Local and regional restaurant picks you have to try.
Take A Bite Out Of Old Florida
Stumpknockers › 13821 SW Highway 200, Dunnellon › (352) 854-2288 › stumpknockersontheriver.com
Happy anniversary to Stumpknockers and owners Tim and John Channell, who have been part of our community’s food industry for 30 years in 2018. Stumpknockers is tucked away along the banks of the Withlacoochee River but is well worth the trouble to find. The top-notch kitchen staff dishes out Old Florida classics like catfish, frog legs, sea scallops, steaks and gator.
Pies On Highway 200
Piesanos › 2575 SW 42nd St., Ocala › New location at 8075 SW Highway 200, Ocala › (352) 351-6000 › piesanostogo.com
If you’ve loved dining at Piesanos in Ocala or Gainesville, you’ll be happy to hear they’re coming to a new, second location in Ocala set to open in late October. Piesanos has a comprehensive menu that covers all the bases of Italian food, from their signature 1/2-pound meatball and Caprese salad to 10 different salads and stone-baked bread. But, of course, all the appetizers are just preparation for the star of the show: stone-fired pizza. Piesanos pies come in every size, from a personal 8-inch pizza to the massive 24-inch pizza for a family. They offer 28 signature styles of pizza with a variety of toppings, or you can build your own ideal pie. Gluten-free diners need not worry—Piesanos offers gluten-free crusts for each and every type of pizza they serve.
Local Flavors Made Fresh Daily
Artman Country Smokehouse › 6900 SE Highway 42, Summerfield › (352) 307-6240
The owners of the Artman Country Smokehouse opened their restaurant just two short years ago, but it has quickly become a local favorite. These barbecue masters slow smoke their meat fresh daily for hours to ensure that when it hits the plate, it’s as moist and tender as possible. Sides are also prepared fresh daily. Sliced angus brisket, pulled pork, and chicken and ribs taste great next to their fried green tomatoes, smoked jalapenos, corn casserole and more. Artman Country Smokehouse takes special orders for whole briskets, whole pork butts, turkeys or ribs. Takeout is also available.
Country Cookin’
Colt Country Cafe & Buffet › 15330 NW Gainesville Rd, Reddick › (352) 591-0802 › coltcountrycafe.com
Colt Country Cafe & Buffet is now open in Reddick. All dishes are homemade each day, and the restaurant is located along a beautiful, scenic drive through Horse Country. Choose from a wide selection of salads, Southern-style entrées and desserts that will remind you of home from start to finish.
Organic Juice, Smoothie Bowls & Coffee Galore
Vitalize Natural Market and Juice Bar › 4414 SW College Road, Ocala › (352) 509-6839 › 40 SW 1st Avenue, Ocala › (352) 512-0631 › vitalizeocala.com
Vitalize Natural Market and Juice Bar is Ocala’s No. 1 stop for healthy fast food. Both locations of this organic juice and smoothie bar offer about a dozen fresh-pressed juices, health elixirs and energy and immunity shots. Definitely sit down and try one of their smoothie bowls, a more filling take on a classic smoothie made with an acai superfood base. Vitalize also offers online ordering on their website if you need to grab a healthy snack or beverage on the run.
