Food & Drink in Historic Downtown Sanford

Diverse Restaurant Scene in Historic Downtown Sanford

You may think we’re biased, but we are not kidding when we say Historic Downtown Sanford’s food and drink scene is phenomenal. Award-winning, well-known chefs have fallen in love with Sanford and they are not above wooing you with their delicious offerings.

Using fresh and local ingredients is a top priority for Chef Nat Russell at The Tennessee Truffle and What The Chuck Burger Joint inside of Henry’s Depot. Contemporary takes on American classics served in a swanky environment can be found at The Old Jailhouse and The District. In addition to the farm-to-table fare, you’ll also be able to eat your way around the world; just walk a few steps to find hearty cuisine from Germany at Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe and Magnolia Square Market, colorful food of the Mediterranean at Zorba’s, the flavorsome dishes of Jamaica at Negril Spice, the fun fare of Mexico at El Zocalo, and the comforting soul food of Shantell’s, and the hearty Irish pub fare at The Sullivan A Public House. Sushi & Seoul at Celery City Craft impresses with inventive sushi and Korean street fare. The Avocado Tower and Korean wings have a loyal following.

Quintessential American dishes are served at the Colonial Room and The Original Christo’s.  And we won’t let you leave Sanford without trying Fuel BBQ’s burnt ends.

Surf and turf are on the menu at The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar with another unique-to-Sanford location – a courtyard between two historic buildings. Want to dine with a view? St. John’s River Steak & Seafood’s patio on the waterfront is where to go for a Martini and seafood platter. Our tip: make dinner reservations for sunset!

Henry’s Depot, Sanford’s Food Hall located at the site of Florida’s first railroads run by Henry B. Plant in the late 1800’s, is the family friendly food stop that satisfies almost any craving. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers from Taglish, a mahi sandwich and other seafood specialties at The Current, wood fired pizzas at Oak Flame Pizza, sandwiches at Salvatore’s or award-winning BBQ at the popular Git n/ Messy BBQ. Guaranteed you won’t leave hungry.

When you just don’t want your day in Sanford to end, late night fare, including pizza and sandwiches, can be ordered from Slam Pizza and Cheesesteaks and Throwbacks Retro Bar. Best Fish and Chicken Wings serves up an amazing Korean menu!

Beer, Wine, and Cocktails around Historic Downtown Sanford

Serious craft imbibers will be happy to know that Sanford is the best place to quench your thirst for a beer or cocktail. An entire weekend could be spent sampling our brews and spirits.

Brewery hopping is easy and encouraged. Pick up the Central Florida Ale Trail Map at any participating brewery and start your journey in Historic Downtown Sanford. We challenge you to find your favorite Central Florida brew, choosing from Sanford’s Craft Beer Breweries;  Wop’s Hops Brewing Company, Sanford Brewing Company, and Deviant Wolfe Brewing.

Extend your beercation at one of Sanford’s beer gardens. Celery City Craft, Tuffy’s Bottle Shop and Lounge, and Buster’s Bistro are ideal spots to explore new hops and cider, watch a sports game, or just relax under the magnificent Florida skies.

The art of the craft cocktail is also alive and flourishing in the downtown corridor. Classics and innovative twists can all be found to pique the interest of any patron looking for their next “spirited” adventure. Sip on craft cocktails made with house made mixers and syrups at The Basin inside Henry’s Depot and The Imperial at Washburn Imports with its distinctive setting; it’s located in an exotic furniture store. Meanwhile, the bartenders at Suffering Bastard located inside of Tuffy’s Bottle Shop & Lounge have brought the tropical Tiki craze to Historic Downtown Sanford with bewitching Tiki drinks.

Sanford even boasts its own craft spirits distillery, one of the few in Central Florida. Step into Loggerhead Distillery for a tour of the facility followed by samplings of their award-winning bourbon, Key Lime gin, flavored moonshines and Sweet Tea vodka sweetened with local orange blossom honey from A Spoon Full of Hope benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

One thing is for certain: You will never go hungry or thirsty in Historic Downtown Sanford!

Sanfording Sweets & Desserts

Sweet tooth? Wondermade is world famous for their flavored marshmallows, but they also serve handcrafted ice creams including vegan ice cream.  Orlando’s famous The Greenery Creamery serves up their artisan ice cream with a cult following in Henry’s Depot. For some amazing German cakes, pastries and rum balls visit Magnolia Square Market and for pies that are made in-house Christo’s is your place. There truly is a treat around every corner in Historic Downtown Sanford.

Coffee, Tea and Smoothies

Rise and shine and head to Caffe Di Riverwalk for coffee, smoothies and breakfast sandwiches with a beautiful view of Lake Monroe. Get another pick-me-up at Palate Coffee Brewery where all profits go towards the fight against human trafficking. Mahogany Coffee inside Henry’s Depot is the spot for a crafted coffee beverage paired with their daily selection of pretty macarons.

Tea lovers will find a wide variety of loose leaf teas for purchase to take home at The Rosie Lee Tea Co. Or enjoy a classic cuppa’ tea in the quaint British themed shop. For a boost with a healthy punch of fruits and veggies, Raw Press Juice Co. has an abundant selection of fresh pressed juices, smoothies, and acai bowls.

Contributions by Lisa Wilk of @TasteCookSip and Christina Thomas of @GoEpicurista