Chica’s Cuban Cafe — Restaurant in DeLand

Brought my wife here tonight for our 4 year anniversary. We had a reservation, but to be fair we did show up about 15-20 minutes early. They sat us at one of 3 empty tables on the patio where we proceeded to wait about 7-10 minutes to have our drink order taken. Apparently there was some debate between servers as to who was responsible for serving us. Once we ordered our drinks (2 waters, 2 diet cokes, a margarita and a coffee) we waited about another 5-7 minutes before receiving ONLY the diet cokes. Had to eventually ask again for the waters, and shortly after that got the coffee. Ordered our food and when we finally received it, my steak was cooked mid-well to well (i ordered mid rare) no silverware, and missing the shrimp i ordered. Apparently the waitress did not hear me order shrimp, this was most likely due to the fact that during our entire time there live musicians were BLARING obnoxiously loud music, which was great in itself, but so loud i had to ask my wife to repeat herself literally the entire meal, and other guests requested they turn the music down(which was refused) lol. Anyway the food was honestly GREAT, even with the steak being overcooked. It was the only pleasant part of the experience. When we had finished our meal, our server showed up abruptly with the check(no mention of if or what we wanted for desert) and promptly left without leaving a pen for me to sign. After waiting another 10 minutes or do, i finally had to go inside to ask for a pen just to be able to get the hell out of there. , at which point was told “oh, well i had the table dropped on me, sorry”. Honestly, i would have gotten up and left at multiple points throughout the night had it not been for the fact this was our 4 year anniversary dinner and i didn’t want to make it suck any more for my wife than our dinner experience already was.

Bottom line, horrible service. Horrible atmosphere. Wrong orders, and in no way shape or form worth the $150 i spent all in to enjoy a meal and pay a sitter for our anniversary. However, the food really was delicious.

Its truly unfortunate as the place is clean and gorgeous, but what an awful...

Everytime I have ordered take out, whether over the phone or in person, they have messed up my order. Today, I ordered Chica's chicken for me and Chica's chicken sandwich for a family member. They got the chicken sandwhich right, but only gave me a side order of chicken, instead of a main order of chicken with the Yucca Con Mojo as the main dish. I paid $14.00 plus tax for Chica's Chicken and only got 7 pieces of chicken 1/2 - 3/4 the size of a golf ball, my Yucca and no second side like usual. I won't pay for 7 small pieces of chicken and one side of Yucca. That is outrageous! My Family member got two times as much chicken in their sandwhich than I did by ordering the chicken by itself. I was simply trying to avoid the bread.

The previous visit, I ordered the Chica's Chicken sandwich with Yucca Con Mojo and fries. Instead of the Yucca Con Mojo I got 3 Yucca fries with the potato fries.

The visit before that, I ordered two Chica's Chicken sandwiches with fries and Yucca Con Mojo for take out. When I arrived, they thought I ordered one, even though I had them confirm that I made two orders, and only had one ready. By the time they made the second one and I arrived home, the first order was cold. So, I gave the freshest, hot order to my Family member and had to reheat mine and it was not the same as when it is fresh. The staff in the restaurant can take an order and deliver it the way it is requested during a dine in visit, but their staff for take out don't seem to know what they are doing. Due to the lack of service and the half order of chicken today, and previous mistakes, I honestly have no desire to return to this restaurant for take out or to dine in. I get that their food isn't cheap, and it does taste good, when we get what we order when we dine in. However, I'm done paying for one thing and getting something else or half of what I order or pay for when I order...

From the moment guests step through the doors of Chicas, they are greeted with a warmth and hospitality that sets the tone for what unfolds as an exceptional dining experience. Housed in a charmingly restored building rich with character, the ambiance strikes a balance between inviting comfort and understated elegance.

Service is attentive yet unobtrusive. Hostess Bee offers a gracious welcome and seamless seating, while server Luis provides knowledgeable, intuitive care throughout the evening — his timing, particularly with drink refills and course pacing, is impeccable.

At the bar, cocktails are crafted with precision. The mojitos — both classic and strawberry — are a study in balance: bright, herbaceous, and refreshingly restrained in sweetness, a testament to a bartender who clearly understands their craft.

The kitchen delivers confidently. The Ultimate Loaded Tostadas arrive first, layered with pulled pork and bold, savory flavors. For mains, the Mar y Tierra — a perfectly grilled churrasco skirt steak crowned with a broiled Maine lobster tail and seared shrimp — showcases the kitchen’s deft touch with surf and turf. The Varadero Salmon is equally well-executed, boasting clean flavors and expert technique.

When asked for a dessert recommendation, Louis confidently asked if he could surprise us: a flan with flawless texture and rich caramel notes — a fitting finale to an already remarkable meal.

The team at Chicas, from ownership to front-of-house, operates with a unified sense of purpose: to deliver excellence at every touchpoint. This is hospitality rooted in sincerity, service grounded in professionalism, and cuisine elevated by care and craft.

A memorable dining experience — and a rare consistency that deserves recognition. Thank you Chicas for one of my all time favorite birthday...