Cooler weather means outdoor patios across restaurants in Ocala are open for business.
Although the weather in the Sunshine State generally permits outdoor dining year-round, we thought we’d highlight the many restaurants in downtown Ocala and other parts of the city that offer outdoor dining experiences.
One of the many downtown restaurants with outdoor options available, Stella’s Modern Pantry is located at 20 SW Broadway Street, across the street from the Brick City Center for the Arts. In addition to specialty sandwiches, salads and gourmet desserts, the restaurant operates a shop that sells gourmet goods and boutique wines, among other items.
Stella’s is just a couple doors down from the Lodge Brick City Craft Pub and Eatery, which offers a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and a menu filled with pub favorites including a pretzel with beer cheese, speciality cheeseburgers, and wings. The Lodge offers outdoor seating options to its diners as well.
Just down the road, Bank Street Patio Bar recently celebrated its second anniversary in downtown Ocala. Its location is primarily outdoor seating with a variety of arrangements. The business also offers a large, outdoor, private patio that may be reserved for events.
The list of downtown eateries doesn’t end there. Fine dining eateries like La Cuisine and Mark’s Prime Steakhouse offer patios to accommodate their elegantly decorated interior dining rooms. Mark’s is located at 30 S Magnolia Avenue, while La Cuisine is located at 48 SW 1st Avenue.
Both establishments offer a variety of upscale appetizers, entrees and cocktails. In addition to their fine dining neighbors, Harry’s Seafood, Ivy on the Square, Big Hammock Brewery, Molly Maguire’s, Sayulita Taqueria, The Keep Downtown, and Sushi Bistro all offer downtown patios for one to enjoy a meal.
The patio at Sayulita is decorated and features outdoor ordering options.
Moving through the city, a variety of new additions over the past several years have complemented mainstays like Las Margaritas and Mojo’s in southwest Ocala. Those include Shuckin’ Shack, El Mezcal, and Culver’s, which opened its doors on October 11.
The Gathering Cafe opened its doors in early 2020 and offers seating around its circular building, located at 2601 SW 19th Avenue Road. The cafe features a variety of coffees and drinks, baked goods, sandwiches, and salads, among other items.
Do you have a favorite place that you like to dine outdoors in Ocala? Share your thoughts in a comment below, through social media, or by writing a letter to the editor.