A quick guide to brunch at Oxford Exchange in Tampa.
Oxford Exchange (OE) was Crystal Behrends’ (one half of the duo behind Travel Pockets) recommendation. And I’m so glad I took it. To be honest, visiting OE didn’t take a lot of convincing. Crystal and her sister Candy’s photos of the venue’s dark wood walls and light-swept rooms were too pretty for words. I was immediately sold on the idea.
This post is a cross between an Oxford Exchange brunch guide and a photo diary. Let’s dive right in.
About Oxford Exchange
![Staircase Oxford Exchange](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/OxfordExchange_StairsUp-1-of-1.jpg)
Oxford Exchange, part bookstore, part gift shop, part design studio, part coffeehouse, part coworking space, part eyewear store, and part restaurant, is a community space tucked a few steps away from The University Of Tampa.
Subtle notes of European inspiration. The bones of a food hall. Oxford Exchange is a revival, a chimerical chop of a gathering place. It’s a tough labor of love that’s undergone a long history.
The lot was once home to an insurance company, a photo studio, and a dentist’s office – businesses that gusted in-and-out of Kennedy Boulevard.
![Bookstore Oxford Exchange](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/OxfordExchange_SofaView-1-of-1.jpg)
Today, between the late morning and afternoon crowds, it’s easy to tell two things: Oxford Exchange is a well-loved space in Tampa and it’s here to stay.
Oxford Exchange Brunch Guide
![The Restaurant Oxford Exchange brunch](https://i1.wp.com/staging.passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/OxfordExchange_DiningHall-1-of-1.jpg?ssl=1)
![The Restaurant Oxford Exchange brunch](https://i0.wp.com/staging.passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/OxfordExchange_DiningOne-1-of-1.jpg?ssl=1)
Brunch is a full-blown affair. The Restaurant (yes, that’s its name) is split into two spaces: a larger room dressed full-body in prints and frames and a smaller sun-kissed conservatory.
You’ll want to make reservations in advance. It’s a popular spot. The day I visited, every table, chair, and couch was full.
Meals run on the side of healthy. The menu, like the space, stems from a hodgepodge of tastes. You’ll find Mediterranean, Mexican, and American on the listing side-by-side. Oxford Exchange’s brunch options are concise, a mix of late breakfast servings and small plates.
I opted for the Fried Brussel Sprouts, an appetizer that balances crispy and soft with a splash of thick lemon vinaigrette and a dusting of ricotta salata. The entree? Also vegan. A Black Bean Burger textured by hemp seeds and watercress and avocado.
Exploring Oxford Exchange After Brunch
![Entering Oxford Exchange brunch](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/OxfordExchange_BrunchShop-1-of-1.jpg)
Brunch at Oxford Exchange is an atmosphere driven experience. Here’s what to see right after your meal.
Buddy Brew Coffee
Start with a drink from Buddy Brew, a local Tampa chain that whips up iced coffees and caramellos. You can also get a fit-for-two French Press or an affogato (my mum loved the cut of bitterness against the sweetness).
TeBella Tea Company
![TeBella Tea Company Oxford Exchange brunch](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/OxfordExchange_TeaShop-1-of-1.jpg)
At first (or second) glace, TeBella seems to sell every tea combination under the sun. Coconut Pouchong. Matè Brio. Carrot Cake. Summer Melon. The teas served are loose-leaf. The flavors, undertones of fruit and floral combos, pack a punch.
OE Bookstore
Oxford Exchange’s trademark bookstore, better known as The Bookstore, is a black-shelved wall propped with hardback bestsellers and new releases. Surrounding The Bookstore are more snapshots of stories – old children’s classics, like a vintage edition of Winnie The Pooh and an illustrated copy of Alice In Wonderland.
Warby Parker
![Warby Parker hall](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/OxfordExchange_InteriorHallway-1-of-1.jpg)
OE leaves no business unturned. Past a long hall is Warby Parker, a designer eyewear store. This suite is a showroom, an up-for-aesthetics display.
Champagne Bar
A recent reveal is Oxford Exchange’s Champagne Bar, a pink-accented counterserve made in partnership with Rifle Paper Co. But it isn’t all about the spirits. The cocktail menu also makes room for Cranberry Spritz, a virgin mix of sparkling cider and cranberry juice.
Commerce Club
![Smith meeting room Oxford Exchange](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/OxfordExchange_LargeConferenceRoom-1-of-1.jpg)
A members-only coworking space. Commerce Club’s a-little-Edison style is a bit old-world.
![Oxford Exchange private study room](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/OxfordExchange_StudyRoomPrivate-1-of-1.jpg)
![Shaw Library Oxford Exchange](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/OxfordExchange_StudyRoom-1-of-1.jpg)
The main space is The Shaw Library (named after one of my favorite playwrights), a room of school desks facing a trio of windows.
The Shop
![Gift shop of Oxford Exchange](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/OxfordExchange_GiftShop-1-of-1.jpg)
The Oxford Exchange makes gift shopping a simple feat. You’ll find a solid dose of everything at The Shop – soft throws and detailed stationery, chunky bracelets and teak tumblers.
Is Brunch At Oxford Exchange Worth It?
![Oxford Exchange Timings](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/OxfordExchange_SoftYellowLight-1-of-1.jpg)
It’s hard to wrap my head around how the different aspects of Tampa’s Oxford Exchange blend seamlessly together.
The reclaimed oak and exposed brick and checkerboard Italian marble act as a glue for this reclaimed space. It’s worth visiting just to poke around (you don’t even need to grab food).
![Oxford Exchange brunch crowd](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/OxfordExchange_TopDownPan-1-of-1.jpg)
![Walking down the wall of personalities after an Oxford Exchange brunch](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/OxfordExchange_WallOfPaintings-1-of-1.jpg)
But brunch at Oxford Exchange is also a welcome assault on the senses. The pumped-up visuals and surfaces and scents will make you stop and catch your breath (not just once but time after time).
![sincerely anshula](https://passporttoeden.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Greeting-e1588811929915.png)
Did you enjoy this guide to brunch at Oxford Exchange? Have you ever tried a Sunday Oxford Exchange brunch? Let me know in the comments below! As always, I love hearing from you!