I used too! read more

The staff is always very friendly. Out of 9 years going to eat the wonderful salad bar I've had one bad waitress. Grest daily specials. Tea is great and the food is excellent for the money. Best salad bar around the county. read more

Giving a three star because the main entree was really good. When I first walked in, my ankle was hurt really bad by their door. This could be a safety hazard for anyone, especially small children. They had a sharp object protruding and I told the wait staff and they apologized. Everything was taken care of in a timely manor but when I opened one of my biscuits I received as an appetizer I found a hair in it. Food was great otherwise however waitress was slow about refills. I would like to give them a second chance read more

Boxcar Grille - American Near Me - Claremont, North Carolina

We stopped here on our way from and then again on our way to the RDU airport. The mac and cheese that my daughter ordered seemed like it was made fresh from scratch rather than boxed mac and cheese like most restaurants. I ordered a BLT that did not skimp on the bacon like most places do. In fact, it had more bacon than even this bacon enthusiast could handle so I had to take some out just so I could fit the sandwich into my mouth for a bite. The only thing I didn't care for was the bread and butter offered. The bread seemed to have been deep fried and was really greasy, which was unexpected and not particularly appreciated. Everything else was good though including service. We liked it enough the first time to make a return trip on our way back to the airport so it's definitely worth a shot. read more

Nice, clean country type menu. Excellent salad bar. Food was reasonably priced and tasty. No complaints. Recommend.

There is nothing special about this place. You hear a lot of locals talk about it. The price isn't bad, but the food is just simply ok. The service can be inconsistent. The food is inconsistent as well. One time will be great, the next just fair at best. read more

Very negative experience with Boxcar. Places a to go order while coming back from a trip. Called in the order ~20-25 minutes before coming through Claremont Upon arriving I paid for the order. After waiting another 20 minutes I asked about the order. In total it took over an hour from the time the order was placed to receive only 3 of the 4 meals I ordered (she dropped it from the kitchen). At that point I just left. Boxcar didn't even to offer to Comp the meal!!! read more

Wonderful staff, I was greeted immediately and was taken care of so quickly, and the food was absolutely delicious. Kourtney was my server and she was top notch, I'll definitely be back! read more

I came while passing though to South Carolina with my family. My wife and I both got the catfish special. For 7.99,the two large fillets with salt and pepper breading and seasoned fries and hush puppies was a great deal. For that price I expected average taste, but it was some of the best catfish I've had. I hate hush puppies normally, but even they were pretty good. Tracy, our waitress, and her manager were very friendly and talked to us for a bit. They were patient and accommodating with our 3 year old even when she started into a tantrum. All in all, if we are nearby again, I will make an excuse to come back. read more

Boxcar Grille - Catfish, fries, hush puppies, and slaw. On special Fridays for 7.99 - American Near Me - Claremont, North Carolina