Tried out Ovation Bistro & Bar via Uber Eats and couldn't believe the portion for $18.99! I was able to split this meal into two servings. The Diablo cajun fettuccine with grilled shrimp (6) and side of broccoli was excellent. My meal arrive still warm and the flavor was deliciously spicy. read more

Ovation Bistro & Bar - Diablo Del Mar - American Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

I've read many good reviews of Ovation Bistro and was excited to finally make a reservation. The restaurant had a nice ambiance when we entered. The staff was very friendly. We ordered the Brussel sprouts. Major disappointment. Do not recommend. They were served cold. They were reserved warmed up. Still not good. They tasted like tons of Asian bbq sauce with a few Brussel sprouts. Waaay too much bbq sauce. Not advisable to ever order these. They did comp our order of Brussel sprouts. But not a good way to start dinner. The rest of our orders were very good. We ordered a variety off the menu. Pictures below. My meal of a steak salad was ok. I wanted my steak medium, but I received very well done steak. All in all we had an ok experience. But, I really don't think I'll be back. read more

Ovation Bistro & Bar - SPICY SWEET SALMON - American Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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I was in town for a mini-reunion for LHS. We decided to meet up here for a Wednesday evening dinner. We reserved a private dining room and everything was ready when we began to arrive at 6pm. They assigned two Servers to our group of 20 and they began to serve beverages as folks began to arrive. I had the grilled shrimp appetizer and the glazed/grilled salmon with a side salad. The food quality was good and the service was good too. I didn't really like that the floor felt slippery everywhere I walked like it needed to be mopped and no one had taken the initiative to get it done. For some reason, I ended up having two different bills. One for my appetizer and one for my main course. No one told me there was a flat rate gratuatity added to the bill and they use this hand-held computers where you insert your CC to pay the bill. It automatically put up the various percentage amount options for you to leave a tip. Neither of the Hostess' said anything so that was not a good experience. read more

Although we were seated right away on a Friday around 6pm. The waitress didn't greet us for about 10 minutes. Going to the bathroom the floors felt slippery-oily like. The bar ran out of captain morgan and couldn't make drink from their menu. They also ran out of prime rib yesterday. I ordered 1/2 ribs and fries. The ribs were a bit salty for me and not juicy enough. The fries were crispy and salty. This being my first time here I wasn't impress. I would return to try maybe one of their sandwich or burger, or maybe a fish selection. read more

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Service was fine. The food was ok. Prime rib was way too thin. Baked potatoes needed more time. Burger good flavor but dry. read more

All the workers were very attentive and kind, the food was soooo good. Great atmosphere with even better food.

I did take out at the Altamonte Springs location. The burgers was fresh and filling. I recommend the place for takeout or delivery because there's no atmosphere unless you're really into industrial. read more

The food was outstanding, the place was busy and there seemed to be just one to two people working the entire place so they were short staff. Our server was great and friendly but he could have used a hand working the other tables. Looked like he ran the entire restaurant? The restaurant was clean and that's important. The restrooms smelled fresh and were clean and I am a stickler for clean restrooms so they hit the mark there. I hope they have more staff next time we return . Overall we enjoyed our meal . read more

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The waitress greeted us at the hostess area with two checks in her hand and some money. She said she had one large table and a group of 25 in the back and that she was the only employee at the time. She also told us that she didn't know when she would be able to get to us we obviously left. How does the restaurant expect to stay in business if there's no staff and no management absolutely ridiculou. they could give free food away and I'll never go back there. What a bunch of morons. I hope this goes to corporate. read more

A Standing Ovation... for the Worst Meal Ever) If Ovation Bistro & Bar was aiming for a performance, they certainly delivered--a comedy of errors from start to finish. My family and I decided to give this place a try, and let's just say, we regret that decision. We started with the crab cakes, which tasted like they'd been defrosted in a microwave and left to marinate in disappointment. They had a sour aftertaste, as if they'd spent more time sitting out than actually being cooked. We sent them back, which honestly felt like an act of mercy. For the main course, the pork shank arrived drowning in a sad, unseasoned pool of what I assume was meant to be gravy. The mashed potatoes were colder than my enthusiasm for this meal. Meanwhile, the wedge salad with steak featured meat so bland, I had to double-check that I hadn't accidentally ordered a plate of seasoned cardboard. Service? Let's just say they were present. And ambiance? It would've taken a lot more than dim lighting to make this meal enjoyable. If you're looking for a dining experience that makes you question your life choices, Ovation Bistro & Bar is the place for you. Otherwise, do yourself a favor and take your appetite elsewhere. read more

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Wanted to try something different my husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed it delicious outstanding!!! so I signed up for their dine rewards for $25.99 I got wine , dessert, 6 ounce filet mignon cooked perfectly one side and a salad. Monday and Tuesday they have specials if you're dine rewards, you've got to sign up you get a free appetizer sent to you email.. looking at the menu it was all reasonably priced everything! Service was fantastic with Robbie , so much more we want you to try !!! You can tell that the people that were cooking took pride and their food. The place was spotless, including the bathrooms.! Looking forward to going back! Plenty of parking !seated right away Wish I was off on Thursday smoked prime rib !!! They have many options go to the website and look around! For dine rewards on Monday and Tuesday they have $16.99 option $19.99,$25.99 read more

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I had heard so much about this place. Food, service, cocktails, etc. I tell you honestly, I don't see the hype. Sorry, Ovation. It was sort of a letdown. For a Friday, it was nowhere near capacity. In fact, it didn't start picking up a bit later, around 8, and it still was near empty. So let's get to the cocktail and food. I got a Southern Mule. Not bad, but my bartender seemed to forget the garnishes. He eventually brought them, so everything was on the side. Maybe that's how they do it. That and a draught Stella, the bill was $16.00. Service was okay, although it took him a few to get to me. The server was very pleasant and eager to help. I had the osso buco. A nice portion and very tender. I would almost say it may have been over cooked. Garlic mash was good. The side of broccoli I had was definitely overcooked and had a mushy texture. My date for the had been there before and raved about the brisket. It had good flavor and some nice smokiness to it. And it was really tender. So there's a plus...but it was a bit on the cold side. She got a side of Mac and cheese. That was really good and had some creaminess along with a nice crust on top. The final bill for dinner was a bit over $50.00. I won't say I won't go back. It just wouldn't be my first choice. read more

This was our first visit tonight and OMG it was delicious! I ordered the 12oz sirloin, baked potato and baked beans. I'd venture to say this may have e been the best seasoned and cooked steak I've had in my two years of being in Lakeland. When the food was brought to the table, I ask for A1 and never had to use it. The steak was FULL of flavor! The beans were awesome. My only complaint was I only got to eat about 1/2 of them because my wife wouldn't leave them alone. She got the tilapia which was good. She really enjoyed it. She also really liked the slaw. We decided to top dinner off with the pineapple upside cake and it was a great decision. Our server Kelly was was very attentive. We'll definitely be back soon! read more

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Wish we could give you a more raving review, but... my wife got the chicken Cobb - not really even a Cobb, and the chicken was well over. I had the sprouts and a Caesar. The salad was worthy but the sprouts left a lot to be desired. It was more like a cup of overcooked leaves & pieces. Server was really good and saved the day for you getting a C read more

We had a great time celebrating my Dads birthday here! Amazing food for the price & our waiter Tyler was spot on with the service! Couldn't ask for a better turn out :) read more

Ovation Bistro & Bar - Celebrating my Dads 70th! - American Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Excellent! We highly recommended. Food, service, everything was good. I hear we get a location in St Pete. read more

The ambiance is relaxing, the music was mid 80's hits. Sophia was charming, aware of my andy wife's needs.

We stop at Ovation on our way from Tampa to Orlando. The burger and potatoes wedges were so good.

Service slow, not enough waiters. Burger small and dry. Fries cold, onion rings were good. Caesar salad was tasty but large pieces of chicken and lettuce were impossible to cut with a fork and butter knife. read more

The prime rib was excellent. The waiter was excellent. Unfortunately, they were out of many menu items that my dining companions and I would have liked to enjoy. They were out of bread. They were out of Ceasar Salad, they were out of Parmesan Chicken. They were out of green beans. That was very disappointing. read more

We went to Ovation as guests of another couple. They had a mail flyer that they had received 3 weeks earlier. The server as well as the store owner refused to honor the deal on the flyer of a meal for $16. They insisted on "up-charging" for items specifically included in the ad. They couldn't even agree on the up-charges; the owner said French Onion Soup was a choice - the server charged us for it. The owner was pleasant, but the server was clearly angry although polite. She had an attitude the entire time we were there. I ordered baby-back ribs; not sure what I got but it wasn't baby-back ribs. They were huge and looked more like regular pork ribs. They were very difficult to cut apart, particularly with the super dull table knives. There was surprisingly little meat on them, which was ok because the meat was not good. The sauce was rather tasteless. Because of the false advertising and very disappointing service and food, I won't be going back. read more

Hellloooooooooooo slow service! They used to be awesome, but since have become so slow! Food is also on the saltier side, but hey.... I love the 2 for ones! Their bbq nachos are AMAZING and so is their house salad! REALLY wish they wouldn't run out of prime rib at 630pm on Thursdays! Always such a bummer! read more

Stopped in for lunch and ordered off the dinner menu. Typically the meals are on point but not today. Presentation and food quality were severely lacking. I've never been served a tough lamb chop until today. Servers were pleasant but service was slow even though they were not busy. I hate to see a good restaurant standards decline but it has here. read more

Was incredibly SHOCKED when I went on this restaurant's Yelp page and didn't see people saying this place was featured on Bar Rescue, Kitchen Nightmares, etc. The restaurant feels like an 80s restaurant was revamped, in both style and on the menu. Salad was just a wedge of lettuce with dressing on the side and croutons, and when I say just a wedge, I truly mean it. It's not cut up or anything and you have to do that work on your own, which I'm understanding used to be a popular practice back in the good ole days. The food is pretty ok. Probably a little pricey for the real quality of the food, but I appreciated the kind and honest service. Will probably come back one day (since I was visiting family), and when that day comes, I'll be interested to see if there were any updates to the place/menu (and probably mainly at least the salad...) read more

Always delightful and food excellent... as is service. A quiet enjoyable place for a great nesl read more

Good food and service! The buffalo chicken sandwich was really good. The hamburger and fries were great.

It's very disappointing that Ovation is open until 10pm but still will not accept any take-out order, of any size 30 minutes before closing. This isn't how you should treat loyal customers. read more

Pretty good sandwich and lobster Mac and cheese. The barbecue sauce selection is great and takes the sandwich to the next level. read more

Ovation Bistro & Bar - Brisket SANDWICH BEEF BRISKET - American Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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The perfect place to meet my daughter from Orlando coming over from Tampa. We have been to the other two locations, but this is our first visit to Lakeland. The food and the service were excellent as the British might say Tiffany our server was "brilliant." The barbecued pork flat bread was a great appetizer. I had the Buffalo chicken sandwich, and the ladies had the beef brisket sandwich. All received high marks. We will definitely be back. Very good wine and beer selections as well. read more

I'm a first time guest to Ovation and let me just start by saying WOW! I am absolutely amazed by the professionalism of the staff & freshness and flavor of the food. I am so glad we chose this place for lunch!! We started with the cheese fries and Buffalo chicken dip as our appetizers and I recomend both, they're truly amazing. The Buffalo chicken dip wasn't too spicy and the chips were cooked to perfection! Our server Tyler was friendly, attentive and professional and always made sure our drinks were full which I SO appreciated. Good service is rare nowadays! My boyfriend ended up ordering the Primetime burger with the Mac and cheese and I ordered the kids burger cheeseburger with baked beans. I loved that they were flexible with me ordering the kids portion because I wasn't that hungry and hate wasting food. Brownie points!! (Plus we had two appetizers so you know how that goes) My burger was hands down one of the best burgers I've ever had in my LIFE. I couldn't even continue the convo I was having and my boyfriend was like what's wrong with you? LOL! Until he tried his burger and was left speechless as well. The baked beans were also extremely flavorful and the Mac and cheese was drool worthy too. I even saw the manager cleaning the tables around us which says a LOT about this establishment and it's leadership/management. He ended up coming over to us to see how everything was and we raved on and on about their delicious food. I guess everything's made from scratch and you can clearly tell the chefs, managers and staff take pride in what they do. Bravo Ovation. We're coming back with a bigger group next time!!!! read more

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Food looks like is a fast food place. First and last time ever getting food from this establishment. I will go west where there's real restaurants on the West Coast of Florida this place is a joke. Service was ok but I am glad I did to go. And as far as my lobster mac & cheese that I got charged for I never got it on my to go order, but they were able to refund me. Seems busy but your best bet is to go to a real barbecue place. This place is not where the ambience, unless you are from Lakeland and you're looking for that's good for you. read more

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Went to the Lakeland location for an early dinner. I had the sirloin and my wife the salmon. Both were excellent and going early made the atmosphere quiet and inviting. I belong to the O Club and the offered special deals made it even better. For those of you who wonder if anyone gets the gift card promotion I got it on this visit. We will definitely be back. read more

Visit on Thursday night. That's the only night they have the smoked prime rib. I'd call it a beef lovers dream. I had mine Ovation styled. Smoked then seared with seasoning. Spicy but not hot. It was irresistible. Truly excellent beef, super tender. It melted like butter in my mouth. I had the Caesar salad with it. They do sort of a take on a wedge salad. It's very good. The broccoli was good, but I wasn't a fan of the cheese. I usually like cheese, but not this time. Service was perfect. She was quick and attentive without being a pest. read more

Ovation Bistro & Bar - Bread - American Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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First Time at this location located of S. Florida ave adjacent to 7-eleven in shopping center with furniture store. I have always visited the Davenport location in the past and this location is much more space beautifully laid out with the same great service! Stopped in for Happy Hour on April 1st, 2019. I had the pleasure of meeting the great and wonderful bartender by the name of Angel and she compliments her name well. I wasn't really hungry so I stuck to what I know $5 crispy fried green beans with a side of ranch. Let me say as always perfectly cooked loved every single bite. I also had a Mango flavored wheat ale. I cannot remember the name of it to save my life, anyway, that was delicious. Btw 2-4-1 during happy hour which starts at 3:30! I had the pleasure of seeing one of the owners again! Joel super nice as always sat down and conversed with me and my friend I was with. Showed us new things on the menu and even had us sample the Pot stickers, which I definitely will be getting when I return, also $5 during happy hour. Pot stickers are amazing with a great American style flavor and perfect crunch. This place is a Bistro so it's super casual even though it's hard to tell from outside. They just have great taste! I recommend anyone stuck in that rush hour S. Florida ave traffic stop in, watch some sports, get a bite to eat and a quick drink! read more

Ovation Bistro & Bar - Part of dining area - American Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Fish tacos were awesome. Great service and the booths are roomy for everyone. Parking is a little tight on busy days.

Had a weird experience the first time. I was enjoying my salad when a guy came out of the kitchen who looked like he slid across the kitchen for on his belly. I am traumatized by the image of him holding our plates anywhere close to his body. still.... Anywho, I was in the area and decided not to eat in, but I ordered to go to avoid any other weird encounters. So there is a long recording with 80's music that went on and on. Figured they were busy, so I waited. Finally, a guy answered the phone, and I let him know I wanted to place a ToGo order. He advised me to hold for a few, and someone would take the order, and he goes on to say that ordering online is "way quicker."" By the time I get through the order online, I am pulling in. Again, it's the middle of the week. I'm just getting a quick salad for lunch. No ma'am Pam. When I get there and walk into an empty restaurant, I am just stumped. This place has done everything to tell me not to come back a third time. read more

Winter Haven location is better. Mediocre service if that. I had fish tacos fish thin an flat cover in sauce and cabbage so you don't notice! I'm not a huge complainer but not coming back. Chips aka fries are like rocks smh read more

Ovation Bistro & Bar - fish taco - American Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

The steak here is pretty good. Always cooked right and is very flavorful! Employees are always so nice and helpful.

Burgers were hot and fresh buns, lightly toasted, french fries, golden brown dessert was chocolate cake I had good flavor, light and spongy would recommend read more

I hate - absolutely hate! businesses that don't adhere to their own operating hours. The posted closing is 8:30 pm, the doors were locked at 8. We got in as people were exiting and asked if we could be seated- the hostess told us the sorry the kitchen closes at 8, but I asked you close at 8:30, yes was the response. I come from Las Vegas where if a restaurant closes at 10 it doesn't really close at 9:30. IF YOU REALLY CLOSE AT 8 - POST THAT YOU CLOSE AT 8! read more