We came up here to meet some friends -- just for a casual night out in Seattle while on a short weekend away from Portland. The boyfriend noted the irony that we had driven 175 miles to go out to a dive bar and drink beer and sing karaoke (like there's not 100 good places to do that in Portland)... This place was very good. The karaoke selection (and people running it -- what do you call them? k-jays?) was fantastic, and not aggressively "tip for play" kind of folks. (That makes me uncomfortable, you know? I'll totally tip you, but not if you're crass about it.) They made a nice balance of music, rather than "first come first served," but everyone in my party got to sing a couple times -- really kept it going. Beer selection was pretty good, and offered by the pitcher for Seattle-reasonable prices. We had a nice hazelnut brown for, er, $13.75 I think. The karaoke crowd was pretty supportive (in a clap-and-cheer-for-everyone way) and nobody was outrageously talented (I hate those bars that appear to have freaking professional singers doing karaoke, don't you?)...and happily, the emcee kept the backing vocals/music turned up good and loud and the mikes at a pretty reasonable level so it wasn't like all you heard was caterwauling. It was more like listening to your roommate sing along with the radio.... I mean, I wouldn't pay to listen to it, but it's fair because they put up with you, too, and it's not the kind of racket that makes you want to stick q-tips too deep into your ears. We didn't try any food so I don't know what to say about that. The bartenders are good and friendly, and we didn't wait long or feel ignored at all on a Saturday night. There's a smoking patio out the side so everyone doesn't have to smash smokily onto the sidewalk in front of the place, which everyone can appreciate. We took the bus from downtown, got off about, oh, 1/2 mile away... not too bad a journey, and decent option since we'd been drinking previously and intended to continue doing so. Got a ride home from our friends, though, so can't speak to how quality the return trip is on the bus. Bottom line it's a good joint to hang out, have a couple beers, sing some songs. Also bonus points for having hockey playoffs on big-screen tvs. I like a bar that shares my taste in sports. :) read more

This bar is amazing. They make me feel safe during COVID, all the safety requirements are met, and theymake me feel welcome too. The food is good, the service kind, and the atmosphere as divey as I could want. I'll be back again and again. read more

Had a great time and the bartender Michael was very knowledgeable. The music was loud but good and overall just had a great vibe to it.

Boxcar is a local dive with a eclectic and diverse client base. Come here to beers and some fried treats. Don't expect any out of this world food as it focuses on pleasing the drunk mind but still a great place to grab a beer and some AMERICAN bar classics. read more

Yeah... I don't get why people like this place..?? It took me 5 minutes standing at an unpacked bar until I got the "you want something?" from the bar tender. I ordered a PBR- that got to me 5 minutes later because he "uhm.. forgot". Smells like mold and frat boy B O. Try not to touch anything in the men's room 'cause I don't think it's ever been cleaned. I vow never to return.... read more

Stopped in here a few nights ago with the boyfriend. There weren't many people there and we were served quickly. The bartender was pretty cool. What blew our minds was the amount of Iron Maiden that was played, being my boyfriend is a huge Maiden fan. I think we would honestly just return for the awesome music. Great little place. Glad we stopped in. read more

I guess I can live with guys hitting on my wife. But booing her when she announced she'd lost an earring? I was intrigued to try the Boxcar. First, because I'd heard about it from a friend. Next, because of all the stars people on this site are flinging at it. And finally, because it's in my neighborhood. Man, was I disappointed! The tiny room was packed with loud, drunken slobs carrying on 115-decibel conversations while people were singing. A third of what little space the room has to offer is taken up by an 8-foot pool table which has to generate, oh, at least 4 dollars in revenue per night. And the sound system is the worst of any karaoke system in the city. When you're on stage, there is no monitor pointed at you. So whatever music is in the songs is reduced to loud thumping from the bass and kick drum. On the plus side, the audience was mostly appreciative of every performance, which is more than I can say for a lot of places, and the only reason the Boxcar earned two stars and not just one. One more thing they do that's nice: the karaoke jock programs in the name of the song and the person who's about to sing it, so it displays on a giant screen. Nice touch, but it results in too much time in between songs while the KJ practices his typing skills. read more

Besides the place being, well... cold. But that's only in temperature. The staff is extremely friendly and the guy cooking the food knows what he is doing. Had the Cali burger (that was light on guac) and the tater tots that were nicely seasoned. Karaoke on Saturdays with the usual crooners. It's a good time. Don't forget to tip. read more

Came early for a party and decided to grab some food. The burger was great, with the bacon cooked rigid, but not burned. I opted for tots on the side, and they were served hot and perfectly crispy. Pretty decent selection of beer on tap. The staff was very friendly while I waited. The place got much busier when the karaoke crowd rolled in, but it was still easy enough to get beer and food. I'll swing by again when I'm in the neighborhood. read more

Dear Boxcar Ale House, Please invest in some fans. Big, heavy duty fans that will ventilate your tiny karaoke space that inevitably fills with people who love to belt out a tune but aren't obnoxious enough to try out for American Idol. Also, you may want to look into installing locks in SOME part of your bathrooms. I think you are located far away from the Belltown/Cap Hill core to avoid cokehead congregations in your lavatories, so please provide some privacy for the overhydrated drinkers. Thanks, Anna Other thoughts: surprisingly expansive karaoke selection (although: how do you have 24098349 Avril Lavigne songs and ONE Feist song in your repertoire, Boxcar???), okay selection of booze, strong and cheap-ish drinks. This place is located right next to the train tracks that apparently separate Magnolia from the rest of the world, and as such, it is really divey and well, un-Magnolia-like. Though I should probably mention that my entire perception of Magnolia is based on my sole trip to Palisade. Anyway, unless you live somewhere nearby or REALLY love being able to karaoke one of twelve billion Billy Joel songs after listening to drunk sorority types "sing" some awful song from Rent, the Boxcar isn't really worth the drive. You will probably find better options closer to proper Seattle civilization. read more

This place sucks. Went in to get a couple beers and maybe some food. We sat down and the bartender never even came to us. The only ones he would attend to were the young girls. Tried getting his attention, even talking out loud about how lousy the service was, but I doubt he could hear us over the blaring jukebox. Don't get me wrong, I love a jukebox in a bar but when it's so loud you can't hear yourself think it's lost it's fun. Oh, and it's frat boy city on the weekends, no thanks. read more

Rude bartender, dirty tables, small/dark bathroom. Cheap drinks and decent karaoke singers.

Take your econ 201 class here to explain the problem with a monopoly: this is pretty much the only bar in the neighborhood. A fact the staff takes advantage of to justify the painfully horrible service. On the surface it should be awesome. A dive bar with karaoke two nights a week. Reasonably priced beer, a great deck and a convenient location. Only staff is made up of jerks. I've probably been here 20 times in the last 5 years and each time the staff has been rude bordering on mean. Waiting for 20 of their friends to get served before you (despite having been in line much longer than them) is standard. On a big night they'll blatantly overcharge for shitty beer in contrast with the prices on the menu, just hoping that you'll be too drunk to notice. When you're not and you all them out on it they get angry and tell you leave. This has has happened to me three times. Apparently there are enough bros in this particular neighborhood to keep this place alive. i've tried it over and over again but each time it comes up lacking. Just go a couple miles east and go to the Nickerson where you'll always be treated like the customer you are. Going to the Boxcar is by far the worst symptom of my karaoke habit. read more

I just moved to the area and found this joint a short walk from my place... and I'm glad I found it! The few times I've been here my drinks have been strong and cheap, the food has been great (for bar food) and the karaoke selection is awesome. The crowd is fun and entertaining... definitely some good people watching to be had here. The bartenders and cooks I've had encounters with have been friendly. The friends who have joined me for a night out here have all had a good time and would gladly come back again. If you're looking for a fun dive bar then you've found it! read more

From the outside this place looks to be a cute little hang out spot that the neighborhood locals flock to to hang out and chill. Inside it's super packed and filled with frat boys and retired sorority girls... not my kind of scene but if you like that kind of place then come here. read more

The Boxcar is hands down the best neighborhood venue. The staff is awesome and the regulars are all great people. I love the food and happy hour specials as well as the pool and ping pong tables. It's a great place to catch a game, belt out some of your favorite tunes or just hang out on a great patio with friends. read more

Best little dive bar around and they have a killer patio with ping pong!

I've been to this bar a couple times since I live nearby. I plan on going more frequently because there are definitely a few things that make this bar stand out from other dives. First the Juke Box has a large selection of music. I had a hard time figuring out though, I recommend asking for assistance. They have an awesome outdoor area with... Ping Pong! It's covered and everything for all season playing. Careful though there are a few sharks who will absolutely dominate you. Same with the pool table. Also and change machine located inside for convenience. You'll start seeing quite a few regulars here, the bartender is always friendly. Something interesting always happens when I visit. Serves all of your favorite standard beer: manny's, mac and jacks, pbr.. what more do you need!? read more

Too bad, so sad. This place is "we haven't cleaned in 5 years" dirty. The inside is dark and dingy. The outside misses the mark. This location would benefit the neighborhood if there were some reevaluation. I won't be back and I wouldn't drink their beer on tap given the state of the place. Unfortunate. read more

I think the Boxcar is an upgrade from a Dive Bar. They have good TV's, great service, good food and nice patrons. I have always had a great experience. read more

I've been here a few times. I usually come on Thursday karaoke night's but its a good place to have a burger and a beer. Try the pepper jack burger special. read more

Previously, I gave Boxcar 3 stars. But I am editing that now. For its price, clientele and atmosphere, it is a 5 for one big reason, the tater tots! Seriously, they are the best ever! If you go there for one reason, get these bad boys. And it's dirt cheap, which is always a great thing in Seattle and hipsters avoid it like the plague. read more

The box is amazing. End of story. Thursday night karaoke gets me through friday classes. Geoff and Brian are awesome and it usually isn't too crowded. Also, you can get drunk for less than 20 bucks. What more can you ask for? read more

Great local bar with karaoke and ping pong tables. Very friendly staff and great service. Food is solid, but the drinks are what keeps me coming back! read more

Great lil hole in the wall off the main path. Enjoyed some fish n chips and awesome craft beer on tap.

Shady bartenders. You need a credit card to open a tab, but to use that credit card (even for a $30 bill) results in a 25c fee. They didn't ask me about the fee, they just rang it up, and hoped I wouldn't notice. Bad customer service. The food is decent, and the beer selection is fine. It's a standard neighborhood dive. read more

A great dive bar! Good bar food, I especially like the chicken wings! They have pool, ping pong, board games, and a great juke box. And the bartenders are great, shout out to Eric! He rocks! read more

My favorite dive bar in the neighborhood! Good price in the beer , excellent service and an amazing music selection!

Cheap beer and karaoke. Hell yes.

Loved this place... Until I got my tab. Three small whiskey diets turned into $28.00. That number isn't even divisible by three. I would have asked had I not been in a rush to go to the game. On a more positive note, there's good energy and service. I didn't eat, but the food looked delicious. read more

So I will preface this with this is a Tuesday night only review. We haven't ever been here not on a Tuesday night. The box car is a dive bar hang out place with the younger crowd of Magnolia & Interbay hanging out there. Tuesday is trivia night, which is fun and usually has a grand prize of $35 and free beers. The food is really average, only the usual greasy bar food options. The beer selection is good enough to keep my friends in great moods and it's not too pricey. It would get 4 stars if the restrooms weren't quite so sketch. Guys, my male friends say go before you come. The women's room is a bit better. read more

I love this place. It is close to my work, it has $2.50 Coors Lights for happy hr, they know my drink when I walk in the door, and have a decent deck when the sun is out. This is a great neighborhood bar for those in the area, and have a decent bar menu with 25 cent wings during happy hr at this time. Bingo, karaoke, and connect four are all on tap during different days of the week. Stop in and say hello; they will find you a spot to sit at the bar and unload. read more

Although I've been dubbed the duke, I really only visit a couple of times a month. Boxcar is a solid 4 star dive bar. They have great staff, good Karaoke, and really good pub food. A great out of the way place to have fun and drinks with friends. For a 5-star dive bar, Boxcar needs to upgrade the "decor". read more

Don't expect a lot of attention or any from staff, you won't get any. If you know that, it can be a great local place to hang out. Food specials (if you ask!, don't expect them to tell you) and some sort of smoking area far enough outside to be legal. I don't smoke, but I appreciate the effort and hope Seattle creates an area for smokers. Especially now that our city is 420 friendly. read more

My first dive bar in years was very friendly with fair prices, big food portions, and ample micro brews. Fairly calm for a Sunday afternoon but occasionally loud when the losing Seahawks threatened. Bartender, Tiffany, is very kind and straightforward. read more

Best little pub in town! Mellow days, packed nights and really great service! If youre looking for a regular place where the bartenders remember your name and drink every time, go here! Love you guys! :) read more

We've never been at night, only for lunch. Nice patio area outside, quiet and great service. Typical bar menu, done fairly well. Burgers are pretty decent. Its a good local alternative to more expensive lunch places. read more

Good wings, toys and onion rings with great ranch. Tots are pretty good too but make sure to have the wings and tots fried extra crispy otherwise they'll come out cold in the center. As far as atmosphere goes this place is full of older booze hounds and a somewhat rowdy patio crown. If it's empty it can be a nice experience if it's not proceed with caution. read more

Came here on my 21st birthday and enjoyed some cheap drinks and karaoke. There's also a pool table and a ping pong table outside if I'm remembering correctly. The bar is pretty large in size with outdoor seating, plenty of room for everyone to have a good time. read more

This is a dive and it doesn't pretend to be anything else. Karaoke, blue-collar regulars, ratty pool table, jukebox, disgusting restrooms, PBR on tap, deep fryer in the "kitchen" area - it's got all that. read more