OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Downtown Ocala and its surrounding areas continue to offer a diverse dining scene, blending longtime local favorites with familiar national names. From casual patio bars and craft beverages to upscale cuisine, these local eateries highlight the variety of flavors and atmospheres available to diners looking for their next meal out.

Bank Street Patio Bar & Grill

The exterior of a restaurant is fenced off with bushes surrounding it on the side of a road. Multiple signs read, "Bank Street Patio Bar" and "Closed."
Bank Street Patio Bar is a family-friendly restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere located in Downtown Ocala.
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Casual and colorful, this laid-back bar and restaurant on Ocala’s Bank Street serves up American classics including burgers, pizza, cheesesteaks, tacos, wings, nachos and sirloin steak straight from the patio. With its outdoor seating and easygoing vibe, it’s a good stop for a drink or casual meal in the heart of downtown.

The restaurant is located at 120 E. Fort King Street. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. 352-877-8667

District Bar & Kitchen

A large restaurant front has two stories with the top story being an open-air patio. The first floor has a brick exterior with a large, red strip separating the floors. The red strip has a sign reading, "District Bar & Kitchen."
The District Bar and Kitchen is a local hotspot in Ocala with live entertainment on the second floor that can be heard from locals passing by and by indoor guests enjoying some of the offered food.
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A local favorite for burgers, sandwiches and craft cocktails, this modern eatery blends comfort food with a lively atmosphere. Centrally located in Ocala’s historic district, it’s a popular choice for everything from casual lunches to night-out dinners.

The restaurant is located at 110 SW Broadway St. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 352-579-2222

Big Hammock Brewery

A restaurant front has white bricks below multiple large windows. A window and the door have signs reading, "Big Hammock Brewery."
Big Hammock is a popular restaurant in Downtown Ocala that serves Asian-inspired fare and craft brews.
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This brewpub in downtown Ocala pairs a relaxed environment with creative food and house beers. Diners rave about its rich Asian-inspired fare such as bao buns and ramen and pub fare like hot pretzels and sandwiches, making it a standout for both craft beer lovers and adventurous eaters alike.

The restaurant is located at 103 SE 1st Ave. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 352-877-8176

Mellow Mushroom

A brick front restaurant with a balcony has a large blue and red sign reading, " Pizza. Mellow Mushroom. Bakers."
Mellow Mushroom is a pizza restaurant that serves a variety of dishes in Downtown Ocala.
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Known nationwide for its stone-baked pizzas and funky, art-filled interiors, Mellow Mushroom offers a laid-back vibe ideal for groups and families. Diners often highlight their fresh pizzas, creative toppings and inclusive menu with vegetarian and gluten- and dairy-sensitive options.

The restaurant is located at 2 W. Fort King St. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 352-421-5098

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes

A restaurant front is made from gray bricks with lights and a camera above the entrance. Hanging from the building is a red. white and black sign reading, "Mooyah Burgers."
Mooyah is a restaurant located in Downtown Ocala that serves a variety of American dishes.
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MOOYAH specializes in customizable burgers made with fresh ingredients, along with hand-cut fries and milkshakes. The fast-casual chain emphasizes quality and consistency, offering classic American comfort food in a modern setting.

The restaurant is located at 40 SE Fort King St. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. 352-421-5438

Ivy on the Square

A restaurant front has vines and plants in planters with a black exterior and red bricks above the entrance.
Ivy on the Square is a restaurant that provides a fine dining experience while offering high-end dishes.
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Ivy on the Square delivers Southern-inspired cuisine with an upscale twist. A longtime downtown staple, the restaurant is known for hearty entrees, sandwiches and seafood, polished cocktails and a warm atmosphere suited for date nights and special occasions.

The restaurant is located at 53 S Magnolia Ave. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 352-622-5550

La Cuisine French Restaurant

A restaurant front has a beige exterior with red panels above the entrance. Two cars are parallel parked in front of the restaurant. "La Cuisine" is written above.
La Cuisine is a French restaurant in Downtown Ocala that serves up quality authentic food.
Courtesy: Amber Battillo/352today

La Cuisine brings traditional French dining to Ocala with an intimate, elegant setting. Featuring classics such as risotto, scallops, filet mignon and crepes, the restaurant is a popular choice for celebratory dinners and fans of continental cuisine.

The restaurant is located at 48 SW 1st Ave. Hours of operation are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday with brunch hours being 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and happy hour 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 352-433-2570