Jennie's Boxcar — Restaurant in East Moline

I saw Jenny's Boxcar on a recent trip down to Iron + Grain nearby to get tea and relax. At the time, I had just eaten somewhere else and so was not hungry. This Sunday is a new day and I was ready for lunch somewhere. I made my way across the river and along Ben Butterworth Parkway in a lazy quest for something to eat.

I really didn't do my research at all before coming to Jenny's. This wasn't a problem by any means, I just didn't realize their main food is nachos, tacos, and tequila. I love street tacos, so this worked out fabulously well. I opted to sit at the bar and had a brief conversation with the bartender about the tacos on the menu. While she recommended a park taco with apples and another sweeter ingredient, I wasn't so adventurous and opted for the OG - marinated steak tacos with salsa, onion, cilantro, and a bit of cheese. These ended up being a great choice! The flavors were clean throughout, owing mostly to the small number of what tasted like high quality ingredients.

The space Jenny's occupies is definitely huge. There's a large amount of indoor seating available, plus more tables available on a large outdoor patio common to the other businesses surrounding. Dark concrete floors cover the space, with the walls a combination of painted yellow, natural brick from its prior construction, and a large vibrant mural along the easternmost wall. The ceilings are high and uncovered, supporting the HVAC ductwork, conduit, and string lights hanging throughout. It's quiet and colorful, definitely in keeping with the tacos and tequila on the menu.

After scarfing down the absolutely delicious tacos, the bartender and I talked a little more and I was convinced to try the cheesecake bites available. These came with a sweet strawberry sauce and a dusting of lime zest. These too, were perfection - the perfect way to cap off a street taco meal.

I really want to come back here at some point, possibly during a show at the Rust Belt just next door. Some live music would go great with Jenny's tacos and a beer from the Midwest Ale Works. We'll see when I can make this happen....

WOW. This place. Went here for lunch today on a whim with my husband and toddler. I usually can find something wrong with every restaurant meal - according to my husband probably - and there was nothing wrong with any of the items we ordered today. We started with chips and guacamole, both items were equally fresh and delicious and most importantly the chips were not overly salted - (something I like to complain about). Then we got to the main course. I ordered The miss piggy tacos. Do I really need to say anything else? No. I don’t. These things were perfection. The pork belly was almost candied, whoever thought to put it with watermelon and diced apple is a friggen genius. To be honest I don’t know what my husband ordered because I was too busy being blown away by my own meal but it’s my understanding he liked his tacos quite a bit as well. Our toddler ate a packed lunch before we arrived at the restaurant #sorryNotSorry so we only ordered her the $2 ice cream. I’m happy she only had two bites and then said “I’m done” because then I got to try it and it was as impressive as everything else we ingested. It was cinnamon flavored, the perfect amount, and tasted almost like what a fancy restaurant would give as a palate cleanser before you have another course - I should know because these are the establishments I usually need to visit to be satisfied. NOT ANYMORE. Jenny’s Boxcar you are delicious. I will be back. Again. And...

Jenny’s Boxcar is one of those places that quietly ruins all other spots for you. You’ll leave thinking about the queso for days, wondering if it would be weird to go back twice in one week (it’s not).

Let’s talk about that queso. Hands down the best in the Quad Cities. I don’t even know how to describe it—it’s creamy, rich, slightly addictive, and honestly worth every penny (even if you wish it came in a Big Gulp). And the chips? They taste homemade, crispy with just the right amount of salt, and perfect for scooping like you mean it. You’ll finish the basket. Don’t fight it.

Their tacos are just as good—loaded with flavor, unique, and never boring. It’s not your typical Mexican menu, but that’s what makes it fun. You won’t find combo plates with rice and beans here, but you will find fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and creative pairings that hit every time.

And the margaritas? Real. As in, made with actual ingredients like lime juice and tequila—not that neon green syrupy mystery mix some places serve that tastes like a melted Jolly Rancher. These are smooth, citrusy, and perfectly balanced—the kind of margaritas that remind you why you fell in love with margaritas in the first place.

If you’re craving Mexican food with a twist (and a side of dangerously good queso), Jenny’s Boxcar is 100%...