It's actually hilarious that I've been in this parking lot SO many times for neighboring spots like…read moreLee + White Food Hall and somehow never realized Boxcar was right there!
My friend and I wanted to try something different, and when she suggested Boxcar, I literally asked, "Where is that?" She pointed out that it was in the same area we'd been standing in countless times.
For anyone visiting for the first time, it is a little tucked away past the food hall. You'll also need to walk up a set of stairs to reach the restaurant, which is worth knowing ahead of time if stairs are inconvenient or inaccessible for you.
Once inside, I really liked the atmosphere. They also offer outdoor seating, but with the Georgia heat that day, there was absolutely no discussion--we were sitting INSIDE.
Our server was Najah (please forgive me if I'm misspelling!), and she was AWESOME. Such a warm spirit, great energy, and exactly the type of person you'd want greeting you whether it's your first visit or your tenth.
Since this was my first time, I asked for recommendations. We started with the Boom Boom Shrimp from the happy hour menu, which is available Monday through Friday until 7 PM. The shrimp? 10/10. No notes!
For our entrées, my friend ordered the fish and chips, which she loved--and it came with hush puppies, so really, how could you go wrong? I ordered the Bourbon Bacon Jam Smashburger, and it was cooked perfectly. I don't even remember being asked how I wanted it cooked, but somehow they knew exactly what needed to happen. And that bacon jam?! I LOVE a sweet-and-salty combination, so it was right up my alley.
The fries were fire too, but apparently I was feeling a little greedy because I noticed mac & cheese on the menu and decided I needed that as well.
LISTEN.
I would've been perfectly happy if somebody had taken away everything else and left me alone with that mac & cheese.
It was THAT good. Easily 20/10. I actually had to ask Najah who made it because I needed to understand what exactly was happening back there! She told me about the chef, who is Caribbean and from New York, and as someone with Caribbean roots who is also from New York, I may be a little biased--but suddenly I understood why that mac & cheese spoke to my spirit the way it did.
I've literally been telling people about it ever since.
There's still so much on the menu that caught my attention, including the lamb burger, Brussels sprouts, short rib, and several other dishes. I've included a picture of the menu because there's definitely more exploring to do here.
As far as seating, Boxcar seems pretty versatile. There were just two of us, but there's plenty of indoor seating along with bar seating, and I could easily see a group of around 10-12 being comfortable. I also noticed what appeared to be a separate space toward the back that may be available for larger gatherings.
Between Najah's wonderful service, the atmosphere, everything we ordered, and THAT MAC & CHEESE, Boxcar absolutely earned a return visit.
I've already been bragging about the mac & cheese to everybody who will listen, so now I'm looking forward to finding out what I'll be bragging about after my next visit.
