Wandering Wednesday: Oxford Exchange, Tampa, FL

Happy Wandering Wednesday y’all!! Sorry that it has been forever and a day since I’ve posted anything, but I have been working a lot. The Holiday season is always crazy for us retail workers!! So today’s post is going to be super chill and we are going to visit the coolest restaurant/ bookstore/ coffee shop that I have been to! Enter Oxford Exchange! This beautiful place is in downtown Tampa, FL across from the stunning University of Tampa (which we will wander at a later date). So let’s get started!

Oxford Exchange is in the building that used to be the stables for the old Tampa Bay Hotel (which is now University of Tampa). The building itself was built in 1891, but it didn’t become Oxford Exchange until 2012. The owner of O.E. got inspiration for the restaurant/ bookstore/ coffee shop when touring around England! After falling in love with the architecture and design of many of England’s famous buildings, he traveled back to dear old Tampa, and created a place that looks like it should be in England!

When you walk in you are immediately immersed in beautiful black and white checkered floors and dark bookshelves lined with books! There’s a long hallway that leads to the coffee shop and seating areas. O.E. proudly serves Buddy Brew coffee and amazing teas!

After you enter the coffee shop area, you can pass through a doorway into a little shop with gifts like adorable handmade necklaces and beautiful serving plates!

You enter the restaurant through the gift shop. They have two dining areas, one is surrounded by painted brick walls and the other is in a courtyard with a beautiful glass ceiling! I definitely suggest you eat at O.E! Some of our favorite dishes include the Black and Bleu Burger (or any burger for that matter), the O.E. Grilled Cheese (pear and bacon jam, need I say more?), and the Chicken Burger! I also suggest getting tea to go along with your meal! The menu does change up often and their brunch is phenomenal if you ever go at that time!

If you ever get the chance to visit Tampa, I highly suggest you add Oxford Exchange to the top of your “places to eat” list! You will never be disappointed!! Happy Wandering Wednesday everyone!!

Ps. It also helps if you take someone handsome with you. 🙂