When you first enter you are greeted by a case of the most amazing desserts. Chef Kelly introduced herself and welcomed our party of eight. We were pampered from the moment we set foot into this world of wonderful cuisine. We started off with the breads and spreads appetizer. We were then surprised by a tasty little salad, not your boring lettuce and tomato thing. I personally had the Havana stew. Stew with pork instead of beef, yummy. Every person was very impressed by their selection. The menu is vast, but Chef Kelly does it her way, no substitutions and rightly so. Each entree is perfectly balanced. Everything is cooked when ordered and it's all made there by the Chef herself. She also presents each meal at the table, a rare experience. On to dessert...take it home. You will be full from the meal. The desserts are a work of art. Mile high pies, cakes (I had the orange chocolate kiss cake). The food is served on fancy "paper" plates with black chrome table service in a basic black and white setting. Very chic! Everyone in our group fell in love with the place and look forward to returning very soon. I give Chef Kelly and the Primary Tavern 5 out of 5 stars. read more

First time here. Super freshly prepared everything! Very pleasant ambiance. Service was good. I ordered the pot roast. It is delicious and I wanted to eat the whole thing. But wanted dessert too, so had to stop half way through. Jim ordered the meatloaf and requested it without cheese. It came with a bunch of melted cheese. For thin is used to this happening and just scraped the cheese off. For dessert we ordered the Vanilla All the Way cake slice and the Chocolate Orange Kiss cake. Both were yummy. Would have given 5 stars except for cheese issue. read more

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My wife and I have heard good things about Primary Tavern so, for a late lunch, we plotted a course towards it. Located just west off the I-75 exit on Hwy 27/NW Blitchton Rd., Primary Tavern looked nondescript. Upon entering, we waited a bit before a server, all clad in black, came up to tell us we can sit anywhere. OK. We were presented a cool hand-printed menu and, after our server came back with water with lemon served in a clear plastic cup, we asked her a few questions about a some menu items to inform our choices. Well, the server was apparently new and couldn't provide any feedback nor recommendations. My wife decided to order their Meatloaf Wedge ($14) and I opted for the Havana Pot Roast ($18). We also ordered the Bread and Spread ($5) appetizer. When we were served our appetizer by the chef, we had to ask our server for silverware since there weren't any on our table. The appetizer was good. We both liked the roasted garlic and herbed butter we spread on the toasted bread (wished there were more than 5 small wedges of bread though). We were also served a side salad (looked like couscous with corn, spinach, balsamic vinegar and perhaps some shredded parmesan) before our entrees. My wife liked the meatloaf, commenting how she liked the flavor and the chucks of tomato and garlic in the meatloaf. My pot roast was robust and flavorful with a touch of sweetness. We also ordered a couple of chocolate and cranberry scones to go...I mean luxury biscuits as they call it. For food alone, this place is a solid 4 stars. We appreciate how our meals were made from scratch...which may have added to a longer wait but that was understandable. We can also understand how they opted to use paper plates and plastic cups instead of real plates and glassware to perhaps save on a dishwasher...just thankful the flatware was not plastic. The value was decent. What was disappointing was the seeming lack of training and knowledge the new wait staff had on the menu. We expected wait staff well versed in their offerings and have at least sampled them to have an idea of flavor profiles in case diners ask. Perhaps that is unreasonable to expect. Lunch for 2 came out to just under $60 with tip. read more

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Stumbled on this place completely by accident while traveling south on interstate 75 to Southern FL, and it ended up being one of the best surprises of the trip. The food is all locally sourced, crafted from scratch in house, and full of flavor without the kind of prices you'd expect from a place serving dishes at this level. The moment you walk in the door your senses are engaged by the smell of fresh baked bread.... enough said!!! read more

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Looks like a dive bar from the outside and sparse inside. The whole experience was just surreal. Weirdly inattentive and slow service until we were served and then way too frequent check-ins afterwards. At least one item on the menu that they "don't serve anymore." An open kitchen where the staff argued with each other. Everything served on paper plates. The crab cakes were okay but they were more like thin potato pancakes. My wife had a pork dish that was quite greasy and flavorless. read more

After seeing a few positive reviews online, we decided to try a new eatery on US27, just west of I-75 called Primary Tavern. Depending which door you enter, you are right in the dining room or by the bakery counter which opens directly into the dining room. There is an 8-person bar at the back that serves as a waiting area for guests waiting for a table. The interior is very clean and uncluttered, featuring padded leather chairs and seating with black and white table clothes. We started with tavern styled bruschetta made with marinated tomatoes and parmesan cheese instead of mozzarella. My wife does not care for tomatoes but she readily ate her half of the appetizer with gusto. The entrees were absolutely delicious! My wife had the Crab and Shrimp toss and I selected the roast pork loin! Outstanding! The cold tortellini side salad served with the meal was a perfect compliment to both entrees. Dessert probably wasn't the best idea as full as we were but there was no way we were skipping it! Toasted Coconut Cheesecake and a slice of blackberry pie. The perfect finish to a lovely dinner! read more

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Was just passing through and we stopped here by chance on a recommendation from our hotel. I was just hoping to get a decent meal, but WOW. This place is every bit of a 5 star rating. IMPECCABLY fresh. You can see they take great pride in their restaurant, bakery and the food. I will go out of my way to stop here again. read more

The food was unbelievably superb! The server, Anna was very friendly, professional, efficient and matched the excellent quality of the food with her personality and service. Unfortunately there was a senior server, Tina who treated our server like a piece of crap, berating her in a humiliating way behind the bar and in front of the customers. Saying things like "don't spend so much time talking with the customers", "if they have been here before, you don't need to give them so much time with the menu"... Everyone being served at the bar was shocked and commented to each other that we have never witnessed anything like it. It completely obliterated the ambience of the dining experience. Tina, criticize in private, praise in public, you need to take a course or two on how to manage & treat people or find another job. Mildred A., nice job on food presentation and quality, not so good in managing and overseeing staff. We won't be back. read more

This inconspicuous little restaurant on "27" Blitchton Road is a "Destination" location. It is quaint and welcoming. You feel as if you're eating at a friend's house. It's cozy, comfortable and the food is delicious. The owner is hands on "cooks/prepares everything" herself. We had a group of five ladies everyone ordered something different. Each one of us was absolutely thrilled with our choices which included; Caprese sandwich, mile high quiche and turkey train wreck . With names like that you can't go wrong.. For dessert we shared a couple of the pumpkin pie cake delight, not sure if that's the name, but it was fabulous. The bakery goods are freshly baked right there in the front kitchen. The portions are extremely generous. We all took some of our food home. I noticed while we were eating the bakery traffic never dwindled. Hats off to this darling restaurant and its owner. She's a Florida native who works hard and cares about giving the best quality food to her customers. read more

THIS IS NOT A DIVE BAR! From the outside it looks like a typical dive bar you'd find just off the interstate. The old broke down truck in the parking lot hiding the wine breasts flag outside of a grungy black painted establishment with bar style font lead your brain to thinking you'll be met with cigarette smoke and a bar maid named Wanda offering a warm PBR. When in fact the inside has a white Tuscany bakery/Italian vibe. We are in town camping and wanted to hit this local dive bar but darn if this place isnt the best example of never judging a book by its cover!! We only wanted a drink because we truly thought it was a bar, and the sweet young girl obliged us. I look forward to our next camping trip that brings us back to Ocala so we can enjoy some of the delicious looking items on the menu! I just hope the outside doesn't deter people from going and it closes by then!! read more

Primary Tavern - I mean, how do you not see it? - Bars Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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This place is a hidden gem in Ocala. My business partner and I are here a few weeks ago when we were in town for work and decided to come back this week because we enjoyed it so much the first time. The food is amazing. Everything is made in house and so fresh. The bread is to die for. They also have a good selection of baked goods that are all made in house. I've tried the brownie, fancy biscuit, and the key lime pie and they are all amazing. They staff is very friendly and the service is great. I will definitely be back. read more

Primary Tavern - Trainwreck Turkey Sandwich - Bars Near Me - Ocala, Florida

My family and I stumbled across this delicious restaurant while sitting in traffic after a long 14 hour drive. We walked in and were immediately greeted with friendly smiles and the most amazing smells! We met the owner and chef who was so kind- but the food is what sold us! We ordered the bread that had spreads the dough was so soft and the perfect texture, our entrees were the star of the show. We ordered the two fisted BLT- the bacon was perfectly cooked and the flavor compliments each component of the sandwich. Next we got the primary chicken salad, hands down best chicken salad we have ever had, the bread was so fresh and the pine nuts were that crunch you didn't know you needed! We also tried the SPO and each bite was full of flavor and freshness! If you are in the area please go check out this freshly cooked and baked restaurant! Bonus they have an amazing bakery as well! read more

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I went with a ladies lunch group. As we sat the waitress asked what we wanted to drink! Came back and stressed the No Substitutions part of the menu. I asked if I could just get the cranberry dressing for the turkey sandwich on the side- no substitution just on the side. The cook came from the kitchen and informed me the dishes are signature so nothing can be changed!! I changed to the crab cakes- very disappointing, they were small and flat and I'm not sure if they really contained any crab at all. The staff seems afraid of the Chef , but were very nice to the customers. I will not , however, be returning to a business that won't accommodate what I am paying for. read more

I really wanted to like this place as it is very close to my home. That being said, the first thing that jumps out at you on the front of the menu is absolutely no substitutions! That also includes additions, like if you want to add a slice of tomato or lettuce to your sandwich, no no no! What I find ironic about this is that your drinks are served in throw away plastic cups and your food on paper plates. The food was okay, good. ,but not great for sure.. somewhat expensive for what you get in the area. $14 for a chicken salad sandwich by itself and $19 for an appetizer size, chicken breast and marinara. I wish them the best of luck in their new endeavor but I for sure will not be back anytime soon.! read more

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Wonderful spot for lunch! Great service and food at a nice restaurant. Everything was fresh and tasty.

This restaurant, bakery and bar is lovely. The food is some of the tastiest I have had in Ocala. The service was wonderful. Every dish is cooked to order and all the food and bakery items are made in-house. A varied and interesting menu. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Special dinner hours on Monday with a unique menu. Everyone loved their food. read more

Had lunch there the other day. Had the hat trick salad. Flavors I had never tasted before crossed my tongue ! Beyond heavenly! Will be eating here weekly. And make sure you save room for desert. Unbelievable homemade in the shop pastries!! read more

We were just here for dinner and had a very nice time. It was not crowded. It's quite a bit nicer inside than you'd expect just driving by. Open seating tables of 2 and 4. Large semi-open kitchen. The wine menu is not big but the offerings are decent. All the menu items look creative and very appealing. My wife had the Havana Pot Roast and I had the Sausage and Spinach Strudel. Both were very good: they come with small slices of fresh-baked bread and a side of nice tortellini. Serving sizes were spot on. Chef came out and introduced herself and chatted us up very pleasantly - clearly a hard worker who knows her stuff! Prices were very reasonable. Plates are disposable but not at all flimsy; nice wine glasses and metal service ware. I think this place will take off as word gets around. read more

We are traveling and we stumbled onto this restaurant by chance. From the outside it looks like a normal tavern but walk inside and you find this lovely restaurant. Bright, clean & staffed with excellent employees. All food is freshly cooked daily and they make their own bread & deserts, both excellent. We were able to meet the Chef and learn about her experience and other restaurants she's worked at. This is a must try you will not be disappointed. I can't say enough about this unique food and service. Simply amazing food and service. read more

Food was delicious service was very good. Nice ambience Fair prices. Easy parking read more

Farm fresh food and bread made in house. Owner was amazing. New establishment doing everything right. We had Two Fisted BLT and Baked Rueben. Both very, very good. For dessert we tried the cranberry peach ginger and the Dutch apple. Yummy! This place is a must if you want fresh, tasteful food! read more

We were greeted as we walk in the door by one of the owners , Molly. This establishment is aesthetically pleasing. The food is prepared with care and all made on premise. Our server, Ocean was friendly and professional. The meal was delicious lamb chop special highly recommended if you're visiting. The smell of their fresh bread baking is enticing. Even if you don't eat here they have a nice bar area. We will definitely be getting off exit 354 on I-75 again. read more

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Pleasant staff and excellent food from start to finish. The bread alone is to die for, let alone the bruschetta. I got the pot roast and have no regrets (even though I didn't have room for dessert). Surprisingly affordable pricing. Will definitely be coming back! read more

The food was ok, the dessert amazing, server good, and wait was absolutely horrible it took over an hour to get our food. No apologies just excuses. I won't go back not worth it. read more

The food was delicious. Paper plates a turn off. Think food would taste even better on plastic.

Food was awful. Bread came to table after the meal. Bought 2 brownies to go and they ate as hard as a rock. We were warned not to go there and should have listened. read more

5 Star experience. I stopped in from out of town with an old friend and we had the best experience. Kelly and her staff are amazing. The food was incredible. We tried sausage stuffed red peppers (wow), crab cakes, manicotti, turkey w/ mashed and gravy and the bruschetta (double wow). We loved everything we ordered. Must order sausage stuffed peppers and bruchetta. Out of this world. If I'm ever back this way, Primary Tavern will be my 1st stop. Bravo and best of luck. read more

My husband and I stopped here to get a quick bite to eat about a month ago, I wasn't going to add my input because i thought maybe it was just a bad day for everyone but my friends decided to get lunch here and they had the same experience as i did. Let me just say it's a very beautiful restaurant and nice scenery but the manager or cook whatever she is needs to step up her customer service and be more professional. She yells at the servers across the dining room and then proceeds to yell their name every 3 seconds if they don't come right away even if they're busy with customers! My husband ordered the BLT and asked for a different type of cheese and we got told that the cook/manager doesn't do "substitutions", if we are paying for the food we would appreciate it if it comes out how we like it!! Overall the scenery and our server was very nice but the manager just needs to be more polite and take her customers comments into consideration. read more

passing through Ocala and stopped by while on a dog walk. we got meals to go back to the hotel. The food was great. made from scratch and super tasty. Get pie too OMG! the owner and chef was wonderful too. look this place up and give it a shot. A locally owned small business. Thanks for a great surprise after driving all day. read more

* Food A+, fresh & delicious! * Service A+, so friendly & attentive! *Atmosphere A+, so cute & comfortable! Will be back again & again... So happy this place is here... great menu options I can't wait to try more read more

Wonderful service, great ambience and food! Will be back to try various menu items! The bakery items are worth taking home. Impressive!!

My husband I love this place! Everyday homemade and the dessert are delicious! We love the Apple Strudel!

Service was horrible - waitress spent more time chatting with diners than focusing on her job - chef kept yelling order up and waitress did not pay attention - this is second time we were there And won't go back - one dish came out cold - food is ok at best - what a shame it's close to our house read more

This is a great place to enjoy quality dining! The chef, Kelly is outstanding. The staff is lovely- courteous and engaged in building a local business. The food is fresh and the flavor combinations are excellent. A great addition to Ocala! read more

Our lunches were served on paper plates & the portions were small for the price. Service was okay but, I was supposed to receive a pasta salad with my meal & it wasn't delivered. The atmosphere was very nice & enjoyed the nice cushioned chairs & table cloths. read more

What a delightful surprise! A restaurant in Ocala that isn't serving fried or BBQ food. The interior has the aromas of their amazing bakery options. The menu is surprisingly unique worthy of a careful review to appreciate the enticing, new combinations offered. Four of us ordered four different entrees, each one a success. Everything fresh and delicious. Do yourself a favor, get out to Primary Tavern and tantalize your tastebuds, oh, and leave room for dessert! read more

This is our third visit to this little gem. Obviously, its not for everyone, especially the Karens of the world who seem to thrive on complaints. Just for the record the food and drinks are served on paper and plastic because the wonderful county of Marion wanted $135,000.00 to hook up a line just to wash dishes As far as the menu is concerned I would prefer a smaller menu with unusual offerings cooked extremely well than a 10 page menu of beige servings done mediocre. When you consider everything in the restaurant is prepared in the restaurant when ordered the fast food level of quick service for bad food cannot be expected. We have found the wait staff to be friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. If you want upscale and elegant please please please don't bitch when you don't find it in a former convenience store. If you are looking for well prepared food in a bistro setting this place is for you. read more

To begin with this is a newer place off of Highway 27 in Ocala and the decor is not only interesting but quite well done as is the landscaping is a paint. Thoughtful attention has been paid to every detail from the decor to the food. We ate there The second week of November in 2025 and were surprised that there were only two tables with people at them we ordered and the server was quite good and we noticed that there was a lot of noise coming from the kitchen area. In fact, it was a lot like a high school cafeteria Now, with all of this attention to detail how the chef and her staff could assume that people want to come out of their homes to eat dinner and listen to high school antics at the top of their lungs with zero consideration for the dinner time, I have no idea... Normally this would've been a four or five star review based on everything else, but but one item of irresponsibility blanket itself over all of the other things to the point of getting to go boxes early so that we can go sit outside to enjoy some peace and quiet while we ate dinner, that item must be pretty severe. The more we reflected on it the more we decided to put a one star review because this seems to be the epidemic of people in their 20s and 30s to think that the world revolves around them and that everything they do is just fine When it is not. Having respect for people to take the time to come out of their homes and enjoy some nice cuisine should not be shrouded in the sophomoric and pedant pandering that occurred during our brief day. I imagine this is why they were only 2 tablespoon when we were there because the food is excellent. The decor is terrific and what they've done with the place is great now if they could just go ahead and finish that wall all the way to the top of town proof, but they might actually have a successful place here. read more

excellent lunch and fantastic service....warm atmosphere...The food was prepared perfectly to blend with the wonderful smell of home baked bread . The apple pie was delightful. I am eager to go again for dinner ...and try their raved about cheese cake and take home fresh bread. The primary Tavern is a unique restaurant that serves made from scratch choices...the name is misleading as it is not a bar scene... read more

We went this evening (10/17/24) and it was the best food we have had so far in Ocala. Atmosphere was great, the place was super clean. The waitress was very pleasant and attentive. She kept my husband's beer glass full, and the wine I had was delicious. He had the sausage and spinach pastry, and it was fresh, flaky and tasty. I had the Hat Trick salad plate and it was perfect. Just the right size, very fresh and flavorful. We then ordered a guava pastry and mango cheese cake to take home and I can sa, it is the best dessert ever!! The lady who runs the place gave us 2 chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies for free and they tasted just like cookies I would bake from scratch. We will definitely be going back! read more