What a cool spot! Coming inside we could hear the live music outside, the vibe inside is just as energetic. I love the murals, they are so cool! The service was great, we had drinks pretty fast. I tried the spicy margarita. It was great balance of refreshing and spicy! The tacos are fantastic! I wish you could mix and match, if you go with a group, get a variety and trade with each other. I got the spicy pipsqueak. The shrimp was fantastic and the toppings took it over the top. I would have loved to try some of the other flavors, so hopefully they switch to let you order individuals soon. Great venue, great service, great food! read more

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A must try place in Davenport area Amazing ambience Delicious food Fun environment and very welcoming & friendly service read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Amazing ambiance and delicious food. A must try place in Davenport area - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

What a fun place! The vibe is fun and vibrant. Cool art and decor everywhere. The staff was very, very nice to us and gave us tips about things to see since we were visiting from out of town. Really cool food options and a variety of drinks as well. Highly recommend! read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

The ambiance: Hispanic Industrial, clean and crisp, bright and fresh. The food: deliciously unique and fashionably presented. The staff: family and family friendly, knowledgeable about the menu. Both indoor and outdoor seating. The servings are plentiful!! Be sure to try Snoop's chips! You'll regret it if you pass on those!! read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Happy Fresca $13.00/3$17.00/4 Slow cooked pulled pork tossed in a sweet & tangy Korean sauce - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

I have never had such unique, delicious tacos and nachos. I started out with the Caboose Nachos, which were insanely good. They're weirdly expensive, but I would pay to eat them again. The corn salsa added some sweet that tasted so good with the cheese. I also had the miss piggy tacos. Unfortunately, those tacos didn't come out with our food, and I almost gave up on them. The server apologized though and packed them up to go for me, which was okay, if annoying (the delay, not the server). We were in a large group and a lot was going on, so I don't think it was the norm for this establishment. Anyway, when I got around to eating the tacos, they were out of this world. Who knew pork belly and watermelon would be such a perfect pairing? I'd definitely come back to the quad cities just for Jennie's Boxcar! read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Miss Piggy Tacos - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

This place was so Goood !! , the service was fast and very friendly! , it's a Mexican treat taco place, but the food has new a fun twist on flavor!, If you're looking to try something new, I suggest you get the miss piggy tacos!!! , it had sweet savory pork belly with a sweet glaze , with a in house made fresh cole slaw with green apples and watermelon and cheese. This place is prefect for a fast brunch or fast meal , with a fun bright and colorful environment read more

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The food was amazing! Service was impeccable! I love the ambiance! I really appreciate the vegan options. The kids had the OG steak tacos and they were impressed. The youngest had the Spicy Pipsqueak & said it was really good. They were out of pumpkin fried ice cream, but the pumpkin churro sundae was delicious! read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Paco Tacos - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

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Food-excellent. Drinks-excellent. Service-excellent. Cannot express how great this place is. We were attending a concert at the Rust Belt and stopped in for supper and were blown away! Will definitely be back! read more

Cool place in East Moline, about as cool as you can get around here. It's one of the better places to eat in town for sure. Jennie's Boxcar is high class for around here, but still the prices aren't that bad though. For sure more than it costs at the dive bars of course. The menu has kind of a Mexican theme with tequila and tacos among the drink and food items. Big place with a lot of seating inside, and we went to the bar. It shares a building with Midwest Ale Works, so you can also have food taken over there. These businesses are closely related and whatever. Get cocktails here. It's about $11 for the cheapest ones. We tried a few of these. Best one was the Tequila Moon. This is Corazon Blanco with lemon juice, orange juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Also we got food of course. Tacos are the main thing. It's about $11 to get three, and these aren't tiny ones. We got the El Camote Tacos. Choose these for the vegetarian option. These are filled with seasoned sweet potatoes and topped with avocados, black beans, cilantro, onions, and salsa. Great drinks and Mexican inspired food. It's high quality for around here. There's plenty of choices for vegans and vegetarians. read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Tequila Moon And El Camote Tacos - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

Most unique and delicious Mexican cuisine I have ever had! The meals look just like the picture shows. Worth the money, the staff is great. I will definitely be going back. read more

SLOW service great food. It took two hours to serve two adults and one child tacos. No appetizers. The food was great but that's a long time for a random Thursday night and not a lot of customers. read more

Unfortunately we had already eaten dinner on our way into town. We will definitely be back to eat. The food looks awesome. We walked into Jennie's for a drink before a show at The Rust Belt. It is definitely a cool place with concrete floors, brick walls, and an industrial vibe. I loved the murals. Convenience was a big factor for us because it is next door to The Rust Belt. read more

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Always flavorful! Everything on the menu is delicious, and I mean everything because I think we've tried everything! I really appreciate the vegetarian options, too. The margaritas are fresh and delicious-definitely among the best in the QC area. We love the days with live music on the nice patio. Service is friendly and the owners are happy to tell you their story about how the restaurant was named. The food is worth the price, but the portions are a bit small and chips are not included. read more

The shrimp tacos were great, the other tacos were good but I'd get the shrimp again if I went back.

Everything was delicious and our service was great. Our server Maya was very attentive and kind. We ordered the "The Pipsqueak Tacos" which included ancho chili shrimp with red cabbage, sliced avocado, pickled onions & cilantro lime sauce. The pickled onions and fresh sliced avocado was a nice addition. "The Boxcar Nachos" had barbacoa beef which was good, would of preferred the meat to be warm or hot, but it was still very good. The margaritas tasted good. We will be back. read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Shrimp Tacos "The Pipsqueak" - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

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Very good-asked the server for a Rec and she said the most overlooked and best menu item was the Torta and she Suggested either the pulled pork or barbacoa-got the barbacoa-it was a great rec. exceeded my expectations. read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Barbacoa Torta - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

Ate the tacos too fast before taking a pic but had their feature aloha tacos and they were so good! Skinny Paloma to drink, some jalapeños, tacos, and fried ice cream we had the works! Sat outside on the beautiful patio when they first opened to enjoy the nice day. Service was great, could have spent the whole afternoon there. read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Featured appetizer, jalapeño poppers with pork belly - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

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At the Rust Belt, Jennie's Boxcar has a wonderfully simple menu featuring delicious street-style tacos, apps, and drinks. They have a full bar plus beer (local, micro, and old standbys) with my favorite tequila: mezcal. For that alone I will be back! What I really like about Jennie's is that it is right next door to Midwest Ale Works (MAW), so we ordered at Jennie's and brought it to MAW (no food served at the brewery). I ordered the black bean and sweet potato (vegan) tacos (El Camote); my two girlfriends had the Safe Bet and Barbacoa. I loved the flavor of the potatoes, beans, and red onions, but I think it could be even better with some shaved (pickled?) cabbage for a little crunch. The pork in the Barbacoa was too drippy and the chicken in the Safe Bet needed some extra spice (as was reported to me). We all loved the tortilla chips and fresh salsa! Despite the slight alterations needed to the tacos, we really loved our visit! It's an excellent and much-needed addition to the expanding Rust Belt area. read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Gorgeous mural on interior wall - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

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I went to The Palace Tavern for an evening dinner and drinks. It was seat yourself, so I sat there 20 minutes without even being acknowledged by one of the waiters. I got up and left to Jennie's Boxcar. I was acknowledged right when I walked through the door and seated right away. Within 20 minutes I had my food. The happy fresca tacos were delicious and the service was great. 10/10 I will be back. read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Happy Fresca Tacos - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

The restaurant was clean and friendly. The food was ok. Our meat in our tacos was not hot (as in temperature , not spice) i expect food coming straight from the kitchen to be hot. I would not make another trip to this restaurant. read more

I'm not sure how they get away with charging the prices they do here. The tacos all contain some kind of cabbage or pickled things in them. They are not your traditional authentic tacos. Some people probably like these kinds of tacos, but are they really willing to wait an hour to get served? Appetizers are fine tho. read more

Been there twice. It's a nice place and next door to the rust belt a nice music venue. The tacos are really good .... First time there had good service. Second time there the service was WAY too slow! They should hire more people for event nights! . read more

This is a great off the beaten path west coast mex kind of eatery. The atmosphere is industrial chic placed inside of an old industrial building along side brew pub, coffee shop and others but also in front of a small shared warehouse style live music venue (when weather allows). Jennie's also has outdoor seating (weather dependent). For those that dig the hip industrial vibe, you may get a kick of a freight train inching its way nearby. It's also located near a great walking are alongside the Mississippi River scene. We started with the typical chips and salsa. The chips are a thicker homemade style (although purchased by a local producer). I believe you should check out the in-house salsa - it's a "thinner" style but it's flavorful without being generic or stupidly hot with hints of chipotle and cilantro. The start of the salsa has a very small bit of sweet but wait for it and let it work it's magic back because it's going to gradually heat up (not some ego-hot bs) but enough to let you know this "ain't" tomato or canned sauce. Some context; I travel for work A LOT. The one thing I've found that gives you the best way to experience a chef's cooking is not insult them by thinking you know the way their menu should be ordered. Sanford was the head chef today. So like I always do when I'm on the road now, I asked Jade to tell Sanford that I have no food allergies, and I prefer no starchy foods and with that I asked if Sanford could fix something special (say like you would for a member of your family). Without hesitation And with purpose Sanford chose his special by making an "Aloha Taco" with....(get this)...a special "keto" shell. Without adding a thing I did my best to get a good mix of everything that was packed into this taco WITHOUT any spices/sauces; how he would most like eat it. It was good. The pineapple was just right with subtle hints of a Jamaican flavor and cilantro to bring you back to Mexico side of blended meat and "secret" drizzle. I did however feel that the protein was a bit dry and bland until I put just a bit of their homemade salsa inside. One more bite and you had a masterpiece. I especially liked the combination of atmospheric and people experience here. You can tell they take ingredients and preparing seriously as opposed to an American Mexican place the cooks three days ago and puts everything in a steam table to stay warm. It's also not one of those Mexican restaurants whose mission is to be just another "one" but has this thought that people want generic Mex-food and jack ass hot sauce. You'll also see a difference between a tex-mex place and Jennie's. As stated earlier, this is more of a west coast chic industrial that serves a fresh mex menu. Lastly I ordered a 3-glass sampler of tequila. Jade poured us grapefruit, lime, and pineapple jalapeño with fresh cut lime wedges. As my picture may say....grapefruit and lime is "change your life" good but pineapple is not something I normally seek out so it's of no surprise that was the least interesting. I am giving the folks at Jennie's a 4.5 out of five, taking a half point for a bit dryer than expected protein. My brother who is local there had the barbacoa tacos. I'd love to tell you about them, but he does t chew his food. However considering he was done in less than 3 minutes (seriously), I took away the conclusion that he "kinda" liked them! Eating is just as much about the people who run the place and their passion for what they do as well as the atmosphere that brings out the kind of mood you are looking for. Sure the food has to be good, but if you objectively rate a place by more attributes than just food you will have a blast and be very impressed with Jennie's. read more

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We ate here on a busy Saturday night before going to a concert at the Rust Belt. I had the Rick Island Line tacos and they were delicious with the right amount heat/spice. My partner had the OG tacos and she had great things to say about it. We'll be back! read more

I've eaten there a few times, the food & drinks were fantastic, however the last couple times I attended an event at The Rust Belt next door, they've been closed even though their hours state that they should be open. I would figure a concert would bring a big crowd wanting to eat before a show & they'd want the business. Hopefully, soon I'll catch them when they're open. Food & drinks are 5star worthy but being randomly closed brings the rating down to 3stars. read more

I have been coming here since they opened and I can tell you this is the BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN ILLINOIS. I eat out a lot when I travel on business and I know good food. Whenever I visit East Moline, I always go to JENNIE'S BOX CAR. It is located on "the Bend" of the Mississippi River right by the Hyatt Place with it's famous "Lovers Walk" and the "Bonners Bench" along the river. You will enjoy the incredible sunset on that bench and feel the romance present and past. The food is spectacular and flavorful. My favorite is the OG taco with a shot of tequila and a Modelo beer. Hands down the best taco I have ever eaten. The drinks are divine as they offer an eclectic selection of cocktails to choose from. The history and the murals make me feel part to the rich history the "Mi Familia" in a box car. You MUST visit HERO STREET to get the whole history and incredible story of the Mexican influence in the QC. A profoundly positive impact that has helped shape the East Moline Toughness culture. The service by Lyndsey and the music by Ryan Smith added to the fun ambiance. Service is impeccable and the line cooks are the best. Hats off to the chef for an always memorable experience. You must also visit the MAW and the pinball alley to experience the whole vibe. You must also put the common area and the art gallery on your checklist when you go. They are under the same warehouse roof! Tony Cavallo, a local artist, had an exhibit when I visited and it was a mind-blowing vision of dark mastery. I would love to have his work in my art collection. Bottom line is that JENNIE'S BOX CAR is a hidden gem. Experience it before everyone else finds out about it! read more

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we tried the barbecue pulled pork nachos tonight and they were delicious. The service was great and we received our food quickly. the nacho chips were thin and crispy. We will definitely go back and try the tacos. read more

Love this cute place! We stayed at the Hyatt nearby and it was so convenient to pick up takeout. The food is amazing! Make sure you get the homemade chips and guacamole. Fried ice cream was also delicious. read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Quesadilla - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

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Spicy margarita and chips with queso. Deelish!! The marg is awesome! Nice spice with the perfect amount of traditional marg flavor! The staff is super nice and the atmosphere is cute and clean! read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Spicy margarita - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

Went for the first time yesterday. Ordered chips and salsa ($5), a couple Ginger beers (no alcohol), fish and shrimp tacos (3 each, 6 total, I believe they were $10 for 3). The space: large, open, modern, clean, colorful. The service: upbeat, friendly, communicative (ex. it was taking a few extra minutes for our chips to come out and she explained it was because they were turning over staff and they'd be out really soon...fair enough). When we ran out of salsa but still had chips our waitress was very kind and provided additional salsa to finish our chips with. The food: the last time I had decent street style tacos was at the Food truck fight in LeClaire the summer prior and before that it was in San Diego. Everything about the fish and shrimp tacos were tasty. They weren't too watery, the ratios of meat to fixings were spot on. My only comment is - double up on the corn tortillas - this is very standard at all street taco establishments. On a side note, their one corn tortilla on the shrimp taco didn't break, but still, two is more standard and authentic. Reasons it's not getting 5 stars: 1. Air quality - immediately once inside we noticed the humidity and staleness of the air. Perhaps there isn't a hood in the kitchen, or if so it's not moving enough air. Or maybe just a fluke on the day we were there. Either way, they need to get this sorted as it was the unpleasant part of the meal. 2. 4% surcharge for using credit card. I noticed this when we walked in. I had $28 in cash but our bill came to $33 so we were subjected to a 4% fee. I know the credit card exchanges don't charge this much (1-2% is standard) so 4% seemed excessive and you know it's not all for the cc processing - they are using that extra 2% or so for something else. That being said - I now know - and will bring more cash when I come back...because we will be back! read more

They lost a customer for good. This is the 2nd time they have turned us away (2 people) during business hours. First time we went 2 hours before they closed per the sign on their door and they told us they were closed on a Saturday night. This was the 2nd time. We were meeting friends next door and just wanted to grab take out and told the us no. We won't be back. I can understand if it's a huge party but we were 2 people ordering 1 quesadilla and some chips. Not like some massive huge order. read more

I tried this place for lunch with my husband and then went back 2 days later with my daughter. Everything we had was amazing, but the chips are the BEST I've ever had. I highly recommend the Backyard Nachos. I will definitely come back to try their other menu items -- and some of their famous drinks! read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Aloha Chicken Tacos - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

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I saw Jennie's Boxcar listed as a nearby dining option when researching where to eat ahead of a Marcy Playground show at The Rust Belt. As I'd never been to The Rust Belt before, I didn't realize that it was in the same complex, which makes it an incredibly convenient location for a pre-concert meal. The place was hopping when my friend & I arrived, but we were still quickly seated at the bar. We were immediately greeted by the bartender and the owner, and the owner gave us a few recommendations for what to order. I took her up on her suggestion of the Hot Swine tacos ("Cubed Pork Belly with red cabbage, diced apples, black bean & corn salsa served on flour tortillas with a sriracha drizzle"), and I'm very glad I did. The tacos were incredibly flavorful without being overwhelmed by the Srirarcha. My friend had the Barbacoa tacos and was equally impressed. We also enjoyed a few samplings from their well-stocked tequila bar, including their excellent house margarita. The service was very friendly and prompt, and I was really surprised to learn they'd only been operating for a few weeks given how smooth everything seemed to be going. I really enjoyed the dining experience and the rail-themed atmosphere, and I'm looking forward to a return visit when I see Kamasi Washington at The Rust Belt in March. [Final side-note: The owner had put together a 90s alt-rock playlist to complement the Marcy Playground show, and her taste is absolutely impeccable. Every last pick was killer.] read more

Was told to try Jennie's and was not disappointed. My buddy & I tried 3 different tacos. All outstanding. Had a couple of Victoria beers and Jalapeño Cucumber Mojitos. Mojitos nice and refreshing; spicy too!! Great drink. Staff very friendly; service great. Met the owner. She was great- hardworking & personable. If you're in Moline you gotta try Jennie's!! read more

Worst tacos ever. For 4 regular tacos and a side of black beans it came to $16.76 and I literally threw them away after one bite. I'd rather eat Taco Bell. Yuck! Definitely overpriced and just not good at all. read more

I just found this place when I did the Tour de Brew QC. I LOVE IT! The tacos are delicious (recommend: Happy Fresca), the drinks are yummy and the servers are fantastic. read more

We stopped here for a late lunch. No one there but us and the small staff. Tacos were small and both of us could not find the fish in the fish tacos. My husband got sick on the way home as did I. Not ever going back!! It was a painful trip back home to Dixon, Illinois. read more

Hip vibe tempered by mediocre service and bland food. Annoyed, too, that my Diet Pepsis arrived at the table tasting flat and without ice. Not terrible, but not worth the effort--or money. read more

We really enjoy coming here, the food is always fresh and delicious, the staff is very attentive and friendly and the drinks are fantastic. read more

Jennie's Boxcar - Backyard nachos - Tacos Near Me - East Moline, Illinois

Jennie's Boxcar is a very good restaurant. It has a diverse taco menu with multiple varieties of flavors. It also has tortas and various appetizers too. Its ambiance is casual based on the industrial architecture of its "Rust Belt" location, but nice with outdoor seating and music. It has nice drink specials for happy hour along with seasonal items as well. It is worth patronizing if in East Moline around the Quad Cities area. read more