While, it seems that many either strongly love or strongly dislike this local, legendary, vintage restaurant, I'm going to go ahead and give it four stars! Once you understand that this is a restaurant founded in 1959, housed in a former two story home originally built in 1951, you may come to appreciate the history and understand the vibe. It is truly amazing that this historic restaurant has survived in 2026. I happen to like the uniqueness and honestylye-feel, as if you're at someone's grandma's house. There is plenty of parking directly behind the restaurant and a small lot in ftont of the restaurant. There's parking along the side too. I enjoy the beautiful plants and flowers surrounding the restaurant. Honestly, they can make for a nice photo on a good day. Upon entering, if it's busy, like on Sunday afternoons, you'll find that you'll receive a little card with a number on it. After waiting and listening for your number to be called, you'll be seated. Check the website before you go... You'll be prepared for the hybrid meal service. Some things are served to you at the table and are not unlimited, like soups and desserts. Some things are self-serve and unlimited, like the old-fashioned salad bar and hot vegetables. A server will hand-carve your choice of meat for you. Just "know-before-you-go" by taking a quick glance at the website. Is it five star food? No. Is it just homey country style cooking? Yes. They serve lunch and dinner. They are supported by generations of locals. Lots of people like to celebrate their birthday here. If you bring at least 3 friends to help you celebrate, you'll dine for free. Contrary to many reviews, I've never experienced or seen rudeness. In fact, I've seen staff taking the time to be friendly to guests. When coming here, you can't be super picky about the food - it's not a five star restaurant. Yes, the green beans may be from a can. It's okay, you'll survive! Enjoy the unique experience! read more

I had high hopes walking into Cook's Buffet Cafe and Bakery in DeLand, but unfortunately I don't even know where to start with Cook's Buffet Cafe and Bakery. We didn't even stay after reading the menu and that says everything. They advertise it as a "buffet," but it's completely misleading. You're still paying for protein items if you want seconds, so it's not a true buffet at all. Feels like a bait-and-switch the second you look at the menu. The setup was confusing, the vibe was off, and honestly it didn't feel worth sticking around to figure it out. If you're expecting a traditional buffet experience, this is not it. Save your time and your money go elsewhere! read more

Took my mom to this restaurant for her birthday this weekend. Let me first say... the salad bar, mashed potatoes with gravy and the carrots were pretty yummy. The waitress was very kind and the desserts looked amazing. However, this place is pretty insignificant in most other areas. The food for the most part is not seasoned... the roast beef was sawdust. The hostess, Paula, oh goodness. I'm not sure why they would want her to be the face of the restaurant. She's rude!! So incredibly unkind. When my Mom asked her what was offered for the kids plates, Paula's response was "Why don't you try sitting down at your table so you can find out from your waitress!" When I brought it up to the waitress she admitted she's very rude and gets a lot of complaints. So strange that they tolerate that. read more

The food is home style comfort food and it's very yummy! The decorations around the whole place are beautiful. Service is so fast getting drinks and deserts. And the deserts are above great. That's why it's called Cooks Buffet and BAKERY! When I saw the Boston Cream pie I got so excited! Then it was gone but by the time we finished supper, they had another one ready! I love this place. We came in from Port Orange, and we will return, I'm sure! read more

Cook's Buffet Cafe and Bakery - Boston Cream pie - Buffets Near Me - Deland, Florida

Cook's is my favorite Deland restaurant. It feels like you are entering a greenhouse with beautiful plants and flowers lining the outside entrance. Once inside, the restaurant is very clean with an old fashioned southern country vibe. All the staff is very friendly. They obviously enjoy working there. The boundless salad bar is always very fresh. The unlimited hot southern vegetables taste just like grandma used to make. The single serving of meat/fish/ poultry along with the complimentary garlic bread is more than enough to have a generous, healthy meal at a very inexpensive price. For an additional cost, you can having some of the best soups and desserts I have ever had. Try it. You will not be disappointed, I guarantee you. read more

We decided to go to this restaurant on a weekday for early dinner at the suggestion of one of my older coworkers. I will say the service was decent. We were set almost immediately and they did get busy. It's set up Buffy style, but it's like you get one plate and that's it. This restaurant is definitely for the older generation who eat life. With that said a few things I would suggest would be definitely to improve the salad bar by washing the lettuces and drying them I pointed out to the waiter that the lettuce wasn't fresh and it was dirty and she got slightly offended read more

Cook's Buffet Cafe and Bakery - Buffets Near Me - Deland, Florida

Cooks in Deland has been around since 1959. This was our first visit to Cooks and we enjoyed our visit. First we did have to wait approximately 25 minutes to be seated but once we were seated the waitress took our drink order ( tea and iced water) then we went to the food area. We first went to the salad bar which was clean and well supplied. Then to the meat area. You are only allowed one trip and one choice of meat without having to pay extra. Which was fine because between the salad, vegetables, bread and dessert you were going to get filled up. My wife had the blackened salmon which she enjoyed and I had what looked to be similar to Prime rib, which was also good. We also got mash potatoes which our meal. For dessert I had the carrot cake and my wife had the chocolate cake. I wasn't sure but I believe everything was bake on location. There were other options that also looked good. Well overall this place look popular with the older community which I am now part of. The price and food overall was good but this will not be a place that I would be going to more than once or twice a year read more

Cook's Buffet Cafe and Bakery - Buffets Near Me - Deland, Florida

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I finally had an opportunity to dine at cooks and it was a great experience! The restaurant is gorgeous inside and out. We loved all the greenery outside, the multiple country-cozy sitting areas inside. Nancy and I ordered the Lunch Buffet which comes to $12.99 each and my mom ordered the same thing but added coffee and dessert to the meal bringing the price up to $18.99, which is still worth it, considering the amount of food you get and size of dessert provided (enough for the three of us to share). The buffet comes with one choice of meat and unlimited entree sides and salad. Soup and additional meat sides cost more, I think $5 for meat and .99 cents for a soup with full buffet. The amount of meat you receive at the carving station depends on how much the chef provides you and they don't weight it out. The one thing they could do to make this better is actually weigh it out to show the customers all portions are the same. The food was all very good but when we arrived they were out of carrots and brussel sprouts. Halfway through our meal they refilled these items. I chose the leg of lamb which was very tender, delicious, and had a lot of flavor. The chef was nice enough to slice my portion of meat right off of a fresh leg just out of the oven. Thank you Chef!! I was also able to sample my wife's pulled pork and my mom's roast beef. These two meats were also very good, but if I were to go back again I would definitely order the lamb, I didn't even need a knife to eat it because it was so tender. They also had turkey roasts, and baked fish to choose from, which also looked delicious. Our server Taylor was very nice and took good care of us the duration of our meals. Taylor also refilled our bread basket and water glasses as needed. The restaurant and restroom was very clean and I definitely will return next time I'm in the area. All in all it was a great experience and I recommend dining here if you're in the area and looking for a great meal in a beautiful setting. read more

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Our server was Debbie she was excellent she explained everything and made it easy to understand, she also made great recommendations. The food was great I had the prime rib and our other diners got ham & another got the turkey. Everyone loved their meals. The sides are plentiful and the desserts are incredible. We will be back. read more

Cook's Buffet Cafe and Bakery - Coconut cream pie - Buffets Near Me - Deland, Florida

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Love Cooks. We came here for lunch November 2024. Price for the buffet was $13. You get unlimited salad unlimited cooked vegetables. One meat. Meal is also served with fresh hot bread. You can get extra meat or a dessert for $5 more. Never had a bad meal here. The restaurant fills up quickly so get here early or later in the afternoon We came at 2:00 p.m. and it was not crowded at all on a Wednesday. Close to downtown DeLand and shopping. read more

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Lunch time at cooks. This seems like a hidden gem that we are just now discovering. The food is fantastic & the servers are very nice as well. I have now been about 4 times & my favorite thing here is the Dessert :) Oh man it will make you slap yo momma read more

Ok so hear me out. I've never actually been inside or eaten any of their "food". However when my husband worked in Deland he would go here during lunch (he liked it) but he'd get a slice of cake for me every time he would come to eat here. Here's the thing. I crave their desserts. It's like someone nana is making it. The banana cake is top tier, we had it for my son's birthday one year. Don't sleep on these desserts. read more

Cook's Buffet Cafe and Bakery - Chocolate cake and my personal favorite Banana cake. - Buffets Near Me - Deland, Florida

This is an amazing place. Unfortunately, I would not be their target customer as I do not eat meat. That said, besides the impressive array of meats, they also offered amazing dishes that I could eat. Luckily, they offer a price just for the non-meat items (except the desserts). That price was fair. My wife is gluten free and found many dishes to choose from. She especially loves the cucumber salad, beets and some other items. She also chose the vegetable option. They offer homemade everything including salad dressings. Their homemade desserts are over the top! On the desserts, only 1 per person for the up-charge. That was the hardest thing to choose as they all looked extraordinary as they were gigantic slices with lots of layers. Get there when they open to avoid waiting in lines to be seated. Then, the interior is a renovated old house with lots of spaces and warm charm. AND, as it was November, the holiday decorations were beautifully underway. The wait staff were running around like crazy and were really wonderful! You could tell they were veterans in the food serving business. For the price, we felt it was fair for the wide varieties and of course, we left stuffed. We will recommend this as a local favorite worth the drive and wait. Definitely give them a try! read more

This buffet is awesome and has a good selection that comes with a drink and a dessert. It's definitely old-school, but with a really good old school vibe and comfort cooking. The service is great and they decorate for the various holidays. Definitely a great family own business I would recommend Also, they do a free dinner on your birthday, but you have to call them in advance. read more

Cook's Buffet Cafe and Bakery - Picture with my wife - Buffets Near Me - Deland, Florida

Upon arriving we were greeted right away and seated within 5 minutes. The establishment is an older building, with its own personality. It definitely felt like I was pulling up to my grandmas house for some home cooking! Buffet style , self served food is great! I loved the salad bar, the pasta salad is top notch! The man carving the meats, roast beef, pork shoulder, lamb and serving the fish, was so friendly and inviting! I wish I lived closer, I'd definitely be a regular ! read more

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First time at this classic restaurant. We got there around 3:30 on a Saturday and had about a 30 minute wait. I was surprised it was so crowded at that time. Plenty of seating in the waiting area. We were seated at a small table (only 2 of us) and waited quite a while for a waitress to come to us. Finally my husband asked a waitress walking by who our waitress was and she said "oh it's me" and proceeded to take our order and explain how the buffet works. After that rough start the rest of the meal was great though it took a while for our drinks to come. We both enjoyed the food very much. The salad bar is well stocked and everything was fresh. The meat selection is nice (you only get to chose one meat) and I got the lamb which was good if a little dry. The self-serve vegetables consisted beans, mashed potatoes, carrots, broccoli and beets. I loved the veggies though if you like crisp/firm vegetables you will be disappointed. The vegetables were very cooked, which I prefer. For dessert (if you chose the full buffet that includes a drink and dessert) you get one choice. This was the hardest part because everything looked so good. We were full after our meal so took the dessert home. I got the chocolate cake and my husband the lemon meringue pie. My chocolate cake slice was big enough that it lasted me three days. It was fantastic. For the price this restaurant is a great value with good food. The only suggestion is they hire more wait staff because service is slow. read more

I soooo wanted to like this place because I love these old school type restaurants but this one was pretty terrible. The restaurant itself is cute and clean and the service was good. The food is just awful. Something was wrong with the mashed potatoes. They smelled and tasted funky. I don't k ow if it was freezer burn or something else, I couldn't put my finger on it. All the vegetables seemed frozen and warmed up or straight from a can. The gravy was definitely can gravy. I had the roast beef and that was edible but definitely nothing special. I bet this place was probably good back years ago and another place that has just lost its quality. Too bad. We won't be back. read more

We've been going to Cook's since 1972 when it was Holiday House. Our families, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have grown up being photographed in front of the fountain. But I guess they've gotten so many regular customers that they no longer care to give their customers any consideration anymore. We called ahead with a group of 12 and waited over an hour and watched them give our table away and tell us over and over they were waiting on another table. Then a bus load of 55 people came in and went straight to the food bar. We had already lost four members of our group because they couldn't wait any longer and now we're looking at all these people in line and calculated it would be another hour before we could eat. So we left. After 55 years of patronage, Cook's is no longer a place to go with your family. Maybe just two of you, but definitely not a group. read more

I have to say that I've been a customer of Cooks restaurant, formerly Holiday House, since the 80's . My friend and I went there last Thursday, the salad bar, meat and vegetables were very good as always. But I have to say they definitely did something to the two cake desserts that my friend I had. I had my favorite the banana cake my friend the coconut, they were tasteless neither one tasted anywhere near what they used to be. They looked like they used to but they were not I know they changed how they make them. Just disappointed I always looked forward to their wonderful cakes. I hope the baker reads this just go back to the way you used to bake the cakes stop using artificial flavoring and fake butter creme icing. People notice the change, I understand you have to cut back because everything is more expensive so just add on a couple of extra bucks just keep up your wonderful deserts you used to make. Thank you. Mary Mansfield read more

A restaurant built into an older home, that serves endless salads, and sides! You get a choice of one protein, with a dinner that costs $19.99. The choices of protiens can range from: Lamb, grilled or fried chicken, pot roast, and specials that can include prime rib, or lamb pot pie! You can't have a buffet, without dessert right? A choice of desserts are available too, such as chocolate silk pie, coconut cream pie, banana pudding g, and much more! My personal knock on the is place, is that for a second serving of protien, you'd have to pay extra. Other than that, the overall experience was nice, the resteraunt feels homey, and the service is friendly. I do advise to come at a good time, because this place gets BUSY! Review 5/2024 read more

Cook's Buffet Cafe and Bakery - Lamb ready to be sliced up! - Buffets Near Me - Deland, Florida

This is a very family orientated restaurant. I went with my church family and then I took my mother there because I loved it so much. The food is authentic and good the restaurants clean the bathroom spotless and I can't wait to go back again. read more

Cook's Buffet Cafe and Bakery - Buffets Near Me - Deland, Florida

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This is a cool old school buffet in an old house. Food and salad bar are great. Happy every time I go and it's an Excellent value.

I don't understand how this can be called a buffet when you continue to have pay for items? The servers are rude and very slow with orders! EATERS BEWARE!!!! read more

Cook's food is always beyond reproach. It's the best food around. And their desserts are to die for. The only problem is choosing which one. The service is usually good. There are times when getting a drink refill seems impossible. I know it's because they're so busy, but service is service. If you can't find something to eat at Cooks, you ain't hungry. read more

Salads were fantastic. Cabbage and potatoes, very good. Meat- butcher was inexperienced. Served (overly)RARE COOL beef, fat and skin had not been cut out. My table knife could not cut. I told the server- no response, no new knife, no alternative offered. Desserts looked amazing, but we were unwilling to stay, full. read more

Wow the leg of lamb was so tender it cut with fork. Generous serving. It is possible to get additional meat with a small extra charge. I was thing of getting roast beef too but was stuffed by salad and veggies. The service was very prompt and as I have service dog was seated in area my service dog had out of the way place to lay down. The desserts looked great but already hit my limit. The jello and fruit was all the room left. I found all the greens fresh and the quality of everything excellent. I loved the walkway and sitting by window seeing plants and everything maintained. Restroom was clean and had handicapped facilities. How refreshing to eat in such a warm beautiful comfy place. read more

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Classic food, buffet style. It's not all you can eat so the quality is better. Great way to fill up on veggies.

The food was fantastic, and the ambiance even better. Gorgeous flowering plants. A dozen (or more!) mouthwatering desserts!

Vintage restaurant and food!! No flavor boring 1970's food. Save your money and go to Chick-fil-A. The staff was very nice is the best part of the restaurant. read more

The buffet was so delicious. Everything was very fresh. The price was great for all that was included. We had great service too.

We drove out to our chiropractor in Maitland and decided to go a little farther to try this place. Nice old converted home with nice ambiance. The salad was a good start. After that, I tried the mashed potatoes and pasta, and both disappointed me. Of the meat options, my wife got the beef, which was fall apart but bone dry. I figured meatloaf, safe, right? Nope. Had two bites. Told the waitress, and she offered to get something else. I declined. When paying, the young lady asked how it was and a gave her the so-so look, and told her about the meatloaf. Long story shorter, no one even offered to take it off the bill. Paid full fare and went home hungry. If you're even a smidge picky about your food, don't bother with this place. read more

Amazing home cooked food. Service is great and everyone is so friendly. The restaurant definitely has the best decorated place I've seen.

Served buffet style. You can choose it all: salad bar, meat and vegetables. Or you can choose just one or the other. Price includes one serving of meat and unlimited other. We always choose it all and take home an amazing dessert. Service is good except for a hostess. She is legendary for her dislike of customers. I think she's related to the owners. She hasn't been there lately so I think her reign of terror is over. It annoyed me because I love the food but often my friends wouldn't want to brave her wrath. Lol. Hospitality was not her calling. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Buffet is gross! Allowing people to stick fingers in salad items to TEST. Everything is crammed, no room to walk let alone carry your plate. NEVER AGAIN read more

The food was good, the desserts were outstanding. The service that we had today was outstanding. Plan to return during holidays.

We absolutely love everything about cook's!!!! You can have a Thanksgiving meal any day of the week with all the incredible flavors and none of the work! We honestly have been talking about just going here for Thanksgiving or taking take out instead of cooking because it is honestly one of the best meals I've ever had in my entire life! You feeling like you're at home with the decor inside and all of the employees are the nicest, friendliest and knowledgeable people! Give this place to try if you haven't and are in Deland read more

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The dessert is so creamy and rich the meat is great but the dessert looks better then it tastes the service is great they refilled my drink without me asking great service. read more

I went with a group of friends. I approached the buffet and the roast beef looked awesome medium rare I asked for and that's exactly what I got sliced thin tender, juicy delicious. I had mashed potatoes gravy, beets. Everything was yummy. Service was good. We ordered drinks. Everything came promptly Would go back in a minute. I wish it was open today, but it's Monday and they closed. read more

This is a small buffet, one meat and 8 vegetables. No macaroni and cheese. They have 7 meats, including chicken,mutton, beef, and fish choices. The salad bar was a disappointment for me, no chicken salad, tuna salad, broccoli salad, croutons or anything else crunchy to put on top. M What they did have was all fresh and tasty. The dessert bar looked like Southern heaven, lots of cakes, pies and cobblers. It's owned by the Holiday House family. Patio seating is available. Be sure to try the bread they serve with the meal, fantastically fresh. read more

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I lived around the West Volusia county area for a very long time and I've driven by Cooks on 17-92 so many times throughout the years in which I told myself, "I will try it out". Last weekend was the day and I don't think I will come back. This place is stuck in time and caters to their long-standing loyal customers (60+ crowd). It seem the owners/management wants to keep it that way. Let me explain. Let's start with the exterior of the restaurant. The building looks so nice from a far. But when you actually get on the property things decline. Parking is limited and narrow (seems like less than 20 parking and 1/3 of it occupied by the staff). I could be wrong but I only counted 2 handicap spaces which is strange because majority of the customers that I scanned at the restaurant had canes and wheelchairs. I don't think the employees cleans outside either. It's very messy, leaves all over the building/parking lot, and a bad moisture odor (leading up to the front door). There were lining covers around the bushes with a thick level of debris. Overall, a good cleaning and power washing is needed to bring this building back to it's glory. The interior of the restaurant also need a mass cleaning along with the outdated decor. The layout is whacked, it feels that rooms were not retrofitted to be a restaurant. It's basically a restaurant in a house which explains the narrow rooms with dining tables/chairs. If your handicap, don't bring your wheelchairs. The waitress that served us is really nice, cordial, and provided great service (hence the extra star rating). But the hostess and the people that monitors the buffet seems to lack some good service. I see that some of the yelpers that provided their feedback agree to this. Enough said. Now the food. This is a semi all you can eat buffet. The sides and salads are all you can eat but the main entrees/proteins are not. Unsure about desserts if it's all you can it (scared to ask). But for $20 (Sunday brunch), it's still not a bad price. I selected roast beef (medium) with a cup of au jus as my main entree and some sides/salads (rice, collard greens, carrots). Roast beef looked nice and pink but reality, dry dry and tough. The au jus did not help. The other entrees from the buffet looked dry (ham, Turkey, pork) except for the lemon pepper fish in a butter sauce. Sides and salads were ok after adding salt and pepper. Forgot to mention that I ordered their famous chicken velvet soup. It wasn't that bad but it had a weird aftertaste. I don't think it's something that will make me sick because It's been a few days now. The highlight of my meal was the bourbon pecan bread pudding. Throughout the years growing up in this area, people were praising how good the food is. But my gut feeling, those people who raved about this in the 80s/90s, are still the same people eating here but this time with dietary restrictions so the food was altered catering to their needs. Sorry to the people that may disagree with my feedback but only being honest. read more

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