It is said that war is long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror. In this regard Hi Lo Jamaican Eating House is similar to war. But as Sun Tzu writes in the Art of War, "be where your enemy is not". At 11pm on a Friday night my enemy was certainly not there, and neither was anyone else.I was very excited to go to Hi Lo Jamaican Eating House due to the reviews posted here. They range from 1 to 5 stars but are almost entirely concentrated on those two ends. 5 star reviews will tell you it is a life changing experience where you will make friends for life and be entertained by the rambunctious proprietor. 1 star reviews warn of abuse, terrible service, and the rambunctious proprietor. On TripAdvisor several reviews flag a serious safety concern.Unfortunately on my visit I experienced none of this. Just a profoundly boring evening in a strange bar with a dead and hostile atmosphere, drinking room temperature bottled Guinness foreign export.In this regard it has failed even to fail me correctly as the 1 star reviews told me it would.Other reviews mention food but when asked they apparently don't do it anymore.The bar is silent unless you pay money in the jukebox, which paired with its emptiness just makes it kind of creepy.
Vincent Taylor
Authentic Jamaican bar with great drinks, great vibes, and a lovely late license.
Sam Newman
Love this place. Great vibes
Marija A
This review is a decade overdue. I spent many nights here during grad school, and got to know the regulars and the crew. The sound system is probably the best in all of Oxfordshire. The food is comforting, and the company is genuine and creative (and frequently drunk). On one of my last nights here, Andy brought a special bottle of white rum "from the back room" to our table and to this day it remains the best liquor I've ever tasted. Go to Hi Lo, you will make memories to last a lifetime.
Sebastian Black
This is such a friendly place! Be sure to ask for the off-menu items - the jerk chicken is sooo good!!
Bust Amove
Great late night drinking venue!
Richie Reeves
I would have given it a 0 if that available to choose. The owner is very rude and volitile. Never been welcome in this place. Always have tried to be polite but have never got anywhere. I would not recommend this place. Very dirty too.
Lucy D
Always a warm welcome, andys food is amazing!
John Turnbull
Andy is a very good host very welcoming food good beer ? very special and the rum out of this world you will enjoy the experience of Jamaica
Arran Davis
When you go to Hi-Lo, it’s like you’ve walked into someone’s living room (sometimes invited, sometimes not). The food is really delicious and the service is genuine, with each customer receiving a unique experience. It’s one of my favourite places in Oxford, and a must for whenever I have guests.
Lovely relaxed atmosphere here. Great if you are looking to have a drink without the usual dance music and meat market which are often found at late night venues. Fantastic selection of rums. Friendly staff.
Chris Oram
We had a delicious meal and made to feel very welcome.
Julio Maya
Andy is a hero and a legend. Favourite place in Oxford.
joeboxer2017
Great hospitality from Rasta Andy, brilliant rum punch and great conversation, the most authentic bar on the Cowley Road, no big chain, no gimmicks, just pure Caribbean vibe, visit don’t miss it!
Lizzieb131313
Went with a group of friends. The atmosphere was intimidating and the person bedind the bar was rude and agressive. I simply don't understand how this place is still open and people are choosing to go there. Just don't waste your money. As a mother of daughters who have been there and come back with stories of being inappropriately spoken to by the owner I would strongly urge young women not to go there. No option for a zero rating, that's what I would give it.
It is said that war is long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror. In this regard Hi Lo Jamaican Eating House is similar to war. But as Sun Tzu writes in the Art of War, "be where your enemy is not". At 11pm on a Friday night my enemy was certainly not there, and neither was anyone else.I was very excited to go to Hi Lo Jamaican Eating House due to the reviews posted here. They range from 1 to 5 stars but are almost entirely concentrated on those two ends. 5 star reviews will tell you it is a life changing experience where you will make friends for life and be entertained by the rambunctious proprietor. 1 star reviews warn of abuse, terrible service, and the rambunctious proprietor. On TripAdvisor several reviews flag a serious safety concern.Unfortunately on my visit I experienced none of this. Just a profoundly boring evening in a strange bar with a dead and hostile atmosphere, drinking room temperature bottled Guinness foreign export.In this regard it has failed even to fail me correctly as the 1 star reviews told me it would.Other reviews mention food but when asked they apparently don't do it anymore.The bar is silent unless you pay money in the jukebox, which paired with its emptiness just makes it kind of creepy.
Authentic Jamaican bar with great drinks, great vibes, and a lovely late license.
Love this place. Great vibes
This review is a decade overdue. I spent many nights here during grad school, and got to know the regulars and the crew. The sound system is probably the best in all of Oxfordshire. The food is comforting, and the company is genuine and creative (and frequently drunk). On one of my last nights here, Andy brought a special bottle of white rum "from the back room" to our table and to this day it remains the best liquor I've ever tasted. Go to Hi Lo, you will make memories to last a lifetime.
This is such a friendly place! Be sure to ask for the off-menu items - the jerk chicken is sooo good!!
Great late night drinking venue!
I would have given it a 0 if that available to choose. The owner is very rude and volitile. Never been welcome in this place. Always have tried to be polite but have never got anywhere. I would not recommend this place. Very dirty too.
Always a warm welcome, andys food is amazing!
Andy is a very good host very welcoming food good beer ? very special and the rum out of this world you will enjoy the experience of Jamaica
When you go to Hi-Lo, it’s like you’ve walked into someone’s living room (sometimes invited, sometimes not). The food is really delicious and the service is genuine, with each customer receiving a unique experience. It’s one of my favourite places in Oxford, and a must for whenever I have guests.
Restaurantji Recommends
Lovely relaxed atmosphere here. Great if you are looking to have a drink without the usual dance music and meat market which are often found at late night venues. Fantastic selection of rums. Friendly staff.
We had a delicious meal and made to feel very welcome.
Andy is a hero and a legend. Favourite place in Oxford.
Great hospitality from Rasta Andy, brilliant rum punch and great conversation, the most authentic bar on the Cowley Road, no big chain, no gimmicks, just pure Caribbean vibe, visit don’t miss it!
Went with a group of friends. The atmosphere was intimidating and the person bedind the bar was rude and agressive. I simply don't understand how this place is still open and people are choosing to go there. Just don't waste your money. As a mother of daughters who have been there and come back with stories of being inappropriately spoken to by the owner I would strongly urge young women not to go there. No option for a zero rating, that's what I would give it.