Downtown DeLand Restaurants

B: Oudom (Thai, Sushi) Food: Service: Price:
This thai restaurant offer several types of curry, noodle dishes, and sushi. They can make your food as mild or as spicy as you want it. I always ask for extra cillantro, and they never charge me. The food is plenty tasty. The service depends on the waiter you get, and how busy they are. They are usually busy at lunch and on weekend evenings. One small complaint: the booths are close together, so there isn't much privacy.
(217 N. Woodland Blvd., 740-0123)

C: Havana Cuba (Cuban) Food: Service: Price:
In addition to their popular Pollo Salteado and Cuban sandwiches, they have a fair selection of different cuban meals, including the best rice and beans in the area. Try one of their cuban sodas if you like sweet beverages. Don't have any of their sangria - it is just red wine and fruit cocktail. The service is always good - if you go back often they will remember you and what you want. The place is small, so you need to arrive early for lunch to find a table, and you may feel a little cramped. If you are in a hurry, you might want to bring your check up to the cash register instead of waiting for them to take care of it.
(210 N. Woodland Blvd., 736-7726, web page)

D: Hunter's (Southern) Food: Service: Price:
If you want a country breakfast, or meatloaf and mashed potatoes for lunch, this is the place. I'm guessing about the ratings, since I've never been there.
(202 N. Woodland Blvd., 736-7954)

E: Bellini's Deli (Italian) Food: Service: Price:
Here you can find more or less the usual Italian fare: pizzas, subs, salads, pastas, stromboli, calzones. They make a mean garlic bread. They also have a large drink assortment. They are very busy at lunch, perhaps because the prices are so low, so get there early, or better yet, get it to go. You can also buy olive oil or noodles for the next time you make pasta at home. The dining room can be quite noisy. They are closed on Mondays.
(111 E. Rich Ave., 736-1747)

F: Brickhouse Grill (Grill) Food: Service: Price:
This is a steak, seafood, and barbecue place. It's not bad, but I'm not a barbecue lover, so I rarely go there. They have some nice outdoor seating available.
(142-144 N. Woodland Blvd, 785-1237, web page)

G: Halftime Lounge (Bar, Sandwiches) Food: Service: Price:
They change the name every year, but it always seems to offer the same stuff: sandwiches, salads, burgers, the occasional chicken dish or steak. The food comes fast, but isn't special. The attraction for most is the full bar.
(145 N. Woodland Blvd., 734-1917)

H: Tom's Pizza (Pizza) Food: Service: Price:
Good, cheap pizza in a friendly but no-nonsense atmosphere. They have paper towels for napkins. Some people love the place, though I have never tried it.
(141 E. Rich, 738-2511)

I: Mr. Bill's Donuts (Sandwiches, Doughnuts) Food: Service: Price:

If you are in a hurry, or on a budget, or just like getting a free donut with every meal, then this is the place for you. The sandwiches and soups they offer are nothing special, but that just means there's more room for dessert. You order your meal at the counter, and then hope to find a place to sit, since seating is limited.
(138 N. Woodland Blvd., 943-8616)

J: Penachos Mexican Grill (Mexican) Food: Service: Price:
Penachos is unlike any other Mexican restaurant I've been to, and I don't mean that in a good way. The price is reasonable for the large portions, and some of the side dishes are truly interesting. But the service and the taste of my shrimp tacos made me want to never go back. Did I mention that they didn't have iced tea, or a light in the bathroom?
(128 N. Woodland Blvd., 734-4444, web site)

K: Dublin Station (Irish, Bar) Food: Service: Price:
This place has the usual sandwiches, soups, and salads. It keeps changing its name, which can't be a good sign. In a previous incarnation, it was pretty noisy because of the bar. Outdoor seating is available.
(105 West Indiana Ave., 740-7720)

L: Le Jardin (French, Vietnamese) Food: Service: Price:
Half of the menu is French and half is Vietnamese, and both are good. I usually order off the Vietnamese side of the menu, because it's cheaper and I like curry. The service is usually good, but sometimes they are short-handed. They remember regular customers, and sometimes reward them with a modest free desert like fruit or classy mints. The prices are a bit higher, but the food is worth it. They prefer you make reservations in the evenings, but you'll only need them on the weekends. Outside dining is available, and quite popular when the weather permits.
(103 N. Woodland Blvd., 740-0303, web page)

M: Cecil's (Continental) Food: Service: Price:
They used to be Sister's, but it's the same owners. The food is good enough, and presented nicely, but the portions are small. The service is authentic, meaning slow. They offer a tasty Indian menu on Monday nights. They keep changing their hours, but they used to be open only Tuesday through Saturday.
(112 N. Woodland Blvd., 740-9060)

N: Coffee Bistro (Coffee) Food: Service: Price:
This coffee shop just opened. I call it the Cossee Bistro, which you will understand when you see their sign. They offer specialty coffees, sandwiches, salads, and homemade desserts. I like the atmosphere (though the seating is limited), the coffee, and the service. They have live music on the weekends.
(101 N. Woodland Blvd., 738-2776, web page)

O: Cook's Cafe and Sandwich Stop (Sandwiches) Food: Service: Price:
This has long been a popular lunch spot. They offer a variety of sandwiches and pitas, soups and salads. They claim to be the sole proprietor of chicken velvet soup, but they aren't. Their bread bowls are a popular light lunch. You order your meal at the counter and pick it up when your number is called. You'll often see someone you know enjoying their lunch here. They are not open for dinner.
(101 N. Woodland Blvd., 738-5030)

P: Boston Gourmet Coffeehouse (Sandwiches, Coffee) Food: Service: Price:
They make the best coffee in town, and their food is pretty good too. They offer a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. They are also known for their sinful deserts, and their breakfast. This place is standing room only for breakfast or lunch, so go a little early or late to find a seat. The prices are very reasonable, and the service is surprisingly good for such a chaotic atmosphere.
(109 E. New York Ave., 738-2326, web page)

Q: Blind Pig Pub (Sandwiches, Bar) Food: Service: Price:
This is mostly a bar, with an extensive beer and wine selection. They also offer sandwiches which are okay, but uninspired. So if you want to wash that meal down with a barley wine, this is the place. They have live music on the weekends.
(148 W. New York Ave., 736-3450)

R: Tony's Pizza (Italian) Food: Service: Price:
With their tasty crusts and interesting toppings, this is definitely some good pizza. If pizza isn't your thing, have a salad or pasta or something else Italian. They offer great lunch specials, and great service. They do a booming take out business as well.
(146 W. New York Ave., 734-3878)

S: Main Street Grill (Continental) Food: Service: Price:
Located in the basement, this restaurant offers something for everyone. Their menu has an Italian base, but offers sandwiches, as well as chicken, steak and seafood as well. Each mainstreet salad comes with its own cinnamon bun. The service is great. They have a full bar. Outdoor dining by the waterfall is available. They only take reservations for large groups. (100 E. New York Ave., 740-9535)

T: Checkers (Hamburgers) Food: Service: Price:
This fast food chain drive through is famous for burgers and chicken sandwiches. If you want something fast or cheap, this might be the perfect stop. Their french fries and sweet tea are the best in town. Some outdoor seating is available, if you like car exhaust.
(133 S. Woodland Blvd., 943-9653, web page)

U: The Wharf (Seafood) Food: Service: Price:
Deland's newest restaurant downtown is a seafood place that used to be on the river. They offer a variety of non-seafood for landlubbers. The sweet potato fries are worth getting. Make sure you have plenty of time for your meal, as the service is slow. It is located in the Artisan Inn.
(215 S. Woodland Blvd., 734-6110, web page)

V: The Abbey (Wine, Beer, Sandwiches) Food: Service: Price:
The Abbey is apparently the newest hangout for cool folks. Obviously I haven't been there yet. They offer a staggering variety of beers and wines, and a limited menu of sandwiches and light fare. It's not open for lunch on weekdays.
(117 1/2 N. Woodland Blvd, 734-4545, web page)

W: Avocado Grill (Italian) Food: Service: Price:
The Avacado Grill is cramped and noisy, so it's better if you sit outside. They offer Italian fare with their own twist. There is a good selection of vegetarian items. The generous serving of chicken garlic alfredo is very tasty, but the veggie white lasagna is small and made with frozen spinach. The tomato and cucumber salad is tasty but tiny. Overall, the food is different, but the service and atmosphere are definitely lacking.
(124 N. Woodland Blvd, 740-0168)