We had dinner at Emmy’s in DeLand and it was such a comforting experience. The service was kind and welcoming, and the whole place feels very homey. The meal started with warm homemade bread, soup, and salad, and everything tasted like real homemade cooking. I ordered the Eisbein with sauerkraut and the pork was tender and flavorful. A cozy family style restaurant that I would happily return to and try more dishes.
Overview
Walking into Emmy's Time Out Tavern at 2069 Old New York Ave, DeLand, FL 32720, United States feels like stepping into a place where time slows down and comfort food takes the lead. The first thing that hits you is the hum of conversation mixed with the clink of plates, the kind of sound that tells you people are enjoying themselves without trying too hard. I’ve eaten at plenty of diners across Central Florida, but this one stands out for how naturally it blends familiarity with personality.
On my first visit, I sat at the counter and watched the kitchen work through a busy lunch rush. Orders moved fast, but nothing felt rushed. That balance matters. According to data shared by the National Restaurant Association, diners and taverns that maintain consistent service during peak hours tend to earn higher repeat visits, and that’s something you can clearly see in action here. Regulars greet the staff by name, and newcomers are treated like they’ve been stopping by for years.
The menu leans into classic diner territory, but it doesn’t feel dated. Breakfast plates come out hot and generous, with eggs cooked exactly how you ask and hash browns that actually have a crisp bite. One morning, I ordered what the server called best hangover breakfast in town, and it delivered-thick-cut bacon, fluffy pancakes, and strong coffee that never ran dry. Lunch shifts gears with burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials written on a board that changes based on what’s fresh and what people keep asking for.
What impressed me most was how the kitchen handles simplicity. There’s no overcomplicating flavors or piling on unnecessary extras. Culinary research from institutions like the Culinary Institute of America often emphasizes that well-executed basics build trust with diners, and that philosophy shows up plate after plate. A straightforward cheeseburger tastes like it should: juicy, well-seasoned, and paired with fries that don’t need a thing added.
Reviews around DeLand often mention value, and that’s not an exaggeration. Portions are filling without being wasteful, and prices stay reasonable, which matters in a local spot meant for regular visits, not just special occasions. I’ve seen families share meals, solo diners enjoying a quiet breakfast, and groups of coworkers squeezing in lunch before heading back to work. That range says a lot about how accessible the place feels.
The location itself plays a role too. Sitting along Old New York Avenue makes it easy to swing by whether you’re a local or just passing through town. Parking is straightforward, and the casual tavern atmosphere makes it equally suitable for a quick bite or a longer, relaxed meal. One evening, I stopped in later than usual and noticed how seamlessly the place transitions from diner vibes to a laid-back tavern feel, with friendly conversation and familiar faces filling the room.
Of course, no restaurant is perfect. During especially busy mornings, wait times can stretch a bit, and the space can feel tight when every seat is full. Still, those moments usually come with a payoff: hot food, attentive service, and a sense that the wait is part of something people genuinely enjoy coming back to.
For anyone who values honest food, steady service, and a place that feels rooted in its community, this tavern earns its reputation the old-fashioned way-by showing up every day and doing the work well, one plate at a time.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1326 reviews
We started with warm bread - delicious. Then we both had vegetable soup - fantastic. Then came the Ziwiebel Onion - better than Outback’s. We barely had room for the prime rib and baked potato entrees. Needless to say, I can’t wait for lunch leftovers today and probably a prime rib sandwich tomorrow! Highly recommend and can’t wait to go back!
When you think of a place being a hidden gem... that's Emmy's. You enter and it's just like visiting an older relative.... cozy homey feel. It's fine dining without the stuffy atmosphere. The quality of food is outstanding. The staff were all attentive and friendly.... it's just an amazing find. We'll definitely be back!
22June2025: We had a wonderful dinner at Emmy's. We've been coming here for years and I never tried the fish. So I ordered the pan fried Haddock which was absolutely delicious. My wife orders that or shrimp and nowcI know why. The haddock was done to perfection with a slight crisp on the outside. It was so good I didn't add anything else except lemon! Of course the soup, cucumber salad, German potatoes and Warsteiner made for a perfect meal. I absolutely recommend Emmy's for the great food, good service and pleasant atmosphere. It is always a wonderful experience. And the staff all make you feel right at home. Went to Emmy's for All American Monday and it was great! The half pound cheesburger with fresh toppings and french fries was excellent. The pastrami on rye was very lean, juicy and great taste. The haddock was large and done properly being fried moist and flakey. The sweet potatoe frys were done to perfection and great dipped in the biercheese. We had tasty pretzel bites with excellent biercheese as an appitizer. And of course, the Warsteiner was cold, smooth and tasty. I highly recommend Emmy's Time Out Tavern for any meal or occasion.
This was an amazing experience that are friends told us about and it sure didn't disappoint The owner Mark you can definitely tell he cares about his mom and his mom's cooking. The best part was the shots that he gave us called thumb sucker. I highly highly recommend this place I believe it is definitely a hidden gym and DeLand that very few know about
I hadn’t been to this restaurant in over 20 years when we came tonight my son and I. Our server Abby “I think her name was” was wonderful and the food was just as I remember it. Best prime rib around! And my son got a huge steak that was also delicious. Thank you for not changing anything and keeping the restaurant the same. The price was definitely more expensive than it was the last time I went but let’s face it that’s anywhere you go. I’m willing to pay the money if the food is good and the service is good which both were
The food is absolutely delicious! Just to note it is a very busy place. We arrived just 11 minutes after they opened and we walked in and it was already packed out. None the less everything is freshly made which is fantastic! We had a great server and did not wait too long for our food. We will definitely make this a go to spot. Oh and the portions are definitely big. The pretzels are delicious!