Springtime in Downtown Sanford

The Breezway Restaurant and Bar The Sanford Special: Indiana breaded Pork Tenderloin sandwich

SPRINGTIME DINING

IN DOWNTOWN SANFORD

BY LEON KONIECZNY

Downtown Sanford boasts an assortment of award-winning restaurants, and in the past few years, it has grown to become a Central Florida mecca for those who love and appreciate great food, beverages, and service provided by local owners in a unique, historic downtown. There is no better time to visit Downtown Sanford than in the springtime which brings mild weather, lots of sun, and a wide assortment of outdoor dining choices—there literally is something for everyone, all concentrated within a few blocks of Sanford’s historic downtown. Downtown Sanford has many buildings on the National Historic Register, each with a rich history and interesting story behind it, and many are unique restaurants and bars, and almost without exception, outdoor dining space is abundant.

Undoubtedly, Downtown Sanford’s premier destination restaurant is the Willow Tree Café, a downtown fixture for over 20 years. When “The Tree” (as locals know it) first opened, Sanford had no “dining scene.” But over the years, The Tree has grown tremendously along with all of downtown, and it has become a Central Florida destination—folks come to Sanford specifically to eat at the Willow Tree. All of Sanford’s dining and drinking venues have exploded in the last number of years and downtown has seen tremendous growth and improvement.

Dining in Downtown Sanford on a weekend has one single caveat—reservations are often needed for some of the busier restaurants, and that is a good thing. But even on a packed weekend, there is bound to be good eats to be found somewhere. The triumvirate of great dining experiences in Sanford consists of three extremely popular places: The Tennessee Truffle, The District, and The Old Jailhouse. Reservations are needed at these establishments on most weekends, and with good reason—each of these award-winning restaurants provides exceptional cuisine along with Sanford’s usual great, friendly service. You’ll see many locals here and will feel welcomed and made to feel right at home.

There are many other great dining opportunities in Downtown Sanford, and not all of them are restaurants. Sanford boasts several microbreweries and bars/pubs, and some of them have exceptional kitchens, from gourmet-quality cuisine to full- course dinners to pub grub. You will not go hungry and will have good eats no matter what you choose. The two most popular are Sanford’s first microbrewery, Wop’s Hops Brewing Company, and Sanford’s largest microbrewery, Sanford Brewing Company, both with great kitchens and fine menus.

Lots of smaller mom-and-pop restaurants dot the downtown area—Downtown Sanford has no chain restaurants. If sitting on First Street and people-watching is your thing, you can’t go wrong at Sanford’s premier diner, the Colonial Room. Other great lunch/dinner outdoor dining includes Christo’s, and The Breezeway. Do you want a magnificent view? Try St. John’s River Steak & Seafood, which has a fantastic view of the St. John’s River and Lake Monroe as well as great food. Do tacos, margaritas, and more grab your attention? Give the popular El Zocalo a try. Do you need a break from eating, or just some time to relax? There are lots of great drinking establishments—from coffee to craft brews to craft cocktails—and Sanford even has its very own craft distillery, Loggerhead Distillery, where you can sample and purchase their craft distilled spirits. Nearly every downtown venue offers outdoor seating, where you can watch the world go by and enjoy Florida’s great weather.

Variety and the epitome of small, mom-and-pop joints are the hallmarks of Henry’s Depot, where you can find a selection of good eats. Enjoy a craft cocktail at The Basin in a historic railroad depot. Can life get any better?

Sanford is growing rapidly. The Yardery Sanford just opened its doors, and it is what its name implies—a big, open, outdoor space with fun and games and food and drink for the whole family. Construction is ongoing for the spacious “Nation Project,” which is expected to be a destination restaurant opening next year. Currently, several other spaces are undergoing renovation. Be assured, they will be welcome additions to Sanford’s dining scene. Sanford is growing and full of great dining (and drinking) experiences in a walkable, historic, downtown. Once you experience Downtown Sanford, I hope you will return. n

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.

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