Square’s Newest Tapas Joint “The Sipp” Offers Fine Wines, Cheeses

By Megan Pipech and Emma Carney
Hottytoddy.com interns
mcpipech@go.olemiss.edu; emcarney@go.olemiss.edu

The Sipp on South Lamar is the newest Square gathering spot to grab a cocktail and get a taste of Southern cuisine.

This restaurant and wine bar is owned by Ole Miss alumni AJ and Claire Kiamie. AJ was born and raised in Oxford and continued on to play football at Ole Miss. He soon met his wife, Claire, who played tennis for the university. After college, the two married and looked for a way to continue their lives in Oxford.

The Sipp is located on the Square and offers diners a fine wine and cheese experience. Photo by Emma Carney.

This is the first restaurant the Kiamies have owned, but hospitality runs in their genes. AJ’s family owns the oldest operating wine and spirits store—Kiamie’s Wine & Liquor—in Mississippi, and Claire has owned an event planning business for 11 years. Therefore, they both understand what the community wants in a dining experience. 

“Conversation, a relaxing atmosphere and lots of laughter are most important to us,” Claire said.

The Kiamies’ passion for travel led them to places that would have an impact on the inspiration for The Sipp. They took inspiration from all over the world and engrained it into Oxford’s inaugural wine and tapas location. 

The menu consists of charcuterie slates that can be specially made with the customer’s favorite cheeses and salamis. For bigger bites, they also offer housemade fettuccini, farmer’s market raviolo and much more. These delectable meals can be paired with one of the dozens of fine wines—or spirits—offered on the bar menu.

“In my opinion, we make the best old fashioneds because of our large selection of whiskeys. As for your specialty cocktails, my favorite would be the Boo Radley which is named after a character in “To Kill a Mocking Bird” and tastes like a Mississippi honeysuckle,” said bartender Connor Steptoe.

The interior decorating helps complement the bold menu. With a dark interior, full bar and open seating throughout, it is easy for locals to come and unwind with their friends and family.

The interior of The Sipp is dark and bold, which accentuates its menu. Photo by Emma Carney.

One feature that The Sipp brings to the community is their Tasting Room.

“The private Tasting Room is perfect for all kinds of parties, from cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to private, customized dinners,” Claire said.

The Kiamies intend to have a few tasting events arranged each month. The first event, Tacos and Tequila, was held Oct. 8 to kick off the opening of the Tasting Room.

“It actually sold out before we even opened the doors. We look forward to doing it again in the spring,” Claire said.

With such a high demand for tickets, The Sipp tends to sell out fast. Sign up on their website in order to be a part of the experience.