Sanford Foodie: The Gastropubs

The GASTROPUBS of SANFORD

BY LEON KONIECZNY

Agastropub is a public house or bar that serves high-quality food, not just your average wings, soup, and sandwiches. In addition to many fine restaurants and cafes, Sanford is fortunate to have several gastropubs. Sanford’s gastropubs are drinking establishments with outstanding food, well worth patronizing for the food alone—they are that good.

First and foremost, because they’ve been around the longest, Buster’s Bistro is a Belgian Beer Bar with a superb kitchen and menu. Famous for their Frites (French fries), their menu is an eclectic mix of Belgian-inspired dishes. My favorite menu item is the Tomato Bisque, but there is something for everyone, from steak, chicken, meatloaf, and burgers, to salads and more. Try the Voul au Vent—you can thank me later! They also feature a Sunday brunch with a special brunch menu. And, to top it off, their selection of Belgian beers cannot be beaten. Come for the food, stay for the beer!

Just a block or so away, Wop’s Hops Brewing Company boasts a new sort of “fusion” gastropub: this recent food truck has moved into the kitchen. Their name, The Knot Spot, makes their signature dish pretty evident—garlic knots but taken to a new level with various garlic knot sliders, including pizza, salads, and much more. All of this is within Wop’s Hops, Sanford’s first microbrewery.

Located on Sanford Avenue and recently celebrating their fifth year, is Sanford Brewing Company (SBC as it’s known locally). Though they opened primarily as a microbrewery with food, their kitchen has created culinary delights from day one, and it’s well worth a visit for the food alone. Among my favorites is their Mac ‘n Cheese—which comes in several delicious variations. They also have great burgers, handheld sandwiches, wraps, wings, salads, and some tasty sides. On the next block, you’ll find Celery City Craft, which boasts over 50 craft brews on tap. Located inside is Sushi & Seoul, which boasts both innovative sushi and Korean-inspired street fare. The Avocado Tower is one of my favorites, but I’ve never had a bad meal there. Their sushi is excellent, but for those who are not fans of sushi, they have several alternatives. Give the Chicken Karaage a try—it’s delicious.

Mac 'n Cheese, Sanford Bewing Company (SBC)

common area, order from any combination of food venues, and your delicious food will be delivered to your table. So, while not strictly a gastropub in the pure sense of the word, you have various choices of great kitchens.

Wherever you choose to eat in Sanford, I am certain that you will not be disappointed. Downtown Sanford is a food-lovers delight. n

Head up to First Street and visit Sanford’s authentic Irish pub, The Sullivan. Among my favorite menu choices are the Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers & Mash, among others. Their food is excellent, and you can get a proper pour of Guinness as well.

And then there is Henry’s Depot, Sanford’s food hall, offering a compilation of various food venues with a common bar/lounge area. Each of the various food vendors is unique and focuses on a limited menu, from pizza to seafood to sandwiches and more. Sit in the

Leon Konieczny is a local Central Florida foodie and food blogger who’s been writing about Sanford and Seminole County area “good eats” restaurants for the past twelve years. He’s big into eating at local mom ‘n’ pop shops where high quality ingredients, love, and a dose of home cooking make all the difference. While he occasionally eats at the big chains, he claims it’s only to remind him where a real quality dining experience lurks — in the small restaurants which are the heart and soul of every neighborhood and community.