Big Lee's - Serious About BBQ — Restaurant in Ocala

I believe in rating establishments qualitatively, not quantitatively, so in other words; it doesn't really matter if the service was good if you came there to eat and the food was bad. You are rated on your purpose of patronizing the establishment. It's the same thing as if you took your car in to get new tires and they washed your car instead. With this in mind, I decided to take my wife here on February 8th to eat, because we were running behind on our shopping. The place seemed mostly clean, except for the walls, which could use some attention, as when BBQ sauce dries, it tends to look like dried blood. The place was pretty loud with people ordering up front and when attempting to move towards the back of the restaurant, we were bombarded by the loud music, as the place seemed like an echo chamber. They do have outside tables; however, it was a bit cold and we didn't have our jackets. We were greeted immediately upon entry and were informed they were running a special on large plates for $15, but after leaving later on discovered they only charged us that way on one plate and the other two were $17 & $18. I attempted to add chicken to my ribs plate and the lady informed us they don't do that, so we ordered three large plates of chicken, ribs and brisket. Each plate came with two sides; however, they didn't have enough sides to choose six to our liking. So in other words, you have to order six sides when getting three plates instead of being allowed to add chicken to a rib plate or a different combination. This practice is a ripoff and just another way of getting you to order more than you actually need. When we received the food, the (5) ribs (large plate?) were luke warm, straight out of the smoker and had no BBQ on them and the chicken was colder than the ribs, with mushy and greasy skin, not crisp. The brisket (less than two small handfuls), was colder still and cut into half inch cubes, as if to serve it to your dog. The Macaroni & Cheese was rubbery, fries were cold, which may have tasted better if served hot and cole slaw could have been less dry. Not to mention, all were served in very small containers, the least of which was the cole slaw, which was served in a ramekin sized container, which is smaller than the smallest baby food jar. The meals came with Hawaiian rolls, which were not fresh baked, but purchased from a company and they did not have options for either corn on the cob, corn bread, or biscuts. They do have containers of BBQ sauce to choose from, but I came here to eat BBQ, not smoked meats and slather BBQ sauce on them. Not everyone likes to do this. Even our cat turned its nose up at the leftovers. I cannot believe this place is rated higher than Pig and Cattle up the street on SR 200. They have great food, plenty of sides to choose from and are in larger portions for less. Out of the three BBQ extablishments we have been, this one comes in a distant third. I would recommend allowing customers to add items to their plate, have larger portion sizes on the side items, serve the food hot and put bbq sauce on the ribs. Also, don’t say there is a special and not charge the customer appropriately. This will be a don’t bother for us, but by all means, they have enough cold meat and ramekins...

With family in FL a trip to Big Lee’s BBQ in Ocala made my list after watching pitmaster Rashad Jones win season 3 of BBQ Brawl, and Beat Bobby Flay. 3 yrs later the opportunity came. The small strip mall restaurant is tucked back in the corner of a maze of parking lots. Keep going, you’ll find it! With lovely shade trees surrounding the corner space, the plentiful outdoor dining is a good option on a nice day. There is family style seating in the air conditioned inside. We were not the only ones to arrive early and wait for opening. Not expecting to see the pitmaster himself, I recognized Rashad unloading a vehicle with supplies for the restaurant. Realizing the opportunity to personally meet the BBQ rock star, I felt like a giddy schoolgirl! We received a warm friendly greeting from Rashad and his staff. Everyone who entered was greeted with a “Welcome! Have you been here before?” and offered assistance in choosing the perfect meal. I was quick to tell him that I was a big fan and excited to taste his food. We had planned to order the “Mr. Yes Feast for Two” a sampling of smoked meats. However, while discussing sides, Rashad suggested the Family meal which also includes 4 sides and rolls. We had a 3rd person joining us and were happy to take any leftovers. We ordered an additional side, trying 5 of the 7 offered. The chicken and ribs were my favorite, deliciously smokey and seasoned to perfection. The chicken prompted an “OMG” response, the ribs were tender but firm enough hold to the bone. The brisket, house made sausage, and pulled pork were also mouthwatering. Originally dismissing the rolls, they were the perfect vessel for sampling the pulled pork. 3 BBQ sauces to choose from. Signature BBQ is mild and sweet, a Signature Tangy sauce which seemed mustard based and paired well with the pulled pork and sausage. The Flame Tang sauce, my favorite with a kick of heat. If you’re looking for Rashad’s Blueberry Moonshine BBQ sauce, you’ll have to ask for a bottle to purchase, kept in the back cooler. As for the sides, we loved the fried okra. For anyone who isn’t a fan, Big Lee’s fried okra will make you one. No slime here! Just little salty crispy gems of deliciousness! The baked beans don’t seem like much at first, but the flavor grows and you realize they’re not your average baked beans. The coleslaw was perfectly crispy and creamy. Curiosity had us try the corn nuggets. They reminded me of mini corn fritters with less dough and more corn. I personally enjoyed those the next day, reheating them somehow enhanced the corn. The mac and cheese was home style comfort food. Next time I would try it in “The Kathy” stuffed with the slow smoked brisket. My family ordered a couple of peach cobblers to go, along with a couple bags of the Sweet Heat Candied Pecans (those didn’t last long!) and a couple bottles of BBQ sauce. Big Lee’s is a real BBQ treasure. I only wish I lived closer to enjoy this exceptional food and friendly service more often. I hope you take the opportunity to treat yourself to this...

My family's first visit here, as it was always "hit or miss" to try to eat at the downtown food truck location. We were ecstatic that a brick and mortar place was established just very recently. We walked in, and sitting at the first inside table was none other than Rashad Jones himself! He offered his hand, welcomed my family to his restaurant, and asked for our first names! My wife and I love watching various Food Network competition shows , so we knew Rashad at first sight. We were pleasantly surprised at seeing him, but equally impressed that he was there to make sure everything would go well at his first restaurant. He explained the ordering situation and was very kind and friendly. Dang fine gentleman! He didn't "put on any airs," just like his food - casual but refined! We saw our various meat selections being carved and prepared in front of us. After receiving our meals, we sat down and enjoyed a wonderfully delicious lunch. It was almost surreal to eat the same foods that he had prepared while competing on numerous FN shows (of which he wins almost every single time)! The restaurant itself is like many fast food establishments - simple, but very clean. The staff were professional and helpful. The restaurant had sufficient seating, BUT arrive when it first opens at 11. So many customers came in while we were there that it was almost SRO! This is how popular Rashad and his BBQ have become in North Florida! As for the quality and taste of the food - OMG! The brisket and the pulled pork we had were "fork tender", but still "full and meaty with that hint of smokiness." Subtle but leaves a delicious aftertaste! The sides were just as perfect. The mac n cheese was not too cheesy, and the pasta was perfectly cooked. My wife had the coleslaw, and she was in heaven! She said she would have bought a gallon of the slaw - if it was sold that way! I had a few bites, and I totally agreed. The slaw was not sweet, with a perfect crunch and a hint of pepper. The tea was not like most southern teas that are sickenly sugared. His tea had just the right amount and reminded me of southern tea brewed out in the sun in those big glass jugs! As I left, I told Rashad that I am a Gainesville native born in '67; hence, I have always been partial to Sonny's BBQ. Nevertheless, I told Rashad that he "represented" North Florida BBQ, was wholly impressed with him and his food, and that he would definitely see me and my family in the future! His food is unabashedly amazing, and I look forward to trying more choices! I highly recommend everyone to visit his restaurant and/or his food trucks found throughout North and North Central Florida. If anyone has seen him on the Food Network, he is personally every bit the same personality-wise and his food is as tasty as it looks on TV! Check him out - it...