Oxford’s New Must-Visit Cocktail Bar: Miscellanea Spirit House
Tucked behind the facade of a historic clock shop in downtown Oxford, Miscellanea Spirit House is serving up dark academia vibes, craft cocktails, and a Southern-fusion menu. Take a look inside! Image: Allison Muirhead
Oxford, Mississippi’s long-celebrated food and beverage scene just welcomed an exciting newcomer to the downtown area — Miscellanea Spirit House, a moody cocktail bar and eatery complete with secret entrances and a lush, jewel-toned aesthetic. Take a look inside the stunning interiors and imaginative lore that define this exciting addition.
In 2024, Mississippi native and Oxford resident Clay Scruggs purchased Ajax Diner, Rafters Music and Food, Rafters on the Water, and The Old Henry to make up his new restaurant group — Come Together Brands. In September 2025, Miscellanea Spirit House opened as the restaurant group’s first ground-up concept.
To set the scene and drive home the imaginative storytelling around Miscellanea, Clay collaborated with Glennys Bryant and Brennan Vergos of interior design firm GCD Interiors and the branding team at The Saturday Crowd, both out of Memphis.
The story goes that Dr. Ebel’s Clock Shop and Apothecary was a Prohibition Era staple in Oxford, “filled with timepieces, talismans, and tonics collected by Dr. Ebel during his extensive travels.” Behind the shop, Dr. Ebel housed a restaurant and, of course, a speakeasy where he served illicit cocktails to a select clientele until the operation was shut down in 1929.
You can find a portrait of Dr. Ebel in the clock shop, and you’ll find evidence of his adventures woven throughout each of Miscellanea’s distinct seating areas — vibrant artwork, mounted taxidermy, well-worn books, and other curious treasures.
For Miscellanea’s culinary element, Clay collaborated with James Beard-nominated Chef and Consultant Dan Latham of Culinary Guide Shop.
Along with Prohibition Era-inspired cocktails (and mocktails), guests can expect to find elevated nibbles like Bourbon Chex Mix, Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes, House Smoked Salmon, Prime Flatiron Steak, and Chocolate Mousse.
Miscellanea is best for intimate groups of up to four, but they also offer limited availability for larger groups of up to eight. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are strongly recommended! Check availability and reserve your spot on Resy.
Cheers!
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Alissa Harb
Alissa Harb is StyleBlueprint's Managing Editor, based in Nashville. A lifelong Tennessee native, Alissa has over 13 years of experience in digital media and loves writing about food, travel, and entertaining. She is a lover of dogs, true crime, and ordering for the table.