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    Big Man's Cafe

    4.5 (164 reviews)

    Big Man's Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    BIG MAN'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Big Man's Cafe

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    1/4 chicken with green beans and mac!! so fresh and delicious!
    Gina P.

    visited here last month when the fam and I were in the area! the hospitality at this place was incredible. the woman working, i'm not sure of her name, I think it was linda, was very friendly and welcoming! place was clean and service was fast. everyone liked their meals! quality was very fresh! would definitely come back again!

    Breakfast menu
    Simone M.

    I was looking for a Southern/Soul Food spot in the Gainesville area, and stumbled upon this gem in Ocala. I was in Ocala to get my car serviced, so I had to stop in. I stopped in around before 5pm to place my order for myself and parents. I didn't get her name but I believe she's the daughter of the owner, she was very helpful and checked on me as I waited. I will say the Southern hospitality here is a 5 star! I also spoke with the owner and his friend as I waited for my to-go order and they were very friendly as well. I was excited to eat my food as the smell filled my car during my ride home. So I ordered the 1/4 chicken platter that comes with two sides, which were green beans and yams. Also, based on the reviews ask for the cornmeal pancake as it comes with your meal. The chicken was huge and the meat was juicy. A lot of times, I order dark meat because it's juicer however this did not disappoint. The green beans were good and seasoned. The yams were not cooked to my liking. The sweet potato was still firm and I preferred them to be cooked down more to be softer. The blueberry pie was my little sweet treat to end my meal. The blueberry filling was really good as they have real blueberries through the piece of pie. The crust is buttery and strudel on top was the chef's kiss. The filling layer in between the blueberry and strudel was a bit too sweet for my liking but overall it was a nice treat to end with. Overall, I love the amazing service and this satisfied my soul food cravings. I look forward to stopping in for their breakfast dishes like biscuits and gravy and the spicy sausage.

    Shawn L.

    Stopped in for lunch during a recent visit to the area. The reviews were good and we love southern cuisine. I got fried swai with collard greens and fried okra. Everything was delicious. They offer fresh pies on the weekends and we got a slice of peanut butter and another slice of peach pie. Both were a generous portion and delicious. I certainly do recommend this little spot of deliciousness if you are in the mood for some good southern comfort food.

    Grit bowl and Salmon breakfast plate
    Stephanie S.

    Amazing menu options for breakfast and lunch. Coffee was the smoothest, and I even asked what brand it was. I had the loaded grit bowl with a side of tomatoes. My friend had the salmon patty breakfast plate with potatoes, eggs and toast. I was intrigued by the Oxtail plate. The waitress said it was flying out the door this morning. I wanted to try it (Oxtail virgin here) but, I was so hungry I opted for the safer, grit bowl. My friend and I have decided to stop for lunch on the way back through town...lived our adorable waitress, she gave lots of recommendations. Hope we see her in the way out of town! I highly recommend this soul food based restaurant. Don't be intimidated by the "soul food" highlight. They have plenty of the basic food plates we all are use to. I'm gonna try the Oxtail

    Cheyenne S.

    Killer breakfast at excellent prices! The staff is so friendly and service was great. Located in a plaza, so lots of parking. The interior was fresh and modern. The owners even took the time to go table to table to make sure the experience was up to par. It was a nice touch. We ordered the pork chop breakfast, one grilled, one smothered. Both were devoured in minutes. Excellent lunch menu, with all the southern fixings. Looking forward to returning real soon!

    Stew meat with collards, Lima beans, and southern dressing.
    Angela H.

    1. The service was amazing. So personal and friendly. Their motto is once you walk through the door you are family, and we felt like family!!! 2. The food was SO good. True southern style home cooking. Two in our party got the liver and onions. They raved about it being just like momma made. My son said the fried fish was better than any he ever had. It was moist on the inside but crisp on the outside. My stew meat was melt in your mouth. The sides were amazing too! All of them reminded us of thanksgiving at grandma's house. 3. The red velvet cake! I'm not a big fan of it traditionally, but we saw 4 slices sell while there. My son tried it and everyone was fighting over this slice. It was moist and delicious. Not dry. Not overly sweet. Just perfect. We will be back next time we are in town. Just make sure you get there before 6 pm!!!

    Breakfast
    Nirely C.

    We have been twice and can't wait to return. Service and food is just like being at home with family!

    Steak omelette
    Aida A.

    Family owned operation. Owners, their daughter and granddaughter were working! So friendly and attentive. The restaurant design is simple but comfortable. The food was incredible especially the dollar cakes- best pancakes I've ever had and the family agreed. The biscuits too! We had omelettes and all were excellent. Mine was vegetarian and still delicious!

    Breakfast menu on 6/7/2025
    Julie L.

    We came here for lunch. There was a party of 14 that was seated ahead of us. I was impressed that they had plenty of room for that large party and the restaurant was filled with other patrons and they still had a table for us. Service was fast and the food was good. I got a bowl of their chicken and sausage gumbo and a side of Mac and cheese. The gumbo was good and I was happy that they had Crystal hot sauce that I could put in it to make it a little spicier. The roux could have been made a little darker so that it would be more full flavored. It was not the deep mahogany color that you find in New Orleans, but it was still tasty. The Mac and cheese was just okay, but it was forgettable. I was hoping for something that tasted more homemade. It wasn't bad, but I would not order it again. I got a slice of their peach pie to go. I really enjoyed it. The crust tastes like the crust I make for pies except it was saltier than mine. The peach pie had a lot of cinnamon in it and I really enjoyed it. Overall it was a good experience.

    Chili dogs was good but it had BEANS in the chili.  I get u dont want to make 2 different chilis but U need 2 INFORM people there r beans!
    Adam H.

    Friends and Family and reviews said great food. Service was a little confusing with the waitress but it got fixed. Ordered a chili dog with onion rings. Wife got the grilled ham and cheese. She said hers was ok. I hate beans and the texture of them. I am picky. as you can see since I picked every bean out of my chili dog that should not have beans in the 1st place. If I had known there were beans (as this is not normal for the majority of chili dogs served) I would have ordered something else. I get it you have tasty chili with beans but it does not belong on a chili dog. chili served to a judge in a contest does not have beans. that is a clue that beans should not be on a chili dog unless it is printed on the menu. dog was pretty good but I was put off by the beans. If someone else wants to go there in my group I would go back and try something else. But my 1st time was not good. I eat out every week. I try to eat at every place in my town and other towns when I am visiting. Wife keeps track on new places opening

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    Winena C.

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    1 year ago

    Family owned and run. Truly soulful food with friendly service. Oxtail platter simply out of this world and a must try.

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    Winena C.

    Glad you enjoyed your food, we look forward to seeing you again.

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    Food and atmosphere was amazing. The servers were very polite, attentive and courteous! You have to try the biscuits and gravy!!!!

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    Great food and friendly staff. They have generous portions of you don't go away hungry.

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    Had the fried cat fish which was excellent better than a lot places. The sides I had were just ok.

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    Page 2 of 5

    Ask the Community - Big Man's Cafe

    Do they have catfish? If so, how is it?

    They have Baisa, which is in the catfish family. Trust me it is amazing. I've had it the last 3 times I've been.

    Do you offer brunch?

    I'm not sure when they stop serving breakfast to start lunch but whether you're there for breakfast, lunch or dinner you will not be disappointed.

    How is the fish?

    My husband has ordered it both times we have been here, and loves it! His exact words were "it's perfect - fresh, fried but not greasy at all, and the best I've had."

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Big Man's Cafe - southern - Updated October 2026

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