Local Food Scene
Ocala food scene this week: BBQ chains and Korean hot pot heat up the trending list
Sonny's locations are drawing crowds with consistent ribs and pulled pork. KPOT Korean BBQ brings a cook-your-own experience to town. Fried chicken, seafood, and Southern comfort food round out the week's momentum.
The Local Desk · Ocala, FL · October 1, 2026
Ocala's restaurant scene is buzzing with 16 new reviews this month at Sonny's BBQ across three locations, while KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot and a handful of established favorites are holding steady with strong ratings. From drive-thru barbecue to tableside Korean grilling, diners are finding reasons to keep coming back.
On plates this week: pulled pork · baby back ribs · brisket · chicken tenders · shrimp and grits · mushroom broth
- 1
Sonny's BBQ
★★★★★ 4.6 · 5,168 Google reviews16 new reviews this month · 6.2 km from downtown
The Silver Springs Boulevard location of Sonny's BBQ is drawing the most attention this month with 16 new reviews. Pulled pork and baby back ribs are the standouts, and the drive-thru keeps regulars coming back for quick meals.
“I love the Brisket it was very good”
Sonny's BBQ Reviews →Own this business? Claim your free page
- 2
Sonny's BBQ
★★★★★ 4.4 · 3,101 Google reviews16 new reviews this month · 2 km from downtown
The College Road Sonny's is also seeing fresh momentum with 16 new reviews this month. Brisket and pulled pork are reliable choices, and the salad bar sets it apart from typical barbecue joints.
“She’s very nice and personable, plus very attentive and prompt”
Sonny's BBQ Reviews →Own this business? Claim your free page
- 3
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
★★★★★ 4.8 · 2,963 Google reviews9 new reviews this month · 3.6 km from downtown
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot on SW 19th Avenue is drawing diners who want to cook their own meal at the table. Nine new reviews this month praise the mushroom broth and attentive staff who walk you through the experience.
“The mushroom broth went particularly well with the thinly sliced beef tongue, bok choy, and enoki mushrooms”
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot Reviews →Own this business? Claim your free page
- 4
Harry's Seafood,Bar & Grille
★★★★★ 4.5 · 6,519 Google reviews7 new reviews this month · 1 km from downtown
Harry's Seafood, Bar & Grille downtown is a steady draw with 7 new reviews this month. The she crab soup and shrimp and grits are reliable orders, and the early bird menu brings in lunch crowds.
“We ordered the crawfish etouffee and the blackened shrimp and scallops with grit cake and greens”
Harry's Seafood,Bar & Grille Reviews →Own this business? Claim your free page
- 5
Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Trinity
★★★★★ 4.6 · 3,091 Google reviews7 new reviews this month · 4.4 km from downtown
Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza on SW 42nd Street is busy enough that waits can stretch past 30 minutes, but the wood-fired pies and garlic rolls keep people patient. Seven new reviews this month confirm the food arrives fast.
“Food was amazing and came out super fast!”
Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Trinity Reviews →Own this business? Claim your free page
- 6
PDQ
★★★★★ 4.5 · 2,548 Google reviews7 new reviews this month · 4.8 km from downtown
PDQ on SW College Road is drawing families with its chicken tenders and waffle fries. Seven new reviews this month highlight the polite staff and clean atmosphere, making it a reliable quick-service stop.
“Along with the mac and cheese which was also delicious people were very friendly the venue is very clean great atmosphere for a family!”
- 7
Mojo's-Food. Music. Soul. (Silver Springs Location)
★★★★★ 4.5 · 4,381 Google reviews8 new reviews this month · 7.2 km from downtown
Mojo's at Silver Springs Boulevard is drawing crowds with live music and a gluten-free menu that actually delivers options. Eight new reviews this month praise the outdoor seating and plantains alongside the main dishes.
“I'm gluten free and there are a ton of options!!!”
Mojo's-Food. Music. Soul. (Silver Springs Location) Reviews →Own this business? Claim your free page
- 8
Brick City Southern Kitchen
★★★★★ 4.5 · 2,729 Google reviews7 new reviews this month · 1.1 km from downtown
Brick City Southern Kitchen downtown is drawing barbecue fans with its brisket and pulled pork, plus a serious whiskey selection. Seven new reviews this month show diners appreciate the whole hawg and outdoor seating.
“We had the turkey sandwich (not the best) but the pulled pork and brisket were fire!”
Brick City Southern Kitchen Reviews →Own this business? Claim your free page
Barbecue chains continue to dominate Ocala's trending list, but the city's restaurant scene is diverse enough to keep diners moving between Korean hot pot, seafood, pizza, and Southern comfort food. The common thread across all these places is staff that seems genuinely happy to be there—a detail that shows up in review after review and keeps people coming back.