Grove season is just around the corner, and there are plenty of little details to worry about when planning your tailgate. Whether you’re a host or a guest, food is a highlight of any fan’s game day. Make sure to plan ahead so you can keep your tent guests happy; or if you’re a visitor, food is always a welcome gift to bring to any party.
Oxford has no shortage of restaurants that offer catering services, and you can easily get a tasty variety of snacks to keep yourself and your friends well-fed. Here’s a roundup of our favorite local caterers to jump-start your party season.
A&N CATERING (ancateringms.com)
antailgate@gmail.com//662.701.9684
This husband-and-wife team consists of GRIT Chef Nick Reppond and Angie Sicurezza, who have tons of food service experience between the two of them. They can whip up a fabulous dream wedding, an elegant brunch party, or a killer tailgate menu to please anyone’s tastes. New to their tailgate menu this year is breakfast for the morning games, but their main focus is BBQ, which is literally pulled off the smoker the morning you need it (talk about fresh!).
Delivery? Tent delivery is available with a minimum purchase, and they ask for a 30-minute grace period (before or after requested delivery time). Or, you can pick up at GRIT in Taylor with no minimum order.
Deadline: Orders are due by noon the Wednesday before game day.
Bonus: A&N offers fully catered/attended tents (with full bar, bartenders, etc.) and real serving pieces (call for more details).
B’S BBQ (call or stop by for menu)
825 College Hill Rd.//662.236.7090
What can we say about B’s? It’s a well-known fact in the South that the best food often comes from a gas station, and B’s is certainly no exception. It’s a favorite of local athletes, police officers, students, firemen, journalists—well, you get the point. B’s was even referenced as having “the best gas station BBQ” in the hit film The Blind Side. Specializing in pulled pork by the pound, smoked chicken, and of course ribs, B’s is a no-brainer for your game day grub.
Delivery? No delivery available, you gotta pick it up!
Deadline: Bigger orders are due by Thursday at noon before game day, but they cook ribs all day, every day!
MAIN EVENT/CITY GROCERY CATERING (MainEventOxford.com)
1005 North Lamar Blvd.//citygrocerycatering@gmail.com//662.234.9300
Any local foodie knows that John Currence’s “Dine-asty” consists of some of the most sought-after food in town. Addicted to BBB’s biscuits or new doughnuts? Check. Craving those famous City Grocery Rosemary Pecans you had last Christmas? Done. The Main Event, the corporate office for the City Grocery Restaurant Group, houses the City Grocery Catering division of the James Beard Award-winning Chef John Currence. Enjoy your favorites from Big Bad Breakfast, Boure, City Grocery, and Snackbar all in one place!
Delivery? They don’t offer delivery directly, but coordinate with local delivery/tailgate companies.
Deadline: Orders are due by 5 pm Tuesdays before game day.
MOE’S (www.moesoriginalbbq.com)
311 South Lamar Blvd.//oxford@moesoriginalbbq.com//662.426.6465
Moe’s Original BBQ has been serving up casual, down-home Southern BBQ on the Square since September of 2017, and it has quickly become a local favorite. With homemade special sides, mouth-watering desserts, and tender, juicy BBQ, you can’t go wrong. Seriously, their Banana Pudding and Mississippi Mud Pie will make you wanna slap your neighbor!
Delivery: Twenty person minimum order for delivery.
Deadline: Contact the restaurant for more details.
MY MICHELLE’S (www.mymichellesoxford.com)
1308 North Lamar Blvd.//662.236.1512//phone orders only
My Michelle’s is going into their ninth football season serving Oxford and Ole Miss, and they have a little something for everyone. They’ve honed their menu to feature dishes that people love to eat in the Grove that will hold up the whole day and still taste great. My Michelle’s offers food that is simple, yummy, and appealing to your whole tent group.
Delivery? My Michelle’s partners with a delivery company that will meet you in the Grove and will dolly your food to your tent for a 25% service fee. Or, you can pick up at 1308 North Lamar.
Deadline: Delivery orders are due Friday the week before game day (7 days prior); pick up orders are due by noon on Wednesday before game day.
SOUTH DEPOT (southdepottacoshop.com)
1004 Van Buren Ave.//662.234.7886
Some days you just need tacos. It’s that simple. What do you do when the taco hunger strikes? Call South Depot Taco Shop, of course! You can transform your Grove tent into a taco fiesta that will make everyone’s mouths muy contento! With all the classic taco toppings, taco bars are an easy way to please everyone. Plus, you can order extras by the quart or pint, including all the proteins (even tofu!), fresh pico, guac, or queso. Salud!
Delivery? South Depot charges a delivery fee of $25.
Deadline: Contact the restaurant for tailgating details.
VOLTA (voltataverna.com)
710 North Lamar Blvd.//662.236.1871
Whether you are new to town or a seasoned local, we are certain that Volta Taverna will be on your regular dining rotation this fall. Who doesn’t love pita with hummus and spicy Greek pimiento cheese dip? You can also recreate the laid-back vibe of their famous patio at your Grove tent! With plenty of great finger food options that are sure to be a hit, Volta is Classic Oxford to the max.
Delivery: No delivery available, but you can pick up the morning of game day.
Deadline: Orders are due by Wednesday before the game.
Bonus: They sell their Margarita mix by the gallon (just add tequila), which is perfect for the Grove.
