By Lulu

The expression diamond in the rough comes to mind after the first time I made a visit to Big Bass Grill on Lake Panasoffkee. Situated near 301 it is a 20-minute ride in the country from Inverness, Leesburg, Ocala, or Ridge Manor. It is only a few miles from Bushnell and Webster. A beautiful lake front setting with some of the best food made with a flair of their own. Serving over 300 pounds of catfish a week, the owners are proud of their food and their staff! The food is made to order so don’t expect instant gratification, come to relax and enjoy the surroundings, have a cold one or mixed drink and wait to be surprised not only by the taste but also the size of your meal.

The bar has bike night on Thursdays, now that the clocks have been moved forward allows you to ride out for the live music and $10,99 New York strip dinner with potatoes and corn. I ordered the sloppy joe with potatoes and was surprised that it was a delicious huge serving with a BBQ taste…yummy! If you are up for Leesburg rally this month, take a ride to the country. They open at 11am every day, close at 9pm Sunday through Thursday and open until 10pm Friday & Saturday. Every Saturday and Sunday they have live music and Friday night is karaoke night. The owner, Glenn & Cissy Lofley, both ride Fat Boys. Cissy’s is a 1992 and Glenn’s 2003 Fatboy and they have a motorcycle sitting right inside the bar! They purchased the property in January 2020 right before Covid hit. Finally got the bar opened in September of 2020. Previously they owned Hog Pen Saloon in Tampa for 14 years with Glenn Sr. who passed away in 2014. These two are well loved by the riding community and it is no surprise as they are both genuinely nice, motorcycle riding, hardworking folk.