For college students in Oxford, deciding where to eat often comes down to one simple question: Is it worth the money?
With restaurant prices continuing to feel impossibly high almost everywhere, some of Oxford’s most familiar local spots stand out not just for their flavor, but because they consistently offer meals that seem worth paying for.
To compare a few local favorites, arts and culture writer Gage Vieno scored four restaurants on their signature American comfort foods in three distinct categories — affordability, flavor and portion size — all on a 10-point scale. The overall score for each restaurant was derived by averaging the scores across all three categories.
Affordability concerned how expensive the meal was relative to similar options in Oxford, with lower-cost menu items earning higher scores. Flavor was based on overall taste and texture, including freshness. Portion size considered how satisfying each order was and whether the serving seemed proportional to the price.
No. 1 — Handy Andy
Handy Andy came in first with an overall score of 7.7. While the flavor was not explosive, the serving size was. A plate with a cheeseburger, mac and cheese and french fries cost under $12 after tax.
The old-school barbeque joint on North Lamar Boulevard may not be flashy, but that is part of its charm. Quick service, solid portions and burgers that are consistent in quality and fairly priced are difficult to pass on in today’s Oxford.
No. 2 (Tie) — Phillips Grocery and Taylor Grocery
Phillips Grocery earned a 7.3 overall. While its menu items are quite similar to Handy Andy’s, Phillips Grocery fell to the No. 2 spot due to its somewhat higher prices. A meal consisting of a single-patty burger, fries and a dipping sauce cost around $14, which did not measure highly against competitors in the affordability category scores.
Just outside of Oxford in Taylor, Miss., Taylor Grocery also earned an overall score of 7.3. The fried catfish with fried okra and hushpuppies earned a flavor score of nine — the highest among meals on this list.
However, that quality came at a cost. With an affordability score of five, this was the most expensive option on the list at $17. Its portion size score was an eight, as the meal was solid and filling. It is up to budget-conscious students to decide if flavor and heartiness justify a higher price.
No. 4 — Sammy’s Gourmet Deli & Gyro
Sammy’s Gourmet Deli & Gyro’s received a 6.7 overall. Their foot-long pastrami sandwich received one of the highest portion scores in the group with a nine.
However, the sandwich was not remarkably tasty, nor was the vanilla milkshake, which cost an additional $7. Paired with the sandwich, which cost $14, this was a relatively pricey meal.
In Oxford, a town with no shortage of culinary options, affordability is just one part of the equation. A lower price can certainly bring customers in the door, but taste and portions often dictate whether a meal feels “worth it” after the food is gone and the bill is paid. For students especially, that balance matters.
