Dining options - Oxford, OH (Home of Miami University)

LTH:

I have searched and couldn't find any recommendations from past posts. I will be in Oxford for five nights next week and I am hoping there are some grads or former natives of Oxford on the forum who can suggest some good dining options.

Thanks in advance,

Davooda

This thread covers an area that's easy driving distance from Miami. Hopefully, the university area has better eats than the area in general...if you do find something, please let us know - we'd love new options!

In Oxford, you are fairly close to both Dayton and Cincinnati. You might have greater luck in those areas rather than directly in Oxford.

I am sorry folks - I falied to note that my dining time is limited to :90 in the evening so I am really confined to Oxford proper. I won't have time to drive to Cincy or Dayton.

I will plan to sample the local fare - guided by local suggestion - and post upon my return for the edification of my fellow LTH-ers.

Thanks,
Davooda

I assume you've already researched this, but just to get it on the thread, the University of Miami has a restaurant list - admittedly, a kind of scary one, as the majority of the restaurants are national chains, and low-end ones at that. There do seem to be a few things to try, though.

If you're interested in local chains, there's always Skyline, though I can't speak to the quality of that particular one, (if you're a first-timer, start with a cheese coney) and LaRosa's, which I haven't eaten in years but I remember as a typical small-town pizza joint, a somewhat plainer version of Dave's Italian Kitchen in Evanston.

Oxford Miami's long been derided as an insular Greek-system run Uni. I attended/presented at a couple of conferences in the mid-90's(a national photography conference and a Grad Queer one)...met some amazing people(all out-of-towners like myself...that dinner at the Thai place with Barbara Smith was memorable) and saw every U of M stereotype in full flame. Food was nothing to write home about. For some reason, I don't imagine it's gotten any better.

I graduated from Miami in 2005, so assuming that the restaurants haven't changed, here are the noteworthy spots:

- La Bodega: Good sandwich shop with a "hippie" flair....think hummus, sprout salads, etc.
- Kona Bistro: Another nice place with a creative menu with a gourmet aesthetic
- Fiesta Charra: Cheap plated Mexican
- High Street Grill: One of the nicer places in town that people tend to bring parents, grandparents, etc. (in uptown)
- Steinkeller: authentic German style food with a good European beer selection, known for their fried pickle spears
- ??: Italian place across from the CAB building. Decent food, nicer setting
- ??: The restaurant in the Elms Hotel off of Main street is decent Italian in a pretty nice setting
- Skippers: good greasy bar food, great fries, gyros, etc.
- Bagel & Deli: steamed bagel sandwiches. Ever been to Chicago Bagel Authority in Chicago? It's a replica of Bagel & Deli....but the Oxford original is so much better if not overpriced
- Johnny's Deli: kind of far from things, but decent take-out sandwiches and pizza...epitome of late night drunk food
- Burrito Loco: similar to Fiesta Charra but not downtown
- Patterson Cafe (I think)....it's next to the United Dairy Farmers downtown: awesome breakfast
- China One: good bad Chinese food located next to the Kroger
- Pita something....located downtown. I'm pretty sure it's a chain but it's good. Get the falafel sandwich.

If you're there, I'd make time for Steinkeller, Skippers, Bagel & Deli, Kona and Patterson Cafe.

Places to ignore (in addition to the usual chain fare): Phan Shin (horrible Chinese), Brick Street (Sysco-tastic), SDS Pizza (dense undercooked pizza), Bruno's Pizza (unless you're drunk)

Hope you enjoy it!

Thanks everyone! It will be nice to have an idea of the dining landscape as I have never been to Oxford before. I will be sure to post upon my return.

Regards,
Davooda

Not sure if you've already been to Oxford, but I graduated from Miami two years ago and the only places in town that I would recommend are:

La Bodega for decent, healthy sandwiches and pastas

Uptown Cafe is an absolute MUST. Easily some of the best breakfast food I've ever had. It's located at the end of high street, and has excellent pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, etc... Expect a wait on the weekends.

For dinner, Kona is a you're only decent option in town.

Hopes this helps.

LTH-

The training conference I attended at Miami University was much more comprehensive than indicated and I didn't get a chance to sample the local fare (working until the wee hours). However, I must give props to the Miami University Carillon Catering Service that provides on-campus dining. The food, presentation, and service level was something I had not experienced before in a university setting. One luncheon buffet featured awesome barbacoa! I don't know if they ratchet it up for visitors, but we ate very well.

Sorry I can't add more to the body of information.

Davooda