Hi-Lo Jamaican Eating House

nastysue

Its everything the other reviewers say.And that makes it one of the best nights out in Oxford.

oxfordian1

This place is very very odd. If the Hi-Lo has a charm all of its own then it has fundamentally warped the idea of charm forever. The service whenever I have been swings between disinterested and hostile. I have not been on the receiving end of an unprovoked outburst but I have seen them enough to feel uncomfortable. People used to go here because it mysteriously stayed open very later than anywhere else, year after year. It possibly managed this on the vague promise that food might be purchased there. 99% of people were there for the Red Stripe, and nothing else so the scarcity of food didn't bother anyone. It now remains popular because it has become something of an Oxford rite of passage, and because it stays open even later! Not a glowing recommendation, but if you need late beer, its there and its always full of people with at least one shared interest.

drjohnson

The music is good, but seriously disappointing. The guy who owns this is lazy as and doesn’t understand how a restaurant works. It seems like it’s popular though, uh! The place is sticky but the food is fairly good but it can vary depending on the day and meal you go for. You definitely feel the area has a Jamaican vibe with the red stripe beer and reggae. It says open for quite a long time which is good for some especially when you want to grab a sandwich. If you like that sort of food, then definitely go for it but if you’re hesitant don’t go, you might get really disappointed.

drjohnson

The music is good, but seriously disappointing. The guy who owns this is lazy as and doesn’t understand how a restaurant works. It seems like it’s popular though, uh! The place is sticky but the food is fairly good but it can vary depending on the day and meal you go for. You definitely feel the area has a Jamaican vibe with the red stripe beer and reggae. It says open for quite a long time which is good for some especially when you want to grab a sandwich. If you like that sort of food, then definitely go for it but if you’re hesitant don’t go, you might get really disappointed. The guy is a prick if he thinks you're a rich boy!

Sharpshoot

This is possibly the most eclectic and weird bar i know. I've known this place for a while and its got its own very unique charm.

The place is staffed by a tempramental and rather fearsome Jamaican man, Andy. Your experience of the place is basically dictated by on what side of love and hate you fall with Andy.

If he likes you expect sweet service and fair prices for Rum punches, plantains and oh so sweet Ting! There are no set prices here, just whatever Andy thinks your worth! So if you've never been before make sure you get to know him first.

Hi-Lo's other charms include it being the only place on the cowley road open at 5am on weekdays, random jamaicans playing serious stakes at poker and the unique mix of claustraphobia and booming reggae music. In short I love it! and you will too.

sue at 22/05/07

Andy sounds a little scary to me - does he bite?! ; )

Add Comment