‘Best’ nod for Lynn’s Blue Ox

LYNN – Open for just about four months, The Blue Ox has already garnered a following among Lynn area residents and has been named “Best of Boston” by Boston Magazine under the north category for new restaurants.Among 201 winners in the 36th annual issue, the American-Mediterranean restaurant on Oxford Street features a young, fresh vibe that compliments its innovative dishes, both capturing the attention of the contemporary magazine.Flattered by the award, chef Matt O’Neil said he is grateful for the attention and for the word of mouth from his loyal customers.”You know, I’m very happy, but it doesn’t shock me because what we’re doing is worthy of an award,” he said. “But we are pleasantly surprised as such a young restaurant to be recognized.”O’Neil, a Swampscott native, has worked at No. 9 Park, Prezza and the former Copia in Boston, all of which catered to high-end clients and primed the chef for his first solo run in Lynn.Since taking over for the former Downtown Bistro, O’Neil has transformed the previously small space by taking over a neighboring business to increase the number of patrons served.”The space is completely different now and has a more comfortable feeling than the previous restaurant,” he said. “The menu is more diverse because I have room to serve more people and appeal to the college kids and mom and dad.”Menu items include a succulent blue cheese-stuffed hamburger, $6 meal deals for kids, grilled swordfish and the “best herbed French fries” served with a grilled lemon and thyme mayonnaise.”It’s really honest food and we’re taking great ingredients and making meals approachable and affordable,” he said. “The blue cheese burgers (two sliders) is $11 – you can’t beat that.”The restaurant is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 5-10 p.m., and Thursday-Saturday from 5-10:30 p.m. O’Neil said he has plans to open the restaurant on Sundays this fall to accommodate the football fans out there.Boston Magazine chose the 201 restaurants through anonymous judges who explored the greater Boston area to find the best there is to offer. This year’s judges critiqued a wide array of categories, including best stores, restaurants, services and nightlife.Kanes Donuts in Saugus was named Best of Boston in the cravings category.In addition to the winners, the magazine is listing both runners-up and previous honorees in its issue, which include G Bar & Kitchen on Humphrey Street in Swampscott and Sixty-2 on Wharf Street in Salem.