Big Man's Cafe in Ocala - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Awesome service. Friendly. Helpful

Took a bite of the oxtail, sent me to heaven. Father God asked what I was doin here, said it wasn’t my time and sent me back. Took a bite of the candied sweet potatoes, sent me back to heaven. Father God asked why I was there again, said it still wasn’t my time, sent me back. Tasted the banana pudding, went back a third time. Father God said it is not my time and as he was about to send me back I said: “Lord, your servant understands that everything that happens is within your will so I could not be here that were not so. Did you want some?” Father God replied: “…………Big Man’s Wings with Mac and Cheese and Cucumber Salad on the side. I would go with you but it is not yet time for my return. I will send Gabriel to accompany you.” This food is so good and if you see me in there with a homeless man, you know what’s goin on.

Stumbled on this hidden gem. The food had the most authentic southern flavors that I have not had in many years. I ordered the smothered chicken. The first bite was WOW. The biscuits were yummy. My dining partner had the omelet that had the sausage gravy and it was also delicious. Did not need to add salt or pepper to anything. This is old fashioned stick to your ribs breakfast. 🍳

This place is Awesome!!! Great food, the fried chicken is out of this world!!!! Very friendly staff great atmosphere.

The food was excellent. The service was top-notch. The was courteous and friendly. Couldn't ask for more from a .locally owned business

Great family feel and the food has been great as well as the desserts.

I found this place on Yelp looking for a lunch place near Silver Springs where we were camping. Reviews were spot on! Jerrica was an awesome wait person and answered our questions and was quick with refills. The fried chicken was crispy and moist! The cucumber salad was refreshing and delicious. The bonus was Sparky, the singer who played everything from jazz to Jimmy Buffet! Definitely recommend !!!

I visited this place twice in one week...the food was amazing, customer service was awesome....even the owner was polite and greeted every guest and expressed gratitude. Definitely will be becoming a regular at this spot.

The food and service are always great. Great southern soul food.

Looked for a breakfast place on Sunday. Decided on Big Man’s Cafe based on Google ratings and reviews. It was a little farther than we wanted to drive, but we like to explore. Nice family-owned and operated restaurant. Took a minute for our party of four to be seated. Took another minute for our server to come to our table yet there was a new helper who assisted with beverages right away. As we looked at the Southern and Soul food menu, I was also taking in the atmosphere of this place. Nicely decorated, ample space, a full bar is available, and plenty of seating. Sierra came to take our orders and she is so friendly and well mannered. You can tell she’s from the South. She’s one of the daughters of owner, Gerard Christian, who was also at the restaurant and visited our table, speaking with us for a few minutes as we asked about the history of his place. These folks, as well as grandma, who came to the table made you feel at home, like family. Very attentive. You can tell they take pride in what they are doing. The food was well prepared, generously portioned and delicious. I think our plates were completely clean when we were done. Fried chicken plus sausage and gravy were among the selections we had. To the Christian family at BMC, keep up the good work and best to you as you open your 2nd place!

We had to wait at least 20 minutes for a table. The food was hot and delicious and the service was great

Love me some homemade fried chicken, which they definitely serve, and it was very tasty. It was a specialty/signature item. They also have a classic style they serve. The servers so were so sweet & polite! Nice, good southern lunch!

Truly excellent food and the staff were great! They are one of the motivators for my wife and I to return to the area for vacation next year!

The nicest folks and the best breakfast in Ocala! Get the fried shrimp or fish with your eggs and grits and you can skip lunch!

This place was AMAZING!! As soon as you walk in your treated like a part of the family. Welcomed and greeted, they make you feel like you're the only customer there. And they were like that with EVERYONE there!! Mr Gerald was super, super kind and so very likable and fun!! Well actually, EVERYONE there was!! The food was delicious!! Home cooking at it's best!! We will definitely return!! Thank you for everything guys!!

The food & atmosphere here is amazing!!! We met the owner & was served by one of his beautiful daughter (Cirara😘). They are so kind and nice here!!! My husband & I had the oxtail plate with Mac-n-cheese and green beans!!!! Mannnn… when I say goodness to last bite!!! Pure GOODNESS! This is the spot for some good soul food🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I took a bite of my food & couldn’t stop long enough to take a picture of my food. But here’s a picture of a slice of sweet potato pie 🤤

Best food in all of ocala! Most friendly staff I have ever had wait on me!

Great food and great people! Very welcoming and pleasant eating establishment. Oxtails fall off the bone, sweet potatoes are just the right sweetness, and the family feel can’t be beat. Do not pass this gem up!

All I can say is, WOW! Amazing, home cooked style southern food and great service. Clean and friendly atmosphere too! Highly recommend!

My family and I visited Ocala from Miami. Our experience at this restaurant left us with a smile on our faces long after leaving. The only thing better than the food at this amazing restaurant is the service. They really make you feel like family.

First time here, and I am impressed. Friendly staff, owner periodically came out to interact with customers. Food was delicious and serviced quickly. Staff was attentive and polite. If you have not tried this place yet, well I’m sorry you are missing out.

The staff was great! The food was amazing and the atmosphere was 10/10. Everyone was very nice and attentive. I had pork chops, okra, and mashed potatoes and I ate way too much. Everyone cleaned their plates. 10/10 recommend!!

The food, the staff, the service, the restaurant itself(decor)…awesome! Our new favorite place to have our appetites satisfied. You gotta eat at Big Man’s Cafe!

We visited Big Man’s Cafe the last day we were in Ocala. The food was wonderful with large portions. Server was very friendly and efficient. No long waits for table or food.

We have been wanting to try this place,and it was great! The fried chicken is the best I have had in years. And my husband's fried pork chops were perfect. This is now our favorite place,and we will be coming here frequently. Our waitress "Necee" (Ms) was the best.

The friendly atmosphere adds to the great food and service. AND very reasonably priced.

Have been there for both breakfast and lunch several times. The service and food are awesome. Highly recommend if you have never been. They have desserts on the weekend that are to die for.

My waitress, Jericka, was super. She greeted me with a pleasant smile. The wait time for placing my order and receiving my food was reasonable. Jericka was very informative about the menu. She gave good suggestions on the best combination and price for the food items I desired. Her friendly and polite attitude and infectious smile made my dining experience enjoyable. I will return.

The owners and staff are amazing. The food is even better. I 10/10 would recommend the food brought back my southern roots. Though I almost don't want to reccomend, because I want to get in without a reservation. Lived everything about it. The owner even came out and spoke to me asked how I liked the food ( smothered porkchops, green beans, cucumber salad, and onion rings) I would have gotten collard greens if I hadn't overlooked them. Loved it!!!! 😍

The food at Big Mans is completely unmatched, there isn't even a comparison to how good this southern home cooking is. My own grandma couldn't even compare to the level that these folks are on. The Big Mans fried chicken is my go to, it is packed with more flavor than seems possible and has a crisp to it that rivals a Lays potato chip. Don't even get me started on the desserts that they serve on the weekends, I would sacrifice one of my kidneys for a slice of their peanut butter pie. The staff are always friendly and the food is top notch, I could not recommend them enough.

Came here while I was visiting my mom and I was dying to go back for dinner, unfortunately we didn’t make it and now I’m back in Jersey STILL craving the catfish!!! The oxtails were bomb, even the breakfast potatoes had so much flavor! Everything we ordered was A1!! I’ll be back next year for sure.

I accidentally ran into the place while trying to get a tattoo next door. Had an amazing experience and conversation with I think she said her name was Wendy. Got to talk with her with my work in the NFL and her having family playing in the NFL too. Absolutely amazing place and definitely would go back and sit and catch up again.

To start the fried fish platter was easily the best fried breaded fish I've ever had in my entire life, the cucumber salad was out of this world, and the mac and cheese actually tasted homemade! And that's all beside the fact that it was one of the most enjoyable after church brunch experiences I've had in quite a long time, probably ever. Well they don't serve breakfast after 11:00 a.m. their lunch was amazing and more importantly the waitress provided fantastic service and the owner was actually going around to table to table asking everybody how their Sunday was and how their meal was which you just don't see anymore. Cannot recommend highly enough the next time we have family in town we will be taking them to this fine establishment!

After taking almost a half hour to order, we did our best to ignore the waitress’ kids running around and people shutting off the lights repeatedly. When we did start getting our food, my wife didn’t get all of her chicken at first. When she did eventually get it, it wasn’t fully cooked. The fish was pretty decent. Stick with that. We’re good, probably won’t be back.

Great Food and Great service!! Their smothered chicken with candied yams is amazing. Don't forget the corn nuggets!

Food was excellent. Very generous amount, Staff was courteous and professional on phone as I was placing orders. Husband stated that when he went to pick up food, the atmosphere was very inviting and food was in warmers staying hot. Thank you.

If the goal of this family owned cafe is make you feel like you've come home to the family reunion then don't miss this gem. The food is solid. Everything my family ordered was good, but it was the service that was great. Before we left, my 10 year old found our waitress and hugged her goodbye. We'd go back and so should you!! Do it! Do it now.

The place looked clean , bathroom was clean, employees looked nice & were very helpful. Will go back.

Food was amazing and service was even better. Glad to have found this spot for future road trips going thru Ocala.

I simple don’t get the hype for this place ,The food is Mid . Greens taste like they’re straight out of the can , macaroni horrible , gravy horrible . Oxtails horrible , chicken horrible … simple put whoever is cooking , is cooking with no love ….

Best breakfast in Ocala bar none!

The food was very greasy, staff very confused, unorganized, did not get what I ordered. Chairs uncomfortable,

My first visit to Big Man's. Monday lunch time. Very friendly staff. I ordered the 12.99 chicken with mashed potatoes/gravy and collards. Mashed potatoes/gravy and collards came out immediately, no chicken. I figured they were still cooking the chicken. I picked at the sides, good flavor and hot waiting for my fried chicken. Different server came by and asked where my chicken was. I shrugged. My server was sent over, she thought I had come in just for sides, even though I had asked about the chicken. Chicken was ordered and I finally got my fried chicken. Skin nice and crisp, fresh out of the frier. Very tasty, especially the dark meat. However the breast was very dry. Chicken is usually more tasty and juicier when brined. Finally check was brought over for 13.99 for a 12.99 meal. Maybe Mondays are an off day. Good luck Big Man on your new restaurant. I will be back, maybe on a different day. We should support our local businesses.

Cannot go wrong here. Fantastic soul food everywhere on the menu. They make it feel like home

Really enjoyed eating here, the food was excellent and the service was AWESOME! The servers had great personality's and made our visit very enjoyable

We took a chance following positive reviews and were not disappointed. The atmosphere was so cozy and welcoming, and everyone was beyond kind to us. My boyfriend and I got the roasted beef, and they had a special on chicken tenders that my child was more than excited about. The food came quick and smelled just as amazingly as it tasted. everything was cooked to perfection! I couldn't eat it all but having it for lunch again at work it was still just as good as it was when we ordered it. Our waitress was Jerrica and she was so attentive and took care of us. she even gave us a slice of her mothers homemade peach pie that was probably the best pie of it's kind that ive ever had! 10000/10 recommend and will definitely be going back ♡

Best meal I’ve had out since Covid. Service was attentive and quick. Food was hot seasoned and delicious. Restaurant was clean and welcoming. I’ll be back.

Great food and great service every time I've eaten here.

After reading all the positive reviews we decided to try them out. We were not disappointed in anyway. The owner and staff were absolutely welcoming and treated you like family. The food was made from scratch and delicious. My wife had the liver and stated it was the best so far in Ocala. I had the cobb salad and everything was fresh and enjoyable. A must try in Ocala.

Delicious….. Friendly and Family Orientated Business…. Love how they always check in on their customers and make conversation!! Will be going there again for sure!!

All the way from St Mary's Ga. Stopped in this morning for breakfast before heading to lake board down the river. You wanna talk about some delicious food? Mmm mmm. Great, friendly service and great food... the lady asked if there were any complaints and the only one I had was that food this great wasn't closer to where I live!!!

My wife and I were in there this morning. First time and we will definitely be return customers. Wife had the fried porkchop with grits, over medium eggs and rhe dollar cakes. I had the spicy sausage platter with the potatoes, scrambled eggs and dollar cakes. Great atmosphere. I believe our server was Jerica, (sorry if I mispelled) great service all around. Big Man was walking around talking up the patrons. All of the food was perfect.

Was there this morning. I had the loaded grits. Hubby had spicy sausage cheesy grits with 2eggs for over easy. It’s was soooooo good. Food is grand. Service………..

My wife and I ate here over the weekend and were amazed at the positive energy that we were met with. No one was unwelcoming, and it even rubbed off on the customers. The oxtail and fried chicken are amazing. You can tell the cooks work their butts off and take their craft seriously. We would definitely go back for the entire experience.

Fantastic southern cooking - fresh fried chicken, collards and mashed potatoes with gravy - Neciy was my server and it was fantastic! They even have beer and wine which was unexpected. Very nice place too! Highly recommend!

Absolutely a must. Great family atmosphere and wonderful service. Breakfast was delish.

This place is AMAZING and I highly recommend it! If you love great southern food then be prepared to find your new favorite place!

We traveled to Ocala over the Fourth of July weekend and wanted to find a little local breakfast place to eat in. I turned to Google and found big man’s café. What a hidden little treasure. Family owned and operated, everybody inside was so friendly and accommodating, the food was great and I loved the biscuits and gravy! It’s a great place to go to for a delicious breakfast.

Best food and staff in Ocala! I'm not in this area very often, but will be in the future. If you want home cooking, this is the place to go. Fried chicken, green beans, real mashed potatoes and fried cornbread. True Southern home cooked meal. I can't wait to go back.

We were looking for a good place to have lunch today, a Sunday around noon. This place was clearly busy but we were acknowledged multiple times by multiple staff members assuring us that they would seat us as soon as possible. We were seated within a few minutes and immediately had drinks in front of us. Our food was top notch, absolutely delicious and comfort food at its finest. I cannot say enough about the wonderful service we received from start to finish. The servers were warm, inviting and on top of everything at every turn. I’m assuming the owner/manager was the one who came out and said hi at one point. I don’t remember ever feeling so welcome and taken care of at a restaurant we had never been to before. We are looking forward to our next time in town so we can come here again. Until then we are looking forward to devouring our peach and peanut butter pie slices for dinner… because we are still full. 😊

Great service! Great food! Great prices! I'll definitely be back!

How awesome it was on July 6th to enter an amazing family oriented restaurant with my family the O'Neal family. I ordered the oxtails with rice and gravy, collard greens, yams and corn bread. Every item on my plate was cooked with love yummy to my tummy. Well cooked with season to perfection taste. The service from the time my family and I walked through the door until we left their facility, we were treated with love and respect. I would highly recommend dinning with them to anyone who need high quality food and service. #TheO'Nealfamily #BigManCafe

Victoria from the O'Neal family coming from Columbia SC stop by on July 6, 2024 and felt like home at Big Man's Cafe. They were 👏 amazing 👏 #

Staff is very nice, I went for my sisters 11th birthday and prices were affordable

I came here for a birthday party with a big party. As soon as we got here they accommodated us and it absolutely felt like family. They were all so sweet and attentive and patient, not to mention the food was absolutely a 10/10. Thank you so much for having us!!!

We came here for the traditional breakfast y left really pleased. The food was taste and and great portions, I don’t remember the names but the girls who attend us were really nice and kind. We would definitely recommend this place.

Ordered catering for a family event and the entire process - planning, ordering, picking up was perfect. The food was delicious and ready as promised. Highly recommend their catering as well as the restaurant.

This was our first visit to Big Man’s. I’m not going to start with a review of the food, although it was beyond amazing, but the star of the show was the people. Gerrica was our server, and treated us like family. We met her mom, dad, sister and they were all so warm, friendly and accommodating. The food was just amazing down home country cooking that transcends generations and will forever remain in our memory, and rest assured we won’t forget it, because we plan to come back again and again.

What a great breakfast. Sierra was outstanding and personable throughout our meal. Big Man came by to say Hi also. Great portions for the money. Food was great as well. Must stop by if you haven't been.

We went for the first time and we loved this place. Breakfast was great and the biscuits are amazing. The hospitality is excellent. A very friendly and feel good atmosphere. We are definitely going back and we highly recommend it.

The fried chicken and okra were crisp, not greasy and did not have any off taste (oil at proper temperature and not used too long). The collard greens had been cooked just enough and were not too salty. Overall the food and service was great! Sorry that I started eating before taking a picture. I didn’t want to wait! Seating in the restaurant as well as the bar area.

I wish I could add another star. Cause I ate so much that it straightened out my posture. Everything we had was good. Real good. I had the Ox Tails. Them bad boys were the size of a man’s fist. Oh, and you gotta try the Mac n cheese. Man… soul food lovers in Ocala get to eat like that every day?!..I wish we had a Big Man’s Cafe in Ruskin.

Best food , cooked to absolute perfection, and friendliest nicest staff you ever seen!!! Definitely worth to visit!!!

I’ve heard about this place for a while. The moment I walked in we were greeted by everyone with a smile, and they made us feel right at home. Even went as far to acknowledge our children and made them laugh. The environment is very relaxing, the staff amazing. The service is top notch and the food…. Coming form a big man myself. 10 out of 10 highly recommend.

The food here was phenomenal! I love grits and get them every time we go out for breakfast. I can tell you that these are the best grits I have ever eaten. Kudos to the chef! All of the other food was delicious too. The staff are efficient, kind, and so sweet and polite. I would return here often if we lived here. My family and I highly recommend Big Man's Cafe!

Outstanding meals, food was to die for 👍 Great service, waitresses very friendly and accommodating. We will be back again..

A great place! Very pleased to now know about it and definitely going to be my new go-to for a good easy meal.

The service was absolutely exceptional, and the food was incredibly delicious!

The oxtails are amazing! Fall off the bone. The service was wonderful. Everyone was friendly and inviting. I'll definitely be going back

Food was delicious, service was excellent. Our waitress made us feel like family. Thank you!

Great place for some excellent food and great southern hospitality. 10/10 would recommend

The folks that work here and the food was wonderful! We had breakfast there and had to skip lunch, as we were still full! We will be back.

Staff is super friendly, Big Man himself is awesome and food was amazing!

Big Man's Cafe had so much family comfort. It was a busy Father's Day crowd, but that did not limit the charm and welcome! The food was hot, fresh, and delicious.

Oh My! Made the drive from Gainesville and it was totally worth it. Prices are insanely cheap for the amount of soul food you get . I had the smothered pork chops with okra collard greens and corn nuggets. Been awhile since I had the chance to eat something that sticks. The gravy was amazing. Everything was hot and delicious. Customer service is what you expect in a southern eatery. Wait staff very friendly and efficient. Restaurant is clean and the air conditioning is definitely keeping me in this booth. Be sure to ask for Neciy and Ciera.

Great place to eat. Service is always friendly, food is always on point. And prices are fair.

Absolutely amazing food. Staff are superb. Love coming here!

Lisa was the best!! Friendliest staff and amazing food. From SWFL but will definitely be back when I’m in the area

Good food, great service. Friendly staff got breakfast and will be going back to try lunch menu!!

Amazing food and service!!! Has quickly become one of our favorite spots.

We waited almost an hour bc we got our anything

Went for lunch with my honey over the weekend. Our neighbor is always telling us to go eat here but I’ve just never stopped in, & do I regret waiting to stop in? Absolutely lol This place has some delicious food, portions are huge. I got the smothered chicken and it was incredible. The service here is amazing too, they make you feel right at home and treat you like family. We will without a doubt be back to try more.

Interesting spot and location. Food did not take long to come out. It was faster than giving my order. Cash is better, and there NO military discount for veterans

From the minute we walked in, it was like entering my Grandmothers house on a Sunday afternoon! It's a family owned restaurant and they sure do make you feel like you belong. Their food was phenomenal! We ordered fried chicken, oxtail, and fried pork chops. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, was so good! Don't forget to add the gravy to dip! Soo yummy 😋 We live an hour away but we'll be back!!

Food was delicious and they were incredibly nice. I ordered the fried chicken and there was so much food!

Friendly outstanding service. The dining area is spacious and comfortable. Everyone worked as a team to provide us with the best service possible. As great as they were, enough about the team, go there for the food, it’s amazing, something I usually don’t say about breakfast.

Very good comfort food!! Family business that has a heart for being the best!

Came into the restaurant, was made to feel very welcome. Loved the atmosphere and the people are so friendly. The food is so good! Will visit again :)

Big Man's Cafe is the best restaurant I've been at in years. Fresh, delicious food and the employees were excellent.

Friendly staff. Delious biscuits, and pancakes.