Historic Downtown Sanford, nestled alongside Lake Monroe in scenic Seminole County, Florida, is a global destination featuring Central Florida’s most vibrant and expanding craft food and beverage scene.
Sanford’s Historic Downtown footprint is rapidly extending, as there are several newer and upcoming projects coming to the west side of Sanford’s east-west boundary, Park Ave. All of these additions promise to add to the kaleidoscopic array of events, art, and entertainment options in Historic Downtown Sanford.
Growth on West 1st Street
Located at 121, 125, and 129 West 1st Street, perhaps no three of the newer ‘west side’ businesses exemplify collaborative, creative synergy as well Deviant Wolfe Brewing, The Tennessee Truffle, and Mr. Z’s Cheesesteaks and Pizza.
These businesses stand well on their own; Deviant Wolfe Brewing is Sanford’s fourth craft brewery, and is already a popular location among locals. Few chefs give more attention to farm-to-table sourcing and quality fare than Nat Russell of The Tennessee Truffle. Mr. Z’s Cheesesteaks and Pizza features superior quality – and authentic – Philly cheesesteaks along with phenomenal pizzas, and is open until midnight 7 nights a week.
But the collaboration between businesses and owners has proven to be a benefit to all. Monthly on the first Friday of the month, ‘West First Street Fridays’ offers guests new beers from Deviant Wolfe Brewing, food specials from The Tennessee Truffle and Mr. Z’s, and live music. Who doesn’t like a block party? Admission is free. Want a late night tip from a local? You can order some food from Mr. Z’s and they will walk it over to Deviant Wolfe, where you can enjoy a menu mashup of your own creation.
Coming next door is Theater West End, located in an intimate historic setting at 115 West 1st St. Occupying a 117 year old venue, Theater West End will provide high quality live theater, with future shows to include The Color Purple, Heathers The Musical, The Bridges of Madison County, and West Side Story. Can you say ‘dinner and a show?’ – (with a nightcap? And a late night snack?)
Across the street at 212 West 1st St, Henry’s Depot is a highly anticipated project that will be a top-notch culinary collective with a bevy of options sure to please everybody. Housed on the site of one of Florida’s first railroad systems, a trip inside the old station will take you back to the turn of the 20th century, replete with wood and iron, highlighted by the old train scales used for cargo over 125 years ago. Offering food hall style seating, Henry’s Depot will use a central point of sale system allowing guests to order from any of the 4 restaurants or 4 vendors from their seat. This convenience is bested only by the quality of the vendors; in addition to the Florida-themed bar and tap room ‘The Basin’ in the north end and back deck, Henry’s Depot has already inked an amazing assortment of culinary options for the food hall, including Dixie Dharma, Twisted Greek, Grain & Ember, Salvatore’s Prime Sandwiches, and The Nutty Peanut. As if it couldn’t get any better, Sanford Golf Cart Rentals will be renting golf carts available at an hourly rate, allowing guests to park at Henry’s Depot, have a meal, and then take advantage of Sanford’s wide and spacious golf cart district to adventure out for art, events, drinks, dessert, or views of Lake Monroe.
Growth off West 1st Street
One block off West First St., The District Eatery, Tap & Barrel is located at 112 West 2nd St., offering hand crafted American cuisine along with signature artisanal cocktails (local tip – try the ‘Sanford Smash’). Well run and well decorated, you will enjoy either the bar area or the dining room. Be on the lookout for amazing brunch and happy hour specials! Great for a social meet up or date night, The District is a most welcome part of Historic Downtown Sanford’s growing west side, and should pair wonderfully with Loggerhead Distillery, coming soon just two doors down at 124 West 2nd St. Loggerhead will be distilling craft rums, vodkas, and gins with locally sourced ingredients. Sanford’s dedication to craft continues!
On the corner of 2nd and Myrtle, Tuffy’s Bottle Shop & Lounge boasts house made ciders, local craft beers, and a spacious Florida themed beer garden. Have house made ciders in a pontoon boat, try a craft beer inside of a camper, or grab a picnic table by the barrel-themed waterfall, and relax. Whether you are into live music, enjoy a phenomenal brunch, or want to unwind in an area with recliners and TV’s, Tuffy’s has something for you.
Historic Downtown Sanford is a vibrant craft, entertainment, food, and beverage scene blossoming upon wide-bricked historic streetscapes. When you get here, you will see locals in golf carts, tourists and visitors riding on our free trolley which connects to the SunRail and Amtrak Auto Train station, and unparalleled craft food and beverage choices. You can’t help but notice the lakefront and beautiful marina adjacent to 1st St. Odds are you will stumble upon an art exhibit or event that will be unique and enjoyable as well.
