Have your cake and…eat it alfresco in this charming University town
Oxford, Mississippi, may be known for its quaint historical feel, but its budding food scene is that of a metropolitan city. Easily accessible from Interstate 55 in north Mississippi, about an hour from Memphis, Tennessee, Oxford entices visitors with its internationally-acclaimed eats, perfectly paired with an unmatched outdoor atmosphere. Indulge in both fine dining and down-home dishes while soaking in one of the South’s finest treasures.
Oxford Canteen
Garden and Gun says Oxford Canteen has food that is “frank and fresh and compelling.” That’s exactly what you get when ordering from this local spot that uses innovation to bring out the best of the season. Pull up one of the bright industrial yellow chairs and watch the sunrise while sipping on LuLu’s Vietnamese-style iced coffee and breakfast tacos. For lunch, pair the renowned beef brisket grilled cheese with Sriracha mayo and cheddar. Add a bubbly ale or a Mexican Coke to send the taste sensations over the top. For dinner, unwind on the patio surrounded by twinkling lights and a delicate garden while savoring a glass of wine and a fresh salad accented with dirty grains. And, that’s just the everyday menu! Daily specials tempt taste buds with the day’s freshest offerings of local produce and cuts of meat that the chef then expertly crafts into the bold plates the Oxford Canteen is known for. OxfordCanteen.com
City Grocery
City Grocery is a landmark on the Oxford dining scene. Situated on the historical city square, James Beard award-winning chef, John Currence, plates some of the most inventive and interesting food in the South. The second-story patio overlooks the city center, providing the perfect outdoor backdrop for the fine food that takes center stage. For brunch, satisfy hunger pangs with biscuits and gravy or a smoked trout salad. For lunch, order the roast beef po’ boy or muffuletta. End the day indulging in cider and beer braised pork cheeks over goat cheese fennel or catfish paired with shrimp etouffee’. Take your dining experience to the next level with a full bar, beer and wine list and desserts like a coffee crème brulee and deep-fried peanut butter and jelly. CityGroceryOnline.com
Oxford Boure’
Housed in an old Drug Store on the historic square, John Currence’s newly renovated space sets the scene for the “upscale downhome” fare of Oxford Bouré. With a Creole flare, the gorgeous balcony elevates the already outstanding menu. Bite into a pimento cheese burger, cut into shrimp and grits or herb crusted salmon or twirl the chicken carbonara for a creamy treat. Pair lunch and dinner plates with a glass of wine while overlooking the vibrant streets below. End the night with a sweet drink like the Godiva adult milk chocolate or orangesicle. CityGroceryOnline.com/Boure/
Green Roof Lounge
Take your dining experience to new heights at Green Roof Lounge. Located on top of the Courtyard Marriott Oxford, the outdoors are brought into this chic rooftop space overlooking the city and accented by a stunning garden and strands of lights. GRL focuses on simple, comforting and seasonal cuisine with tapas like pork meatball sliders, taquitos and skewers. With menu items that change every day, a daily punch and extensive hand-crafted cocktail list, GRL expertly combines posh nightlife with tastes that excite. GreenRoofLounge.com
The Coop
Men’s Journal named The Coop as “One of the Best Rooftop Bars in the U.S.,” and with good reason. Housed inside and atop the refreshingly retro Graduate hotel, The Coop shakes up drinks like none other. Kick back in this hip outdoor space while sipping on one of the barrel-aged cocktails, where the whiskey rests in New French Oak barrels for 45 days. Select a drink from the Mule Series, where bartenders put their own delicious spin on the popular ginger spirit. Other specialties include the Frose’, a magical slushy concoction, and the Grove Water, a mix of strawberry vodka, apricot liquor, cranberry juice, soda press and lemon. While lounging amidst the Oxford skyline, put in an order for mouth-watering bites like pulled pork fries or catfish with grits and collards. GraduateHotels.com
The Chancellor’s House
Featuring the Rooftop Lounge, sip and savor the divine flavors of expertly crafted cuisine atop Oxford’s landmark hotel, The Chancellor’s House. Or, take a seat under an umbrella at the hotel’s second outdoor space, the Patio Terrace, for an afternoon of relaxation. Conveniently located along Lamar and University, the formal garden creates a perfect escape while enjoying small and flavorful bites from the lobby lounge. ChancellorsHouse.com
Want great atmosphere and dishes? In Oxford, you don’t have to choose. Soak in the history, stroll the University campus, while relishing in both the world-renowned flavors and sights of this quintessential Southern town.
Girlfriend Getaway?
Leave the stress behind and escape to Oxford with your best girls for a weekend of fun. While in town, sip on drinks to remember at these unique spots:
A James Beard winner for “Best New Restaurant,” Saint Leo’s shakes up cocktails like the Honolulu Hot Foot with habanero-infused tequila and pineapple-bell pepper ice cubes. www.EatSaintLeo.com
Head to The Wine Bar Restaurant to munch on small plates of tasty bites like truffle frites and Thai curry lentil hummus, while perusing extensive beer, wine and whiskey lists. www.TheWineBarOxford.com
Cool off at Funkys Pizza and Daiquiri Bar. This New Orleans-style watering hole features a wall of fruity frozen cocktails. Wherever your squad ends up, good flavors and laughs are a guarantee. www.Funkys.com
If You Go
Find links–where to stay, eat and even more to do at VisitOxfordMS.com.
For travel media: For more story ideas on Oxford, Mississippi, visit www.TravelMediaPressRoom.com/mississippi/oxford-ms/.
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