Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Catfish Johnny's
panasoffkeeA local institution for fried catfish, hush puppies, and Southern-style seafood. No-frills atmosphere with big portions.
Cody's Original Roadhouse - Brownwood
The VillagesInformal local chain serving hand-cut steaks, seafood & Southern BBQ in a roadhouse-themed setting.
Deep South Family BBQ
BrooksvilleDeep South Family BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Hernando County, known for their smoked meats and homemade side recipes, providing an authentic Southern BBQ experience since 1998.
Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill
weirsdaleWaterfront dining on Lake Weir featuring Chef Dave Del Rio's Florisiana cuisine — a fusion of Southern, Cajun, and Creole flavors. The views are stunning, the seafood is fresh, and the vibe has been drawing folks out here since 1924.
Fifth Avenue Streatery
Mount DoraFull-service restaurant in Mount Dora serving Southern fusion and down-home cooking made from scratch, featuring open-air dining, a pet-friendly atmosphere, and a dedicated dog menu.
Florida Cracker Cook Shack - BBQ Joint
BrooksvilleSouthern soul food restaurant in downtown Brooksville smoking BBQ and hot chicken, with signature items including brisket, chipped pork, gator sausage, and Brooksvagas Hot Chicken.
Florida Cracker Kitchen
Crystal RiverSouthern grub & local draft beer served in rustic, down-home digs with a small bar & gift shop.
Howie's Family Restaurant
BushnellHome-style family restaurant in Bushnell serving Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, and all-you-can-eat fish, open for breakfast and lunch with Friday fish fry dinners.
Ivy on the Square
OcalaSouthern-inspired cuisine is the specialty of this elegant restaurant in a circa-1890 building.
Metro Diner
The VillagesComfort-food chain known for massive portions of fried chicken and waffles, pot roast, and meatloaf. Breakfast is served all day, and the vibe is pure Southern diner warmth.
Miz Kathi's Cotillion Cafe & Sweetery
WildwoodSouthern comfort food and jaw-dropping cakes in downtown Wildwood. Miz Kathi's serves it up right -- hearty portions, scratch-made everything, and the kind of homestyle cooking that makes you wish you'd worn stretchy pants.
Oakwood Express Smokehouse
WildwoodLocal BBQ chain serving ribs, steakburgers, seafood & Southern sides in a relaxed atmosphere.
Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill
eustisLocal BBQ chain serving ribs, steakburgers, seafood & Southern sides in a relaxed atmosphere.
Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill
ClermontLocal BBQ chain serving ribs, steakburgers, seafood & Southern sides in a relaxed atmosphere.
Papa J's Diner
InvernessOne of the longest-running breakfast and lunch diners in Inverness since 1986, serving all-day breakfast with Southern-style cooking, generous portions, and competitive prices.
Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Southern Trace
The VillagesLocal Italian chain serving stone-fired pizzas, plus pasta, entrees & subs, in a relaxed atmosphere.
Southern Hills Plantation Club
BrooksvilleSouthern Hills Plantation Club is a private golf and country club nestled in the rolling terrain of Brooksville, Florida, offering a premier membership experience with a championship golf course and top-notch amenities.
Southern Palate
DunnellonSoul food and Southern cuisine restaurant serving hearty plates of comfort food and catering services.
The Biscuit Barn
Crystal RiverHighly rated Crystal River breakfast and lunch spot known for huge Southern-style biscuits with iron-skillet sausage gravy, steak and eggs, and classic lunch fare like reubens and burgers.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe
The VillagesSouthern-inspired breakfast and brunch cafe famous for fluffy biscuits with cranberry apple butter. Popular dishes include the Flying Biscuit Breakfast and the Hangover Hash.
Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill
TavaresA family-owned seafood spot and oyster bar that puts a Caribbean twist on Southern classics. The raw bar is the main event, but the whole menu delivers. Casual enough for a Tuesday lunch, fun enough for a Saturday night out.
Twisted Biscuit Diner
TavaresPopular Tavares diner serving traditional Southern comfort food with a twist, built around flavored, made-from-scratch biscuits, open daily from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM for breakfast and lunch.
Waterfront Social
Crystal RiverIndoor/outdoor gathering spot on Kings Bay in Crystal River serving southern coastal dishes from scratch, with a tiki bar offering 180-degree bay views and sunset cocktails.