Sunday Funday - An Awesome Time in Oxford
Yes, some of our favorite places are closed on Sundays, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck! Man if you were here in the Eli era days, you had only three places to choose from to eat on a Sunday: Proud Larry’s, Abners and McAlisters and we can assure you no alcohol was found and cold beer was truly a county away! Long are those days (thank heavens). There are now so many places to wine and dine or shop till you drop, even on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the Velvet Ditch. Consider this your guide!
Our Top Picks:
BRUNCH
On the Square:
Rafters has bottomless mimosas turned screwdrivers when all the champagne’s been popped! This is a hot spot for students on Sunday mornings (for obvious reasons), but they’ve also got a great menu to leave you feeling way better than you should after game day in the Grove – hence an 11am kickoff vs. Auburn.
Oxford Grillehouse offers a Game Day Brunch from 10 to 2, so our advice? Make the most of the home games we have left or you’ll be waiting another year to try their “stomach stretchers” on the brunch menu.
Bottletree Bakery is open bright and early at 8 am, and closes at 2 pm. Bottletree is the place to go for all the pastries you could ever want. If you go to for brunch and don’t try the massive cinnamon roll, did you even go to Bottletree?!
Saint Leo is the swanky joint on the Square where you can get wood-fired pizza as well as chocolate waffles. Everything on the menu at this James Beard award-winning spot is off-the-charts amazing!
Proud Larry’s is an Oxford staple and always a go to for the slow mover. Just heads up: you might wait a hot minute for a table, but the Larry Burger and Spinach & Artichoke Dip more than make up for the wait and last nights long list of cocktails.
Off the Square:
Thacker 564 is the hip new place off the square. Located on Old Taylor Road, Thacker 564 offers not only an amazing brunch selection on Sunday, but drink specials and live music, to boot! This is certainly POM’s go to for a tasty salad and ahhhmaazzing Grits with all the fixn’s.
Big Bad Breakfast isn’t called “big” and “bad” for no reason! Award-winning chef John Currence’s BBB is a favorite among Oxford locals. BBB brings a little bit of cajun and a lot of flare to breakfast that you won’t find anywhere else. And the bacon?! Don’t even get me started...
Brick & Spoon is a new addition to town, but it’s proving to be real competition for Oxford brunch staples. Their drink selection is the best in town, and offering fresh beniets? It’s no wonder Brick & Spoon is always packed for brunch!
First Watch is a new Breakfast/Lunch/Bruch restaurant on South Lamar with an extensive menu and great atmosphere. Well-known for their healthy offerings, they can fool even the best foodie in this town. The reviews are hot!
Beagle Bagel on Jackson Avenue is so much more than just bagels. Originally from Jackson, MS, their breakfast sandwiches come on massive biscuits or bagels, and their pastry selection is huge! If you’re looking for a to-go option, Beagle Bagel is the way to go.
Grit Taylor isn’t technically in Oxford, but we just had to include it. Taylor, Mississippi, is just 12 miles down the road, and Grit is the only reason we would want to leave Oxford!
DINNER
Heading on the Square? Head to these restaurants and take advantage of the free Sunday parking!
Oxford Grillehouse doesn’t just do Sunday brunch! They are open from 4:30-9 on Sundays for dinner. If you feel like really treating yourself, Grillehouse is the way to go. Their menu is on the pricier side, but the food is well worth every penny. We absolutely adore their steak and toppings, e-v-e-r-y-t-i-m-e. And paired with a glass of Meoimi? Winner! Winner!
Oxford Burger Company is a burger joint that’s new to the Square. Stop in here for a casual bite to eat in a welcoming atmosphere. Oh, and the burgers are pretty good too! Truly tasty!
South Depot is a Square staple for a few years now. This fast-casual Mexican restaurant features tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more all made to order! Order the queso, trust us.
Soulshine Pizza is one of several pizza places on the Square, but this one is my personal favorite. The atmosphere is relaxed, the staff is friendly, and the pizza never disappoints. Again, another Jackson, MS shoot off, its fulfilled a modern day pizza need.
Mesquite Chophouse is a Memphis restaurant that’s made its way to Oxford, and we are so glad it did! I’d go for their desserts alone!
Looking for a dinner spot off of the Square? Here are some options:
Ravine serves gourmet dishes with a Southern flare. The restaurant has a rustic feel but a sophisticated menu featuring food sourced locally. Joel Miller, a personal friend of POM CEO Kate Rosson, knows his stuff. Literally from his Farm to the table, you wont ever want to miss an opportunity to eat here. And if your lucky, try his handmade potato chips.
Jinsei is THE sushi restaurant in Oxford. My personal recommendations are the Kobe Beef Rock and the green bean appetizer. Don’t forget about the Kadoma Tuna. It’s a real blessing that Jinsei is open Sundays.
Mugshots is a chain restaurant that feels local. Their main appeal is burgers done tons of ways. There’s even a peanut butter burger on the menu! Add some jelly and bacon and you just might find your new favorite.
Southern Craft Stove + Tap is located on Sisk Avenue by the movie theater and bowling alley combo. And you guessed it, they have tons of domestic beers on tap!
Toyo is a hibachi grill located on Jackson Avenue. This is my go-to spot when I’m really craving fried rice! They also have an extensive sushi menu. The owner, is just as good as gold. That certainly is bonus points for us.
Taylor Grocery is another restaurant located in Taylor, Mississippi, and it’s Southern cooking done right. Arguably the BEST catfish you’ll have in your life, this place has been written about just as much as Faulkner. Don’t be alarmed when you have to wait outside for your table. It’s the best part: BYOB!
El Agave is a New Albany Mexican restaurant that’s opened up a new location in Oxford! If you take your student to El Agave and order a pitcher of margaritas and a large queso, I guarantee you’ll have a blast.
Lost Pizza Co. is a pizza chain that serves up top-notch pizza is a super fun environment. And for dessert? You can head next door to Crave for a skillet cookie and hot cocoa!
BARS
Is Sunday Football calling your name? These Oxford sports bars are open for business, but keep in mind - alcohol sales shut down at 9 p.m. on Sundays!
The Library
Funky’s
The Coop
Bacchus on the Square
Proud Larry’s
SHOPPING
Sunday shopping is a great way to end the weekend, but in Oxford, you won’t find many places open on the square. Our advice? Head down Jackson and University if you’re looking to shopping to put off those Monday blues.
Clothes & Shoes:
Ann Taylor Loft
Belk
Francesca’s
Frock Fashions
Kinnucan’s
Marshalls
Old Navy (coming soon!)
Rack Room Shoes
Five Below
Rebel Rags
Rue 21
The Shoe Department
Sporting Goods:
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Hibbett Sports
Decor & More:
Tuesday Morning
Square Books
Sugar Magnolia
Olive Juice (home game weekends only)
Lily Pad (home game weekends only)
Have an awesome Sunday, funday!