Dirty Bones Oxford — Restaurant in Oxford

It’s not every day that a restaurant experience leaves you grinning from first bite to farewell, but Dirty Bones Oxford does just that—and my server, Jason, takes it from excellent to unforgettable. Nestled atop Westgate’s rooftop terrace, this NYC‑inspired comfort food haven serves up bold flavours, killer cocktails, and a vibe that’s relaxed yet electric .

From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the interior’s retro‑chic styling—a perfect blend of vintage Americana and modern cool. The ambient lighting, comfy seating, and carefully curated playlist (think funk, soul, and old‑school hip‑hop) set the tone immediately . I was seated by the window overlooking Westgate’s clean lines, and it felt like the perfect perch to soak in the Oxford skyline while waiting for the food—and for Jason, who was about to make the evening truly shine.

Jason greeted me with an infectious energy that balanced friendly professionalism with genuine warmth. He offered recommendations ranging from indulgent mains to off‑menu treats, checking in at just the right moments—ready with a refill, a joke, or a tip on the best dessert to come.

Let’s talk food. One of Dirty Bones’ many triumphs is turning comfort food into an elevated celebration. Small plates like shorty tots—tiny golden bites topped with pulled birria short‑rib and their signature 57 sauce—are pure joy  . The wagyu‑tang burger, loaded with British wagyu beef, American cheese, crispy onions, smoky chipotle aioli, and pickles all wrapped in a pillowy brioche, delivers a flavor so juicy it’s downright sinful . And the buffalo fries? Think skinny fries drenched in Buffalo sauce and cool ranch, crowned with koji chicken, jalapeños—and yep, crispy chicken skin—an unapologetically crunchy, spicy dream .

Equally impressive is the cocktail list. Jason suggested the “R&B” cocktail—fruity, fizzy, and smooth, with Old Navy Rum, Don Q 7 Year, kumquat liqueur, mango, apple juice, plum syrup, and a Brooklyn lager finish. It tasted like a nostalgic 90s slow jam in a glass . I ended up lingering longer just to savour each sip—Jason’s timing for bringing refills felt effortlessly intuitive.

What struck me most, though, was how Jason’s service threaded through the experience. When the mac‑balls and wings arrived (tender, crisp, and deeply satisfying), he beamed with pride like a chef presenting his own creations . He didn’t miss a beat—refilling my drink, offering to split my tots so I could try them all, and even offering a few skirted plates when he noticed I was eyeing other dishes. His enthusiasm was contagious, and he elevated the already buzzing ambiance into something distinctly personal.

The combination of inventive, hearty food, creative cocktails, and Jason’s standout service makes Dirty Bones Oxford more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Casual yet considered, indulgent yet balanced, every visit feels like a treat you deserved. Whether you’re winding down with brunch—or diving into loaded fries and late‑night drinks—it’s the kind of place where calories seemingly don’t count and finger‑licking is practically applauded .

So here’s to Dirty Bones Oxford: a vibrant, feel-good staple in the heart of the city. And here’s to Jason—the server who didn’t just deliver plates, but delivered an evening—one great suggestion, genuine smile, and seamless service at a time. I’ll be back, and I bet he’ll be there, ready to make it...

On the 2nd of May we had a table booked for a big party at 8pm, myself and the birthday girl came in earlier to have a drink before everyone arrived. Our table was ready and we were seated, the waiter came over and told us he would be looking after us and then said he would go and get us some tap water. This water never arrived until the rest of the table arrived at 8pm so we didn’t even get to order a drink. This immediately set the tone for the night. We then had to ask to order drinks, and then had to ask to order food. Once our food order was put in the waiter didn’t even look after us, he was constantly stood next to the bar chatting to other staff, we watched him be told to serve his tables at least 3 times by who we presumed was the manager. We had to keep asking other waiters to order more drinks, we had to ask to see the desserts menu, we wasn’t even asked how our food was! It honestly made the night so frustrating as we were not looked after at all, we shouldn’t have had to keep asking others for things just to be served. We ended spending over £300 for the evening which was a complete waste and we really wish we went somewhere else as the burger pattys were hard and the food was disappointing.

To have to ask for everything and grab the attention of staff is disgusting, it’s not our responsibility. We should have been looked after. I had to stack the plates out the way before the birthday cake came because the staff were too lazy! That’s not my job, to bring out a birthday cake when the table is still full of dirty plates is appalling, the staff just did not care and this really affected the night. We still ordered dessert after the cake coming out which we wish we didn’t do to be honest as as much as they were lovely we had to keep asking for things.

When the bill came we asked for the service charge to be removed to which we were told a manager had to do that so he went to go do it. When he came back we were told the new amount we needed to pay without service charge and paid it. As we split the bill each couple paid separate and they noticed that the service charge had not been removed and that he was trying to charge them with the service charge which we all vocalised we were not paying it and we were assured this had been removed which is clearly hadn’t. Everyone had to say they were not paying it when I told him we wanted it removed off the whole bill so he was aware, the fact he was still trying to charge them but luckily they noticed is disgusting. The prices have gone up and the portion sizes have gotten smaller. Honestly it completely ruined the night and made it stressful. She chose dirty bones and we was so was hoping for a special night but it was just filled with stress and frustration.

The service was absolutely terrible and we really will not be returning after spending so much money for awful food and an even...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Dirty Bones, and while the food was absolutely delicious, it was the incredible service provided by Jason that truly made the experience unforgettable.

From the moment we walked in, Jason greeted us with a warm, friendly smile and immediately set the tone for the evening. His energy was contagious, and you could tell that he genuinely loves what he does. He took the time to engage with each of us, making sure we felt welcome and understood what the menu had to offer. His knowledge of the dishes was impressive, and his recommendations turned out to be spot on.

Throughout the meal, Jason was attentive without being intrusive—checking in at just the right moments and always ensuring our glasses were full and that we were satisfied. He had this incredible ability to make every interaction feel personal and genuine. Whether it was discussing the best way to enjoy a particular dish or simply chatting about our evening, Jason added an element of warmth and personality to the night that you rarely find in restaurants.

The food, of course, was fantastic. Dirty Bones delivers exactly what you’d expect: hearty, flavorful dishes that make you feel like indulging in comfort food with a twist. But honestly, even the best food can be overshadowed if the service isn’t great. In this case, Jason made sure that both the food and the experience were absolutely top-notch.

What really stood out was how Jason seemed to elevate the entire atmosphere of the restaurant. You could see other tables enjoying his service just as much as we did, and it became clear that he wasn’t just a great server—he was a key part of what makes Dirty Bones so special. His attention to detail, quick wit, and genuine enthusiasm made the night memorable for all the right reasons.

In the end, it was Jason’s service that transformed a great meal into an outstanding dining experience. If you’re planning to visit Dirty Bones, I highly recommend asking for Jason. He’ll make sure you leave not only with a full stomach but with a huge smile on your face. Absolutely...