Rebel country

Contemporary with a deep South twist, 208 South Lamar is located just off the Oxford Square and beckons diners with its artsy neon sign. Entrees are a mix of seafood and traditional Southern cuisine, with the shrimp and grits a perennial favorite. Carolina crab cakes, blackened scallops, wasabi-pea crusted tuna and a salmon filet with creole mustard are just a few of the menu items that tempt diners who can catch their favorite game at the restaurant's bar.

Located in the heart of downtown Oxford, Abner's is a staple for both Oxonians and visitors in town alike. Their famous chicken tenders are liked by those of all ages, and they are accompanied by Abner's famous sauce, which is one-of-a-kind. Around town, you'll see this food everywhere: in the Grove during football games, at parties on huge catered trays, or basically anywhere.

If you are looking for a delicious southern cuisine with much variety, then Ajax is the place to go. Serving everything from catfish to red beans and rice to simple vegetable plates, Ajax has the best soul food in town. The booths and unique decor give the restaurant a comfortable, genuine feel. It's too easy to get used to the delicious, moderately priced food in the middle of Oxford.

Today's Ole Miss students can catch an early breakfast or Saturday night dinner at a restaurant their parents probably frequented as Rebels: The Beacon, a home-styled, plate lunch classic in Oxford. From hearty pancake breakfasts to sandwiches to chicken and vegetables, The Beacon specializes in home cooking like your grandma served up. The diner is a favorite with year-round Oxford residents, but students who drive just a bit farther down North Lamar will find it well worth driving a few minutes beyond campus. Homemade desserts put the finishing touches on a meal at The Beacon.

The Blind Pig Pub and Deli, conveniently located on Oxford Square, is more than a sandwich place. It also is known for its live music featuring local acts. The gourmet sandwiches and salads, however, offer a welcome respite for the many shoppers and the Ole Miss game-day crowds who converge on the Square, and you'd be hard-pressed not to find a beer you like to accompany it.

Featuring entrees both Southwestern and with an Asian flair, The Bluepan Grille is located right off Oxford's historic Square and is a welcome addition for those looking for eclectic, contemporary fare on a ballgame weekend or after a hard afternoon of shopping. Start your experience in the trendy, New York-styled lounge area, where big-screen TVs make keeping up with the ballgame a breeze. Move on to the menu, which offers a variety for all palates, from cayenne chicken to the favorite blackberry duck, pan-seared duck topped with a blackberry duck sauce and served with wild rice pilaf. The noodle dishes include the truffled cheese sacchetti, composed of truffled cheeses and sides of squash, zucchini and tomato. The desserts change up with the seasons. Reservations aren't required, but definitely recommended during football weekends.

Located on Oxford's historic Square, the Bottletree Bakery makes visitors feel right at home with huge cinnamon rolls, homemade granola and a variety of healthy juices. Bottletree serves up deli-style sandwiches and chips for lunch on different breads cooked fresh on the premises. Its comfortable, casual atmosphere lends itself to shoppers and students.

Offering both contemporary and traditional entrees, Boure conveys both a touch of elegance and a warm welcome to visitors. An attentive waitstaff gives it an uptown feel - but those sitting at its full bar can enjoy their favorite game or athletic event on several televisions. The varied menu includes both classic American cuisine and a touch of the Cajun, such as the delicious barbecued shrimp. Located just off Oxford Square on North Lamar, it's a favorite destination on game weekends and shopping trips.

Described as "eclectic new Southern cuisine" on the restaurant's website, City Grocery is a unique restaurant found on the Square in Oxford. Shrimp and grits is the specialty, with a varied assortment of other selections found on the menu as well.

Begun in 1993 by Ole Miss grad Scott Brennan, Coop De Ville is a wonderland of buffalo wings, chicken tenders, signature subs and salads. Its 35 varieties of wings include Death, Garlic Pepper, Plum, Cajun Alfredo and more, priced at $7.50 for a dozen. They're served with a side of celery sticks or fries, plus ranch or bleu cheese dressing. There's a full repertoire of salads, appetizers, and subs such as the Love Me Tender, featuring chicken tenders draped with mozzarella. Little chicks can order from the kids' menu; don't forget dessert.

This upscale restaurant, located on the Square in Oxford, is located in a historic building. Perhaps this adds to some of the charm of Downtown Grill. Offering entrees such as horseradish crusted salmon and catfish lafitte, the restaurant also offers an extensive wine list.

Kabuki offers the city’s only hibachi grill dining and is one of only two true sushi restaurants. A new gleaming interior beckons diners to this Japanese restaurant off Jackson Avenue, and the staff aims to please. Kabuki’s bar is fast becoming a favorite gathering place.

This New York-style pizzeria is complimented by low lighting and a decidedly Italian atmosphere. Along with pizza favorites, L'Amore offers calzones, sandwiches, salads and traditional Italian fare. It's conveniently located on Oxford Square and a favorite lunch stop for area shoppers.

People don't just flock to McAlister's Deli for its famous sweet tea served up in a huge plastic cup adorned with a lemon wedge. Theu also come for the deli sandwiches on assorted breads, the huge baked potatoes stuffed with veggies or cheese, and for the salads, soups and appetizers including sumptious nachos. Founded in 1989 in Oxford in a former gas station, McAlister's has truly taken off as a family favorite. Its menu features something for everyone, including the pickiest of kids.

Chicken 65? Gobi Manchuria? They’re but two of the specialties found on the menu of Maharaja Indian Cuisine. Marinated meats, a plethora of native Indian spices and the aroma of homemade Indian bread make a visit to Maharaja memorable. Those unfamiliar with the cuisine might want to try the buffet to see what best suits their taste buds. Remember, though: Spicy at Maharaja really means spicy!

Those who demand authentic Lebanese cuisine will be hard pressed to find better than the dishes that come from the hands of Marie Husni. Her skills honed in her mother’s kitchen in Lebanon, Husni nurtures a genuine Lebanese atmosphere in her well-loved restaurant that offers heart-healthy and vegetarian dishes but doesn’t skimp on the meat. From her signature casseroles to the time-honored kebbeh, a baked delicacy of ground beef or lamb, cracked wheat and pine nuts, Husni and her restaurant are treasured by students and longtime residents alike.

With its original flagship founded in Oxford, Newk's Express Cafe gives diners a wide choice of specialty sandwiches, salads, soups. pizzas and scrumptious desserts. Portions are quite large, as diners will see when they order a "cup" of soup. Drinks come in huge plastic cups, and refills are free. It's hard to leave room for the array of brownies, Rice Krispie treats and cakes on display at the front counter.

Old Venice, as it is commonly called, is located on the Square in Oxford. The building and atmosphere of the restaurant is almost serene, yet also bustling and exciting. Specialty pizzas and pastas comprise the majority of the menu, which also contains salads and sandwiches. There is an excellent selection of wines, and in a setting like this, one could easily settle in for a relaxing and enjoyable evening.

Serving a variety of pasta, seafood, salads, and more, Pearl Street is found off the Square. Inside, you are taken into a whole new world; besides a bar and dinner tables everywhere, unique art covers the wall and the dimly lit room gives the restaurant a comfortable yet fancy atmosphere. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a date, or anything, Pearl Street Pasta is the perfect fit for a night out on the town for a lovely meal.

It's not in the same location as it was a few decades ago, but Pizza Den in Oxford is still a restaurant that's been enjoyed by generations of Ole Miss students and Oxford families. Although its name says pizza, many come there for the sandwiches and the pasta. The stromboli, the lasagna and the spaghetti are perennial favorites, and those who don't want to eat in can always take advantage of Pizza Den's evening delivery service. It's open until 11, an hour past many Oxford eateries.

Oxford's only steakhouse is located not too far from the Square. Serving everything from fish to lobster to, of course, steaks, Prime's a la carte menu aims to please. Also, there is an extensive dessert and dessert drink menu, with offerings such as Key lime cheesecake and chocolate martinis, not to mention a full wine list with other cocktails as well. All in all, Prime is more than a restaurant; it's an experience.

Voted Best Live Music Venue in the July/August 2007 issue of Mississippi Magazine, Proud Larry's in Oxford lives up to the honor. Employees pride Proud Larry's on being the main music venue in the city, with both regional and national acts offering up rock, jazz, R&B and whatever else is hot. Pair your music with burgers, salads, hand-tossed pizza and pastas, and happy hour rolls around every day except Saturday from 4-7. The happy hour specials include $1 High Life, $2.50 margaritas, $2-a-pint Lazy Magnolia on Mondays. On Tuesdays from 5:30-10, it's 2-for-1 domestic beer and well wines, and even 2-for-1 burgers and pizza slices. Take in some video games; sit on the patio. Go for the Proud Larry's Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m

Three Guys Pizza isn't fancy, and the decor will not grab you, but the pizza will. The restaurant offers gourmet pizza specialties, such as Chicken Alfredo, that compliment the usual staples such as cheese and pepperoni. A full salad bar is available, and leftovers can be boxed up to go. Three Guys is located on the edge of campus, making it a convenient destination for the college crowd, especially with its late hours: midnight Sunday-Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday and Friday.

Famous for the Tuesday night trivia, not to mention delicious sushi, Two Stick is one Japanese restaurant you want to visit. There is also a bar, to complement the Asian food, as well as live music on occasion. Two Stick is much more than a restaurant; when coming here, it is an event. Whether it's a date, a girls' night out, or simply trivia night, you're guaranteed a night of fun and good food when you're here.

Greek food is hard to come by in Oxford, but Volta more than makes up for that very lack of options. Serving hummus, gyros, and many more traditional ethnic foods, Volta has unique atmosphere. Even though it is located in an old service station, the idea of the original building is deceiving since the patio and decor on the inside are completely charming. Simply put, Volta's eccentricities make it a restaurant that will keep you coming back for more.

One of Oxford's newest fine dining establishments, Waltz on the Square offers an elegant atmosphere and an attractively presented array of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Examples include the Tandoori crawfish, served with avocado, sun-dried tomatoes sauce and spirali pasta, or the Sicilian swordfish with saffron risotto, tomatoes, capers, golden raisins and salmoriglio sauce. She-Crab soup and appetizers such as Shanghai shrimp compliment the meal, and then there's the desserts, among them frangelico creme brulee and French Market beignets. Waltz on the Square's bar and lounge is relaxed and comfortable, yet beautifully appointed.