Celebrating in Oxford, Mississippi is always a good time, but the only problem is choosing where to go. To make things easier, we compiled a list of the 7 best celebration spots in Oxford, Mississippi so you don’t have to stress!
City Grocery
City Grocery: an Oxford, Mississippi classic. The exposed brick walls, white linen tablecloths, and candle lit tables make it the foolproof spot for celebrating. Either an intimate anniversary with your significant other, or a birthday with some friends, City Grocery sets the perfect mood. They pride themselves on creating a new menu every six weeks to offer new experiences for the guests.
After dinner, head upstairs to get a drink at the eccentric, lively bar that is frequented by celebrities, including the author, chef and television personality, Anthony Bourdain.
The Graduate
The Graduate Hotel is an attraction in itself, drawing in Oxford visitors with its eclectic vibe. The rooftop bar “The Coop” has the best view of the Square, and sets the perfect background for all your birthday party pics. Described as “…a hodgepodge of modern farmhouse polish,” it is the leading place to entertain a large group of people, keeping them well fed with delectable bites and an enticing drink menu.
Bouré
Sitting on the Bouré balcony (which overlooks the Court House on the Square) is one of the most calming and beautiful things one can do in Oxford. The upstairs bar has appetizers and killer drinks with an even better view. Watching the sunset with all your friends is the greatest way to celebrate anything.
From the Pickle Martini to the classic Hot Toddy, Bouré will have everything you need to celebrate the right way. The food at Bouré is delicious and will make you keep coming back for more. My personal favorite is the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, which is just what you need before a night out on the Square.
Lenora’s
Though it looks small on the outside, Lenora’s is the ideal dinner spot to get a big group together for an Italian meal and an unmatched wine selection. Wine Wednesday (half priced bottles of wine every Wednesday night) is a big attraction to the Ole Miss students who want to go out but are also balling on a budget, so make your reservations today.
All the delicious pastas, mouth watering steaks, and appetizers to share with the table will keep your party going after the half priced bottles of wine. A lot of people do not know that Lenora’s fills up with Oxford locals at around 10 pm to enjoy a nightcap with their friends–the restaurant turns to more of a bar feel.
Saint Leo
This quaint restaurant was the 2017 James Beard Foundation “Best New Restaurant” semifinalist, and has already made their mark on the Square. The attention to detail that goes into each dish shows, and celebrating here makes you feel fancy AF. Wood-fired pizza is one of their specialties, and ordering one of their refreshing cocktails is a must. For a more low-key celebration, go sit at the lavish, demure bar where you can watch the wood-fired pizzas be cooked to a delicious crisp.
Gather a group of friends together to sit in the comfy booths, order a variety of Italian foods to share with the table, and a couple bottles of wine (or 10; you do you!).
South Depot
For a more casual celebration, go to South Depot for the best (and some of the strongest) margaritas in Oxford. The back patio is lit with twinkly lights, and the charming atmosphere makes you want to sit back and enjoy yourself.
This place is the quintessential restaurant to relax and celebrate with your friends, and don’t forget the queso and guacamole!
Jinsei
If you’re looking for amazing sushi in Oxford, Jinsei is the place to go. The hip atmosphere paired with the delicious food and hand-crafted drinks makes for a night to remember. The outdoor patio has a section available to rent out for parties, and it is adorably lit by string lights. If you like mojitos, Jinsei’s menu includes flavors ranging from Cucumber (my favorite) to Blackberry (their most popular), and all of them are the perfectly refreshing.
All of their sushi is to die for, and one of their other popular menu items is the Yellowtail Serrano, which I highly recommend. If you aren’t into sushi, they also include other items such as the Rebel Bowl.
All of these places will make for an entertaining night, and the only problem you will have is choosing where to go!