Location: 7.5
Volta is located in an old converted gas station a few blocks north of the square in Oxford. Easy to get to and from, easy to get in and out.
Atmosphere: 6.5
Look, it’s an old gas station. It’s a place to get a quick, affordable lunch, or to linger at night with friends over dinner and drink plenty of beer and wine. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. It’s not going to win any awards in architecture or interior design, and it doesn’t care. It’s comfortable, it’s roomy, and it does the job.
Food: 7.2
Volta pretty clearly took inspiration for its menu and general aesthetic from Keifer’s in Jackson, but the menu is noticeably smaller and the interior is not quite as cozy. At our last visit we didn’t see dolmas, for example, and the selection of gyros is a lot smaller. Other than that, there are a lot of similarities. The pita melt (what’s called a pita mozz at Keifer’s) was really good, and while Volta’s feta dressing isn’t in the same league as Keifer’s, the menu as a whole is a winner. We’ve had several of the wraps and appetizers, and so far everything has been executed well.
Service: 7.8
There’s something about the staff here that seems like they really enjoy their jobs. They’re friendly, enthusiastic, they swing by often without being intrusive, and they’re quick to get you that side of feta dressing, or the extra napkins, or the drink refill. You get the sense that whomever they report to is making it a fun and financially rewarding place to work. Whatever the reason, they’re doing a great job. We’ve never gotten the same server twice, and every one of them has been great.
Overall: 7.3
What’s not to like? Good food at affordable prices, a laid-back vibe in an old gas station, and great staff. Tasty, consistent, and fun.