DeLand Eatery — Restaurant in DeLand

I’ve only ever left reviews for places that I’ve loved- but my instinct to cancel the order and leave after appetizer last came out is one I should’ve followed. I brought my family here to try it as a nice meal out, and I am so disappointed that I did. Everyone came hungry and left hungry. The venue is SO cute, and I was genuinely excited to try it and based on the prices I expected that I would be taking everyone out to a nice meal. The staff was nice, so the complaints from my table were limited because we honestly didn’t want to ruin their night; I just don’t feel like it’s fair to not share on this one. For such a small menu, nothing was done well.

Portions were insanely inappropriate for the prices. 5 shrimp on a $22 shrimp dish? Crazy. Charcuterie board was shockingly small. Pickled onions on that was a confusing addition. SUPER stingy on the crostini with the fish dip (which just wasn’t fish dip?) and on the charcuterie board- for a table of 6, why would you serve 3-4 small pieces of bread? The house pickles were soft- would have loved a crunch.

French onion soup tasted like I chewed on a sprig of Rosemary. Although the short rib was covered in chimichurri it was flavorless (that’s also just not how that should be used). There is actually no shot that it was marinated at all despite being listed as something marinated for 48 hours if I remember correctly. The fried chicken was the ONLY thing that I enjoyed a bite of, but came out dark brown- your fry oil is old. Refresh it. Beers served in warm glasses? Why bother bring a glass? Mac and cheese, also flavorless, with some burnt Kraft singles on top. The steak sandwich was too salty to eat. Burger wasn’t seasoned. I’ve actually never seen my boyfriend not finish a burger, especially after a day of work. He will eat his dish, the rest of mine, and anyone else’s every meal- but this time decided to only drink some beer instead.

This review will probably come off very specific to each point and over the top, but I am always thrilled to spend $ at places who do great food. I live on Miami Beach mainly, so I’m not a stranger to $22

We Came to this establishment with high hopes because of the 4.8 stars. Walked in the place looked lovely. But the people stared at us as though they had never seen multi cultural people before. I came with my 2 daughters and friend from church. After the initial uncomfortable feeling a young man came and told us we could sit anywhere. Once seated we were proceeded to be ignored for over 30mins at a time it was not busy. When my daughter called the waitress over we were met with attitude and made to feel as an annoyance for no reason. When asked what they had to drink they said the normal. Then my youngest asked for Dr Pepper they said no only coke . we saw others with ice tea but still attempted to meet the disrespect with kindness. When we finally ordered food it was oily and lacked seasoning. I generally do not leave comment especially if the food was not for me as to each their own. However the blatant disrespect that could only be based on our race was tangible. I do not ever play into the race thing but this was noticeable. The owner I believe came over but I was not going to have that conversation when we all already felt uncomfortable. Despite feeling that way, we decided to stay and hope some of our kindness would rub off. Not wanting to to fight as I see the response that have been had for negative reviews just stating our experience. Don’t worry we will not be back but will pray for those that chose hate...

Didn’t know an establishment could operate without manager.

Spent $165 on dinner and drinks at this place only to be told AFTER my meal was delivered that they didn’t have the short rib my date ordered. She had to order then and we ate separately as my food would’ve been cold had I waited another 30 min. When I asked what they could do to rectify this situation I was told that there is no manager on duty so nothing could be done. I asked who was in charge of the restaurant then and was given bewildered stares and silence. When I asked who the highest ranking individual there was I was told the chef. After prodding the waitress to ask him what could be done she reluctantly went and then returned saying that he can’t do anything either.

This would be fine at Jack in the box or checkers or something, but at a restaurant charging these kind of exorbitant prices for lackluster food and drinks it was shocking. Also, apparently by even asking I embarrassed my date so that went sideways as well, she also vomited up the disgustingly greasy food a few hours later.

Two thumbs down , to the restaurant, the flavorless greasy food, and the lackluster overpriced mixed drinks, but especially to the service and the lack of responsibility taken by the automaton employees.

This is a perfect example that looks aren’t everything, and the better looking is sometimes bland...