Deleon's Bar & Grille

The food was great! I had a French onion burger,and A few others had the fried grouper sandwich! Drinks were good, and bartender is a gem! We'll be back to try something else soon!

Food was great! GRETCHEN was very helpful and attentive. Will return

This place is 100% worth the experience of coming to visit. The food is amazing, service is great. this place is a hidden gem.

Amazing food. Best to stop after a Gator tour.

It doesn't take long for word to get around when there's a new kid in town, especially when the town is DeLeon Springs. And the word on newly opened DeLeon's Bar & Grille is very, very good.

A group of us dropped by for lunch after a friend raved about its fresh fish sandwich. We were unprepared for the sophisticated menu, reasonable prices and creative cuisine.

I mean, where else in Florida, much less the DeLand area, will you find authentic poutine? This rendition of the beloved Northern treat is Old Bay-and-crab infused, giving it a Florida Cracker flavor not even a Yankee could refuse. Other starters include oysters Rockefeller, conch and Key West "pinkies," some of the tenderest, most succulent shrimp you'll ever wrap your lips around. Promise.

For more traditional tastes, there are wings prepared in a variety of sauces, including Buffalo, cilantro-lime and something called Carolina Gold, which I can't wait to try.

On my first, but definitely not last visit, I took a chance on the oyster Po Boy. Having spent considerable time in New Orleans, I am a Po Boy expert. The French Quarter's got nothing on chef-owner Jim and his assistant Kyle. The shellfish were fried to perfection without overwhelming the delicate taste sensation that is the oyster's hallmark. The generous portion came complete with remoulade, that famed Creole sauce made of mayo, spices, horseradish and hot sauce. Or, if you're like me -- a traditional tartar fan -- you can request that too.

Preparing an oyster properly is no small feat, since almost everyone loves seafood, but so few know how to cook it. There is a tendency toward overkill, but not at DeLeon's.

My friend's fish sandwich (choice of fresh mahi-mahi, halibut or red snapper -- grilled, fried or blackened) was wow! My other friend had a tough time deciding between the lobster roll or Key West pink roll. Choosing the latter, brimming with shrimp, she wasn’t disappointed.

Sandwiches come with crispy lettuce, tomatoes, onions, etc., as well as a choice of fries or Tater tots AND hush puppies. We were all in on the tip-top tots.

Normally, I’m not a day drinker, but who can take on a Po Boy without an ice cold brew? For $6, I got more than I bargained for: a giant, Michelob ULTRA on tap that was as refreshing as the water at nearby DeLeon Springs State Park.

Sorry to go on and on, but this new spot is a hidden treasure that must be shared. To wrap things up -- in paper, recyclable take-out containers, no less -- we all had more than enough lunch left for a second meal.

Other menu highlights include an intriguing lineup of burgers, a Lobster Pot seafood casserole, crabmeat stuffed fish and Philly cheesesteak.

DeLeon's offers a Ladies Night special every Sunday, 5-9 p.m. when the girls get half off their entire check. Hours are 11a-11p daily, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays The atmosphere is dark and loungy and those gorgeous wooden booths in the dining area were also handmade by Chef Jim.

Our wait staff, Stephanie, was quick and friendly, but just as importantly makes a mean Margarita.

Despite all the construction on Highway 17, little DeLeon Springs boasts several wonderful restaurants, all of them serving Mexican fare... except DeLeon's, which specializes in seafood, if you didn't pick up on that. Once the roadwork is done, I'm predicting DeLeon's becomes a highlight in a new Volusia County restaurant row.