The Ox is a steakhouse situated in a basement beneath The Commercial Rooms on Corn Street in Bristol's Old City. It offers a menu featuring prime steak cuts and hearty sharing joints, all cooked over real charcoal to impart a smoky flavor. The restaurant emphasizes using local and seasonal produce, sourcing its meats from Buxton Butchers in Winterbourne. In addition to its food offerings, The Ox boasts an extensive wine list and a selection of cocktails crafted by expert bartenders. The venue also hosts Sunday Roasts and BYO Mondays, allowing guests to bring their own wine or fizz for a corkage fee.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.4 1,141
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,107
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Cozy and Unique Atmosphere Located in a basement setting with dim lighting, The Ox offers a unique and intimate dining atmosphere.
- Delicious Side Dishes Beyond the steaks, patrons rave about the flavorful and well-prepared side dishes, like the mac and cheese and scallops, that complement the main courses.
- Excellent Service Many diners have praised the friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff who enhance the dining experience.
- Great Sunday Roast The Sunday roast is highly recommended, featuring perfectly cooked beef and a variety of tasty vegetables.
- High-Quality Steaks The Ox is known for its delicious and perfectly cooked steaks, making it a top choice for steak lovers.
Criticised
- Can Be Noisy When the restaurant is full, the noise levels can be high, making it hard to have a conversation.
- Dim Lighting The low lighting can make it difficult to read the menu and see the food, which may not be ideal for everyone.
- Limited Drink Selection The drink selection may be limited, particularly for those seeking draft beers or a wider variety of ciders.
- Potentially Difficult to Find Located downstairs with minimal signage, the entrance can be easily missed.
- Service Charge An automatic service charge is sometimes added to the bill, which may be unexpected or unwanted by some customers.
The longer read
The Ox is a basement restaurant specializing in steak and Sunday roast dinners, located beneath the Commercial Rooms in Bristol. Many reviewers found the restaurant difficult to locate initially, as it's tucked away downstairs with minimal signage. The interior is consistently described as dimly lit, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere, while some found it too dark, hindering menu reading and visibility of the food. Despite the low lighting, many found the ambiance appealing and classy, while others felt it could get quite noisy when crowded, potentially impacting conversation. The service is frequently praised, with staff described as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, contributing positively to the overall dining experience. Some reviewers specifically highlighted staff members going the extra mile to accommodate dietary needs or special occasions. However, a few mentioned slow service or automatic service charges they found unfavorable. Steaks are a highlight, with many reviewers proclaiming them cooked to perfection and flavorful, particularly the rib eye with bone marrow butter. The Sunday roast, especially the beef, also receives high marks for tenderness and taste. Scallops as a starter are consistently praised, with some considering them a standout dish. Side dishes like mac and cheese, greens, and salads are generally well-received. However, potatoes have received mixed feedback, with some finding them lacking crispness. A few reviewers expressed disappointment with the drink selection, citing limited cider options and a preference for bottled over canned beverages. Some found the restaurant pricey, but others felt the quality justified the cost, especially when using available coupons or early bird deals. A few reviewers found the experience underwhelming compared to other steak restaurants in Bristol, mentioning above-average but not amazing steaks and a preference for places like Cow & Sow and Pasture. One reviewer mentioned mobility issues due to steep stairs. Some reviewers also found the temperature too hot. Overall, The Ox is recommended for its high-quality food, particularly steaks and roasts, excellent service, and unique atmosphere, but potential customers should be aware of the low lighting, potential noise levels, and basement location.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 117 922 1001
- Website
- theoxbristol.com
| Mon | 17:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 21:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.5 across the 17 places to eat we hold for Stokes Croft, where the most-reviewed is Pho Bristol.
Still deciding?
- Which steak cut is most recommended at The Ox for first‑time diners?
- What is the reservation policy at The Ox, including any required lead time and cancellation fees?
- How would you describe the atmosphere at The Ox and is there a dress code for guests?
- Can you suggest wine pairings from The Ox’s extensive list for the steak and the pork pistachio terrine?
- What nearby attractions or landmarks are within walking distance of The Ox that visitors could explore before or after their meal?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.