What's the best place to eat near campus on game day? 🍔

[PatrickCors]

I'm bringing my dad to Oxford for his first Ole Miss game this fall and I want to impress him. He's not really a football guy, but he loves food. So my game plan is: show him the Grove, take him to a killer meal, and hope the game-day energy converts him.

I've been researching but there are SO many options. According to Niche student reviews, the best food spots mentioned are:

• Chick-Fil-A (solid but basic)
• The Grill at 1810 (what is this?)
• Subway (c'mon, that's not special)
• Einstein Bagels (for breakfast maybe)
• Panda Express (really?)
• Qdoba (okay getting warmer)

Someone also mentioned "The new JC" which I think is a dining hall? That's probably not impressive to a dad.

One review said "Off Campus Options are Amazing" and 12% of students voted for that . So off-campus is where it's at.

I need insider info. What's the one restaurant in Oxford that will make my dad say "okay, I get why you love this place"? Not too fancy, not too casual. Good food, good vibe, memorable.

Also, do I need reservations on game day? I'm guessing everything is insane. What time should we eat? Before the game? During? After? I'm from out of state and have zero local knowledge. Help a guy impress his dad!

 

[KenBurt]

For a dad who loves food, take him to Saint Leo. Wood-fired Italian, incredible vibe, and it's relatively new so he probably hasn't heard of it. It's on East Jackson and has huge windows, great bar, amazing pasta. Get there early or make a reservation because game day waits are insane. It's elevated but not stuffy. Perfect "I'm an adult now" energy for a dad visit.