Lenora’s Resturant

Went here for a date night, food was very good but the service was a little hit and miss. Tad overpriced for the quality but it’s much better than the rest of Oxford.

After sitting down for 5 min an earwig crawled across the table I told our waitress who handled it and apologized, after which we got the bread which was stale. We had the crab cakes appetizer and the 8 oz filet along with a hybrid striped bass, our waitress never asked how we’d like our steak cooked. The sea bass was dry and tasted like a pound of salt was used in the seasoning. We decided to overlook the entrée and got the strawberry shortcake desert, which was more like tart strawberries on top of a day old rock cookie with a plop of whipped cream to which she served with spoons … Go figure, after complaining about the desert, our waitress told us that the shortcakes were cooked in the morning and apparently there was too much moisture. We replaced it with the chocolate cake, which was the EXACT same as a papa johns lava cake, minus the chocolate filling… No joke. When the tab came there were no adjustments. After bringing up the creature that joined us for dinner the best our waitress could do was give us 10% off… Basically a free desert. Like seriously?! The first time I’ve ever eaten here, and the absolute last. I feel bad for our waitress, the service was too good for such a crappy establishment.

I’ve always had a good time at Lenora’s. Unfortunately, the last few times the service has been a little slow and lacking, but I’ll still keep coming back for more. They have really great food and the atmosphere is super charming.

Came here for the first time again in 3 years, and not much has changed! From the outside looking in, Lenora’s looks like a closed down business. However, step down the «ramp» to the yummy food awaiting!
We started off our meal with two fruity martinis. Bleh. More like cough-​syrup-​watered-​down, but whatever. Not everyone can be a master mixologist, right? The cured meat appetizer was pretty good, but I really wish that I tried the hummus with pita instead. Next, I got the seared duck with sweet potato ‘pancakes’… yum! There was some sort of (cran)berry on top, which I did not care for, but it definitely didn’t ruin the meal. Bread pudding and crème brûlée were delicious, and definitely gave a satisfying end to a good meal.
Our server was very friendly, if not just a tad bit slow. Two hours is longer than I would have liked to spend on dinner. Had to run out to feed the meter outside, which was not exactly a fun adventure in 30 degree weather.
All in all, not a bad place to spend your evening!

We made reservations for after the 2014 Egg Bowl. Due to the traffic we were late, but upon arrival we were seated with no problem. The staff was very friendly. The food was delicious and they make one of the best Bloody Mary’s on the planet. I had a house salad and lobster ravioli. My husband had spaghetti and meatballs with Pinot Noir. The atmosphere was lively. Of course, Olé Miss had just one the Egg Bowl. We will definitely go back.

Our family has property in Oxford and we have seen restaurants come and go. We have eaten at Lenora’s several times with mixed feelings. Overall we’d give the food a B-​, while the service is slow and less than friendly.
After the State game we had reservations for 9. I felt ok until the owner came and ask us to finish up and leave so others could have our table. Wew had just gotten drinks served and had no chance for desert.
On the way out we heard others complaining he had done that to them also. What was bad was there was not but a few waiting for a table, there were open tables, several groups were there before we were seated and they were not asked.
We confronted the owner about his rudeness and he basically could care less and his arrogance was nauseating .
We will never eat at this place again and hope others will take heed and go somewhere else as well.
Robert J.

On the biggest night in Oxford when Olé Miss beat Alabama we went to the bar to wait for a table. The bartender told us we couldn’t sit at two open seats because they were saved for the owners family? WhAt happened to putting customer service first??? How rude and assinine. Never again.

HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE
Never saw a waitor. Never saw a water glass, or mason jar rather (super cute idea though). Never saw a menu!
My boyfriend at the time and I went for our 2 year anniversary and neither of us had been yet. We heard amazing reviews from friends so figured we had to try it out. We had reservations so getting seated was no problem. The hostess took us to our table, which was awful. We were seated at a 2 person table in a tiny private room that had another private party in it, a table seating 10 loud drunk 40-​somethings, already enjoying their meals and drinks. So awkward, what a way to introduce your romantic ambience…
So we are seated and told our waitor will be «right with us». Naturally. We sit, and chuckle are our location because we’re pretty laid back people and can make light of any situation. But since it was our 2 year anny and we were so xcited about this place, we were starting to wonder when the «magic’ happens here…5 minutes go by, no waitor. Another 5 mintues go by, nothing. I start thinking ok, they’re busy and we’re in an awkward location, so the waitor will be around in like 5 mintues… Nope. Another freaking 10 minutes go by and being the non-​controversial patient person I typically am, I start getting really uncomfortable and aggrevated. The table to my right, is getting louder and more boisterous, and my boyfriend is getting jittery. We roll our eyes at the situation and decide to wait a little bit longer. Still no waitor, no water glass, no menu.
After THIRTY minutes of waiting, we just up and leave. Walk right past the hostess stand where the manager is, who recognizes us from walking in shortly before, says «have a a great evening» to us. My boyfriend receives a phone call shortly after leaving the restaurant from the manager, finally fully aware of what happened. He apologized and offered us a discounted meal next time. We politely declined and had an AMAZING dinner down the street at Waltz.
UGH, so disappointed!!!

This is an interesting location right off the square that takes you down under into an underground hideaway of good food and good times. The staff and owners are friendly and attentive to service. The food ranges from good to great and they might be giving City Grocery a run for their money. Personally I prefer a more formal dining atmosphere than the more causal atmosphere here and much of the food here certainly is worthy of a more formal atmosphere but alas the whole dining world seems to be going casual. They also offer more casual food like burgers that are not always listed on the menu along with offering special brunch items. They also have live music sometimes so you can have some good times and good food here.

Awesome place to spend some time in Oxford. The food is great, and the atmosphere is super casual. I’ve had the massive ribeye (18 oz) and the Halibut special with a delicious chipotle glaze. I was very impressed in both.

I had a great meal here my last night in Oxford. Just two blocks north of the old courthouse, it’s a bit off the beaten path, but worth a trip.
We started with artichoke bottoms and crab cakes for appetizers. Both were delicious. I had a very tasty wedge salad, with bacon and red onions smothered in bleu cheese dressing.
For the main course a had the special – an 18 oz. ribeye with a green pepper corn sauce, «smashed» potatoes and broccoli. The steak was served sizzling and was cooked to pink perfection [see photo]. It was juicy, tender, and delicious.
The dinner was quite pricey and the place lacks some of the unique ambiance and menu options of some of the better known places in town. Given the classy feel they were going for, I was a little surprised my drink was served in a mason jar. Nevertheless, it was a great meal and I strongly recommend Lenora’s.

i’m a big fan of Lenora’s… i used to work in the previous restaurant located there, and i gotta say mike portera has turned the space into a much more economical and enjoyable atmosphere.
i’ve eaten here a couple of times and have never had a bad meal. luckily, i know mike and a few of the employees. it’s always crowded and bumping with energy — so i’d recommend reservations.
i recently had the smoked tomato bisque that was unreal, and also the lenora’s ravioli — with homemade pasta. it’s slowly becoming the best meal on the square for me. i highly recommend it.