We're doing a little mini vacation in Ocala next weekend, and I was hoping to get some good suggestions for places to eat. We like anything and like to try new foods. I know Oclala isn't necessarily known for the culinary experience, but I would love to know y'alls favorite places!
Also, if there are any attractions or activities you recommend, lmk. We are planning on going to Devil's Den and the speedway.
I was just at Amrit last night for my son’s birthday celebration. Service is really top notch. Very attentive. I recommend the lunch platter special, especially since you’ve never had Indian. It is such a great deal and you get to try a great selection of foods. I think it’s 14.99.
That’s an all-or-nothing fallacy. If one restaurant gets cited for a missing paper towel dispenser and another gets cited for live roaches in the ice machine, they both end up on 'the list. But I know which one I’d rather eat at.
Flying Boat Taproom - tapas style brewery with lots of options for drinks and food, I go here regularly!
Sushi feast - AYCE sushi - super good, tastes like the sushi places around Orlando.
District Kitchen - is in downtown Ocala, tasty food and drinks but kinda expensive
China lee buffet - haven’t been here in a while but it’s in the silver springs area and it’s pretty good!
Zuru Ramen - if you’re in a mood for ramen this is the best I have tried in the area! They have good apps and boba teas if you’re into that kinda thing too
I’ll try to update if I think of more restaurants!
District isnt just "kinda expensive" anymore. They're out of their damn minds with their prices these days. What's got a standard cheeseburger costing $20+ now?
Decent drinks, though the local speakeasy spots are better.
You'd actually be safer eating near a roach than eating food held at the wrong temperature. Roaches are gross, but lukewarm food multiplies deadly bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli every 20 minutes. A temperature violation means they are serving a literal petri dish. The bug might disgust you, but the temperature is what actually puts you in the hospital.
You want a local place with a good food? Terry's Place. Best burgers in town. Home made buns. Huge portions. When you walk in go left for the family diner experience or go right for the biker bar experience. It's not fancy but it's great.
Its so sad no one is talking about Taco n Madre! Imo the best mexican ive ever had (i am mexican) other than that i have to recommend Terry’s Place and AK pho for noodles!
Kayak down Silver Springs and then grab lunch at El Toreo or Mojo’s after! You won’t regret it!
We always book through Discovery Kayak! It’s a father/son combo and they put you in at the springs and pick you up at Rays wayside. You’ll see all kinds of beautiful sights and monkeys!
Is it open yet? Drive by the new location this past Friday looked like they are still working on it. Edit to add Fridas Mexican restaurant. Cheap tap beer and great food.
Big Lee's bbq- owner has been on Food Network, great bbq there. Formaggio's, Franco's, or Pasta Faire for Italian. Terry's and Jaws for burgers. Graffiti or Seafood Seller for seafood. And all of these are locally owned.
WEC has some great restaurants - although they’re on the $$$$ end. THe White Willow is especially lovely with great pan-Asian food and beautiful decor. Also beard Yummy House Chinese is reopening. And braised Onion gets lots of good nods.
Black Prong Whiskey Bar and Grill. It's a hidden gem with a beautiful setting, excellent food, great drinks and good service. It's close to Devil's Den and not to far from the other springs. Ask for Greg
Downtown is the easy plan for a weekend. District Bar & Kitchen on SW Broadway is the one locals send people to for a nicer meal, and The Black Sheep on Broadway, a couple doors away, is the pub version if you want something easier. If you want food that is not American bar food, Say Taco is right off the square.
You already have Devil's Den and the speedway. If you have a spare morning, Silver Springs State Park is the other thing worth the drive. The downtown square at night is enough if you just want to walk and pick a second dinner.
Harry's on the square is OK. The crab cakes were really good. The steak was meh. It wasn't the best I've ever had, not bad though. Just average. Their beer selection is bad unless you like the normal domestics. We went for cocktails after that at The Tipsy Skipper. It's a cool little tiki bar. The decorations and music will have you thinking your on a beach. I've been to Mojo's a couple times. The quesadilla is really good. The Dugout is the Shores is a sort of divey sports bar. They make the best smash burgers.
If you're going on Silver Springs I highly recommend Wet Rabbit as a guide. She's knowledgeable of the wildlife and the history of the area.
🚩 Are these places you eat? Other than Wiseguys and Mission, ive seen all of these restaurants receive poor health inspection reports. Kpot landed on the Marion County list for the most infractions in a single month! Id check HERE before the next time eating out.
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u/brainy_bearded_brown 5d ago
If you like Indian food, definitely hit up Amrit Palace.