New Restaurant in Ocala: First Avenue Bar & Bistro |
Downtown dining and American cuisine in the former La Cuisine space |
Downtown Ocala has a new dinner option at a familiar address: First Avenue Bar & Bistro is open at 48 SW 1st Avenue, in the former La Cuisine space.
The restaurant opened October 20 and celebrated its ribbon cutting November 4, adding a fresh chapter to a longtime local dining location.
Owner Don Gulling has introduced an American comfort-food concept following the change in ownership and renovations.
For readers planning a downtown evening, the practical details are straightforward: the restaurant opens Tuesday through Saturday at 4:30 p.m., with closing time listed simply as close.
The bar and lounge offer happy hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m., with advertised $7 cocktails, glasses of wine and bar bites.
Friday and Saturday fit this weekend’s calendar, while Sunday falls outside the restaurant’s currently posted schedule.
Full dinner service gives visitors another reason to spend an evening downtown, whether meeting friends or planning a meal before entertainment.
Because the concept is new, check the current menu when booking rather than expecting the former restaurant’s French offerings.
Reservations are available by calling 352-452-9811, with an online booking option also available.
For a low-pressure introduction, consider an early visit to the lounge before deciding on a future dinner reservation. |
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Might stop by the lounge after work Friday
La Cuisine was a favorite, hope this place does well
Curious what Don Gulling did with the inside
Wish they were open for Sunday dinner too
Pat W.Same. Sunday would be nice for a quieter dinner out.
A 4:30 opening works great before a show
That 4:30 p.m. Opening could make a pre-show meal easy to plan. Happy hour runs until 6 p.m. In the bar and lounge, too.
Does anyone know what time they actually close?
The posted hours say only “close,” without a specific time. We’d call 352-452-9811 before making late-evening plans.
Nice to have another dinner spot on First Avenue
Those $7 happy hour bites sound worth a try
Will miss the French food, honestly
We understand, the French menu was part of what made that address familiar. First Avenue Bar & Bistro is taking it in a new American comfort-food direction.
American comfort food sounds good for downtown
Glad to see the La Cuisine space open again