Head right back the way you came because Box Bar is right across the street from the nursery. I don’t want to call the food “elevated,” mostly because I hate that term, but their creative, veggie-forward approach to bar comfort food does make the menu feel special. They also don’t skimp on the portions. The generous plate of nachos tastes fresh rather than weighty, topped with pickled onions, lentils, pico de gallo, and house-made cashew queso and tofu crema.
While most of the menu spins off classics, there’s no attempt to mimic meat—something longtime vegans may find refreshing in a post-Impossible Burger dining landscape. The French dip is stuffed with portobello mushrooms. While modeled off a tuna melt, the chickpea cheddar sandwich makes no attempt to be fish. While they employ various creamy cheese substitutes, there’s no attempted Daiya-like wizardry.
Don’t come away with the impression that this is a health food restaurant—if you’re looking for that, try HeartBeet Organic Superfoods Cafe—because it gets decadent. They serve tacos filled with jalapeno poppers. Rotating dessert selections have included pound cake, mousse, and cheesecake.
The drink menu includes an impressive selection of box wine, along with canned beer, cider, seltzer, and cocktails. The cocktail menu typically includes non-alcoholic options, too.