Boxcar Bar + Arcade — Restaurant in Durham

Whats your favorite arcade game, Pac Man, Galaga, maybe Dr mario? Theres a lot so many it feels impossible to play them all. I used to go to the arcade all the time there were so many to choose from, it was good times you know....

I used to love this one arcade that this local joint had. It had to be some crazy game for its time the colors....they were mesmerizing, I could stare at that title screen forever honestly. Well, I actually usually did I'd find myself watching it not blinking all the time. Someone would smack me on the shoulder walking by waking me out of this daze and I'm just standing there looking at this title screen for who knows how long.

Anyways, the game, it was really something else so many different options and paths to take it was this rpg game with knights and wizards which I mean I didn't even know arcades had rpgs let alone one this deep. The game would ask you things like choices for the game but they were so well thought out. Every level was so detailed and cool I always wanted to play longer have more tokens just try to get to that next area one more time. No luck the game was hard, really hard, and of course I would always be pulled away to go home.

Well one day i remember thinking or maybe saying I don't really remember. But anyways I thought "I wish I had more time" and.... well, the game responded. Not verbally but one of the choice boxes. It said "Do you wish to play forever? [Yes/No]" I was a little taken aback I just assumed it was apart of the game maybe a joke to mess with players who are getting roughed up by the game. So I said yes and moved on. I kept playing didn't really think much of it and eventually the thought left my mind I just kept on chasing those further heights in the game.

Eventually I noticed that no one had come to get me yet and I definitely felt like I had been playing for a while now, since I had just died and was out of tokens I stepped away from the machine and noticed I was alone. There was no other person in the arcade. I felt my chest seize briefly a sting of anxiety at this odd and unnatural situation. I called out no response, panicking a little I began heading towards the doors walking the jogging. I jiggled the handles, locked, I called out again my face felt very hot I was freaking out at this point.

I probably yelled and cried in that corner by the door for hours maybe longer, nobody ever showed up. I was alone. I don't know how long it had been before I started moving again. The sun hadn't gone down, I wasn't hungry or thirsty, and I didn't feel tired. This was beyond weird but I had to look around see if there was some way out of here.

I made my way to the back of the arcade and I noticed the arcade I had been playing still lit up a lone light in the somber room. the screen was flickering slightly with a text box on screen "Enjoy your time and play" I walked towards the machine "Let me out" nothing no response, I kicked the machine "LET ME OUT" still nothing. I genuinely believed I might be crazy why would an arcade speak it me?

I sat there for what felt like days the screen never died always asking me to enjoy my time and play the game. Eventually I did start playing again. I've been playing it ever since actually it's been I don't even know how long it's been. The game never ends it just keeps going new areas new bosses more content. I've been standing here for no long there's dust on my shoes now I just have to reach the final level I'll be free then surely it can't be that far away.

just...

Just left boxcar in Durham and I had a great time until I ordered a pizza from the kitchen which I have done countless times in the past with no issue, and I I always get a text notification, however tonight I was served by a man with glasses and a long ponytail that asked what’s your phone number so I can text you when your order is ready, i gave my number and said ok. So as the customer i go to resume playing games. I realize it’s been longer than 10 minutes and I haven’t gotten a text, so I go check to see if the pizza was ready and I when I do it’s been sitting in the window for idk how long but my pizza was not hot anymore. I asked the same guy to remake it bc it’s cold now and he said yea but then he also went on to say to me the customer, “you need to be responsible for your own food bc you are spending your money” why was this comment necessary or appropriate to make to your customer. Why are you trying to blame me when I never received a text letting me know it’s ready. The vibe in boxcar is set up to keep the customer busy playing games which I was, so it’s vital to communicate with your customer or setup proper expectations like a time frame or let me know you may not get a text so please come back and check the window in 5-10 minutes. So trying to blame me was wild to me. But he completely lacked professionalism and his customer service was terrible, so for him to keep saying he was the kitchen manager was really surprising. It was a tiny problem that could have been fixed easily with good customer service but instead was escalated bc of arrogance. It’s called hospitality! Everyone can’t do it! Boxcar should rethink who they have representing them as managers bc they are making you look bad! Please get someone with better customer service! The rest of the staff was amazing as usual and the drinks were great! But yall should think about replacing the kitchen manager with someone that wants...

Amazing atmosphere no matter the time you chose to venture in.

Drink specials daily, Sunday, Monday & Thursday Night Football is usually shown, and a great environment for NCAA hoops, ESPECIALLY Duke vs. UNC (I couldn't find my video from Feb 2020's game). There's a private event space and they also have themed parties, tournaments, and special events as well for things like Halloween, NYE, etc.

Indoor/Outdoor set up. Live music and DJ on the patio. Fire pit, outdoor seating, and games. DEFINITELY pet-friendly (I'm 50/50 on that – different topic) and kid-friendly as well.

Beer and liquor selection is extensive. Cocktails are available as well!

The only negatives I have even with a 5-star rating are 1. They open TOO LATE!! LMAO They open at 5 during the week and I'm craving pizza as early as 12-1 PM!

Even though it is kid-friendly, the timing allowed isn't long enough. They have to leave by 7 PM, so if they open at 5 and you have kids, there are only 2 hours to spare. Not many kids are going to want to leave in under 2 hours.

Pets! Pets! Pets! This isn't the establishment's fault, more than the owner's. Adults that can't enjoy their adult time WITHOUT their pets are strange to me. Some people are hypersensitive to them, some are even afraid of them, and you have guests who sometimes come with 2-3 at a time. There should be a limit per guest for sure. I also see occasions, where you can tell the dog doesn't even want to be there. Plus, the fact it's extremely loud at times. Your dog doesn't want to tag along while you get drunk with your friends, trust me. They'll be fine at home, turn on the TV. 🤣

But this spot is BY FAR one of my favorites.

WAIT! I didn't even talk about the PIZZA!! Never mind, I'll just post the pics now of...