DeLand, Florida is a small town that’s big on flavor. The abundance of locally-owned restaurants gives diners their choice of options, ranging from American to International. No matter what your budget or your tastes, you’ll find something that suits your fancy. Here are a few of the must-visit restaurants in DeLand, Florida. But, be warned! You’ll have so many delicious options you may need to extend your visit to sample them all.
The DeLand, Fl Experience
Remember Mayberry, the thriving Mainstreet Community you see in those reruns of The Andy Griffin Show? Thanks to the Mainstreet DeLand Association, you’ll find that here with a modern vibe. Restaurants abound in downtown DeLand. Many have outdoor seating venues, and, presently, during COVID-19, there’s a Stroll-N-Sip ordinance on Friday and Saturday evenings. You can choose your libation of choice and (between certain hours) stroll through the downtown area. Best of all, almost all parking in downtown DeLand is free. You have the perfect excuse to park and explore.
Mainstreet DeLand Restaurants
Have a hungry spot? You can’t go wrong at any of the locally-owned restaurants in Downtown DeLand.
Mr. Bill’s Donuts and Sandwiches– Start your day on a sweet note with one of the fresh homemade donuts or pastries at Mr. Bill’s. You’ll find a variety of doughnuts, including local favorites like Banana Pudding and Cherries Jubilee, along with seasonal favorites, like Apple Cider, Smores, and Pumpkin Spice. You never know which flavor might be served so you’ll have to check in often.
Other goodies include breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bagels, burgers, and salads. Hint: You cannot go wrong with their Coconut Cream Pie donut. I made a special stop before leaving town to pick up some of these for the road. You won’t be able to eat just one!
If you see a favorite doughnut or pastry posted on their Facebook page, pre-orders are available if you can call at least a day. They are open Monday through Friday from 6 AM until 2 PM, and 7 AM until Noon on Saturdays.
Hunter’s– A “main”stay on Mainstreet since 1949, Hunter’s is open for breakfast and lunch. This family-owned and operated restaurant has an old-time feel. Classic leather booths and tables with leather-clad chairs fill the interior. Locals and regulars pop in on a daily basis.
What’s the secret to their success? Owners Paul and Kenny say it’s the quality, consistent fresh food, and using some of the fan-favorite original recipes from when the restaurant began 70 years ago.
I visited for breakfast and can see why they boast of having the best breakfast in town. It’s traditional homestyle cooking. Egg combos, omelets, hotcakes, French toast, and waffles are the base of their menu. A variety of sides and ala carte items can be added. Everything is cooked to order and delivered hot and fresh. Tip: Order one of the egg combos with hashbrowns and a meat of your choice for a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast.
They are open daily from 7 AM until 2 PM.
Urban Brick-Modern Italian food. That’s the hallmark behind Urban Brick, whose mission is to “bring people together for great food and company.” And, they deliver on that promise too, with something for everyone, including vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.
We had the Signature Sweet & Salty Pizza. This 14″ hand-tossed pizza is everything pizza addicts could want. Made with Grande mozzarella, Gorgonzola, pecorino romano, red onion, candied fig, fresh parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh garlic; it’s a delightful blend of flavors. And, don’t be scared of the candied fig. It adds a depth of sweet flavor that gives the pizza a unique taste. Finish the meal with a piece of flourless chocolate cake made fresh inhouse by their pastry chef.
A beer and wine menu, which changes weekly, is available. Urban Brick is open Wednesday through Sunday. Hours vary so check their website for details.
The Table– is more than just a restaurant. They’ve expanded their operations to include a bar, a pantry, a bakery, and a Homestore. The restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, offers “Southern-inspired made-from-scratch dishes” that are “elegant but not pretentious.” Although they have the classically Southern meat dishes, there are vegan and vegetarian options, along with gluten-free menu items.
I tried the Shrimp and Grits. Imagine smooth, creamy grits flavored with goat cheese. Tender jumbo shrimp. All served in a sherry wine broth, a crispy tasso, and the holy trinity of vegetables (onions, celery, and bell peppers.) It’s a melt-in-your-mouth meal that will remind you of days spent at the beach or in the bayou.
Menus change seasonally and dishes are prepared from scratch. They even use some recipes passed down through generations. They’re open daily with varying hours. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended.
Cress Restaurant- Their motto of “thoughtful sourcing, supporting local farmers, and drawing inspiration from all over the world” has paid off. Not only are they are recipient of numerous awards, including 2020 Best Overall Restaurant from the Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards and the James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader, their food looks as scrumptious as it tastes.
I had the Creole Shrimp and Grits; a twist on the traditional recipe. This version began with creamy Cress grits in a Creole sauce studded with shrimp and andouille sausage. The mixture is served with salsa verde and corn pico de gallo. It’s a delightful blend of flavors combining several different cultures. Because I can never resist dessert, I finished the meal with their orange-infused vanilla bean creme brulee.
They are open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 PM until 9 PM and for lunch on Fridays and Saturday from 11:30 AM until 3:00 PM.
Bake Chop- lives up to their motto of “a from-scratch kitchen with a whole-lotta-love.” They use local produce as much as possible, along with pasture-raised, cage-free, antibiotic-free, and hormone-free meat.
I tried the beet salad-one of their vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options- and discovered why it is a favorite of people who wouldn’t normally eat beets. If you’re not in the mood for a complete meal, stop by for a latte or espresso, and one of the in-house desserts made fresh daily.
With its exposed brick walls, cement floor, and wooden tables, Bake Chop has a trendy urban vibe. There’s plenty of outdoor seating too if you want to take advantage of the Florida sunshine. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM until 8 PM, except on Fridays when they are open until 9 PM. If you want a drink before or after dinner, it’s a short walk- a little over 100 feet-to Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co.
Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co.– “Drink Sensibly but Get Weird.” That’s the slogan of owners Andy and Robbie, who believe “craft beer should be fun, a little weird, and truly a work of art in every glass.” You’ll feel that when you enter their taproom. It’s friendly and cheerful, a place where everyone is welcome to sit a spell, enjoy a pint, and make new friends.
You’ll find thirteen different beers available, including some regular and some seasonal. Some fan favorites are the Daytona Dirty Blonde, a blonde ale, and the Beach Hippie, an American IPA. I recommend the Blood Orange Wheat, a pale wheat ale brewed with blood oranges.
Check their menu for gluten-free offerings. They’re open seven days a week from noon to midnight.
Pat and Toni’s Sweet Things– If you are a fan of sweet things, as I am, this shop is where dreams begin. Homemade goodies range from the traditional fudge, bonbons, and dark-chocolate dipped fruit to the newer versions of sweet treats like Birthday Cake Oreos, Open-faced Smores, and chocolate-covered Twinkies. Hint: I’m a fan of their chocolate-dipped smores and the rice krispy collision bars.
If that’s not enough to satisfy your cravings, they offer frozen treats too. Ice Cream Nachos or Extreme Shakes? Yes, please! If you can’t make it to Deland, they also ship most items across the US. They are open 7 days a week. Hours vary so check their website for current hours.
Although not on Mainstreet DeLand, when you’re in the area don’t miss a visit to The Old Spanish Mill and Griddle House. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in the state. You can read more about it here.
Things to Know Before You Go:
Restaurant Locations:
Mr. Bill’s is located at 138 North Woodland Blvd.
Hunter’s is located at 202 North Woodland Blvd.
Urban Brick is located at 112 North Woodland Blvd.
Bake Chop is located at 110 South Artisan Alley.
The Table is located at 100 East New York Avenue.
Cress Restaurant is located at 103 West Indiana Avenue.
Persimmon Hollow is located at 111 West Georgia Avenue.
Pat and Toni’s Sweet Things is located at 124 North Woodland Blvd.
The Old Spanish Mill and Griddle House is located at 601 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Due to COVID-19, some restaurants might be operating at a limited capacity, only offering take-out and/or curbside pickup, or have changes in their hours of operation. It’s a good idea to call or check the restaurant’s website before you visit.
Have you visited DeLand, Florida? Tell us about your favorite activities or restaurants in the area.
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Looks delicious food. I would love to check it out once I visit there. I am waiting to get this over.
Oh my goodness! How good this food looks! That pizza is the best!
It looks like there’s a bunch of awesome eateries in Deland. Mr. Bill’s sounds right up my alley.
All that food looks good, but where is deland?
It is located between Orlando and Daytona Beach. About 45 minutes from both.
Those places sure do have a nice meals! I especially liked the hunter’s, it looks good!
Omg I love all of these foods! It makes me hungry just by looking at it. Looks so tasty!!
These all sound like wonderful places to visit. If I’m ever in the states, specfically Florida, I’ll keep an eye out for them.
All these pictures are totally drool worthy!! I’m definitely going to visit Deland one day.
All of these foods sounds amazing and yum! I’d love to taste them. I have my attention on burger. Really looks so good. I’d love to visit those restaurants someday.
We love eating out but haven’t been but two times since Covid. These look so good!!
Mr. Bill’s donut looks so enticing! And that bacon and egg is perfect.. yum!
These restaurants look amazing. I can’t wait to check them out.
You should hit oudoms thai in downtown Deland. I’ve lived in Deland my entire life and this is one of my favorites. We’ve been supporting them with takeout orders since March and everything is just as good as if you were eating inside the restaurant
That sounds good! I will try them the next time I am in the area.
Oh my goodness what an amazing range of restaurants all offering something so different. I definitely want to go and try Pat and Toni’s Sweet Things that photo has me drooling.
Looks like my family needs to take a trip to Deland. I would go there just for the food. It all looks so good!
Yum, all of these places sound amazing. I love to eat out when I visit places. I think I’d be happy with any of these restaurants.
Having a meal of perfect looking bacon and eggs would be everyone’s wish. I am not in Florida but if I get there I will try to find all these great places.