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The Oxford
The hallmark of a gastropub is an adventurous twist on familiar food made from scratch with honest ingredients. We prefer a straightforward bill of fare that leaves room for experimentation. Its as adventurous as you want to be. Fancy or simple, the dishes are all reasonably priced. We serve a menu having a world beat that is unpretentious and equally inviting to regulars and families with strollers in tow. Gastro pubs are not 'see and be seen' venues but more 'come as you are' places. In short, bridging the gap between traditional Pubs and upscale Restaurants. A Cuisine-conscious tavern, specializing in high-quality food a step above basic 'pub grub'
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52 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 52 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(23)
- fit for foodies(20)
- vibrant bar scene(17)
- hot spot(13)
- special occasion(13)
- great for brunch(11)
The Oxford Reviews List
Review 1 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Sunday Brunch!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I highly recommend this restaurant for its Sunday brunch for a couple or for a group. The food was flavorful and a large variety of dishes were offered at the buffet. The live jazz added to the ambience.
This was my second visit and all buffet items were together in an upper area of the restaurant during my first visit. During this visit the buffet stations were in several areas, making it more difficult to locate all of the food.
Overall, this was a great dining experience."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
gotta have it !
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I'm not sure if this was my best meal ever but it was in the top 5. I was at a conference in Raleigh but if I ever get back there I WILL return to the Oxford."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 3 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I always thoroughly enjoy The Oxford because it has consistently delivered great food and great service. Their drinks are also great and averagely priced (not too cheap, not too expensive). The inside has a great set up and they have decent outdoor seating. It would be good to have fewer picnic tables and more regular tables/chairs, but it's still comfortable. I love to take people here who are visiting because it's unique and an overall great "food" experience."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining
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Review 4 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went to The Oxford late afternoon, for a post graduation meal. Not exactly the best time to provide a thorough review as the dining room was not open and the crowd was thin. The service was very good, and the food was as well, but given that the place was pretty empty hard to get a feel for what it is like overall. Will definitely keep it on the list to get back to as I have a good feeling about the place, would like to prove that right (or wrong)"
Dined on 6/11/2013
2012
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Review 5 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service with a smile!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Dinner during a weekend trip to Meymandi for the ballet. Food very good with decent offerings for vegetarian me and much satisfaction for the carnivore in the group. But it was service from our wonderful server that made us come back. INCLUDING a scotch suggestion that has not converted me from my favorite bourbon (I'm a Woodford girl!) but came pretty darned close!
Music was pleasant, subdued, no difficulty hearing dinner companions--as am hearing-impaired this is appreciated! Complimentary amuse bouche, desserts to die for---will definitely be back!"
Music was pleasant, subdued, no difficulty hearing dinner companions--as am hearing-impaired this is appreciated! Complimentary amuse bouche, desserts to die for---will definitely be back!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good brunch........
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Just enough choices for a good brunch. Fresh made omelets and waffles were very good. Good basic breakfast and lunch selections. Especially liked the sweet potato home fries. About 4 or 5 dessert selections, very good red velvet and key lime pastries. Just be aware that beverages are not included and they also charge you a 18% tip which is not what I pay when I have to get up to get my own food."
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly
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Review 7 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great location downtown Raleigh
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great location on Fayetteville Street and easy to walk to from the convention center. Met friends and were seated immediately. Host staff very friendly, waiter did a decent job (did mess up 1 order but apologized and corrected the issue), food was steaming hot and tasty, good size portions, range of item prices. Only minor complaint was the chair cushion was worn out and felt like I was sitting on the side bars of the seat kinda like down in a hammock but it wasn't a deal breaker! :)"
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 8 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
OXFORD
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Too noisy--too much salt in Shepard's Pie. Excellent service."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 9 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a surprise!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My friend and I were in town for the weekend and looking around for somewhere for dinner. I hadn't been in downtown Raleigh for awhile and, based on past experience, wasn't expecting there to be much choice. However, I had walked by The Oxford earlier in the day and thought it might be a possibility. Talk about blind luck!
The place says it serves something a step above pub food. I've eaten put food. I LIKE pub food. This is a step above pub food like the Hope diamond is a step above a zircon. The tastes were surprising and yet just right. I had the tomato bisque with Camembert (I think). Outstanding. Not just your mother's tomato bisque. :-) And the bangers and mash were awesome. I highly recommend The Oxford."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 10 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The service was okay, the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was okay, the outdoor dining was awful. There was an awful smell, the waitress barely ever came by, and there was an obnoxiously loud party at the table behind us. The food was tasty, but I wouldn't go back because the experience was so poor."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 11 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The only complaint I would
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"The only complaint I would have is that the bar area was loud!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 12 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Food in Town! A gem!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I love your food, it does not disappoint. Each time I eat there, I wonder why it is not
more crowded. I brought a guest...the first thing she asked after tasting your food is why isn't this place packed?
more crowded. I brought a guest...the first thing she asked after tasting your food is why isn't this place packed?
The only dissapointment this time was the arugula salad with goat cheese..this time did nto seem as fresh and walnutes had about 1/2 inch of sugar on them...maybe they were stuck inthe bottom of a container...."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 13 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect for any occasion!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our first time eating here and was recommended to me by a radio personality. In a word, our overall experience was excellent. The food was delicious. The service was very good. Our server was incredibly polite, knew the ins and outs of the menu, and checked on us quite frequently to insure everything was going good. I would definitely (and actually already have) recommend this restaurant to others."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This is a hard review to write,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is a hard review to write, as we really like this restaraunt a lot. But perhaps Sunday night is not the best time to visit. Our appetizers were very good (Chicken Osso Bucco & Calamari) and most of the main course was fine. I wss disappointed with the roasted vegetables that were served with the lamb meatloaf (very good). My wife had the Gnocchi and she loved it. I thought the sauce was a little to sweet for my tastes. While she ate all the Gnocchi she left some of the sauce on the plate. Anyway we'll come back again but probably never on a Sunday."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2006
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Review 15 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pub menu has some additional
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Pub menu has some additional menu options, but you have to request a copy of the pub menu or they don't bring it automatically."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 16 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I was a little disappointed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was a little disappointed with the Sunday brunch. The food was average. Not a great variety. The bacon looked good, but it had been over cooked and dried out. Tasted like it had been sitting for a long time. The best item was the belgian waffle."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2012
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Review 17 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We celebrated my daughter's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We celebrated my daughter's 20th birthday and we were unbelievably surprised and impressed by the wonderful food, the live band and the incredible service and great price. I think I love this place!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 18 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A short walk from the Meymundi
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A short walk from the Meymundi and Fletcher Auditoriums and the Raleigh Convention Center, Oxford offers generously portioned Pub Grub with a gourmet twist. Try the Bangers and Mash with house-made chicken sausage and Branston pickle that will have you licking the plate for the last morsel. Desserts are lucious with the creme brulee being twice the size of the usual restaurant portion. The night we visited (and it was early) the place was busy (regional volleyball tournament and mock trials in town), but the knowledgeable waitstaff never missed a beat. A table with out of control kids was neatly and discreetly corralled. We will be back soon."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, hot spot
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Review 19 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A very pleasant surprise.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A very pleasant surprise. Helpful, accommodating staff. Esp noteworthy is the wide array and amazing range of menu items. Something for every taste and style, fr Southern comfort food to exotic and unusual dishes not normally seen at pub-type/sports bar restaurants. Everything well-prepared and nicely presented. Also nice variety of dining area options, fr active bar scene to more intimate dining room choices."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 20 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The upscale pub food was very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The upscale pub food was very good. Even though it is upscale, I still found it to be a little pricy."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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Review 21 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely. Steak was GREAT, the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lovely. Steak was GREAT, the staff was friendly and more than accommodating. Wine selection was standard, and despite daily options I don't recommend dessert... But a stellar experience overall, would definitely recommend for a first date/regular date night spot."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I wish the food was a little
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I wish the food was a little better and that they offered non pork breakfast meats other than chicken. Overall the food was good but things kept getting low (such as bowls for lobster bisque that was all that tasty and was low also). It seemed that they may have been short staffed in this day because we saw only the same guy going back and forth to refill food items that were low."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 23 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was interesting, creative,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was interesting, creative, and delicious!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 24 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
amilies, and friends to go
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"amilies, and friends to go get a great Sunday brunch. While you are eating you get to enjoy the sounds of a live jazz band. The best way to get into the Oxford is make reservations, if you dont there is no garauntee that you will be able to dine there."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 25 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My wife and I both enjoyed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I both enjoyed our food quite a bit. This is the second time we've tried steak prepared by Chef Hill, and it's been outstanding both times. I tried the lamb meatloaf this time and it also was excellent.
Service was good and the wine and drink selection is fairly good."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 26 for The Oxford
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was great. The menu was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was great. The menu was very creative and many options complemented each other. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Dining area is good but not totally separate form the bar. If you are looking for good food in a lively environment. This is your place."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Oxford
Based on the average of (26) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic