Ocala is loaded with good breakfast places. Big Man's Cafe is by far my favorite. Best biscuits I've had in Florida. Their potatoes are perfect. Ordered over medium eggs and actually got over medium eggs. Best prices and they make you feel like family. Please go there and eat there so they stay open forever. You'll be glad you did. Can't wait to try the lunch menu! read more

Traveling for fun and found this place on Yelp. Southern hospitality with simply AMAZING food. Fried Shrimp were delicious. We were treated like family vs. customers and I'd highly recommend the place. read more

After having lunch there, I am left wondering how this restaurant can be rated so highly. We waited 20 minutes for our lunch order to be taken and another 30 minutes before our food arrived. The fried chicken was mediocre and made me wish for my Mom's fried chicken, which I might add was not that great either. On the other hand, Mom was wonderful and made up for her foibles as a chef with her great sense of humor and towering intellect and for being a great loving Mom. I give her 5 stars and will always love her with all my heart. Back to the review. I also order Lima beans and what I got was something that approximated Lima bean pudding. I was told by the staff that delays were caused by the number of customers, but that excuse didn't fly for me. The bathroom was poorly maintained and apparently Management didn't think that painting walls was a good idea. I wonder what restaurant the rest of the many breathless reviews were eating at. I have spoken and thus it is so. read more

it aint Southern! the chicken should have been brined, it was flavorless. like a frozen chicken wing once you get past the sauce. skin was perfect, if they would brine that chicken it would be another level. cold mac n cheese, but good flavor. stuffing waaaaay to grainy. and why can't anyone make gravy like n florida ??? fish was good zero complaint. onion rings very good, only thing that resembled southern was the dipping sauces. Waitresses need a system, all over the place and waiting on people out of order. But real nice ! That place needs tiny tweeks and it would need a bigger place. Oh last thing collards were banging!! Just remove the bad stems. See small tweeks!! read more

excellent food and service! I had the fish, mashed potatoes and a salad. The food was cooked to perfection. Mamma kept us feeling right at home. read more

Great place! Fantastic food! Reasonable prices! Will definitely return! The owner strolled through and made a point of speaking to each of his guests. The waitress was great too. If I could say anything negative about the place....and I'm searching...they only serve desserts on weekends! :). Knowing that, I will still go back anytime and if it's not a weekend, I will get some ice cream on the way home! read more

I don't have a picture of my snickerdoodle chiller with espresso whip cream because it was so tasty it didn't even last the 5min drive home.... I ate ever single last bite of this breakfast, it was delicious, so so perfect. It's just not every day that this happens so I wanted to share. Yummmyyy Oh and the staff have been extremely kind every time I've been in!! Biscuits and gravy weren't anything to rave about the first time I came in, but the coffee has been KILLER every time. read more

Good people good food, good atmosphere. What more could ask for! I have never had bad experience at big man's the food is always good old country food with flavor and the country nuance if you're looking for fancy, go downtown if you're looking for wholesome come to big man's read more

WOW!!! If you are looking for an outstanding southern meal with a staff that makes you feel like family, then look no further. We started out the day with a flat tire, which is not the way we wanted to start the day. As we waited for the repair to be done we wanted to find some food. There are so many options in downtown Ocala but we are so so so glad that we chose Big Man's. We were sat immediately and had our drink orders taken. Within minutes the owner and his sweet mother were making rounds checking on every table ensuring that we and the rest of the patrons were happy and welcomed. I ordered the smothered chicken breakfast with potato's, over easy eggs and a homemade biscuit. My father ordered the smothered pork chop breakfast with the same sides, but he had grits instead of potato's. Everything came out perfectly and was better than we could have hoped. The gravy was by far some of the tastiest I have ever tried and the grits were certainly the most flavorful I've had. The biscuits were fresh made and when I dipped it in the gravy, OH MY!!! After one visit my father and I agreed that we don't need to search for good food in the area again. They've got regulars for life after just one visit. Give them a try and I know you'll be just as happy as we are. It was so good we forgot to take pictures but when we come back I'll make sure to do so. read more

Food was OK but the atmosphere was very unwelcoming. The waitresses were friendly but the owner sitting at the bar didn't seem interested in us being there. I also understand it's a black owner business which I have no problem with. There were 3 different tables with white customers who were totally ignored except for ordering. No drink refills unless we had to catch someone to get them. When black customers came in all of a sudden the owner was Mr Presonality. He would be all smiles and engaging . Hollering across the restaurant to them. I tried to catch his eye but he couldn't have been less interested. We felt very unwelcome. Never again ! read more

Super long wait for food. Salad was served in a big metal bowl. No refills on drinks. When I asked for a to go cup I was asked to pay $1.34 for it. Fried chicken was good and strawberry pound cake was as well. Tab for lunch much for two with tip was over $70!!! read more

Had the loaded grit bowl for breakfast awesome! Came back- fried smothered chicken awesome, great fried fish! Check this place out!!! Elizabeth F. read more

Meh! I don't understand all the hype. Food was average at best. Red's is much better than Big Man's Cafe. Oh well.

Do not be deceived that this gem is in a strip mall. When you walk in you are greeted by the staff. All are super and work together to make you feel welcome. That's just the beginning of the love.... My husband and I tried 3 different things....liver & onions (husband's). He raved about how good it was. We also ordered the Cajun shrimp baked potato ...yummmm and the fried chicken also very delicious. Who ever is their chef cooks with love. There was enough from Lunch to take home and eat for dinner. What an awesome new restaurant that we will visit over and over and try everything on the menu. Everything is homemade. We brought a piece of cake home for dessert. I'm sorry to say I didn't take any pictures but will the next time!!! read more

The food was delicious but even more important, the staff was amazing! The owner was out socializing with guests and when things got busy he was there to make sure everyone was taken care of. read more

This is now on our must eats places. Got to meet mom and grandma who run even though they claimed the husband did. Mom makes the cakes. Southern food at its best. read more

Amazing food! Nicest servers! We were staying in the area only a few days and had to go back because it was so good! Cheesy grits OMG! Also loved their sausage gravy! Honestly, it was all delicious! read more

Today was my second visit to Big Man's Cafe, and just like the first visit it was outstanding! If you like Southern cuisine - true soul food - this is the real deal. So far my husband and I have tried the stewed beef platter, the fried fish platter, and the smothered fried chicken platter, with various side items - macaroni and cheese, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy (side note: their gravy is in a category by itself and your goal should be to order as much of it as possible ), candied yams, fries, and collard greens. Every single bite of all of these foods was delicious! Our delightful waitress (another side note: their servers are an additional high point of each visit) was telling us that they arrive at 5 AM to start peeling the potatoes and prepping the various ingredients, and you can tell because everything is fresh and prepared to order. This is comfort food at its best! Plus the portions are so generous that you will usually have leftovers, unless you have an appetite like my husband who would probably lick the plate clean if he could get away with it. Oh, and if you eat there on the weekend, make sure you ask for their dessert menu. The offerings rotate depending on what Mrs. Big Man :-) makes, and they are scrumptious! I'm pretty sure I put on a couple of pounds every time I eat there, but it's totally worth it! Big Man's Cafe has quickly become our favorite restaurant not only in Ocala but in north central Florida. Try it, and you will see why! Get there early though, because they close at 6:00 PM. They open at 6:00 AM each day except Sundays (11:00 AM that day), and I've heard their breakfast meals are just as epic as the ones at lunch. We are planning to make breakfast our next visit there, and I'm already looking forward to it! read more

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Went for breakfast today sat Big Man's. Just ordered a regular breakfast, scrambled eggs (with cheese), home fries and a biscuit. The food was excellent. Eggs and bacon were really good, the potatoes were outstanding, but the biscuit!??? Pure southern comfort. Best biscuit I've had in eons. And their cat head sized! I could've eaten a dozen of those soft, delicious pieces of heaven. Our server was great! Checked in with us, made sure we were happy with our breakfast. Service was quick, prices were good, too. I wish I lived closer. I'd be going every weekend for breakfast. Forgot to take a photo and I'm disappointed that I don't have one to share. read more

Delicious food, great service, and Big Man, with his beautiful smile, even makes the rounds to make sure you are enjoying your meal. Would definitely recommend you give it a try! read more

Stumbled in to this cafe. Simply amazing food, friendly and attentive waitstaff. Wish I lived in the area, would definitely go again!

Great food! Great service. Highly recommend! We had breakfast. We were all raised in the South, and we all agreed the cheese grits were the best we ever had! read more

Attended the Grand opening on 7/23/2022. Must say the food my wife and I ordered was great. The place was large and very clean. Even has an adjoining bar room where you can eat and drink. The owners Gerald and Winnie are superb hosts as well. I highly suggest you give it a try. Charles Robinson Ocala, Florida read more

The food was very good. The service was very friendly. It is a small mom & pop place. read more

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Best southern food in Ocala! And you must try the peach pie! We feel so lucky to have found this Cafe. Was like finding a diamond. Service is friendly and accomodating. Staff is attentive and welcoming. Family run and owner is very nice. Felt right at home. Just delightful. Check their facebook for pics.​ read more

Patronized when first opened. Food was just okay. Went several more times food was still just okay. Waited several months. Back today. String beans awful. Tasted as if warmed in water. Onion rings were thick with coating and tasteless. Oxtails, which I eat on a regular basis, were covered with too much gravy and way way to fatty. Food appeared to be just tossed on plate. Servers were nice, but no rhyme or reason and it appears to have no organization. Will not be returning. read more

Big Man's Cafe - Southern Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Met a friend there the other day. My 3rd visit, food -and- service couldn't be better. This time I had the fried chicken for the first time, OMG it was so darn good. I am already looking forward tp next time so I can try the oxtails, LOL. My friend had their grilled all beef Nathans hot dog and it was perfect, she was incredibly happy with it. Gerald, the owner is so very friendly. He always comes to the table to make sure everything is perfect. Because of many years in the food service as a waitress, bartender, etc I am very picky about service. All condiments are delivered to the table before the food comes, tables are monitored for dirty dishes, water glasses are filed, etc. I personally dislike when a mess is left sitting in front of me and someone brings the check. Great job Gerald!! read more

we knew as soon as we walked in... this would become our favorite place and that was even before we got our food. they treat you like family even if that is mentioning your ugly gator shirt lol. the food was hot, tasty and they serve the best pancakes I have ever tasted. I wish we didn't live 3 hours away read more

Worst breakfast I've ever had in my life with a very noisy kitchen and lots of people talking and throwing things on the floor, the smell is horrible! read more

Good food good service good portions. Nice place. Clean. They also have a bar with drink specials. I've been there 2times

Good food that was actually hot when brought to the table unlike most other places. Had the chicken wings - next time might try chops. read more

Big Man's Cafe - Southern Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Amazing little spot! Food was sooo good, staff and the owners are extremely friendly and nice, our server in particular was great and very helpful. Will def go back! read more

Got take out & it was delicious! Fish was fried perfectly. My husband got the smothered pork chops & he said very tasty. Varied array of sides & all that we had were good. The only thing I wasn't happy with - they close at 6! The young lady who took my order & helped with my pick up was very friendly! read more

Service was very good. Many times my first stop is the bathroom, and it was clean. I ordered the smothered pork chops with sides of Mac-n-cheese, cole slaw, and cucumber salad. All are excellent. My wife ordered the grilled liver and onions, with cucumber salad, and the Lima beans. She loved her dish too. The environment is warm and clean, staff very personable. We met the big man who is a jovial character who cares about his business and customers. I can't wait to return! read more

Just had a fabulous breakfast with my family. The food was delicious and unique. The staff and owners were friendly and took pride in the meals and the restaurant. Great value! True fans! read more

You want to have breakfast here. Hell, you may want to have every meal here. We entered the casual strip mall establishment and found a booth seat. Sierra (sp?) took excellent care of us, making menu recommendations and keeping our coffees full. The sausage paddies look to be hand formed and my best guess is they're made in house. They along with the eggs, grits, dollar cakes, potatoes, biscuits (sliced and slightly toasted), thick cut bacon and sausage gravy were excellent. The attention to detail in toasting the biscuits and sausage paddies clearly not being the same ones other establishments buy from their food distributors were next level. I'm excited to go back and try their fried chicken, oxtail, and greens. read more

Great prices, great portions and great service. Love this place. What more do I need to add to this review

I came here for breakfast I ordered the bacon breakfast, my eggs were fried I asked for dipped eggs, an let's not forget the home fries just terrible it was just a boil potatoe not all the way cooked with no seasoning or onions an peppers just a plain old big hard potatoe. read more

Was traveling though for business. Found this place for breakfast. The staff was very friendly. The owner came around & checked on everyone which was nice. The food was very good read more

Service very friendly, Food delicious.! Family owned and operated. Great people with intentions to fulfill your day with positivity