This place has had the best food, friendliest service, and most relaxing atmosphere since I started going in 1998. I cannot go to Oxford without stopping by. It's like eating at your grandmas. read more

Ajax diner is located in The Square at Oxford. Parking is mostly paid although I hear now there is a deck that is free. Stopped in today with the family on a college visit. Heard we had to try Ajax, the diner, not the soap. We stopped in for lunch before heading to Nashville airport to come home. The diner is about what you'd expect inside. Old, kitschy and full of decor. We sat in a booth an were greeted by a waitress promptly for drink orders. Cokes and waters. They deliver the coke in a neat Ajax cup. I ordered the chicken fried steak. Wife ordered the chicken and dumplings and step son ordered catfish. Everything arrived very quickly and everything was hot and southern deliciousness, except the corn bread. The corn bread was dry and not very good at all. Pretty sure it was yesterday's leftover bread or someone needs to pull it 5 minutes sooner from the oven. Unanimous at the table, Everton e had garb corn bread. No big deal. The chicken fried steak was full of flavor and cooked perfectly. Gravy was great and the red beans and rice side was awesome. All great flavors. Wife loved the chicken and dumplings, good flavor and tender chicken. She got a side of sweet potato casserole and loved it. I had a bite and it was delicious for certain. Step son had the fried catfish, he is not a big seafood eater but he absolutely loves the catfish. I had a big piece and it was cooked perfectly and tasted great as well. The staff was outstanding, the service was great and the food was excellent sans the cornbread. Ajax is a neat little diner in the heart of Oxford. It's a little pricey as is everything in this college town, but it was worth the visit. read more

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We rolled into The Diner in Oxford, Mississippi, looking for some Southern comfort and maybe a few extra pounds of nostalgia. Thankfully, Zoe--our server and instant favorite human--was on duty. She was attentive, helpful, and the kind of person who somehow keeps everyone's coffee cup full without you ever seeing her do it. If they gave out Michelin stars for charm, she'd have at least two. Now, let's talk about those chicken and dumplings. I don't say this lightly: best I've ever had. Creamy, hearty, and clearly made by someone who knows both the recipe and the rhythm of Sunday afternoons. The hash brown casserole had the right idea--cheesy, comforting--but the potatoes could've used another minute or two in the oven to live their best life. The squash casserole? Flavorful, but it came on strong, like a dinner guest who keeps telling the same story a little too loud. My colleague went for the pot roast, and between bites, she said, "This tastes like my grandmother's." That's a high compliment--though her grandma probably didn't plate it with sides that felt like they were still in rehearsal. All in all, The Diner delivers what you come for: warm service, hearty food, and a sense that time slows down just enough to let your waistband expand. Not perfect, but perfectly Southern. read more

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At the recommendation of several friends, we went here for our first meal in Oxford while visiting Ole Miss. I ordered the catfish with sides of fried okra and squash casserole, along with jalapeño corn bread, paired with w local beer. Everything was delicious but the catfish was a standout for me, perfect amount of coating seasoned well and the filet was thick and tender. I also really enjoyed the corn bread and okra. The squash was recommended by a friend, and it was tasty but not my favorite. My kids enjoyed their burgers & fries and my husband had the shrimp po boy, which he liked. We were too full for dessert. The service was very friendly, but not fussy. The ambiance is casual, and there was no wait to get in on a regular Tuesday night (I imagine game day might be crazy), you just seat yourself. Saw many folks in there with younger kids, so it looked friendly for all ages. read more

Ajax Diner - Fried catfish, fried okra, jalapeño cornbread, squash casserole, tartar sauce, lemon. - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

This place was really good. Definitely a down casual place. They have a bar and a big dining area but still was pretty packed. The staff were friendly and attentive. The service was fast and the food was very good. The green beans were a bit overcooked but they tasted good. The jalapeño cornbread was a bit drier but still good. The catfish was very good. Overall definitely a place I would like to come back to when I come back to visit. read more

Ajax Diner - Catfish plate (hash brown casserole, green beans and jalapeño cornbread) - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

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While roaming Oxford Ms. we decided to pop into Ajax for a quick beer. The staff was welcoming and bar conversation was fun! The art inside is fun and quirky. Ajax is located on the square in Oxford. read more

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Wow, unbelievable great customer service and amazing delicious food. Can't ask for any more than that can you? They what I call "country food". It where you can get food like a meat and 2 or 3 vegetables. Along with sweet tea. It's also what I call a "mom and pop" type restaurant. It's not a franchise I don't think. But a lot of people I know come here that I know. Lots of people who go to Ole Miss come here. In fact, some come here when they got to the Ole Games like football and basketball. So, if you are just passing through Oxford or going to Ole Miss, I recommend coming here. Great restaurant, great customer service and great atmosphere. read more

Ajax Diner - Updated menu prices as of 11/11/2024 - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

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Great classic old school restaurant in the heart of Oxford Mississippi. We went for lunch on a Friday afternoon and the square was buzzing. Luckily when we got to Ajax Diner we were able to snag a table quickly - its seat yourself. They have a nice beer, wine and cocktail menu - we each had a Stella Artois beer and shared a Lemonade Margarita (super tasty). For lunch we had the pork chop lunch plate (comes with 2 sides - we got okra and mashed potatoes) and the fried shrimp po boy with fries and a side of okra. The okra was perfectly cooked - not soggy at all. The shrimp was lightly battered which I personally prefer. The bread was incredibly soft and all together the po boy was really really good. The pork chop plate also was cooked perfectly and delicious. Each lunch was just under $20 which is super reasonable. Fun place to have lunch and the service was impeccable. A must stop if in Oxford! read more

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Visited here on the advice of a trusted Rebel alum (Hotty Toddy!) I had the catfish entree. My friend had the meatloaf. Amazing food. Huge portions. Nice divey atmosphere. The service was cheerful but kind of forgot about once our food landed. You simply can't let the glasses of iced tea run out. I would definitely return here. read more

Ajax Diner - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

Ajax came highly recommended from a friend. I ate there on a Wednesday- the place was not busy, no excuse for the food quality. Having lived in and being a fan of all things Texas, I consider myself a chicken fried steak connoisseur. That was on the menu, and that was my order- "do you want white gravy?" Of course I do, no other gravy goes on a CFS. I did vary it up and skipped mashed potatoes for their hashbrown casserole, and fried okra for the other side. The meal was on the table in an extraordinarily fast time, maybe 3 minutes which I thought was odd. The CFS was almost perfectly round, which indicates that they don't make it fresh in house, but rather a pre-breaded pressed patty thing frozen and out of a bag. The gravy was kind of yellow, definitely not white CFS gravy. It was like some sort of turkey gravy left over from a past Thanksgiving. Taste was not good, barely mediocre at best. The hashbrown casserole was by far the worst thing on the plate. It tasted like a chemical, searing and bitter. I wonder if they grilled onions on a grill that had been doused in grill cleaner and hadn't been adequately cleaned after, and then put into the potatoes and baked. 2 bites and I couldn't touch any more of it. Fried okra- can't mess that up, right? Think again, Ajax can screw it up with frozen pre-breaded okra that was served COLD. The centers were literally cold, and I had two pieces of okra and was done. A substantial amount of time passed, and I wanted to just escape this place. I had 75% of the meal left on the plate when the server came by and said, "ready for the check?" Obviously they didn't even care or notice that the meal had hardly been touched. They just wanted to drop the check and be done.. I paid $25.05 including tip for that plate of partially eaten, substandard slop and a glass of tea, and was happy to get out of there. I needed to hurry back to my hotel and place an order for a pizza to be delivered. Ajax Diner should be embarrassed that they served such an awful plate to a human being. I will never return and caution you all not to eat there. Diner Beware! read more

Ajax Diner - 75% wasted due to terrible food quality. - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

Southern home cooking done well! The fried catfish and chicken and dumplings were super yummy. Loved the green beans and hash browns casserole. The rice and gravy instantly brought back my childhood and I haven't had butter beans like that since I was a little girl. My son said his southern fried steak and Mac and cheese was the best he's ever had! On the flip side, I would not recommend the pork chops. My husband said they were a little dry. However, I overheard several others raving about their Shrimp Po Boys and even the waiter said they were some of the best around. Just a side note, they have fried okra at lunch but not at dinner. (Insert sad emoji) It is a fairly small restaurant that doesn't take reservations but the staff is very friendly and is really good at getting customers in and seated. If you're a college kid and miss mom's cooking, head to Ajax for a hug in a mug and a taste of some homemade love. I swear these people have straight connections to grandma! read more

Ajax Diner - Fried catfish - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

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If you're in The Square in Oxford, you need to check out Ajax Diner! Locals and visitors alike frequent this restaurant that has some great comfort and soul food! The atmosphere is casual, the servers are friendly and the food is great! The banana pudding is out of this world! A must have item! read more

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It's a bar restaurant but I hope their drinks are better than the food. The fried pot pie was a hot pocket full of inedible mush. Avoid it. The coleslaw tasted rotten. And the country fried steak while edible was not very good. The staff also bragged about how large their portions were. They might've thought their portions were large because no one finished their meal... That's not because of the size of the portion but because of the horrible food. As far as ambience... That's kind of what you would expect from a bar restaurant. I can assure you we won't be back. read more

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We tried to eat here years ago during a football weekend and no chance. I'm glad we came to Oxford just for a visit while things were not busy. This place beat our expectations. Really good southern food, great atmosphere, and very friendly service. We ate at several other places during our visit and some much more expensive but NONE better. Don't change! read more

Ajax Diner - Great southern food - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

I came here for lunch with my sorority sisters. The Place was jampacked and we probably had to wait around 10 minutes which was not bad. The waitresses were very friendly and accommodating to us and willing to meet our needs when we discuss our group and how we wanted to sit by each other. I ordered the catfish with macaroni and cheese as my side as well as steam broccoli the catfish was definitely High but it seemed like the broccoli and mac & cheese have been sitting out for a while, which is very disappointing to me. I had a sent back so that it could be reheated up and that honestly did not do much either as well. The food tasted good, but it just was Luke Warm and cold, which was not a fun experience to have eating food read more

Ajax Diner - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

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If you like southern cooking, this is the best. Great catfish. Big portions. A bit pricey. Killer banana pudding. Nice staff. Great location. read more

Ajax Diner - Catfish - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

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First meal while traveling to Mississippi and it did not disappoint! Very authentic southern food, but unfortunately I have the sensitive tummy of northern girl. Still though, I powered through my "veggie" plate that did not consist of any veggies but had a wonderful Mac and cheese involved. The cheese grits had a nice flavor but weren't super hot. Really loved the sweet potato casserole, maybe my favorite veggie in the veggie plate. Tried some of my husbands country fried steak and argued with him over if "chicken fried steak" is the same thing (it is) and if there is actual chicken involved (there isn't). That was really yummy too, but I think if I find myself back here again I would have to try the chicken and dumplings read more

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Ajax Diner is a must if you're looking for a casual and timeless lunch or dinner on the Oxford Square. I ordered the cheeseburger and fries. The burger was well seasoned and cooked perfectly. The lettuce, tomato and pickles were fresh and crisp. The cheddar cheese added a savory kick to each bite, and the fluffy bun did a great job of holding the burger together. The side of crinkle cut fries were delicious as well -- crispy and not too salty. I always enjoy the interior of the restaurant as well -- the laid-back ambiance and old-school decor make you feel as if you're eating in a day of the past. The service was also spectacular. I look forward to returning and exploring more of the menu. read more

Ajax Diner - Cheeseburger and Fries - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

I've only been here once but overall it was a positive experience. Presentation was lacking but the service was good. Heck, I'd go back just for the fried catfish. read more

Ok we were in oxford or employee day trip. We just lucked up and stopped here after seeing a place they the windows. Good old fashioned soul food. Greens, cornbread, fish, chops all seasoned like grandma service was cool. Portions good and priced reasonable. read more

Ajax Diner remains rock solid. My most recent visit happened to coincide with an Ole Miss game, so the bar service was slower than expected. However, a huge positive is their top tier selection of side dishes. I ordered the 3 Veggie Plate and had over 20 sides to choose from for my meal. A great option for the Oxford Town Square! read more

Ajax Diner - 3 Veggie Plate - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

First of all the decor and atmosphere in this place is super comfy and cute. When we entered the restaurant we knew we were in for a major treat! After a long day of volunteering and our first visit to Oxford , we were anxious to eat a good hearty meal. AJAX did NOT disappoint! We were greeted by Emily, who is not only just beautiful- but a real star! Her smile was contagious! She gave great insights on the menu and her suggestions were spot on! We had the red bean rolls- when you go here- EAT SOME OF THESE! Our appetizers came out immediately and then our food followed in a matter of minutes. Everything came to the table piping hot and flavorful! Needless to say I will be returning here on my next trip to Oxford. If you come here, and you will- ask for Emily and tip her WELL! read more

Ajax Diner - Red bean rolls... so good - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

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We had dinner at Ajax on a friend's recommendation. Our waitress told us the catfish was a must -- she wasn't wrong. It was absolutely phenomenal. Perfectly cooked, seasoned just right, and hands down some of the best we've ever had. The sides were just as impressive -- true Southern comfort food, cooked with care and flavor. And we couldn't leave without trying the blackberry cobbler for dessert. Let's just say, if you go to Ajax and skip the cobbler, you're making a mistake. The atmosphere is everything you want in a classic Oxford spot -- laid-back, welcoming, and full of character. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this is one of those places that belongs on your "can't miss" list. We'll definitely be back. read more

This was our second visit and still pleased! The queso dip appetizer is a must-try. The burger I had was good, but wish the patty had more seasoning. The southern plates were all good and you can't go wrong with any of the sides! read more

The food is overcooked and served lukewarm. Great veggie side menu but poorly executed. Green beans - mushy chicken fried steak and okra obviously been sitting under warming lights for way too long. Banana pudding soggy and unappetizing. Bright point, you will get large portions. read more

Whenever I come to Oxford, I always think "when will I eat at Ajax"? It's mandatory for me. This restaurant located on the Square is a mainstay of Oxford life. Yes there are many eateries in town and a lot of them are nicer and fancier but if you want some "down home cooking" you come here. You know the kind that your mother and grandmother made for you when you were a kid. I had dinner here last week and ordered the chicken and dumplings with green beans and purple hull peas with a roll for $14.40. The food arrived less than 15 minutes later. Let's just say the meal met my expectations and they were high. The chicken and dumplings were so satisfying to eat, a true "comfort" food. The peas were delicious and those green beans had a twang of vinegar in them that made me smile. Ajax is a must dine spot when visiting Oxford and if you live here you are lucky! read more

Ajax Diner - Chicken and dumplings, purple hull peas and green beans - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

Love the ambiance. My only problem is they are not consistent with their use of seasoning. Sometimes it's so spicy I can't enjoy it. I will still go as it's a family favorite for no telling how many years. (Don't want to age myself). The wait service is always friendly and the bar serves my favorite martini. read more

Good, fast, friendly service. Great food. Large servings. It's a bit of a hole in the wall, but it was busy with lots of talking people, but you could have a conversation without shouting like you do in the new warehouse-style restaurants. read more

Home style comfort food in a cute dinner located in the square. The service was above and beyond, so welcoming and friendly. The food was delicious, affordable and the portions were huge. We will definitely be back next time we are in Oxford. read more

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Touring Ole Miss tomorrow we stumbled upon this place. It looked like a very fun atmosphere with big bulb Christmas lights hanging all over and cute decor. But did the food match the atmosphere! YES IT DID!!! I had the Pop Shrimp salad. The shrimp were boiled and delicious! I didn't care for the creole mustard vinaigrette and there was very little feta but still it was good! The sides I ordered were great! Don't skip the sweet potato casserole, or the broccoli rice casserole!!! Great reviews from the kids on the chicken tenders and husband loved the meatloaf! I could not try the friend pickles due to my allergy but they got rave reviews from everyone else. Overall definitely a fun family place with some good southern sides. read more

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Had lunch here during the week. We loved the dove feel walking in the door. Low lighting kinda made it feel like a bar atmosphere. Waitress couldn't have been any nicer, and I appreciated that anyone who worked there would just stop by and refill our tea. Red beans and rice were really good, and had a nice smoky flavor. Vegetable plate had really big helpings. Bill was about $35 before tip, but worth it to us! I also enjoyed Motown music playing in the background. We will definitely be coming back next time we are in town read more

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The guy who does the "Ole Miss" potential student presentation before a tour said it was a must, he wasn't lying. Before mine and my daughter's college visit, I saw this place was recommended. I had it bookmarked in yelp, but after the tour, we made a beeline right there. Hands downs, some of the best home cooking! I had country streak and the Mac and cheese. I've never had Mac and cheese so good and it could be worth sending my daughter to school there just so we can stop again. She had a sandwich which was huge (only a half) that we joked how much food must come with the full. Staff - doesn't get any more friendly and helpful. This is a must stop! read more

I'll start off by saying Oxford, Mississippi is the SPOT! And Ajax is one of the all time greats when it comes to Southern Food. I sat at the bar and my server was flat out unbelievable, folks. She was attentive, kind, welcoming, and steered me to some fantastic menu choices. And just the cutest Southern accent that made my heart melt into a puddle of butter. Ambiance in there was tremendous. I felt like I was taken back in time to a classic Southern Diner vibe with old school decor. In terms of my meal, this was the first piece of catfish I've ever eaten in my life and I am confident it was the best catfish America has to offer. Just magnificent. Did I also order a second entree? I did. I ordered a large shrimp Po Boy to go with it. My sides, you ask? Macaroni and cheese, French fries, and hash brown casserole. BREATH TAKING. Lots of carb, lots of pleasure. I LOVE AJAX FOLKS! I'm a northern boy but not when I walked through those doors. I was dropping maim, yes sir/no sir, bless your heart, y'all's all over the place. Long live Ajax diner and long live Alex B, the king of the South. read more

Our server, Jeremy P included additional charges on our check for meals we did not order. Also, he did not inform us we would receive an extra charge for certain condiments. Several attempts have been made to contact the restaurant regarding the erroneous charges. No one answers the phone or has returned messages. Upon enjoying a satisfying meal, this is very disappointing. read more

Not a bad place. There was no wait. Service decent and quick. The whole place needs a slight refresh. I was something more nostalgic, but got something just tired. The interior is due for a refresh at the very least. Food was fine. But not memorable, your typical Sysco foods fair. The burger tasted froze. And the chicken and dumplings was all dumpling and no chicken. We both ate for under $40, and walked in, during dinner on a Saturday evening and sat down right away. Not sure if this is a good thing or not for a place on the Square. read more

Great service, clean and fun atmosphere, old fashion cocktail was fantastic and burger and fries had no issues. Recommend this great local business. read more

Ajax Diner - a bar with a television in the background - Southern Near Me - Oxford, Mississippi

I love Ajax, only complaint which isn't really a complaint, I would prefer my cornbread to be hot

Our group of 4 had lunch here and it was great! Homemade style cooking with friendly service. Will come back!

Visiting Ole Miss for my son and came to little diner. The food was amazing. Mac and cheese was out of this world. Zoe our waitress was the sweetest person you can ever meet. She was so attentive and helpful. The diner is deck out with huge Christmas lights but not a weird way. It's cheerful and home like. Definitely coming back for lunch after college visit. read more

One of my favorite places when in Oxford! The food here is always delicious and you always get a large portion so you'll never leave hungry. I'd had different plates and every single one of them was delicious. The staff is always friendly and even when it's busy they do a good job at taking your order and getting you the food relatively fast. I highly recommend this place if you're in the square and wanting a good meal. read more