Brooklyn's Backyard

As an avid visitor of New York, I was hesitant to visit a restaurant called "Brooklyn's Backyard" in Ocala. After doing my regular foodie review research, I decided to give it a try. It is now my go-to spot! They aren't kidding with their tag-line: Great beer. Better food.

Do you love cheese as much as I do? Then you MUST try the fried cheese bites. They are beyond.

Fried Cheese Bites

And on a healthier note (well, sort of), I got the gluten-free pizza. It was amazing! 

Gluten-free Pizza

And now for the award winner...the burger!  (and it's enough for 2 people if you a girl)

Backyard Burger

GREAT FOOD and GREAT ATMOSPHERE, a must when you are in Ocala!

And on Sundays they offer bottomless mimosas and bloody marys, if you're into that! 

Check out their menu.

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4.5 out of 5 rating on Yelp!

4.5 out of 5 rating on Trip Advisor

Antico Wood Fired Pizzeria, Lakeland, FL

Jacqui, our friendly waitress at Antico

While visiting the Lakeland Chamber, I picked up a copy of Dining- Explore Central Florida. I noticed a small advertisement for Antico- Wood Fired Pizzeria & Wine Bar.  We jumped on the opportunity to try Antico the first chance we could.

Pompeii Pizza with Canyon Road wine

Antico is located in south Lakeland, just off of Florida Avenue. 

 Antico is one of the only true wood fired pizzerias in Polk County.  

The restaurant has a beautiful bar area and is very clean.  As soon as we sat down, the waitress, Jacqui, quickly came up to greet us. 

She immediately won us over with her friendliness and the specials for the evening- $10 bottle of Canyon Road wine and $15 large specialty pizza.  

Half pepperoni and half house pie

We started with the half Pepperoni and half House Pie- Antico sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage, olives, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms.  It was thin, crispy, loaded with cheese and tons of wood fired flavor!

Here I am enjoying the wine and the pizza. 

We loved the pizza so much, we decided to order another one.  This time we tried the Pompeii- house san marzano tomato sauce, garlic, crushed red pepper, grana padano, mozzarella, hot sausage, diced jalapenos, pepperoni and salami. It was SPICY and awesome! Click here to see their menu. They also offer organic and vegan options.

The owner bringing our pizza to us.

Next time you want a delicious pizza that isn't from a chain restaurant, make sure you try Antico! 

Ask for Jacqui; she will take very good care of you!  

Hours of operation: 

Tuesday-Friday, 4:30-10:00

Saturday-Sunday, 11:30-10:00

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Call them at 863-644-8000