Group of people clinking their drinks together at Coop in Oxford, Mississippi.

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Oxford, Mississippi: A Place to Savor Your Story

By: TLP's Partners

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You’re only a short stroll down a tree-lined street from the heart of Oxford—The Square. It’s the town’s beating heart, the convergence of everything held near and dear to Mississippi. Here, you’ll find kitchens holding true to Southern favorites, and chefs pushing the envelope of what’s possible with local ingredients and inspiration. This town is not merely a dot on the map; it is a living narrative, a testament to Southern hospitality and the spirit of its people.

At the forefront of Oxford’s food scene is the iconic City Grocery where James Beard award-winning chef John Currence has crafted a menu that is both an homage to and a reimagining of Southern cuisine. The shrimp and grits have been elevated to an art form here—the grits are creamy, the shrimp tender and the flavors find that perfect blend of spice and comfort. You’ll have no trouble finding an exciting wine to pair with your dish from their impressive wine list, or you can taste another local treasure and order a Gin-based cocktail with Wonderbird Gin; a distillery located just outside of Oxford that utilizes rice from the Mississippi Delta as their spirit’s base ingredient.

Two people eating and talking at Ajax Diner in Oxford, Mississippi.

But Oxford’s culinary prowess extends beyond its high-end establishments. Step into Ajax Diner, and you will be greeted with a warmth that feels like coming home. The fried catfish, golden and crisp, served with a side of jalapeño cornbread and two sides of your choosing, is a meal that embodies the soul of Mississippi. It is simple, unpretentious, and profoundly satisfying. Each bite is a reminder of the simpler pleasures of life, of the days when food was not just sustenance but a celebration of community and family.

The town’s cocktails and libations scene is equally compelling, with a rich array of options that cater to every palate. At The Graduate Oxford’s rooftop bar, The Coop, you can sip while taking in the panoramic views of the town at sunset. But, if you’re looking for something more intimate, you can sneak away to Bar Muse and enjoy the company of your travel companion with a craft cocktail off the ever-changing drink menu.

Oxford is a place where the old and the new are hard to parse apart, where every meal is a journey through time and every drink a celebration of the present. It is a town that cherishes its traditions but is unafraid to embrace the future. In its food and drink, one finds the spirit of Mississippi—resilient, welcoming, and ever-evolving. So come add your own chapter to the story that unfolds with every meal served and each glass raised.