Ocala Downtown Market Restaurant — Restaurant in Ocala

I'm not 100% sure why this is listed as a restaurant as it is ocala's Farmers market however there are several food trucks that are ever present when the farmers market is open. There is also a beverage place that serves coffee and some beer and champagne drinks that is a permanent fixture at the Farmers market. I haven't been to very many farmers markets so I don't have a lot to compare it to but I do think that this farmers market is quite nice as it has a structure that covers the bulk of the vendors shielding the hot Florida sun, as well as large ceiling fans and a restroom which is much nicer than a porta-john. All of the vendors are very friendly and pleasant and there is a wide variety of things to choose from. Although not all of the items being sold are your traditional Farmers market vegetables, fruits and things like that, I find that everything there is locally sourced or hand made in some way. Some of my favorite vendors are "let's eat fresh" which has tasty and healthy meals and snacks for purchase as well as delicious traditional Greek delicacies. I also love the florist which is located outside of the structure and I am not sure of the business's actual name however they are the only people I have ever seen they're selling flowers and they have the most beautiful and unusual flowers for sale at a reasonable price and can make you up a bouquet of your liking. There is also a woman who makes all kinds of delicious treats using goat's milk but my favorite item she has are her cheesecakes! They are absolutely to die for and the best part is they are single serving cheesecakes so you can try lots of different flavors and find which one is your favorite. I am partial to the turtle flavor as well as the blueberry but she has dozens of different flavors at your disposal. She is located on the back row of the Farmers market against the long wall. And lastly my new favorites are an artist that is located in the front corner of the structure she draws the most beautiful pictures and she has literally hundreds to choose from. And one of the food trucks on the outside serves Chicago sandwiches and they are to die for and a must-try!! Not only is the food delicious but the owners are super friendly as well. Ocalas Downtown Market is sure to have something for everyone, so if you're visiting the area or you're a local who hasn't yet checked it out, I recommend you stop by on Saturday and see what vendor goods you fall...

Do not go here or support this inhumane company. To quote the ceo of the private company “we don’t want unsavory people there”…aka anyone who looks to not have money or homeless. This property is owned by the city of ocala but ran by a private company. They run fans 24/7 and at least 10 halogen every night for a place that is open one day a week for a few hours. No one is allow you use a city own space that looks to be a park consider it has a playground and air pavilion with water fountains, unless you are just walking through to get a drink and leave. This makes no sense. Also I want to know with the increase of electricity in our city, is the farmer market paying a discount rate to run fans no one is allow to use? Are they getting a discount when people are literally having their electricity shut off because of the increase price per watts? Also, the security that protects the ocala city hall court is the same security that protects the farmer market? Who paying for that? The city or the private company? Also further more there are 24/7 camera surveillance by police officers. Who paying for that? Our tax dollars or the private company. Do not support this company and they anti-community stats on how to run a space own by the city. Also why do the fans need...

Nice little market with about 50 or so vendors. From fresh meats, seafood, herbs and plants, cheeses and baked goods to artisan, wood and stone crafts, jewelry, homemade masks, candles and oils, it’s got a good variety of local wares. Vendors were attentive and not pushy.

Highlights are the mushroom vendor and local bakers. The Curry Coma truck and the coffee and tea shack was also open.

Why a 3? A number of vegetable vendors seemed to have local produce, but a few were selling items with commercial farm stickers on them.

There was also room for more food trucks which I think would bring some good variety.

WARNING: 90% of the people including vendors were not...