(OXFORD, MS)— Coffee. It’s the first thought each morning in the minds of many and is a staple in the culture of the city of Oxford. From Lafayette County farmers to Ole Miss business majors the Oxford coffee scene is a growing convention. But what IS the best cup of coffee in Oxford? Several factors come into play, but the answer is: There isn’t one. Different people need a different experience. Here, we break down which coffee shops are suited for the different ingredients in the melting pot that is Oxford, Miss. (in no particular order).
Big Bad Breakfast – John Currence has been a staple in the Oxford culinary scene for years now, and doesn’t disappoint with his latest venture. BBB offers great-tasting, sophisticated food with a laid back atmosphere. The coffee is reasonably priced and they keep late hours (7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.), considering they only serve breakfast food. A little off the beaten path, BBB is perfect for those visiting for sporting or social events or for locals wishing to treat themselves by upgrading from the usual stale Pop-Tarts and cereal. Be sure to get there with plenty of time, though, because hundreds throughout the town share my affection for this particular cup of coffee.
Bottletree Bakery – When you think “Oxford coffee shop,” you think “Bottletree Bakery.” Located just off of the Oxford Town Square, Bottletree is the epitome of Oxford culture and thus its coffee scene. The coffee is imported each month from Oregon and the walls are adorned by the eclectic art of local artists or the infamous Dr. Bob of New Orleans. If there’s a price on it, then it’s for sale. The food matches the artwork and Bottletree offers lunch food as well as breakfast: a definite plus. An added convenience is a coffee pot located near the front door where a quick cup is the cost of an honors system donation. This is a great added convenience for those who are grabbing their morning fix on the run. Overall, the Bottletree experience is a great way to start off the day on the Square- the same place you ended the night.
Beacon – A bit different from our previous two choices, but still an Oxford staple. As its name suggests, Beacon is a gathering place for its faithful who usually fit the mold of the Lafayette county farmer or everyone’s favorite grandfather. Want to know what’s really happening in Oxford? This is the place to be for breakfast or an afternoon cup of coffee. The food is what is expected from the country-esque restaurant with scrambled eggs, grits, bacon, toast and everything else we grew up eating south of the Mason-Dixon line. Friendly service and a down-home atmosphere make Beacon a great dining experience as a taste of home when it’s the end of football season and you haven’t been home since you moved to Oxford in August. A review I read best sums it up: “I worked [at Beacon] in college. I learned more about life and people working there than I probably have anywhere else.”
So, there you have the top three coffee experiences in Oxford. The greatest thing about our coffee scene is that there are also various franchises throughout town such as Starbucks in the Student Union, two Uptown Coffee locations, fast food such as McDonald’s and the newest edition: IHOP, which will open on Jackson Avenue in April 2011. The coffee is great, but taste is merely a contributing factor that goes along with convenience, utility an overall atmosphere. Coffee shops are a staple in our culture, and their increase in number and variety only suggests greater diversity we strive for and pride ourselves on throughout the Oxford/Lafayette/University community.
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