Breakfast at the Oxford Exchange

The Oxford Exchange is a restaurant, cafe, bookstore and market all in one. This building is unique for its special attention to architectural details, as well as its massive collection of funky and fun items, from spectacles to tennis rackets to thank you cards and scarves. After stalking Instagram and the internet for several hours, I decided that I had to check this place out before I moved in two weeks.

I knew parking would be an issue, considering it was close to downtown Tampa/Davis Island/Hyde Park area, so I made an effort to come early. I made asked Karen to come with me to be my unofficial photographer for the day. She reluctantly agreed (but only because I promised her a free breakfast).

We arrived a quarter past 9, and there was plenty of parking. The entrance to the bookstore was a few steps away from our parking spot but I wanted to enter from the main entrance on the other side of the building. While walking there, we found several picturesque spots and proceeded to take photos before we entered the building.

Picture in front of a white brick background.. check!

I wish you can see how cool this tree's trunks are

A huge leafy vine wall... def picture worthy!

As soon as we entered, I felt a sense of coziness. The space was dark (but not Hollister store dark) and I could immediately see why so many people raved about this place. Couches and chairs were strategically scattered throughout the shop, which lead to the cafe/study area.

A lovely rug in the shop

Wood flooring upstairs

Tile floor in the bookstore

A large wooden table sat in the middle, and an elderly couple was sitting on the chairs, having their morning coffee. The walls of the stairs had portraits of famous people, from queens, to rockstars to presidents. The second floor consisted of more beautiful chairs, as well as room for "authorized" personals... I can only imagine how nice it would be to work in such a beautiful place!

After trying out some test shots, we headed to the restaurant for some breakfast. There was no wait, and we asked to be seated outside in the atrium. There were metal tables but also seating around the "fountain" in the middle. These seats were made of stone, but a pillow was provided. Vines decorated one wall, orchids and greenery were scattered throughout the space. I am definitely going to host someone's engagement brunch here one day!

I personally am not a breakfast person, and I had a hard time deciding what to get. Karen eventually got an omelet and I ordered a few sides: ham, sausage, bagel and cream cheese, and two sunny side up eggs. And because the Oxford Exchange is "known" for their collection of teas (as stated by our waiter), we went ahead and ordered an iced peach oolong tea and an ice mango melange tea.

Unfortunately, the service and food was mediocre, and quite expensive. However, it was expected, since everything used is organic. My sunny side up eggs came out over easy... and the ham was kind of tough to eat; maybe it was cut too thick? The sausage was good, but a little salty. Our teas didn't arrive until after our food arrived. What I did enjoy was the toast and jam. The jam! It was so good... I ended up using it on my bagel. SO good, I highly recommend trying it out.

After breakfast we walked around to the bookstore and shop again and got a few more photos. Be warned: a lot of chair pictures coming your way!

Couches

Bench

and more chairs!

Mini chairs on a table

This luggage probably costs thousands...

"We go together like salt & pepper"

Overall, the Oxford Exchange is a charming place to study or meet up with friends. Definitely be prepared to take a lot of photos if you ever do make it here!