Popular Nightlife in Oxford, Ohio

Oxford, Ohio is known for its bustling nightlife. Not too surprising for it being a college town. However, that certainly doesn't mean only college students enjoy the bar scene. (After all, we're only here 8 months out of the year!) With over 15 bars in Oxford, there's a place for everyone!

Each bar has a very different and distinct personality. Depending on what kind of night you want, you'll want to choose the bar accordingly. Some of the bars are great for relaxing with a glass of wine while others tempt you into a wild night out. When I first came to Miami, I had absolutely no idea there were such a variety of establishments here. A few are tucked away and difficult to find--hidden gems of Oxford, if you will. I've compiled this list of some of the most popular nightlife in Oxford to help you navigate!

Bar 1868

13 W High St

Bar 1868, formerly Cellar Bar, was rebranded and revamped over the summer! They're open from Wednesdays to Saturdays with different drink specials each night. Enjoy a monthly drag show on Wednesday nights and a weekly DJ on Fridays and Saturdays! There are two pool tables to keep you occupied and plenty of tables and chairs to sit and chat at.

Cru Gastro Lounge

105 W Spring St

Cru is Oxford's first wine bar. They offer 20 varieties of wine and 26 specialty beers, in addition to other spirits. However, they don't just serve drinks; they also have appetizers, main dishes and gluten-free options available for order. There is plenty of available seating, but because they don't take reservations it's a first-come-first-serve basis. If you're looking for an extra-large pour, join their Big A** Wine Club, and stop by for happy hour every day from 4 PM - 7 PM!

Circle Towne Tavern

15 E High St

This tavern is more commonly known as Circle Bar. This bar is a favorite for locals, making it a bit of a hidden gem. It can be accessed through the green alley door near Mac & Joe's or through Steinkeller. While you take advantage of the full bar, you can also order food from the menus at Mac & Joe's or Steinkeller and have it delivered right there to you! There are darts and TVs in the bar to pass the time while you grab a drink.

O'Pub

10 W Park Pl

O'Pub is a bit of an Oxford secret. It's located down an alley with no signs to guide you. It's best known for Wednesday Wine Nights, but Trivia Tuesday is also gaining popularity. The interior is nearly all wooden, bringing in an older yet classy feel. It's a place to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the other more mainstream bars.

Top Deck

121 E High St

You might be familiar with Skipper's, but do you know Top Deck? To get to Top Deck, head to the left of the patio at Skipper's and go up the stairs. This bar is known for its Wednesday Trivia Nights. Gather a group of friends and put your knowledge to the test! There's also pool, darts, a DJ, rotating drink specials and catering available for rental events. And don't forget: no cover fees!

The Woods & Sidebar

17 N Poplar St

Although the Woods has been around for years, it's still lovingly referred to as "New Bar" by everyone who frequents it. The patio out front is constantly bustling whenever there's even a hint of nice weather (although... even when there's not, people often brave mother nature for a seat at the picnic tables). Inside the bar, booths and tables line the perimeter and you can find a small stage in the back corner. The mysterious door inside New Bar, constantly guarded by a bouncer, connects you to Sidebar. Sidebar is restricted to those who are 21 and up. Visitors can also enter from an outside door by the front patio. Sidebar has a fenced-in back patio with lots of extra seating. On Friday and Saturday evenings, after Beat the Clock at Brick Street, you can find Broken Clock at both bars, which is their version of happy hour.

Brick Street

36 E High St

Brick Street is one of Miami students' favorite 18 and up bars, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun for everyone. The rotating themes draw people in nearly every night of the week. Mondays call for singing your heart out at karaoke (I promise nobody is judging you!). Dance it out on Tuesdays for EDM night. Country night falls on Wednesdays, often with live music! Thursdays are babes and bulls, which means no cover fees for ladies (perfect for a girls' night out) and red bull specials. On Friday and Saturday, Beat the Clock starts at noon. This tradition means drink specials are $1 until 1 o'clock, then $2 until 2 o'clock, and so on until 4 o'clock.

Woody's One Up Bar

11 S Main St

If you say you're going to Woody's One Up Bar, chances are nobody's going to know where in the world you're talking about! Although its official name changed when it was bought out years ago, people still know and love it as Pachinkos (or Chanks). Although this bar has no sign, somehow people still find their way to the wooden patio and up the stairs to the entrance of this well-loved bar. It's known for its signature O-bombs, but it offers plenty of other drinks as well. When it's not completely packed, you'll find a pool table to pass the time. However, when the bar is at its busiest peak, the pool table's removed to make way for everyone's dance moves.

Mac & Joe's

21 E. High St.

If you were to rewind about 72 years ago you would find Oxford's oldest tavern, Mac & Joe's, serving 3.2 beer with crushed peanuts covering the floor. Today, this establishment is a favorite for alumni, residents, and students alike. All grown up, Mac & Joe's now offers a full bar and weekly specials like Pint Night. Additionally, their pub grub cannot be beat with beloved menu items such as the Mac Bits (fried macaroni and cheese). Their downstairs is no stranger to live music, making it the perfect venue for a night out.

As always, remember to drink responsibly and call a cab if you need to. Have fun and be safe!

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Written Nov. 30, 2018
By Melanie Oesch
Enjoy Oxford Public Relations Intern