Quick Bite

Boxcar Bar and Grill

BOXCAR BAR & GRILL
25 Chatham Road, Short Hills (in the train station)
973-912-0002

Hours: Breakfast: Mon—Fri, 5–10 am. Dinner: Tues—Thurs, 5 pm–12:30 am; Fri and Sat, 5 pm–1 am; Sun, 5–11 pm. Bar service only: Mon, 5 pm–12:30 am.

Price: $$

Style: A chic bistro in a century-old train-station waiting room and baggage area—with a still-operating ticket office. Dark woods, dim lights and the sound of passing trains suggest an earlier era.

Don’t Miss:  The brick-oven pizzas ($10-$13) are great to share. Cheese and veggie ($13) is a favorite, or for a heartier option try barbecue chicken ($12). The crispy chicken wings with honey and smoked black pepper ($9) are mildly sweet and a nice departure from the standard. For dinner there are three types of burgers; the most popular is the Boxcar ($8)—which ranks with any you’ll find in New Jersey. Order the house-cut fries ($2.50) to round out the meal. The Moroccan spice-rubbed salmon ($17) is delicious but a sparse portion for the price. Not on the menu but sometimes available are homemade cookies (three for $5).

Heads Up:
Opened in May, the Boxcar is still working out a few kinks. The wait staff takes orders on iPads. Our waiter said the gadget is hard to use while interacting with diners. Nonetheless, he was personable and knowledgeable about the restaurant and the menu.

The Scoop: You sit on the original 1907 wooden benches, but they’re the right height for the tables and comfortable thanks to restaurant-supplied cushions. The tables are stowed away during station hours.

What are Quick Bites? Short takes on casual, affordable dining.

Restaurant Details

  • Cuisine Type:
    American
  • Price Range:
    Moderate
  • Boxcar Bar and Grill
    25 Chatham Road
    Chatham, NJ 07928
  • Hours:
    Breakfast: Mon—Fri, 5–10 am. Dinner: Tues—Thurs, 5 pm–12:30 am; Fri and Sat, 5 pm–1 am; Sun, 5–11 pm. Bar service only: Mon, 5 pm–12:30 am.
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