If you’re the type who plans weekend trips around dinner reservations, cancel your plans. Oxford, OH isn’t just a college town—it’s where your resolution to ‘cook more’ goes to die, probably next to that sad bag of wilted kale in your fridge where it belongs. Here’s where to eat instead.
Fiesta Charra
$ | (513) 524-3114 | WEBSITE
Magical isn’t a word we use often. In fact, we’re not really meant to use words like magical. But Fiesta Charra – a casual, quick-service Mexican spot that lives for sporting events and delivery orders – is downright magical. There are good margaritas, and then there is a cucumber margarita on the rocks with Tajín on the rim as you eat tacos and dips.
Admittedly the cleanliness could be better (and it’s mainly for takeout or delivery) but this is still a great place to head to for authentic Mexican food in big portions for not a lot.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (513) 255-9469 | WEBSITE
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill is a straightforward and reliable fast-food spot in Oxford that’s perfect for when you’re after a quick bite with friends, or on your own, with a sweet treat in hand. This is a no-fuss and friendly place: there’s plenty of parking and easy access, the milkshakes are awesome and under five bucks, and everything tastes decent—though don’t expect it to be the best fast food you’ve ever had.
Oxford Sushi King
$ | (513) 280-6001 | WEBSITE
This college-town spot is the kind of place you might overlook at first, before it becomes your regular haunt and you vow to work your way through every roll on the menu. Alright, that’s Sunday dinner planned. But every Monday and Tuesday evening it’s all about the half-price sushi.
Oxford Sushi King also runs solid lunch specials the rest of the week, which are perfect for those days when you’re craving something hearty and only generous portions of bulgogi beef, Singapore noodles, or BBQ chicken will hit the spot. And if by some happy chance you’re still lingering after lunch, then the friendly vibe and good music keep things lively into the evening. Just so you know.
TOUS les JOURS Café
$ | (513) 255-9246 | WEBSITE
You know those perfect cafés where you go for breakfast and everything’s just right and you’re like why can’t this just be breakfast every day? TOUS les JOURS Café is that spot. Honestly. They’ll only hold you a table if you’re early and ask very nicely, so your best bet is to just turn up. Everyone else is usually pretty happy to shimmy up a bit and share their table. Either way, order off the display case next to the coffee bar. Get the mango cream donut: it’s delightful.
Actually, just get everything. You’re not going back to the office any time soon.
Kofenya
$ | (513) 523-2195 | WEBSITE
Technically speaking, this coffee shop sits right in the heart of Oxford, but it’s worth highlighting because once you’ve powered through a breakfast sandwich, a couple of seasonal lattes, and maybe a gluten-free donut for good measure, you’ll probably need a minute to gather yourself before heading back to campus. The portions are consistently satisfying for what you pay, and the staff are just as welcoming whether you’re flying solo or with a study group.
And if you’re stuck between choices or don’t want to fuss over separate orders, they’ll happily suggest a spread of bakery items and drinks to share while you settle in at one of the many tables.
Wendy’s
$ | (513) 523-3190 | WEBSITE
A first glance at the menu of this welcoming Oxford spot might not recommend it for a quick family meal. Come with the kids though and things get interesting. Get a few burgers to share, or a chicken sandwich (the classic or spicy are available, all for under $8) with some fries and a side of either chili or a Frosty to share between you – we’d opt for the classic burger and some chili – and you’re eating well for about $12 each.
Phan Shin Restaurant
$ | (513) 523-1020 | WEBSITE
Excellent pad thai is, in an ideal world, what we’d all have for dinner. But this isn’t a cooking show people. There’s life to live. Or at least in theory there is. Phan Shin Restaurant is the Thai spot in Oxford, and it’s an excellent place to hit for some noodles when you need a break from the daily grind. The pad thai is consistently perfect, but everything about the menu is balanced and flavorful.
Alternatively, if you’re going for one of those meals that conveniently segues into dessert time, then come for some egg rolls, hot and sour soup, and maybe even an extra portion or two.
Skipper’s Pub & Top Deck
$ | (513) 523-0066 | WEBSITE
There are two types of pub hangouts with friends: the ones where you all get a bit rowdy, and the ones where everyone sits there nursing sodas thinking this would be a lot better if only the game were on. But what your group lacks in team spirit, Skipper’s Pub & Top Deck makes up for with its big, please-everyone-even-the-hungriest-eaters menu full of pub favorites, which includes excellent burgers, a great selection of sandwiches, and those iconic Chicago dogs that are some of the best around.
Paesano’s Pasta House
$$ | (513) 524-9100 | WEBSITE
Let’s be honest, Oxford isn’t short on the sort of Italian spots that make you feel like you’re very much in a college town the minute you get through the door. And this one definitely has that distinct ‘we know what we’re doing’ vibe, while also serving some of the best pasta in the area. It’s freshly cooked to order and demand is usually high at dinner: so much so that they actually recommend you come early to make sure you get a table.
But it’s all good: while they sort out the food, you can head over to the wine list and have a glass while you wait.
Bagel & Deli Shop
$ | (513) 523-2131 | WEBSITE
This bagel shop is pretty popular, and usually busy, yet they’ll still usually be able to seat you quickly. It’s worth waiting a few minutes anyway though: the service is fast, the staff are friendly, and there’s a very affordable menu covering all your sandwich favorites with creative names. The sandwiches are slightly less loaded than some delis though, so if you’re starving, bump on a side of tasty bagels to start.
O Pub
$$ | (513) 523-6782 | WEBSITE
Firstly, congratulations for making it through another week in Oxford without accidentally drinking your weight in mediocre beer. Your reward, assuming you make it to O Pub still thirsty, is a rundown of every drink you said you’d definitely learn to appreciate after that craft beer phase in college, but never did. And honestly who needs to when places like O Pub exist?
If you haven’t reserved a spot, weave past the crowd waiting for their espresso martinis at the bar, then order the rotating draft special and settle in for some live music.
Poplar Asian Cuisine (Oxford)
$ | (513) 280-6201 | WEBSITE
We don’t use this phrase lightly, but whoever first perfected cumin lamb was a culinary wizard. A master of spice. A champion of flavor. And if you’re looking for authentic Asian cuisine in Oxford, Poplar Asian Cuisine is a solid choice. This isn’t the kind of generic takeout joint that’ll leave you wondering if you should have just cooked at home.
This is a place for standout dishes like the cumin lamb and beef tripe (pro-tip: let the friendly staff guide your order, since they know the menu inside out). All that being said, if you’re looking for sleek modern decor then Poplar might not be for you, but if it’s delicious, authentic food you’re after, they’ve got you covered.
