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Local Ocala businesses can become founding sponsors of the Ocala Sizzle Podcast. This is a chance to connect with locals and visitors, and tell Ocala's story. Contact TheOcalaSizzle@gmail.com to partner up! #Ocala #podcast #sponsorship #localbusiness #marketing #supportlocal
Rising Harvest Produce off Highway 200 offers organic veggies, honey, and fresh-pressed juices. Enjoy a cold juice under the picnic canopy with a citrus-earth breeze. #Ocala #organic #freshproduce #localbusiness #farmersmarket
Todd and Shelly's Farm Fresh Cafe and Pub in Ocala has a casual charm. One can sit on the porch, watch the world go by, and sip tomato soup. It's pet-friendly, fresh, and wonderfully homegrown. #Ocala #FarmToTable #PetFriendly #TomatoSoup
The Market of Marion is open Friday through Sunday. Shoppers can find fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, and antiques. One moment, people are hunting for heirloom tomatoes; the next, they're testing jams or picking up a vintage lamp. #MarketofMarion #weekend #antiques #produce #Florida
Brown's Adventure Farm in Oxford is more than a farm; it's a playground for the senses. Pick your own fruit, explore the country store, and enjoy seasonal festivals. Upcoming: 5 Weeks of Fall, honoring hometown heroes, Wild West showdowns, harvest celebration, and Halloween party. #agritourism #familyfun #fallfestivals #strawberrypicking
Hopping the squares at The Villages on a Friday night!
Discover Ocala's vibrant markets! From downtown treasures to farm adventures, find seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and family fun. Taste fresh flavors and connect with local growers in this tour of Ocala's best. #Ocala #FarmersMarket #Florida #SupportLocal #FreshProduce
This week on the Ocala Sizzle Podcast: the freshest food and farming experiences in Marion County. From farmers' markets to farm-to-table eateries, discover the best of our local soil and community. Get ready for a mini adventure! #Ocala #Podcast #FarmToTable #FreshFood #MarionCounty
Toojay's Deli Bakery isn't just comfort food; it's award-winning desserts. The Killer Cake and Banana Dream are fan favorites. The Banana Dream slice feels like a warm hug in cake form. It's what makes Toojay's timeless. #Toojays #Bakery #Dessert #KillerCake
Brown's Adventure Farms in Oxford is more than a farm; it's a playground for the senses. Pick fresh strawberries, explore the country store, and enjoy farm-to-table experiences. It packs in fruit, seasonal festivals, and corn mazes. #agritourism #familyfun #strawberrypicking #cornmazes
Betty Cakes Bakery in Ocala offers custom desserts and café fare. One reviewer raves about their gluten-free marble wedding cake, calling it moist and beautifully decorated. The bakery's comforting atmosphere makes every visit feel like stepping into a local family's kitchen. #bakery #Ocala #desserts #glutenfree #cake
Crossing into The Villages, one finds Cindy's Decadent Desserts. It's known as the top bakery in the area, with over 15 years in business. Locals trust Cindy's to deliver. The legacy lives on. #bakery #desserts #TheVillages #FloridaFood
Soleil Bakery & Social House delights gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free fans with treats. Locals rave about the rich, soft cookies and reliable cakes. A local favorite for over 15 years. #glutenfree #vegan #bakery #local #dairyfree
Reviewers say Tasty O's Donuts are soft, sweet, and warm. The apple fritters, glazed donuts, and blueberry glazed are fan favorites. There's nothing like a warm, steaming donut in hand. #donuts #foodreview #tastytreats #dessert #applefritter
Magnolia Bakery exudes the comforting aroma of home-cooked Italian dishes, creating a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of family gatherings. The bakery offers perfectly pillowy cookies and classic wedding cakes brimming with old country warmth. #MagnoliaBakery #ItalianBakery #HomeCooked #WeddingCakes
Lady Lake's Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill delivers community hospitality on a plate. A longtime fan raves about the meaty, fall-off-the-bone ribs, roasted corn salad, and collard greens. Pure deliciousness! #BBQ #FloridaFood #TheVillages #Ribs #FoodReview
Lady Lake's Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill delivers community hospitality on a plate. A longtime fan raves about the meaty, fall-off-the-bone ribs, roasted corn salad, and collard greens. Pure deliciousness! #BBQ #FloridaFood #TheVillages #Ribs #FoodReview
Artman Country Smokehouse near The Villages serves up rave-worthy brisket that's fork-tender. The bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed moinks are beyond imagination. Broccoli casserole feels like a hug. #smokehouse #brisket #moinks #foodreview #FloridaFood #TheVillages
Big Lee's Serious About BBQ in Ocala is making waves. A Texan drove 16 hours for their brisket, ribs, and mac and cheese. Reviewers rave about the 'best burnt ends' ever. Find them at MyBigLeesBarbecue.com. #BBQ #Ocala #Brisket #Ribs #MacAndCheese #Foodie
M&M Old Hickory Smokehouse Barbecue in Wildwood earns big local love. Ribs are so tender, some say sauce isn't even needed! Reviewers highly recommend this spot for great food and a wonderful atmosphere. #Wildwood #BBQ #Ribs #Smokehouse #Foodie
Pearl's Country Store & BBQ in Micanopy offers a Meat Lover's Plate that's a mountain of tender, smoky ribs and brisket. Reviewers praise its Southern-style authenticity and straightforward, no-frills barbecue. #Micanopy #BBQ #SouthernFood #FloridaEats
Irene's Deli offers comfort food with soul. Their Classic BLT features crispy bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato between perfectly toasted bread. It's straightforward, nostalgic, and utterly delicious. Their ice cream makes a sweet finale. #BLT #comfortfood #icecream #deli #foodie #sandwich
The Green Valley Market & Deli offers a house-made crab cake sandwich. Bursting with jumbo lump crab, it's lightly seasoned and pressed into a tender roll. One local calls it fresh food from scratch. The flavors were fresh and generous with a coastal zest. #crab #sandwich #foodie #deli #homemade
Southside Deli in Ocala proves reliable flavors and a welcoming vibe never go out of style. This unpretentious spot delivers straightforward and generous sandwiches, like their must-try pastrami on rye. Sometimes, that's all you need. #Ocala #deli #pastrami #FloridaFood #supportlocal
Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli offers layers of freshness and creativity. The Roast Turkey Avocado Club features garden-crisp veggies, giving every sandwich a just-picked taste. #Ocala #FreshProduce #Sandwich #Deli #Foodie
Gio's Deli & Mercato offers a slice of Italy in The Villages, FL. The Hot Capicola Sandwich, with its slow-roasted, peppery flavor and perfect bread, is a clear standout. Even the classic BLT wins raves for savory satisfaction. #ItalianDeli #HotCapicola #TheVillagesFL #BestSandwich #FoodieFinds
Albello's Sub Shop in Ocala is a hearty, satisfying deli. One Yelp reviewer calls their sandwiches the best in town. The toasted Italian sub features perfectly crusted bread, a spot-on meat-to-cheese ratio, and artfully piled veggies. #Ocala #Sandwich #Deli #Foodie
A short drive from The Villages, Foxtail Coffee in Lady Lake boasts spacious seating, fast wifi, and a strong community vibe. One user review calls it better than Starbucks, citing great baristas and a welcoming ambiance. #FoxtailCoffee #TheVillages #CoffeeShop #LadyLake #Florida #coffeeshop
The Standard in The Villages is known for expertly brewed, globally sourced specialty coffee. Its quiet intensity elevates the taste. A refined, flavorful, and incredibly smooth pour-over experience. #coffee #TheVillagesFlorida #specialtycoffee #coffeelover
Chelsea Coffee Company offers more than just a caffeine fix; it provides a welcoming experience. Locals rave about the cleanliness and dedication to freshness. Try the iced caramel macchiato or the lox and bagel for a delightful morning treat. #coffeeshop #hospitality #freshcoffee #localfavorite #caramelmacchiato #breakfast
Symmetry Coffee & Crepes is a downtown Ocala treasure. The warm, vintage vibe and in-house roasted beans create an exceptional experience. Every latte is smooth, and the crepes are perfectly crisp. It's a spot worth returning to. #Ocala #Coffee #Crepes #Downtown #Cafe #Florida
Dignity Roasters brews coffee with purpose, supporting local employment through a nonprofit. Regulars savor the strong brew and the cafe's inspiring mission. It's a place you love supporting, for both the flavor and what it stands for. #coffeeshop #nonprofit #community #Orlando #DignityRoasters
The Gathering Caffe blends community and coffee, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Reviewers note its uplifting spirit, with friendly staff and rich espresso. The gluten-free banana muffins are a must-try. It's a cozy spot for work, friends, or a quiet day. #coffee #community #cafe #Broadway #glutenfree #muffins
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop (20 SE Broadway Street). I’ve walked in, eyes wide, surrounded by nostalgic candies, colorful toys, and that famous $5 candy buffet—one visit and I was hooked, it felt like wandering into Willy Wonka’s world, but local and supremely fun
Then there’s the refined yet comforting La Cuisine French Restaurant (48 SW 1st Ave). One time, I recognized myself sipping on a creamy, perfectly bruléed crème brûlée and thought—this feels like dining at Grandma’s place…if Grandma were French and made everything from scratch. Folks rave that it’s “like being transported to France,” and with an average rating of 4.9 on OpenTable, it tends to feel just right for special nights.
Tuck into the cozy—and mouthwatering—Ivy on the Square at 53 S Magnolia Ave. Think southern‑inspired comfort with classics like pimento‑cheese fritters, bacon‑wrapped dates, or a fried‑green‑tomato burger, served in a beautifully restored, century‑old building. Don’t miss “The Thirsty Cobbler,” a speakeasy hiding behind the bar that channels 1930s charm and cocktails done right
The Lodge Brick City Craft Pub & Eatery, located at 36 SE Magnolia Avenue. This lively pub offers 200 craft beers, tavern fare that’s hearty and welcoming, and a full calendar of events—Fridays and Saturdays often bring dueling pianos, and there’s always something happening in the Magnolia Room upstairs. Whether you’re catching the game or laughing along with a local band, this is downtown Ocala’s energy hub.
Infinite Ale Works (304 S Magnolia Ave)—my go-to whenever I want a seriously impressive craft beer. I’ve sampled almost every option on tap during a lazy afternoon and honestly, something about that coffee imperial stout or the West Floridian quadrupel just hits differently. Even casual drop-ins will note how seamlessly they blend Belgian inspiration with local flair
The Black Sheep On Broadway, nestled at 128 SW Broadway Street—our very first stop. This lively gastropub, opened in 2019, is more than just a place to eat—it’s a fun, community‑driven experience. With a rotating selection of cold beer on tap, live weekend music, and a menu that spans American, Asian, Cuban, Italian, French, Mexican, Cajun, and Greek flavors—all under one rustic roof—this is where adventurous flavor meets local charm . Whether you’re indulging in their renowned chicken wings—ranked #2 in the state last year—or just settling into the upbeat vibe, it’s a perfect place to kick off our flavor tour
About the Host: Kevin Davis
Kevin Davis is the voice behind The Ocala Sizzle Podcast—your weekly guide to the favorites, finds, and flavor that make Ocala and The Villages shine. A longtime local with a passion for people and storytelling, Kevin brings an insider’s perspective to everything from must-try restaurants and local legends to hidden gems and community events.
Whether he’s chatting with small business owners, exploring weekend happenings, or uncovering Central Florida’s best-kept secrets, Kevin’s mission is simple: help locals and visitors alike fall in love with the vibrant heart of Central Florida—one sizzling story at a time.
