38 College Towns with Food Scenes So Good, You'll Want To Extend Your Stay

19. Oxford, Mississippi — Southern Charm with a Gourmet Twist

Oxford is the heart of Mississippi’s deep food culture, and it has one of the most impressive food scenes in the South. With its historic town square packed with charming restaurants, there’s no shortage of good eats. City Grocery, owned by James Beard Award-winning chef John Currence, serves upscale Southern dishes that keep locals and visitors coming back. If you’re looking for the best fried chicken in town, head to Ajax Diner for a plate that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. For a literary and culinary experience in one, Snackbar offers inventive small plates inspired by local Mississippi flavors.