South Depot: Nacho Average Taco Shop

Music and chatter fill the room while people gather for good food and good company. Street signs line the deep navy walls and people flow in and out under the market lights on the back patio. South Depot, located just off the Square in historic downtown Oxford, has been booming since it opened in March of 2011.

By day, the taco shop is an option for families, students and townspeople alike, but at night it turns into a hot spot for young people headed out on the Square.

“The inspiration came from several other similar establishments across the country. We tried to bring several ideas of other concepts together as one with South Depot,” manager Trey Horne said.

Regular business hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., which makes it a great stop for lunch or dinner.

“Great food, great drinks and it’s casual. It’s a place for everyone, but you can still sit down and enjoy yourself, which sets it apart from just a bar,” said Tousley Leake, a South Depot regular and junior at Ole Miss.

South Depot’s menu ranges from build-your-own burritos to Memphis-style BBQ tacos.

Striving to meet the needs of their customers while providing a good work atmosphere for employees are among some of their top goals at the taco shop.

“I like creating a place where people enjoy themselves,” bartender Ryan Buchanan said.

Along with the regular weekend crowd, football weekends in Oxford play a large role in South Depot’s business.

“It’s probably the best location in Oxford,” Lane said. “Seeing lots of people come straight here on Saturday after a big football game… that’s what makes it all worth it.”

By Stennett Smith, a student of the Meek School of Journalism and New Media. She can be reached at nssmith1@go.olemiss.edu.