LYNN – When it was the Oxford Street Grill it was called “a hidden jewel.” When it was home to the Downtown Bistro it was “a little gem.” But The Blue Ox, located at 191 Oxford St., has something better than baubles: staying power.It has been 16 months since the doors opened at the family friendly always-vibrant restaurant and even Chef/partner Matt O’Neil said he is surprised at the reception.”We’ve been packed,” he said. “We’ve had a really nice reception in Lynn and we’re still getting new clientele, and really diverse clientele.”The eatery has attracted loyal customers from Swampscott, Marblehead, Beverly and even New Hampshire, to Lynnfield, Revere, Worcester and of course Lynn. O’Neil, who is partnered with The Lynn Restaurant Group, said business has exceeded all of their expectations. And he has a few ideas on how that’s happened.There is a fine line between being creative with a menu and being crazy. O’Neil and his staff have found that balance between innovation and giving people what they want, great food and great value. He said Blue Ox has stuck close to the concept of being a family friendly restaurant that serves “approachable American style menu with a twist.”To accomplish that O’Neil offers a menu with items as simple as hummus, burgers, chowder and scampi, as well as fun offerings like lobster tacos and elegant but familiar entrees such as grilled salmon dressed up with Sardinian couscous or grilled pork tenderloin with mashed sweet potatoes.O’Neil said his aim is to work with food he knows people will like such as swordfish, steak, chicken and pasta, but also so try and change it up a little by adding the extras like a carrot-jicama slaw or a corn and lime risotto.There is also a kids’ menu that includes the ever-popular chicken fingers, spaghetti and a personal cheese pizza.”The menu has enough choices to please pretty much everyone,” he said. “It’s kind of what we do and I think it’s why we’re effective.”O’Neil said he truly feels apart of the neighborhood and feels that the restaurant is not only welcoming but accessible to everyone and unlike his predecessors, O’Neil has room for everyone.When the Blue Ox opened it took up an adjacent room, which nearly doubled the restaurants size.”I wouldn’t say it was claustrophobic but it was tighter,” O’Neil said of the previous space. “We can accommodate most people now . . . expanding the space really helped out.”Along with becoming part of the neighborhood however comes responsibility to be a good neighbor and O’Neil said Blue Ox is trying to do that as well by participating in community events like the Chili Cook-off, the taste for education and reaching out to local schools.Lastly, O’Neil attributes much of his success to what he calls the community within the restaurant. He said he’s worked a lot of high-end properties but he is truly happiest at 191 Oxford St. He attributes that feeling to his “great, great staff.””It’s not just another place,” he said. “It’s part of something.”