EatStreet has launched three of its own ghost kitchens plus a convenience store, all located at 420 State St. In this review, I’m taking a look at Boxcar Birria Tacos and Clover Grains and Greens.
Of note, I was disappointed that both times I ordered, EatStreet had a delay in the delivery time. It seems that the company should be more efficient with delivery from its own restaurants. Also, I wish you could order from both restaurants at the same time.
Boxcar Birria Tacos
For reference, birria tacos are made from stew meat that are then dipped in the stew and fried. As a result, I felt like the tacos were more akin to quesadillas with the melted chihuahua cheese, and I loved that the exterior was so flavorful. The only thing inside the Pork Carnitas Taco ($10 for three) was the pork carnitas–which were tender and tasty–as the onion and cilantro were sprinkled on top. Since the taco was melted shut, it was hard to open to add the onion and cilantro.
The rest of the menu is comprised of burritos and quesadillas, and like the tacos, you get your choice of beef, pork, chicken or sweet potato. The first thing I noticed about the braised beef burrito ($11) was that it was super bland. Fortunately, the side of salsa verde helped. Also, the beef was very dry, but at least it was saved by the accompanying cup of birri broth, which had a rich, beefy flavor.
Clover Grains and Greens
If you want healthy, you’ll find it here among the grain bowls and the salads. The Loaded Kale Caesar Salad ($11) is a dense salad, and it starts with the giant chickpea meatballs. I liked them, as they were nutty and had a nice blend of seasonings, but I don’t know how anyone can eat five of them, as they’re so filling. The next layer consists of spiced sweet potato, roasted broccoli and roasted cauliflower, all of which were enjoyable, and then you get to the kale and lettuce. I added grilled shrimp ($6).
The Southwest Bowl ($9.50) has so many things going on. You get some sweetness from the charred corn, some sour from the pickled red onion, some heat from the sliced jalapeno, some crunch from the romaine and some garlicky zip from the cilantro green goddess dressing. The perfectly non-clumpy white rice supported all the ingredients, though the bowl was missing the cherry tomatoes, guacamole and scallion, and I added grilled chicken ($5).
Other menu items include the Miso Mushroom Bowl ($11.50) and the Loaded Greek Salad ($9.50).
Both Boxcar Birria Tacos and Clover Grains and Greens are open for dinner every day and lunch on weekdays.
Tags: downtown, Mexican, vegetarian
