Yep, love it. The Boxcar gets the Rick and Neil Karaoke Heaven Stamp of Approval! (ie: highest honor from me and Lindsey S.) This is the new best karaoke spot as far as I'm concerned, edging out Bush Gardens, and it's way closer to home and a million times easier to park at. They had every single song I could think of to look up, including new stuff. My friend Daniel did the most killer "You Know I'm No Good" by Amy Winehouse, complete with drink-brandishing and spillage on his shirt. The stage even has enough room to throw a couple of dance moves in during the music-only parts of your song. Well drinks were a mere $3.75, High Lifes were $2, and both the bartenders were smiley and cool. There's a great big deck and a pool table. I can't wait to come watch football here, too! Watch for Rick and Neil performing our new and improved "Shoop" - coming as soon as possible to the Boxcar's Saturday Night Karaoke! Update: so, you know how when you leave your card at a bar, and you go back to get it the next day and the bartenders are all Douchey McMassengill on you? The Boxcar bartenders are not like that in any way. read more

This review is purely from the perspective of a musician playing in a loud rock band. Everyone else, I recommend you check out the other reviews on the Boxcar, as you're going to be having a much different experience. One of these days I'll return as a normal patron and write an update. We got about 5 days notice that we were going to be playing the Boxcar; I'm not sure what the deal was as I didn't set it up, I'm guessing a regular act canceled and we were filling in. The stage in this place is small, though we still were able to fit all of our gear on it. As usual, I got squeezed into a corner to make way for Phil E. and his monstrous amounts of keyboards and keytars. Yes, you read that right, we have a keytar. There was a single monitor, and as far as I could tell, it wasn't doing anything. We spent a long time with the sound guy early on trying to get some volume out of it, but no go. It basically just served as another object to trip over on the stairs up to the stage. And the sound guy left almost immediately after we were set up. This was too bad, because apparently Phil's mike wasn't working quite right, and unbeknownst to us several of our songs were done as psuedo instrumentals, with my backup vocals suddenly appearing out of nowhere. This would have been awesome if the audience was totally tripping on acid. Alas, they were not. That is the primary reason for dropping stars, I wish we could have at least gotten a run-through on how the sound board worked so we could have monkeyed with it ourselves. Speaking of the audience, we drove out everyone but our friends due to my band mates' inability to play any quieter than super-loud-volume. What can I say, we're a loud rock band. The last time we tried to play 'quiet' we didn't do too well because Stu and Phil couldn't hear each other. Weird, because I could hear both just fine. Anyway, the Boxcar's stage is in a smaller room, and we just blasted. Apparently there was a big crowd of people hanging out in the front of the bar listening, where they were also not going deaf. The Boxcar has an outside deck as well that looked nice, but I didn't get much of a chance to head out there. Oh, and just for the sake of those of you who searched for 'Boxcar Alehouse' (no space) I'm adding this sentence in so the Yelp search function picks it up. Aren't I nice? read more

The Boxcar reminds me of the scene in "Friday" when Craig doesn't have any sugar... SMOKEY: "No sugar? Damn. Y'all ain't never got two things that match. Either ya got Kool-aid, no sugar. Peanut butter, no jelly. Ham, no burger. Daaamn. " The Boxcar is just like that- stick with me on this... The atmosphere is great, but the service sucks, trivia on Tuesday's is a blast, but they served my Girl raw chicken, the cook apologized profusely and the bartender took some off the tab at the end, but then a nail sticking out of the wall kicked my ass. So go there- I do recommend it- especially for trivia with Jason on Tuesday's- but watch your back because right after something cool happens, something stupid is going to come right up behind it and aggravate you. At least that's every experience I've ever had in this joint. And the biggest pointer I can offer you is buy two beers at a time because the wait to get a drink is kind of ridiculous. read more

Wow, check out all the stars people are throwing at the Boxcar. I do not share in the enthusiasm. For some reason, this place was PACKED at 8 on a thursday night with sorority looking chicks with their make up and their purses and their high heeled shoes and their manly friends with their white backwards baseball hats.... probably there to see the two man rap group- also known as "Beasty Boys/Justin Timberlakes/Eminem Thrown in a Blender." (my words.) They were all... right... Finally karaoke started and I felt NO love from the superficial crowd. Whatever. Drinks were weak. And the bathrooms gave me the cocaine vibe- know what I mean? I feel weird giving such low ratings, because my sister goes to this bar literally like 3 times a week. She fancies herself a karaoke-er. She knows everyone in the bar. The dude that owns the bar is nice and cool and all that fun stuff... but I just was not feeling it. I high-tailed it out of there with a shred of dignity left. read more

As a frequent visitor of many of Seattle's karaoke bars, I have learned to accept several karaoke realities. I accept that those who tip the host tend to get favorable treatment. It worked for me at the Boxcar last night. I also accept that on busy nights, you may only get to sing one or two songs. However, what I find unacceptable is a karaoke host at a busy venue full of people waiting to sing, who fails to notice the group of three women submitting slips under different names each time. As a result, each of these women gets up three or four times over the course of an hour, while everyone else gets only one or two songs per night. Just because a woman calls herself Juanita for one song and Velma for the next, she is STILL THE SAME PERSON! It's not as if they are pulling the old sorority girl trick of having all 16 tube-topped hoochies cram the stage every time a member of their group gets called. These women were singing one at a time, but the host was completely oblivious. Seriously, host man. It makes you look like a fool. In addition to the crowded conditions and the poor hosting, we also had to deal with the methed-out pool-shark wannabe grifting people for a dollar per game, insulting other patrons and generally twitching and flailing around the crowded bar. The only truly redeeming thing about the Boxcar's karaoke is the quality of their book. They've got a ton of songs! While many of the recordings are weird mixes and none of the songs have the amusing karaoke videos many karaoke fiends know and love, chances are, the Boxcar has your old standard as well as that song you've always wanted to sing. If you can get to the joint on an un-crowded karaoke night, you may enjoy your singing experience, but should the crowds roll in, I would avoid this place like the plague. read more

I can't attest to much else about the place since I didn't get food and stuck to beer all night, but this is the best karaoke, period. It's a shame this place is in Magnolia. I've done a decent amount of karaoke, which generally leaves me full of regret and self-loathing the day after. Not at Boxcar. There's a legit stage, people get up and dance and cheer you on. Great experience all-around. read more

Just to clarify the Boxcar Ale House isn't a dive, it's a neighborhood bar. It's my neighborhood bar, it's an easy place to get a drink and maybe a burger and jalapeno poppers on a Tuesday night when a friend comes to visit you and you have no beer in the fridge and you can't be bothered to cook something up for them. The bartenders aren't overly friendly but they do acknowledge that you've walked through the door which is far better than the majority of restaurants in the Emerald City. In fact if you go in on a weekday/weeknight everyone in the bar will look up and acknowledge you've come in and I think it's tied to most of the folks in the Box knowing one and other in some fashion. The food is great for what you should expect burgers, sandwiches and fried food. The guys in the kitchen take pride in their work and the burgers are consistently good. In fact I'd say it's one of the better burgers in Seattle never under or over cooked. I love the jalapeno poppers and my favorite burger is the Cali with pepper jack. The drinks aren't cheap bu they're also not unreasonable. Now let's talk the back of the bar. It's not nice. It needs work. It has a pool table and it's obviously a work in progress and someday ten or so years from now perhaps they'll figure out a better lay out. However for now I suspect it's what works best for their karaoke. I recommend either sitting up front by the door or hanging out on the porch, these seem to be the more welcoming places in the bar. The weekends are busy and strangely full of college students. It can get a little rowdy but it's mostly harmless. The crowd is primarily folks from the neighborhood somewhere in the 30 - 40 demographic. read more

Forever's gonna start tonite! Forever is any night that Boxcar has karaoke! ossm: * a terrific stage for you to sing (or perform) your heart out * huge selection of songs * reasonably priced drinks * pool table * outdoor area for you puffers not so ossm: * 1 hard-to-flush toilet with short door in the women's bathroom and usually a long ass line towards the end of the night and shortage on toilet paper (bring your own tissue to use in a pinch) but ya, I'm a fan. :) read more

I think it's love. It's out of the way over in Magnolia, and I had never even heard of it until my friends had a fundraiser there. I'm a huge karaoke fan and it has the best set-up that me and my friends have discovered so far. I love Bush Garden but this place blows Kenny and his laser disks out of the water. They had really new songs, I was shocked! And every song under the sun, 3 microphones that actually work, 3 tvs and a huge screen with the lyrics, and I haven't even talked about the drinks yet.... Large liquor drinks were $3.75! As my friend Karen would say "Mama likey!" read more

How have I not been here before?! It's the closest bar to my bf's house and I've driven by it probably 100 times, but have never taken the chance to walk in and check it out. After climbing (it's seriously like a quarter mile from the gym), we decided to throw our climbing workout out the window and grab some beers and bar food. So glad we did! PROS: 1. Super casual, laid back, chill environment. Your typical divey sports bar. 2. Friendly bartender. Easton is his name, and he took our food and drink orders like a pro. Plus, when we were paying our tab and he gave me back my debit card, he said, "here you go Victoria" even though Victoria is my middle name and NOT indicated on my card. I said, "how did you know my name?" I assumed he was eavesdropping on our dinner conversation and heard my friends call me Vicki. He confidently said, "I know you. I've met you before." I racked my brain and then took a shot in the dark, "I was on a reality show. Did you see that?" And then he said, "Oh yeah! That travel channel worst driver show with your sister Stephanie." LOL. I felt so famous (note: I wasn't up for worst driver; it was my sister). 3. Guiness on tap! 4. Pretty decent bar food. We each loved our respective sandwiches, and they each came with MOUNTAINS of tator tots. Yummy, very bad-for-you greasiness. But yum. 5. Karaoke some nights of the week! CONS: 1. Took awhile to get noticed to pay our tab. 2. The waitress was flakey and didn't take our food order, which is why we had to get Easton to do it. read more

Rowdy. Fun. Come-as-you-are, dive bar! This might be the least pretentious bar in Seattle! Good Beer selection. Solid bar tender and fair priced cocktails. Go with friends or make some new ones. Random location= Magnolia locals and Seattlites that have strayed off the beaten path. Who wants to order food at a dive bar? Not it! But I heard the wings are good. read more

Bless my ear hair: So, I went to my Queen Anne High School 10 year reunion back in 1987 at the World Trade Center, skipped my 20 in 1997, but cabbed it to my 30 year reunion last Friday, at least one of them. They had two different engagements. The Friday evening one just happened to be at the much Yelped of, Boxcar Ale House and the main reunion was again at the WTC on Saturday. We (my wife and I) decided to only go to the casual one because, a), we didn't want to dress up in hot formal threads, on a warm night and b), if people are going to stand around and look at each other, they might as well put on their spectacles and recognize each other in a reputed social gathering place, right? Well, the Boxcar turned out to be the best place to have it. They had a video jukebox with lots of great old and new tunes blasting away and a great layout both inside and out and unless I miss my guess, more classmates actually showed up at the casual affair than the main. I mean, the place was packed inside and out with classmates. I actually enjoyed myself more than I expected to at this reunion. I remembered a lot of my classmates even though I hadn't seen them for 20 years. They remembered me as well though my hair is much shorter than my late 70s Billy Preston afro or my late 80s Rock do. As for The Boxcar, the staff behind the bar were very friendly , efficient and with only two people manning it, believe you me, they had to work pretty hard that night. They pulled it off though. I was impressed to say the least. Not being a Saturday, they didn't have karaoke going but we shall return and check that out. To sum up, there were great conversations, some good laughs and a great venue for Boxcar Phil, Boxcar Wife and Boxcar Friends to gather in. And I didn't even have to dye my hair or anything. read more

Boxcar Ale House - My Billy Preston Do ca1975 Re: my Boxcar Alehouse review. - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Ever since I moved to the faraway land of Magnolia, The Boxcar is now my "neighborhood bar" and you know what? I'm okay with that. The bartenders are friendly, I like the regulars, they have great outdoor seating on the patio (with PING PONG!), the food is better than you would expect for bar-type food, you can catch whatever sports games is on, and they have a decent jukebox. But what you really can't beat about the Boxcar is the karaoke on Saturday nights. HUGE selection of songs, big stage, people gettin' really into it and singing and dancing....it's the epidome of a great night of karaoke. My friends will even cross the borders from the comfort of their homelands of Capitol Hill or Downtown to come out to Magnolia for some karaoke at the good ol' Boxcar. read more

Easton here, at the Boxcar! I just wanted to thank everyone for the really positive reviews. It's great to see that most of you love the karaoke that I run on Thursdays and Saturdays. I'm always hoping everyone is having as much fun as I am. As for those non-karaoke lovers out there, I'm thrilled to see people enjoying my favorite bar on other nights of the week. Hopefully the spacious outdoor patio, stiff drinks, and friendly barstaff keep you all coming back for more. We are always trying to make the Boxcar a great neighborhood bar, so I do appreciate the critical feedback too. Our goal is for everyone to have an enjoyable time here, and we're going to turn the negative experiences into suggestions for improvement. Overall, I love the positive energy I'm feeling from the reviewers. I want to thank all of you who wrote about us, and feel free to contact us anytime at http://www.myspace.com/boxcaralehouse . I hope to see you all back at the Boxcar Alehouse soon! read more

This place is dying. Now, I'm not saying it's a bad place, nor am I saying it's dead. However, I have heard lots of stories of this bar being famous 5+ years ago. When I mention the name these days, people ask if its in the Seattle area. Small dive bar located in Magnolia, but near Interbay, right by the AM/PM. They have a pool table, jukebox, bar, small stage, and patio (with ping pong). The karaoke seems to still be alive with the regular crowd, however, the trivia night crowd is decreasing. They have weekly specials at the bar, including decent prices on PBR. The pool is cheap and there are always people in attendance. If you need to share a pitcher with a couple of friends, it's a fine place to do so. They have Jenga with some fun activities/discussion items on the blocks, which can keep things interesting. As far as I can tell, Boxcar makes for a good end of the triangle bar-hop (Magnolia Village Pub to Mulleady's Irish Pub to Boxcar Ale House). If you truly rock those three establishments in that order, you'll have a night to remember (or at least one you'll be left trying to remember)... read more

BEST KARAOKE BOOK IN SEATTLE. HANDS DOWN. And it's only on Thursday & Saturday nights (with Easton VJing) It's a total dive/watering hole for the sports crowd that shouldn't be playing sports anymore. But they still yell and scream at the TVs with any shred of dignity their old sports lives have left. HOWEVER, come 9PM...That all changes. It's karaoke madness and it's almost always a drunken free-for-all. And that kicks ass. They've got a great stage, best book in town. cheap pitchers and when you're bored - you can go smoke on the patio. And the food is pretty damn good too. Seriously. This place is a hidden gem. But choose your night wisely... read more

I almost want to vote zero stars on this, just so it stays the way it is. Oh well. Great place, good burgers, cheap beers. read more

There are some bars that just work because they don't do anything special. The Boxcar is one of them. A good selection to drink from, big patio to hang out on in the summer, and nice staff. Doesn't take much to please this gal. I look forward to hitting it on karaoke night sometime soon. read more

This really is a great place. I've been coming here for a little over a year, and the staff has always been really nice. Thursday and Saturday The Boxcar becomes a Karaoke Bar, which are their busy nights. There are a lot of people that come there to sing so get your requests in early. The prices are affordable PBR being the cheapest and Stella (gross) costing the most at a whoppin' $4.75 a pint. The crowd is pretty friendly, I've only really had problems with other patrons once, and they were not regulars, and I've never seen them there again. They do have bar food, which is pretty good. When you order it they serve it up pretty quick. Bonus points for having Mac & Jack's. So if you find yourself in Magnolia on a Thursday or Saturday come in and sing a song or two. read more

First off, this place is not a dive bar, it's just a dump - there's a difference. A dive bar is full of alcoholics, and I mean real alcoholics at all times of the day. People that smell like puke and piss, people that are dead broke and hit you up for their next drink, people that got thrown out the night before and then are let back in the next morning as soon as they sobered up. You want that experience then I would recommend Joe's Bar and Grill in Chinatown. The boxcar is harmless enough I guess but I've never been impressed by the frat-boyish bartender who will ignore you with cash in hand while he catches up with his "bros". I guess the karaoke is OK but there are other spots I would go to instead. I will say though, that the jukebox is phenomenal! Haven't had the food there, never thought it looked appetizing. Overall, I would say it's a poseur's "dive" bar for hipsters that would get their ass kicked in a real dive bar. read more

Let me start off this review by saying that Boxcar Ale House has the best variety of karaoke songs I've ever seen. From Avenue Q to Jason Mraz to Stone Temple Pilots, you'll find the song you're looking for. The problem is, though, that despite the ginormous variety of songs, you probably won't want to sing all of them due to the clientele. The clientele isn't bad by any stretch (in fact, they're quite fun), but it's definitely your more blue-collar, rocker crowd. In other words, I don't think they want to be hearing your version of Britney Spears, Celine Dion, or Justin Timberlake any time soon. Songs like the "a-hole song" by Denis Leary and "big balls" by ac/dc will be much more appreciated. As for the singers, I've got to say that I'm quite impressed. On a Saturday night, between the hours of 9 and 12, 95% of the singers are above-average to excellent. By the time 1 a.m. rolls around, the good singers are gone and the people that go up are a drunken mess. The stragglers, however, are quite entertaining. If you're looking to sing some karaoke and don't mind a non-preppy crowd, I'd definitely recommend Boxcar Ale House. Otherwise, I'd probably try a different one out. read more

A classic sleezy little dive. The kind of place I'd take your mom to wrap up a night of abusive drinking before hitting the sheets. Open Mic night is a just the kind of disaster you can't take your eyes or ears off of. Probably one of the better places in town to bring someone you want to end a relationship with. Bottoms up! read more

I freakin love this Karaoke Bar. So much so that for some reason I capitalized karaoke bar just then! I always look for fun places to sing, and then I was introduced to this place by some friends. They have a really extensive book, the most that I have seen before, and the drinks are super cheap. Also, everyone in the bar is super nice...probably because they are drunk because they are singing karaoke, but whatevs. I have really only been on Thursday nights...the one time I went on a Saturday it was so packed and the karaoke jockey stopped taking our requests after a while so that was kind of lame....so I'll just stick to Thursdays. read more

I debated between giving this place two or three stars, and realized that it's a solid three-star place but I had a two-star experience here. Also I've become incredibly hyper-critical since Yelping obsessively and scrutinizing every detail, so I'm going to try and be nicer. Here we go. Came here on a Saturday night for a friend's birthday. He loves karaoke. LOVES IT. We managed to get here early enough to snag two of the big tables in the back, right next to the stage, and yet there were still more of us milling about because there weren't enough seats. What can I say? Apparently my friend is popular. The bar filled up as the night went on, and I can see why - the drinks are cheap and the karaoke options are extensive. Definite plus. The service was also good, for a dive bar, and it wasn't the grimiest or the judgiest dive I've been to. All good things. The bad things are the clientele. The night I was there, three drunken frat guys (one with his shirt ripped down the middle and his beer gut hanging out) were harassing the ladies, although they could hardly stand on their own. The host did tell one of them to put his shirt back on when he decided to have an impromptu striptease, but I couldn't believe that they hadn't been cut off or thrown out yet. They were so obnoxious that when they went up to sing Katy Perry's "Firework", nobody cheered or clapped. And this was a receptive crowd! Another drunken dude that resembled a pirate (and smelled like one) planted himself at our table and proceeded to hit on my friend and several other ladies at the table. When we proved to be immune to his charms, he started grabbing our arms. Again, couldn't believe that he hadn't been cut off or kicked out - he was gone far beyond socially acceptable. I generally don't like to judge a place by its clientele but when drunken assholes are clearly harassing other patrons, it's time for the bar employees to step up. No one did. I was recovering from a cold, so I limited myself to one drink - an Irish coffee. It was stiff and cheap, but at the end of the night they double-charged me because of some confusion when I was ordering (I had to wait for the coffee to brew so one person took my order and another made it, so they assumed it was my second drink). The issue was resolved immediately and without any fuss, but it makes me wonder how many more customers were overcharged because of similar confusion and never realized it because they were drunk and paying large tabs. I'd probably come back because the karaoke was fun, but I'd have to come back with a crew of large men to fend off the drunken bros (and the occasional pirate). And check the bill carefully. read more

I'm disappointed writing this review as this has become the weekly meetup spot between my kickball teammates and I. Previously, this was a great, no frills dive bar, with karaoke some nights and a pool table. Last Saturday, two of my girlfriends (who usually do not come to my neighborhood) said they were at boxcar and to come out. My two girlfriends paid in cash--they ordered top shelf drinks. My husband and I (on my tab) order single well drinks. The next morning, I see that my card got charged $185!! I don't know if the broad behind the counter was putting my gf's drinks on my tab AND also charging them (I did buy my girlfriend one shot), but mime and my husbands drinks are traditionally around $6 each...it just doesn't add up for 3 and a half hours. My girlfriends ordered top shelf doubles (which the lady told them they were being charged since tall drinks have double the liquor--is IS possible to make a tall drink a single, right? They did not request doubles) and were charged $18/drink. My friend paid $120 for her top shelf tab. It all doesn't make sense; it's safe to say the lady behind the bar was hustling and over charging--there's no way in hell I bought 20+ drinks in my time there. Just be beware and keep an eye on your tab at the end of the night, specify you want a single off your order a tall (I've never had to do that before--they usually ask and don't presume). Pretty disappointed and will be sticking with my old place in Ballard. read more

Their food has gotten so much better. I actually enjoy coming to this dive bar for the specials on drinks/ beer as much as the food. I get the Luau Burger with a veggie burger patty, no cheese. And.. they have tater tots done to perfection. read more

This place has the widest selection of songs I've ever seen! The acoustics are so so. Depending on the song or singer, it can sometimes sound like a dog barking into a pillow. read more

When i first came to the boxcar, it wasn't called the boxcar, it was called the Roadhouse. It was the diveiest of dives. So much so that as we approached i was certain we would get into a knife fight that night. Unfortunately we did not, but we did find our favorite dive bar in Seattle. It's been 9 F-ing years since that night. The Roadhouse is now the boxcar, and A LOT has changed. Some good, some not so good. It used to be all you could get was three beers or wine from the box, now they have a wide selection of drinks. That's good. It used to be you could find a table, sit, listen to the jukebox and not be bothered by anyone who is or has ever been to college. Now? Well now you are surrounded by drunk half-wits crowding around an anorexic puppet. Not good. I soon found that the boxcar offered THE BEST karaoke in Seattle, hell, in the West. I LOVED going there to rock out. Now it's WAY to popular, too crowded, too full of people singing Journey at the top of their lungs. But, it is still a great place to karaoke, just get there early. read more

I could have sworn I did a review on this place before. But, who knows. I am doing one now! So I live a brisk 10 min walk from this fine establishment. I have been here a few times actually and mostly to just drink alone at the bar. It wasn't until just before the pandemic that i started trying the food here. So far I have had the fish and chips and a chicken sandwich here. Both were very satisfying. The tots here are also amazing. What I like about the food is the cook brings it out himself and is very attentive about it and how it tastes. In fact, the service here all together is very friendly. This is definitely a neighborhood bar so they take care of the locals but that doesn't mean they cast out non regulars. The service is great! The inside is pretty big and it also has a patio section outside with heaters! I believe they have live music too. I wish I had known about this place sooner as now that everything is closed and I am moving back home, I won't get to enjoy it anymore sadly. But if you are new to the neighborhood or in the area, i highly recommend this place for cheap drinks and food. read more

Boxcar Ale House is a great little dive. The place is small and noisy, a good seletion of tap beer is available, people are friendly and music is good and loud. We had a great time with friends. read more

Boxcar Ale House - Live music by "Ranken File" - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Delicious specials everyday. I actually come here for the food. I don't order drinks but the staff is always nice. People here are friendly and talkative. Food is flavorful and made to Just what I like when I need some good fried food. read more

I didn't eat here so I can't judge the food. They had two bartenders on a Saturday night so the line to get booze was horrible. It took forever to get drinks, thank goodness you could pick up pitchers of beer. Best selection of Karaoke I have ever seen. Seriously, a massive selection of music. If I was just rating the Karaoke, I would give it 5 stars. Would I go back, yeah, I would. read more

Semi cozy, decent late night food joint and enticing daily happy hour. They do a good job carrying some local brews, and it doesn't taste like it's been sitting in the line for 2 days too. Lots of TV's and a pool table and PING PONG table outside. Their outdoor section is real nice. Never had a bad experience here. I've been here a lot and they are accommodating to large groups. read more

I am a fan of dive bars (yes, even though their floors are dirty), with nice bartenders and strong drinks. Add in a fun draft selection and good food, and you've enticed me! Went to Boxcar Ale House for the third time last night. I believe they usually have a pilsner on tap, which I prefer, but they have a delicious hazelnut beer which I keep coming back to. Husband gets the Men's Room... whatever that is. What surprised me last night was the food. My sister ordered a burger and fries, I ordered a basil and sundried tomato chicken sandwich, and husband got the wings. We all loved our food- bacon was perfect on the cheeseburger, wings were nicely sauced, and everyone had a bite of my chicken sandwich, because it was surprisingly freaking awesome! Took away a star for slow service; I think they just have one guy cooking all the food. We waited a while (20-25 min), and it wasn't a weekend so I don't know how long you'd have to wait for food on weekends. Overall, I'll be back with friends. Maybe some time I will try out trivia. read more

I wandered here on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so it was probably a little less crowded than it usually is for Karaoke Saturdays. Being a capitol hill kid, I don't usually wander over to Magnolia, especially for karaoke. I was a bit leery, but glad I made the trek with fifteen of my closest friends. As others have noted, a very neatly organized album of karaoke songs, sorted by artist. Their latest updates were from February 2008, so those of you hankering to sing "I'm on a Boat" will have to save it for some other karaoke place. The clientele was mixed, but everyone was really friendly. I think the fact that most pitchers of beer were under $13 really helped. The waitstaff were friendly and quick, which is necessary to keep the liquid courage flowing. I'd definitely go back again. read more

Every bar needs an Amy!!! Best bar crew I have seen. Treat eachother and guests like family.

I really liked this place. My boyfriend and I were on our way to Discovery Park on a hot, beautiful, 75 degree day during Memorial weekend. We were just about at the entrance when I asked if he wanted to grab a drink first (I'm a sucker for drinking midday cocktails outside). We drove around for just a minute and saw this little hole-in-the-wall bar (our favorite type of bar). Right when we walked inside we knew it was our kind of place. The bartender was super nice and she told us we could sit outside on the patio and smoke (score!). The bartender and the patrons all were down to earth and chill. My kind of people. Needless to say, we never made it to Discovery Park. We sat outside, soaking up the sun, downing gin and tonics for a few hours. Never been here at night but I wouldn't be opposed to trying it out. I really enjoyed my time at this bar. read more

Oh you wonderful Boxcar sitting across the street from the train tracks. How I have started to like you. Easton and Eric are great and friendly bartenders. Thanks for all the Red Headed Slut shots and the beer. You two are truly on top of it when I ask for a drink. Cheers!!! It's good for people watching and they have an outdoor area with a tennis table and picnic tables. It's truly accomodating for smokers. I haven't tried the food or anything but that's not why I started going there anyways. Karaoke night gets busy so I prefer to go during the week. I don't feel like out doing the other singers with my mad air guitar skills and horrid vocals because we all can sing when we get drunk. The jukebox is pretty freaking sweet and I will stick with those nights. Get my groove on in a nearly empty bar and all. Close to home but that hill is killer to walk up when you had a few too many. I guess it's better than rolling down the hill to get home. =) read more

I didn't really get to sit down and enjoy much. I was doing a quick hop through a couple places checking out Magnolia. I've been here before. It's a bar... So I won't go into aesthetics. What I will say is: Beer Pool Food You can't go wrong. Look at their daily specials. You'll find it possible to get a full meal with beer under $10. The prices are incredibly fair during happy hour, and all day if it's on special. I saw a guy working on his laptop, so I assume that is ok as long as the place isn't packed. I would like to take some friends there soon ~ Free pool all day Sunday is amongst one of the awesome weekly specials. If you haven't been, check this place out! read more

My favorite dive bar in Seattle. Cheap, good food. Cheap beer with a good selection. Really fun, professional staff who know all the crazy regulars and remember your name. They have a professional host for karaoke and trivia three days a week that is actually a blast and has great turn out. One of the few bars in Seattle that has an outdoor smoking area (COVERED) where you can eat and drink too. I hope you never change Boxcar. read more