I know what you’re all thinking. Restaurant Review, during a worldwide pandemic, probably isn’t what most people would think is a good idea. Now that nationwide quarantines have been enacted, it is no longer possible to continue conducting these reviews, but this was one I wanted to write before it was too late. Unfortunately, Davis was already on lockdown at the time of this review, so this will be the first ever Restaurant Review conducted by only one member of the team. Please be advised that without Davis’s opinion, this review cannot be as unbiased and as accurate as previous editions. As well as this, I wasn’t able to conduct a fully inclusive review of service or setting, because the restaurant itself was closed and only served takeout. However, I can definitively say that Boxcar Betty’s is still amazing. 

Food

Boxcar Betty’s, for those who have never had the chance to go, is probably what most people would call the “gold standard” of chicken sandwiches. Early in 2019 the chicken sandwich debate raged on between Chick-fil-a and Popeyes, as millions of people across the United States argued over the superior sandwich. If Boxcar Betty’s had been a part of this war, however, it would have been a much easier contest. In order to best evaluate the restaurant’s most well-known dish, I ordered The Boxcar chicken sandwich, which is most likely the restaurant’s best-known meal. Because I was a Boxcar Betty fan long before Restaurant Review, I also ordered a side of fried pickles, a dish I had never eaten before, to try and add a new dimension to my review. First of all, I have to say that Boxcar Betty’s chicken sandwich superiority is not without reason. The Boxcar is a classic chicken sandwich, with the addition of peach slaw, pimento cheese, house-brined pickles, and a unique spicy mayo to top it off. This sandwich is, to be exact, simply divine. The fresh, farm-raised chicken is tender and delicious, and the quality of the bun is on par with some of the best burger joints in Charleston. The pickles, slaw, and mayo only serve to bring the entire meal together and make this sandwich into something more than just a sandwich. For lack of a better term, it truly is an entire experience. The fried pickles, which I had never had before, were an entirely new level of flavor. Perfectly crisp, with a delicious ranch sauce to accompany them all added up to a really good eating experience. All in all, the flavor, creativity, and well-designed dishes make Boxcar Betty’s one of the best fast-casual restaurants in Charleston.

Food: 7.8 (Jack)

Service and Setting

As I mentioned before, the indoor dining aspect of the restaurant was closed due to concerns over the novel coronavirus. However, the staff was extremely friendly and polite, and speaking from experience, the atmosphere of Boxcar Betty’s is perfect for any high school student looking for a low-stress, high-quality eating experience. The cost (in total, around $16) of my meal was more than manageable, and you certainly won’t leave feeling anything even close to hungry. The restaurant itself has comfortable seating, with a mix of booth seats and standard chairs that appeal to all types of casual diners, and the multigrain wood flooring in tandem with the interesting retro-modern feel of the interior brings a homely sense to the space. 

Service: 6.4 (Jack)

Setting: 6.6 (Jack)

Conclusion

Boxcar Betty’s isn’t exactly an unknown restaurant, but I have been personally surprised by the number of people I know who have never gone. Now that the company has expanded its locations to include a location in Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and West Ashley, there is absolutely no reason not to go. If you’re a fan of chicken, or sandwiches, or chicken sandwiches, or all of the above, I would more than recommend giving this restaurant a chance – now is the time for take out.  As always, if you have any suggestions for restaurant ideas in the future please contact either me or Davis at either leadav9910@ccsdschools.com or levjack9891@ccsdschools.com.