I was happy to try this place out. Photos in the web sites are nice. Reviews in the different sites were mixed. Sadly it was deceptive.
First just opening the door there was a strong odor to old humidity- mold in the place. Like dirt standing water. Still we went in. Bathrooms were dirty and lacking hand drying paper.
There were like 7 patrons on the bar, where we sit. And only 2 to 3 tables with some.
Glasses of our initial drinks smell also like old dirty standing water. They agreed with us, and the excuse was that they may have been from the first wash. ( it was 7 pm ).
Wine list is minimalist ( so please don’t call it a wine bar ), libations are ok, drinks are variable depending the bartender. ( they need to practice together to harmonize drinks ).
Food:
If I go back I would only eat appetizers. The bacon wrapped dates were very good and the pimento cheese fritters were to die for. Perfectly cooked, crispy, and not overwhelming pimento. The peach habanero jam ( which the server didn’t know what it was ) was excellent.
Salads were fresh and good with “home” made dressings. I had Caesar and my wife had thousand island that tasted like a mayo ketchup, but very good.
For “house staples” I had the baked krispy chicken. A recipe they say is 30 years old. Yes it was clean, crispy, and the inside chicken soft. But completely tasteless. My wife agree with that.
She had the special. A special prime rib with baked potato. Nice looking piece of meat, almost impossible to cut and again flavorless. Side veggies were saggy, potato small.
The coffee was very good.
Notice to say that the service was very friendly and nice.
In summary: This is a beautiful place that needs more care and attention to details. Manager should care about the knowledge of servers and the in unison preparation of drinks by bartenders. Food should be taste and flavors improved. The “staples” dinner has to create the WOW effect in the patrons. Presentation and taste are very important, non of which was present.
They can do much better with attention to details.
Catherine
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February 25, 2026
AMAZING food!!
I have been twice now & can't wait for another trip back to Ocala to go again!
The Krispy Chicken is what I had last time which was delicious. Today I had the Thai salad with chicken and that also was excellent. The chicken was perfectly crispy with just the right amount of seasoning. Most of the dishes come with a yeast roll and a piece of creamy, cheesy cornbread with a crispy crusty top. My sister had the Creole Shrimp and cheesy grits which she described as heavenly. My Aunt has the fried cod and for dessert the coconut cake which she said was some of the best she has ever eaten. Definitely a place worthy of driving to. The manager sat down with us as well and we chatted about planning trip routes around places to eat when traveling, and let's just say, he is quite easy on the eyes.😉
Jordan William
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January 26, 2026
Ate at Ivy on the Square downtown and it’s the kind of place you go when you want real Southern comfort food, but in a nicer setting. The dining room feels cozy and a little “special,” and the menu has those classic, filling plates that taste like someone actually cooked them (not just reheated). We started with a couple small things, then got entrees—everything was seasoned well and came out hot.
Melissa Welch
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June 13, 2026
Music gave a Titanic vibe, very soothing. The decor was beautiful. And the food...let me just show you. Highly recommend.
Jami Kobold
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July 18, 2026
First time visiting here and we honestly have no complaints. The service was great, the food was delicious and the drink I had was oh so good! Will definitely be returning. Very nice atmosphere, clean all around.
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53 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL 34471, USA
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I was happy to try this place out. Photos in the web sites are nice. Reviews in the different sites were mixed. Sadly it was deceptive. First just opening the door there was a strong odor to old humidity- mold in the place. Like dirt standing water. Still we went in. Bathrooms were dirty and lacking hand drying paper. There were like 7 patrons on the bar, where we sit. And only 2 to 3 tables with some. Glasses of our initial drinks smell also like old dirty standing water. They agreed with us, and the excuse was that they may have been from the first wash. ( it was 7 pm ). Wine list is minimalist ( so please don’t call it a wine bar ), libations are ok, drinks are variable depending the bartender. ( they need to practice together to harmonize drinks ). Food: If I go back I would only eat appetizers. The bacon wrapped dates were very good and the pimento cheese fritters were to die for. Perfectly cooked, crispy, and not overwhelming pimento. The peach habanero jam ( which the server didn’t know what it was ) was excellent. Salads were fresh and good with “home” made dressings. I had Caesar and my wife had thousand island that tasted like a mayo ketchup, but very good. For “house staples” I had the baked krispy chicken. A recipe they say is 30 years old. Yes it was clean, crispy, and the inside chicken soft. But completely tasteless. My wife agree with that. She had the special. A special prime rib with baked potato. Nice looking piece of meat, almost impossible to cut and again flavorless. Side veggies were saggy, potato small. The coffee was very good. Notice to say that the service was very friendly and nice. In summary: This is a beautiful place that needs more care and attention to details. Manager should care about the knowledge of servers and the in unison preparation of drinks by bartenders. Food should be taste and flavors improved. The “staples” dinner has to create the WOW effect in the patrons. Presentation and taste are very important, non of which was present. They can do much better with attention to details.
AMAZING food!! I have been twice now & can't wait for another trip back to Ocala to go again! The Krispy Chicken is what I had last time which was delicious. Today I had the Thai salad with chicken and that also was excellent. The chicken was perfectly crispy with just the right amount of seasoning. Most of the dishes come with a yeast roll and a piece of creamy, cheesy cornbread with a crispy crusty top. My sister had the Creole Shrimp and cheesy grits which she described as heavenly. My Aunt has the fried cod and for dessert the coconut cake which she said was some of the best she has ever eaten. Definitely a place worthy of driving to. The manager sat down with us as well and we chatted about planning trip routes around places to eat when traveling, and let's just say, he is quite easy on the eyes.😉
Ate at Ivy on the Square downtown and it’s the kind of place you go when you want real Southern comfort food, but in a nicer setting. The dining room feels cozy and a little “special,” and the menu has those classic, filling plates that taste like someone actually cooked them (not just reheated). We started with a couple small things, then got entrees—everything was seasoned well and came out hot.
Music gave a Titanic vibe, very soothing. The decor was beautiful. And the food...let me just show you. Highly recommend.
First time visiting here and we honestly have no complaints. The service was great, the food was delicious and the drink I had was oh so good! Will definitely be returning. Very nice atmosphere, clean all around.