Welcome to Oxford, home of the University of Mississippi Rebels. If you’re heading to town to catch a game at Ole Miss, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC Team: Ole Miss Rebels
- Coach: Lane Kiffin
- Stadium: Vaught Hemingway Stadium
- Fun Fact: The Ole Miss Rebels were the first college football team to take an airplane to a road game, flying to Philadelphia in 1937 to play the Temple Owls.
WHERE TO STAY IN OXFORD
While there are a variety of familiar names in Oxford like Hilton, Hampton Inn, and La Quinta, the three options listed below are loved by locals and great for game weekends.
The Oliver Hotel
425 South Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 371-1400
The Oliver Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Oxford complete with a speakeasy-style bar, restaurant, and rooftop with a view. With suites starting at 1,000 square feet, this is an ideal spot to stay if you’re looking for a little extra legroom.
Graduate Oxford
400 North Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 234-3031
Situated in the historic Oxford Square and only a mile from campus, the Graduate Oxford is a hip hotel equipped with a rooftop bar.
The Inn at Ole Miss
120 Alumni Drive, University, MS 38677 • (662) 234-2331
Overlooking campus, The Inn at Ole Miss is the place to stay if you want to be right in the action for game day weekend.
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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN OXFORD
If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game, or perhaps items to pick up for your tailgate, here are some of your best bets located near campus.
4 Corners Chevron
502 South Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 234-0275
Fried chicken from a gas station?! That was our initial reaction too, but the chicken-on-a-stick from 4 Corners Chevron comes highly recommended.
Ajax Diner
118 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 232-8880
For over 20 years, Ajax Diner has been serving authentic Southern cuisine to the Oxford community. Popular dishes include chicken and dumplings, turkey and dressing, casseroles, and gravy.
Bouré
110 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 234-1968
Also located in the Square, Bouré restaurant serves up Creole-style food in a repurposed drug store.
City Grocery
152 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 232-8080
Fine dining in a unique atmosphere makes City Grocery a longtime favorite. Exposed brick walls and candlelight set the scene for your meal.
Jinsei Sushi
713 N Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 234-0109
Opened in 2013, Jinsei Sushi gets playful with its menu, offering everything from classic nigiri to their crowd-favorite tempura green beans served with spicy mayo.
Saint Leo
922 East Jackson Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655• (662) 380-5141
Saint Leo is the type of restaurant you wouldn’t expect to find in a small town, but Oxford is lucky to have it! Serving up simple, wood-fired Italian food, this newer restaurant has quickly gained popularity.
Snackbar
721 North Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 236-6363
A local favorite, Snackbar serves up good food and live music. They also offer raw oysters.
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BARS IN OXFORD
If you’re in the market for a pre-or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
The Coop
400 North Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 234-3031
Located inside the Graduate Oxford, The Coop has been named one of the best rooftop bars in the U.S. by Men’s Journal. The local hotspot offers specialty cocktails and sweeping views of the Square.
Funky’s Pizza & Daiquiri Bar
1012 East Jackson Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 259-2881
In addition to made-from-scratch pizzas, Funky’s is also known for delicious daiquiris. Drinks are often named after celebrities, such as the Miley Cyrus Daiquiri.
Library Sports Bar
120 South 11th Street, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 234-1411
As Oxford’s largest bar, Library Sports Bar truly has it all, including two patios, 20 (yes, 20!) TVs, and three dance halls. Be sure to check the bar’s social media before visiting, as they often host live music, too.
Nightbird
425 South Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 371-1400
Tucked away in The Oliver Hotel, Nightbird is a modern-day speakeasy offering an array of unique cocktails and a social-media-worthy interior. Follow on Instagram for clues on entry.
The Blind Pig Pub
105 North Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 234-5119
Conveniently located on Oxford Square, The Blind Pig Pub is best known for its delicious sandwiches. However, it’s also a great spot to grab a brew, offering over 20 beers on tap!
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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN OXFORD
Tailgating The Grove is the way to do it. If you head down to Ole Miss, this is where you’ll find a sea of red and blue tents and well-dressed fans. With the exception of University tents, spaces are first-come-first-serve starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. And if you don’t want to be part of the free-for-all, you can hire Tailgate Group to set it up for you.
SB TIPS:
At Ole Miss tailgates, people tend to dress up, so while you’re welcome to wear your leggings, you may be more comfortable in a skirt.
Even if you’re just passing through Oxford and catching a game, be sure to familiarize yourself with Rebel language. Similar to how Alabama is known for its “Roll Tide” phrase, Ole Miss fans say “Hotty Toddy.”
Hotty Toddy!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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