Chef John Currence is a New Orleans native who has made Oxford famous for food. City Grocery, Boure, Snackbar and Big Bad Breakfast make up the City Grocery Restaurant Group and are some of the most popular restaurants in Oxford.
City Grocery, located on the Square, has been special to Oxford for 20 years and is one of the longest standing locally owned restaurants in the area, according to 2 year hostess Emily Schultz. Starting with just one item on the menu, shrimp and grits, the restaurant has grown into one of Oxford’s favorites. City Grocery claims creative, French-inspired Southern cuisine and quality service.
“We are known for our personal, friendly service,” Schultz said. “All our servers want to get to know our guests and have a hands on experience throughout their visit. We have guests from all over the country, celebrities and writers, come to visit Rowan Oak and eat at City Grocery.”
At City Grocery, business people, regulars and families eat some of the most creative dishes, such as black-eyed pea ravioli, watching the Square life pass by the windows and enjoying the southern hospitality of the staff. As one of Oxford’s most loved and long-standing restaurants, City Grocery is a true Oxford experience.
Boure is also located on the Square, in one of its oldest buildings, since November of 2011. The restaurant has been renovated from the Leslie’s Drug Store and Downtown Grill of the past to create a laid-back experience for diners.
“Our food is Creole with a Southern twist,” says Director of Operations, Philip Chaney. “We definitely have a casual atmosphere and a rustic industrial look. We also host private events upstairs, like receptions and bridal showers.”
When asked why the City Grocery Restaurant Group has been so influential in Oxford, Chaney said, “They are all important because of the culinary aspect they bring to the town and to the South. Boure is a stand out because of the variety of our menu and the atmosphere we have.”
Boure’s steaks, Creole specials and grilled fish menu items keep the restaurant crowded on most evenings. The bar and versatile menu, along with a friendly and helpful staff, invite patrons to sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Located off North Lamar, Snackbar and Big Bad Breakfast are also an important part of Oxford culture.
The Snackbar website proclaims “Bubba Brasserie Cuisine,” a combination of a French bistro and a Mississippi Cafe. They serve fresh oysters from all over the country and boast a high quality bar. The restaurant also provides a seasonal menu of rare dishes.
“Snackbar is one of my favorite places in Oxford!” says junior exercise science major Amber Sharp. “I love how unique and creative the menu is and the stylish comfort of the restaurant.”
Snackbar is nestled beside Big Bad Breakfast, in what looks to be a small strip mall building. However, a closer look reveals an intimate dining space with beautiful furnishings, ambient lighting and an incredible oyster bar. The Snackbar is a favorite date night stop for many Oxford students and residents.
Next door, Big Bad Breakfast is open every morning and early afternoon and serves a range of breakfast and lunch items. The restaurant uses mostly locally grown and organic foods in their recipes.
BBB is often crowded on weekend mornings with students, residents and visitors of the area, many returning for the homeade preserves found on every table and the delicious, endless coffee.
“I always try to stop at Big Bad Breakfast when I visit Oxford,” says Mississippian and Ole Miss fan Melanie Tristani. “I love to have breakfast here with my family before we head home. The food is amazing and the mood is great for conversation with loved ones.”
