Second chances with Dirty Bones Oxford?

Do you believe in giving people, persons, establishments second chances? How often do you dish out second chances and what drives you to offer them. I am someone who has a strong opinion on giving second chances to people and even establishments. There are times when I strongly feel it is not worth the time or the effort to offer someone a second chance. Then there are times like these where I feel its prudent of me to do so before my final decision.

 

It might come as a shock to some that I returned to Dirty Bones Oxford once more for another dinner date. I had mentioned when I shared my disappointing experience that I wouldn’t base my opinion on one meal. Because of all the positive reviews I read about Dirty Bones branches I London, I was convinced Oxford could do better. Yes they had some teething issues but I won’t relent on the quality of the food we had. The side dish from hell comes to mind, this was a dish they need to rethink and re-brand. So how did Dirty Bones fair the second time round and would I recommend them?

Disclaimer: We were guest of Dirty Bones Oxford regardless opinions shared here are 100% our personal experience.

To those who don’t know, Dirty Bones are an American restaurant and cocktail bar with branches in London and Oxford. They offer American comfort foods and drinks served alongside some nice USA vibes from Diddy to Aloe Blacc. It was founded back in 2013 and has seeing successes across the three London branches which have extended to Oxford.

Better than the last at Dirty Bones Oxford

When we visited Dirty Bones Oxford the last time {29-Dec-2017}, I complained big time about the food. The service was slightly off-putting too but it was bearable for the number of people present. For that reason, I want to share our recent experience of dinner at Dirty Bones in terms of Food and Service.

On a weekly basis, @foodiewin5ze and I have a #dinnerdate where we try a new restaurant. This week we did a repeat of @dirtyboneslondon in Oxford to give them a second chance after our not so 💯 percent experience. And let me tell you, today they went above and beyond the call of duty, the food was incredible, the vibe epic and the service second to none. . . . #starter MAC Balls, yes mac n cheese in a ball. It was hard outside but ever so soft on the inside. . . . #dirtybones #restaurantreview #secondchances #macballs #abmfoodie #foodflirt #food #healthy #recipe #eats #feedme #instafood #foodphotography #foodgram

A post shared by Miranda-Anosa #UKTravelblogger (@ajulydreamer) on Jan 10, 2018 at 3:03pm PST

The Service {4/5}

I was late for our 8-pm booking due to train delays but my plus one arrived on time. She mentioned that there was a huge difference between then and now, staff was more attentive. We put it down to the night not being super busy but it was still nice that the service had greatly improved.

When I arrived, I was warmly greeted and went straight to my seat, a few minutes later waiter came over. We needed a few more minutes to choose the drinks but we opted to ask for recommendations. I went for the Mutt’s Nuts and my plus one chose The Fab, both really good cocktails.

Throughout the night, the waiters were friendly and checking on ALL the customers giving them an incredible service. It was refreshing to see waiters not rushed off their feet and could chat with customers as they came and went. We were definitely impressed by this and felt we were experiencing what Londoners have been getting.

The Food {5/5}

If you read my last review then you know how I felt about the food, let me ease your feels it gets better. As I type this I am munching on my leftover mac and cheese and it is the best I have ever had. When we visited after Christmas, they had no Crab and Lobster Roll, had no cider and the tacos was like cardboard. The second time around they had it all and so we ordered the Crab and Lobster roll and, well, someone say HALLELUJAH.

I know what you’re thinking, how can I say hallelujah when I am currently munching on leftovers from them. Well, you see the chef outdid himself on the starters; mac balls and cheeseburger dumplings. These are sizable portions which turned out to be very filling especially tagged with a cocktail. By the time the mains were coming, we were starting to fill full already. We still enjoyed the mains and to our surprise, Dirty Bones does offer doggy bags to carry your food home. Which I did not know this before but glad I did not waste any food because I couldn’t finish it all.

Overall Experience

Because we were once bitten at this restaurant, we were shy and set no expectations at all. Well I am glad to report our experience the second time round is one that screens, I AM RECOMMENDING THIS OXFORD EATERY. The service was impeccable, the ambiance was incredible, the cocktails were intoxicating {in a good way}. We are so happy to have given Dirty Bones Oxford a second chance, a chance they used wisely and improved on.

The staff was super friendly and not just to us but to everyone, they smiled at everyone and spent the time. It’s always nice when you’re treated like the queen of Sheba walking on gold petals. I like speaking to other customers to see their opinions and it was definitely favourable.

What you should know!!

• Book in advance other via phone or online booking system
• Restaurant located on roof terrace of the Westgate shopping centre next to Pho
• You can take food home if you don’t finish
• Optional 12.5% is added to the bill, of course you could add more, personal choice
• Allergen information is available, ask the waiting staff
• Find Dirty bones on Instagram or Website

Our food and drinks recommendations!!

• Starter: Mac Balls {Fried taleggio mac & cheese balls topped with sweet chilli sauce}
• Main: Crab and Lobster Roll {Fresh crab and lobster with black garlic and fresh herbs on a toasted roll. Served with a side of taleggio mac & cheese}
• Dessert: Butter baby milkshake {Creamy butterscotch, vanilla ice cream and milk} OR Coffee & Donuts {Coffee gelato with fresh sugared donuts}