Good barbecue, super nice staff, and a very clean restaurant. Stopped in here on our way to UF. We exited I-95 in error and just decided to stop here for lunch. I'm glad we did. I would definitely stop in again for a meal. read more

They put a great amount of care into ever dish they put on your table and it shows. If you want true slow cooked brisket or the best sweet peach tea, then look no further. This is a family run business that makes you feel like you went to mom's for dinner. Always a joy to visit! read more

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My family and I were in Ocala, visiting my aunt. We came to Big Rascal's for lunch. We were greeted as soon as we came in, and we were directed to the hostess stand. We were seated right away, and we were greeted by Jess, our server. She was very friendly and welcoming. She took our drink orders first, then we ordered our meals. The food was amazing! My dad had The Last Stand with mashed sweet potatoes, my husband had The Texas Firehouse with fries, my aunt had the pulled pork sandwich with broccoli, and I had the brisket plate with coleslaw and fries. It was all hot and fresh and delicious! This was our second visit -- we came back because of the excellent food and service! We will definitely come again the next time we're in town. Keep up the good work! read more

the "burnt ends" were chunks of half fat roast beef. the Mac and cheese w/ sausage and jalapeños had zero sausage and it was no cheese mush. the brisket was over cooked and the rice and beans was plain white rice with a canned pintos. the easy to not mess up side salad was brought out WITH tomatoes all over it when ordered NO tomatoes. they took it back and PICKED them off. took one bite had tomato and I got sick and couldn't eat anything else. would recommend going somewhere else. anywhere else then here. wait staff was friendly but cool staff was nasty because we explained all the issues to the cashier and they apparently got offended. Well then make better food especially for what you are charging for CRAP read more

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Absolutely horrible. Food was terrible, way overpriced. I'll eat a gas station roller dog before going back in this place.

The app does not allow no stars! I literally threw in garbage! I ordered 1/2 slab ribs, I expected to have at least 6 bones, no 2 bones, just trash! Look at your takeout order before you leave! read more

See what we ate: http://bit.ly/9YUla5 If you love Bar-B-Q, you'll love Big Rascal's. I went there for lunch yesterday with a couple of girlfriends, and ordered their pulled pork plate. My friends ordered a brisket plate and a BLT. The plates come with freshly grilled/toasted bread and 2 sides (macaroni salad and green peas for me). Plates arrived very quickly, and the food was delicious. My pulled pork was tender and to die for - - some of the very best I have eaten. None of us left anything on our plates! Good service too. Big Rascal's is located just about a (big) block (East) off of I-75 at the exit for Highway 27, so it's a quick and easy stop if you are just passing through. No matter ... you'll be happy you stopped to eat at Big Rascal's! Big Rascal's website: http://www.bigrascalbbq.com/index.html read more

Big Rascal BBQ & Grille - Interior of Big Rascal's - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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This place is OK for a gas station barbecue. Oh wait, this is an actual restaurant that they are trying to promote as real barbecue. Where do I begin? I honestly feel horrible for anybody in Florida that has not experienced real barbecue. The choices that Florida has are horrible in no way shape or form can this place call there food? Good barbecue I'm fairly sure that they have a lot of family who gave them five stars, because honestly, this was the worst barbecue I've had yet. The brisket tasted as if it was sitting in a warmer for weeks the barbecue sauce, taste like they dumped it out of a ketchup bottle. This place is a poor excuse for barbecue, and if you are an avid pit master or even a backyard smoker stay clear of this place. read more

We live in Bronson and were coming back from a day trip when we spotted this restaurant and decided to stop. Boy are we sure glad we did! I got a full slab of baby back ribs for $13.99! And OMG were they great! My husband got the Big Texan platter with smoked sausage and brisket. The brisket was also amazing! Our server Marissa was attentive, friendly and fun! Move over Sonny's, we have found our new favorite BBQ place in Florida! We will definately be back every time we are in Ocala! Great food and great service! read more

We stopped in looking for some great BBQ we ordered the brisket plater and pulled pork tacos. The tacos had more coleslaw than pulled pork (maybe a tablespoon of pork) the shells we cold and dried out. My husband's brisket was dry with only 3 strips. Not at all what we were hoping for. Our advice is drive by. read more

I was in the area for the weekend and had been looking around for things to do. My partner and I had gone to silver springs in the morning, walked around with our pooch, and got a bit hungry for BBQ. I looked through about 6 options, including Sonny's and Fat Boys, both nearby, but I'm SOO happy we ended up here.. Big Rascal BBQ had outdoor seating option, were pet friendly (my pooch is a small 14 lb cocker spaniel/poodle mix) and had spacing between booths and tables for COVID compliance. I originally called to confirm that they were open, pet friendly, and more, and the staff on the phone was incredibly kind and sweet. The restaurant is quaint and nostalgic, and very pleasant. Their light fixtures had these barn animal pulls on their chains that were funny and adorable. The staff at the location was incredibly kind and amazing! They took their time explaining their menu, and truly trying to get to know you to suggest things you will really like! The food was delicious. We had; the 1/2 chicken special, with the sweet potato mash and jalapeño mac'n'cheese; the rib and pork special with collard greens and french fries; unsweet tea; 1 of each of their 5 or 6 sauces. Honestly, the chicken had a ton of flavor, the sliced pork was awesome and even better with the sauces, and the ribs had a ton of flavor as well. I love collard greens but typically don't like it at most restaurants. I feel that they overcook and under season way too often, but this place had awesome collards! My favorite sauces were their tangy white, and kicken BBQ? I think those were the names, but it was their original bbq with a kick of spice, and their mayo based one. The other sauces were definitely good, I just preferred those two with what I had. The only critique I have is that I'm sad I don't have them close to my house to go back more often. Better believe I'll be back to eat on any road trip or stay I have in Ocala! Loved this place!!!! read more

I love this place! A wonderful old school western mural wraps around the entire interior which is protected by an on-the-roof bull sentinel. I had a great lunch with friendly service! read more

Very unprofessional establishmen. I will never be back waited over 35 minutes to be seen after being told a time to come in.

This restaurant recently re-opened after many years. We were there on a Friday night and were pleased with our meal. My husband ordered the baby back ribs special and I ordered the pork sandwich on garlic toast. Our sides were baked beans, onion rings and macaroni and cheese. The sweet sauce is very good and goes well with the pork. We plan to go back and try other things. read more

Stopped here on our drive down to Clearwater from NY and I am so glad we waited and didn't get fast food. Everything about this place was great. Covid responsible- both staff and patrons alike were masked. People need to stop knocking Florida, they're doing a great job. But I digress, back to the restaurant, we were traveling with a dog and sat outside, the service was great, server was pleasant despite the numerous times she ran back and forth. The food was delicious from the fried pickles which were crisp and not over battered to the smoked chicken which was moist and juicy. The real standout however is as the burnt ends!!! Unbelievable!! Juicy well seasoned and absolutely delish!!! If you're driving down down to the beach skip the fast food and go here instead read more

The food is always scolding hot, which is rear anywhere you go. They have the BEST Collard Greens and Sausage Macaroni & Cheese. The service is always great and welcoming. read more

The ribs here are fantastic along with the other food be it brisket or burgers. Service has always been great. Don't think you'll find a bigger rack or a better price either. When we have so many guests that always want a meal at BR's when they come back. This is our go to dinner place! Oh try the desserts too if you have room. read more

Charged 3 bucks for Buffalo sauce on the side with the Chicken Tenders. Didn't say anything until the receipt came, and wouldn't take it off. read more

Okay, I would not go back. The Yelp reviews seemed to indicate better food, but I was mostly disappointed. Here's why: IN GENERAL, IF YOU WANT GOOD BBQ, BY DEFINITION YOU WILL NEED TO BE ABLE TO TASTE THE MEAT. RUN! RUN FAST FROM ANY RESTAURANT WHICH INSISTS ON HIDING OR TRYING TO ENHANCE THE FLAVOR OF THE MEAT WITH MANDATORY SAUCE. THERE IS A GOOD REASON THEY DO THIS: THEIR MEAT NEEDS IT! - Pulled pork here is only served WITH sauce already mixed in. Dunno which of their three they mix in with it--but all are tomatoey, gooey, thick, mostly sweet sauces--which I personally hate--no, LOATHE. No thin, nor NC style options. No pulled pork with sauce on the side option--You cannot order "plain pork" with sauce on the side. ?Translate--too lazy and don't really care what it tastes like. It is just another dish here. - Both pork and brisket did not have much smoke ring. Some, but not the red "real 100% wood smoked identifier" that you want to see in what was touted to be wood-smoked BBQ. My guess is that this is a wood and gas cooked meat, mostly lacking in flavor - Sliced pork and brisket were both overcooked. - Sliced pork was thin, meat-slicer pork, and some of it dried out. The brisket was tasty but extremely thin-sliced, overcooked and came with too much salt applied. - The baked beans were pretty plain. Lacked distinction. - The fries? Yawn. - Hush pupplies? Neither my partner nor I wanted to finish them. - Sweet potatoes? Best thing we had. And the most memorable thing we had for lunch. Overall, a low-average BBQ joint, only one step up from Sonny's. My guess would be that this restaurant's large and ambitious menu is too big.... BBQ is just a part of what they sell, and certainly, not their highlight. read more

The Burnt Ends Plate was so tender and tasty that I didn't need to put any bbq sauce on them! The best customer care from the owner! He made sure I could eat safely due to my food allergies and the quality was excellent apart from delicious. I really appreciate people who care about what they do and provide to others. I can't wait to go back! read more

Upon entering Ocala, visiting with my parents, we had a hankering for BBQ and Big Rascal, located across from a Burger King, looked like a great down home place. Basically, if you want crap that will make you feel bad for eating it later, stick to Burger King. If you want some of the best, most filling meals with top quality service, please frequent Big Rascal!! Our server Jen was an absolute sweetheart, always checking on and really caring for us as we dined. I ordered the beef brisket platter and it hit all the right spots. Firstly, the beverages are served in Mason jars: a great touch!! The brisket is carved nicely, deliciously tender, and of the three house sauces, the hot is the best. Its heat is not overwhelming but will definitely make your eyes sweat! The sweet potato souffle is TO DIE FOR!! Simply prepared but with a zing of what tastes like orange zest, these are the best sweet taters I've ever had at a restaurant. The garlic bread is made of thick slices of local bakery bread, not overlooked, perfectly seasoned. And the apple pie for dessert was just scrumptious. Ambience is cozy and comforting, with an oldies station providing a sense of nostalgia and mom and pop-ness to this very welcome little independent restaurant. Come here and often!! read more

Delicious food and the service is amazing. Our food came out so fast and the waitress was very sweet. The owner is also extremely friendly as well. I recommend this place to anyone looking that wants some great bbq food. read more

Big Rascal BBQ & Grille - Baby back ribs plate with a side of baked beans, mashed sweet potatoes, and a biscuit. - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

I drive through Florida quite often, and always try to stop at Big Rascal's. The BBQ is excellent! I've tried the ribs and chicken and been very happy with both. The sides are wholesome and done the "country" way. The atmosphere is more "country" as well, but I don't go for the atmosphere. They used to carry a desert called "apple stix" but have since stopped serving them. Until they come back, BR's only gets a 4 out of 5. read more

Love this place. Recently moved to the area and so happy to find real BBQ. From ribs, to pulled pork, sides....everything is delicious. Our new go to bbq joint! read more

Oh Wow! We broke holiday tradition by serving ribs, collards and green beans from BG. Such a hit with everyone - and these are southern authorities on barbecue. I made a vinegar base sauce that is usually requested and it was NOT TOUCHED. Ribs perfect as served, collards very flavorful and the green beans were wonderful. New tradition for 2019 Christmas meal. Our single inside dining at BG was excellent service and really good food but nothing can top those baby back ribs! read more

Don't waste time or money. As another reviewer said "it's one step above sonny's" I disagree I think I like sonny's better. The pulled pork is smothered in sauce, and not good sauce. Can't taste the meat at all. It's Sunday evening and I'm passing through Ocala and thought I'd try it, but I should have known; it's dead. I am literally the only person here at 6pm on a Sunday. The locals seem to know to stay away. read more

Big Rascal BBQ & Grille - Pulled pork dinner - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Zero stars if I could. This is not bbq at all. I had a pulled pork sandwich with jalapeño sausage Mac and cheese. Pulled pork did not taste smoked at all and came pre sauced. Pork tasted like it was baked or boiled then covered in bbq sauce. My first clue should have been the lack of smoke smell inside or outside. Every other real bbq place I've been at least smells like smoke. Mac and cheese was garbage. I could taste jalapeño but didn't see any pieces of it, hardly any cheese and not one single crumble of sausage. Went to the restroom and found a trail of ants up and down the door jam. I took an up close photo and circled ants. There was probably a hundred or more total. It wasn't until I saw the ants that I decided to leave a review so I didn't get any photos of the food. I noticed another reviewer complained about roaches in the dining room to which the owner replied that if they were out there they weren't in the kitchen. I'm sorry but if you have got roaches in the dining room and ants in your bathroom I know you have got insects in your kitchen. I can't help but feel like some of these five star reviews are fake ones left by employees or something. There is no way people would actually consider this good. The frozen Precooked Walmart bbq tastes better than this. STAY AWAY! read more

Big Rascal BBQ & Grille - Ants crawling on the door jam in the bathroom - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Wow. Great Bar B Q Awesome ribs and side dishes too. Try the fried corn. Don't even ask. Just try it. Really nice and clean. Very friendly staff. Just off I-75 east. Easy to get to. A must stop as you are coming or going to one of the universities. Sure breaks up the ride from FSU as it's Very reasonable too. read more

Yummy food, really cool atmosphere, but every time I visit there's always flies everywhere??? It's very strange, it makes me not want to eat her. But the food and prices are great. read more

Stopped in for lunch today. I had the ribs with fries and coleslaw and my husband had the burnt ends cheese steak sandwich with bottle caps (fried jalapeños) and Mac n cheese. The staff was friendly and our food was served promptly. Really enjoyed the flavorful homemade sauces and the meat was tender and juicy. Will be back again!! read more

The food is excellent!!! My girlfriend and I had the baby back ribs and the burnt end sandwhich and split it, you can't go wrong with either. For sides the jalapeno mac and cheese is amazing and not too spicy and the green beans and greens are some of the best I have had. Everything is fresh and uses high quality meat and home made recipes. read more

Skip this place and go to pig and cattle or sonny's bbq. Portions here are small the pulled pork looked and taste like it was boiled and the jalapeño Mac & cheese was gross. Also ordered a kids meal and asked if we could try a small sample like a tiny peice to make sure it wasn't to spicy and was told no and I asked was it cooked to order they said no. Also Mac and cheese was gross and it had a jalapeño powder they mixed in it or something The ribs were ok and service was subpar place was empty but the full parking lot and reviews fooled me. Also the toast tasted like it was the frozen toast at the grocery store and it had a freezer burnt taste never again. Spent over 50.00 on 2 adult meals and a kids meal and left hungry bc it was gross Do not eat here. read more

Hubby and I have eaten barbecue from one coast to another...and understand the subtle differences in regions. Decided to give this one a try for two reasons. The reviews on this website were mixed, so we wanted to try it ourself. And we like to give our money to locally owned restaurants rather than the chains. Before I talk about the food, I have to mention the decor. Yes it's "homey". Light fixtures and wooden booths look like they've been there since the 70s...but the place looked clean. Most notable is that hand painted mural that covers several walls and wraps around the dining room. It depicts the horse and cattle ranches that this area is known for...and is fantastic in its detail. Husband went with one of the daily specials offered for $7.99: Barbecue pork loin with two sides and garlic bread. He chose the sweet potato soufflé and baked beans. He said is meat was very favorable...the smokey flavor came through and he appreciated the sauces being served on the side. Both sides were also delicious. I chose a bowl of the Brunswick Stew. A thick meaty stew, it contained pieces of chicken, beef and pork along with the vegetables. This is not like regular beef stew where you have large chunks of beef and veggies. Instead, the ingredients have been diced small and the favors mingle. I got the regular portion ($4.99) which came with a piece of garlic bread. It didn't look like much, but I found it to be filling and satisfying. If we're in this area again, I'm sure we will return and probably try their ribs or brisket. read more

Average BBQ. The St. Louis ribs were the best part of my meal. I was able to eat them with only a fork and they wee quite tasty. The 3 BBQ sauces are homemade and served warm to your table - awesome idea. The baked beans were your average baked beans. Not too sweet, slightly smoky, and smooth. The cole slaw is mayo based and sweeter than your average cole slaw. I also had the fried green beans, they were exactly what you would expect. Great service by the wait staff as well. Overall, an average experience and I would love to come back again. read more

While I was in Ocala, Florida, I stiffed a waitperson. That's right -- I left NO tip. Now, just so we're clear -- I know people who serve as waiters and waitresses, and I know how hard they work. Minimum wage for waitstaff in the US immorally low ($2.13/hour). Because of this, when I go to a restaurant my usual minimum tip is 20 percent of the bill -- and that can increase to 30 percent (or even more) for really outstanding service. Here's what happened at Big Rascal's on August 25, 2014: The pulled pork at Big Rascal's is *sinfully* good. It's a unique combination of sweet, sour and spicy, and I wanted to bring back two quart containers of the stuff to Austin, TX, under ice. I walked into the restaurant, which was empty (save for two tables) and waited for 15 minutes to be served. The waitress finally showed up and asked what I'd like to have to drink. I ordered ice tea. I waited another 15 minutes for the tea, which was served lukewarm. I asked for ice in my tea, so she took my drink and returned with a glass full of ice and very little tea. Now she was ready to take my order. I explained that I was driving back to Austin, Texas and wanted to take some pulled pork with me, and that I had brought two quart-sized containers for the barbecue. She looked at me imperiously and declared, "We don't allow open containers in this store." I responded, "I'm sure you don't allow open containers of alcohol or other drinks, or food which has been bought elsewhere in your store, but these are empty containers and I'd like to take the barbecue back to Austin with me, under ice; and I'd like to order enough pulled pork to fill these two empty containers." She responded that she'd have to talk to her manager; and I asked if I could have some tea to go with my ice. She brought back a styrofoam cup of lukewarm tea - I guess so that I could pour it into the ice she had previous delivered -- and disappeared again. Ten minutes later, she returned and said that they could give me a pound of pulled pork, but they slow-cooked their barbecue and they needed to leave enough FOR PAYING CUSTOMERS (as though I *wasn't* a "paying customer"?) and I could get my order at the counter. She then reached over and took my containers, saying, "You won't need these, now!" -- and I grabbed the containers out of her hand, saying, "Like hell I won't need these!" I went up to the counter to pay, where I received my Styrofoam container of what I thought was pulled pork. I paid, leaving no tip. When I got out to my car, I opened the container and saw I had been given brisket, not pulled pork. At this point, I was fuming -- and *really* hungry. so I went downtown and ate at Harry's. The kicker: I paid less for a SUPERB dinner at Harry's than I did at Big Rascal's - and I gave the waitress a 30 percent tip PLUS the tip the waitress at Harry's would have received! I don't care how good the food is -- if the staff at a restaurant believes their food is so good that the restaurant can treat their customers like crap, and expect customers to take this treatment -- WE WILL GO ELSEWHERE, and WE WILL write reviews like this! THIS EXPERIENCE AT BIG RASCAL'S IN OCALA, FLORIDA WAS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR *WORST* DINING EXPERIENCES OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. read more

Just went to big rascal food was excellent service great and price very reasonable restaurant very clean

Very good BBQ. I come from Alabama where BBQ is everywhere, so I know BBQ. It was empty at 5:30 and we were cautious. The decor is like an older Sonny's and clean. The waitress was very nice. The drinks come in Mason glasses. The prices are fairly high. I had the kielbasa and beef brisket with baked beans and coleslaw. The meats were sliced thin and arranged on the plate neatly. It was very tasty and tender. The garlic bread tasted liked it was fresh bakery bread. The beans were very good and had a slight peppery flavor. Coleslaw was light and not watery or vinegary tasting. The BBQ mild sauce is the best and it came to the table warmed up. My wife had the baby back ribs and they were fall-off the bone and good tasting. We shared a piece of bourbon pecan pie which was warmed with whipped cream. Very good. Two more couples came in as we were there, but the food quality must be unknown as seeing the lack of customers. I highly recommend Big Rascal's and well be back. read more

Good brisket, great pulled pork and beans. Friendly service. My girlfriend loved it.

The ribs are amazing. You would just love to get messy with these things. If your not into pork the order the chicken. Cooked over a wood flame just gives it a great taste. Nice country style environment. read more

Do you people know good bbq? My pulled pork sandwich and cole slaw tasted like they got it from the grocery store refrigerator. The ribs looked and smelled burned and were akin to a McRib. The only flavor was the sticky sweet sauce. If you are looking for NC style bbq, dont come here. Also this place nickel and dimes you for everything, including thirty cents for lettuce on your sandwich. Really? read more