Boxcar Brewpub
| Address: | 142 E Market St, West Chester, PA 19382, USA |
| Phone: | +1 484-947-2503 |
| Site: | boxcarbrewingcompany.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | Closed Closed 4PM–12AM 4PM–12AM 3PM–1AM 12PM–1AM 12–10PM |
Location
Photos 70
Reviews 23
JA
Jason Scott
A Note to the Reader I have been supporting Boxcar since 2012 when they were in the small garage on Westtown Road. I like the idea of having a brewery from West Chester, and I always enjoyed grabbing a six pack or filling my growler at the garage. The staff and owners were friendly, and I always felt welcome. Dan was a great guy to chat with and Porter the dog was always running around the place. I brought many friends there and introduced them to Boxcar. Needless to say, I was extremely excited when they started talking about moving into The Note and creating a brewpub. I have been to the brewpub a handful of times now, and I am sadly disappointed. The Beer The beer is not what it used to be. The mango ginger, which used to be a 7% ABV IPA, has changed to a 5% ABV, overly ginger-tasting beer. The Carknocker IPA, which I found to be their best beer, has disappeared completely from the menu. The beer does not keep me coming back like it used to. The new stout on tap gives me hope, but if I am going to spend $6+ on a beer, I want to enjoy it, and unfortunately I find the craft offerings at other WC bars to be more enjoyable for equal or less money. The Service During my last visit I felt like I was on Bar Rescue. It was a weekday and the place was not crowded by any means. It took a very long time to be approached by a bartender so I could order a beer, and even longer for that beer to be poured and given to me. My glass sat empty for 10-15 minutes before I was approached to order another round. I appreciate that they are not shoving drinks down the customers throats, but I would rather spend time talking to my friend next to me instead of worrying about getting my glass filled. Also, my group was IDd multiple times by the bartender because one of us switched seats a few times in order to talk to the whole group. I understand being cautious, but it only reinforced the belief that we had been forgotten or not memorable. Finally, my friend ordered tacos, which took 40 minutes from the time they were ordered to when they were actually in front of us. The tacos were OK but nothing to wait 40 minutes for. Conclusion I want to see Boxcar do well and succeed. I have liked them since I started going there almost 3 years ago. West Chester needs another bar that isn’t full of college kids and loud dance music on nights and weekends; I think Boxcar can be the perfect place to go and enjoy a pint. Hopefully the kinks can get worked out, and fast, because I do LOVE the concept Boxcar is pushing about being connected to the community and a place for friends and family. When it was in the garage I could appreciate the errors and “start-upness” of the brewery. But now that Boxcar has put themselves out there to compete with other West Chester Restaurant Bars, I have a higher expectations. I will revisit the place in a few months to see if things have changed.
TY
Tyler Love
First of all lets start this post with me making it aware this used to be one of my favorite spots to grab a casual beer. But after today my business will be taken else where. Finally was able to bring my girlfriend to check this spot out and after getting menus, we didnt get any attention for a solid 30 minutes of waiting. One server sat on her phone she may have been a manager and just watched us as we twiddled our thumbs. The other male bar tender refused to make eye contact and would not leave the opposite end of the bar where his friend stood and talked to him. Worst service I have ever seen dont waste your time
KA
KAET Z
Ive been curious and following up when the brewpub would be opening! Decided to check it out with a few friends over the weekend. The menu is quaint soups/sandiwches. I had the tomato soup and grilled cheese and they both tasted fantastic! While I miss The Note, this is a nice addition to town and worth going to hang out for a few bears and a quick bite to eat! Great job guys!
KI
Kimberly Welch
They were out of both beers I tried to order with no replacements tapped. The host was the best part of our experience. Menu and draft layout slightly confusing and all of the pages of the draft list were completely stained with old sauces and dressings. The atmosphere and decor were pretty cool though.
ST
Stephen Fresta
Start-up spot in West Chester. Fantastic atmosphere in here -- two bars and plenty of home-brewed beers on tap. Waiting for their official grand opening because as of late its been a little quiet, but I expect that to change. Worth a trip.
DA
Damian Populin
My new favorite place. The jazz band was amazing!! Must try the biscuits and gravy poutine (fries). atmosphere is really friendly, great place to take a date. The IPA is very good, and the flight glasses are huge.
DA
Daniel Isayeff
Jamie and Kymberly Robinson have done a fantastic job putting this place together. Its the perfect place to go if youre looking to kick back after a long day at work and enjoy an awesome, local craft brew! 5 Stars
BU
Bud Cannaveno
Not sure why the other ratings are so high. Our group of 14 was the only table in the place ... waited 45 minutes for mediocre food, which came out 1 or 2 plates at a time. The Boxcar is more of a train wreck.
VI
Victor Hurdle
Boxcar is a great addition to the Philly beer scene! Love the original and brown ale. The mango ginger is quickly becoming a favorite as well. Looking forward to the next community inspired beer to come out.
JE
Jeff Bruhn
West Chesters hidden gem. Amazing food with even better beer. Very affordable as well. Lots of events including game nights, live music, comedy, and events like Ride the Rails. Keep it up!
MA
Mark Dietz
The food has come a long way in the past year. Everything was great, and ingredients are locally sourced as well. Add in the good beer, and its definitely a place well be back to
SY
Sylvia De Medici
Really nice pub. Feels almost like a speakeasy, especially with the 1920-30s inspired music. The staff is very kind. Good for a night dining experience.
AU
Austin Hayes
Great food! Great service! Great drinks! I prefer a restaurant that also has a dance floor, but other than that Boxcar was amazing.
MI
Michelle Duncan
Friendly. Great live music on weekends. They serve their own beer and local PA spirits. Food is pretty good also.
KA
Kaity Blair
Awesome venue for events. The entire second floor is rented out for private event and it has its own private bar.
PR
Preston Thompson
Great game night, decent happy hour. Wish there was more live shows and a little more relaxed like The Note was
PA
Paul Karmilowicz
Good beers on tap but they may need to evaluate pricing. Even for a small brewery prices dont make much sense.
JE
Jessie Mooberry
Awesome new West Chester venue! Great bar and stage. Fun to have a local place to watch local musicians.
ED
Eddie Parry
Nice atmosphere. Good beer. Good food. Trivia night/open min night on wednesday is a good time.
SC
Scott Swartley
Old school atmosphere, long bar, live music, great food and a few beer choices. Would go back
CR
Craig Wilhelmy
Beer was very good. Looking forward to going back in the near future and spending more time.
JO
Joe Jacobs
Nice brewpub with a great brunch. Beer were awesome and the server was very knowledgeable.
BR
brian klein
Great bartenders and the owners are very involved to make this a great place to go.
