Best of Sanford 2018

On Tuesday, January 22nd 2019 our partner My Sanford Magazine officially revealed the winners of their annual Best of Sanford Awards. In case you missed our live coverage of the event (along with a few interviews of attendees), we’ve included the videos below for you to watch. But I know you are all curious to know WHO took home the coveted awards this year, so without further ado, here are the results of the 3rd Annual Consumer survey that was conducted online during the months of November and December 2018.

Best of Sanford Awards

Best Brewery: Sanford Brewing Company
Best place to have a glass of wine: Luisa’s Cellar
Best new bar: Tuffy’s
Best Place for Cocktails: Imperial at Washburn Imports
Best beer collection: Celery City Craft
Best Brunch: Colonial Room
Best Outdoor Dining: The Breezeway
Best Place for Sweets: Wondermade
Best Burger: The Smiling Bison
Best Happy Hour: The District
Best Bartender: Percy Buster, Buster’s Bistro
Best Chef: Nad Russel, Tennessee Truffle
Best Pizza: Mr. Z’s
Best Steaks: Colorado Prime SteakHouse
Best Wings: West End Trading Company
Best Sports Bar: Miller’s Ale House
Best Sandwich in town: Chick-fil-A
Best Place for coffee, juice, smoothies: Palate Coffee Brewery
Best Latin/Caribbean Cuisine: Bahama Breeze
Best European Cuisine: Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe
Best Caterer: Corner Cafe Gourmet Kitchen
Best Mediterranean Cuisine: Zorba’s
Best Southern Cuisine: Shantell’s
Best Asian Cuisine: Ichigo Ichie Buffet
Best Overall Restaurant: Hollerbach’s Willow Cafe
Best Overall Bar: Buster’s Bistro
Best Place for Live Entertainment: The Alley
Best Performing Arts Venue: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center
Best Downtown Sanford Festival: Hollerbach’s Oktoberfest
Best Music/Arts Festival: Sanford Porchfest
Best Monthly Event: Alive After 5
Best Art Gallery: Jeanine Taylor Folk Art
Best Place for a good Book: Maya’s Book & Music
Best Place to get into shape: Athletic Apex
Best place for group activities: Board and Brush
Best unique attraction: St. John’s Rivership Company
Best Family Fun Day: Central Florida Zoo
Best Spa & Wellness: Antidote Apothecary & Spa
Best New Business in Sanford: Theater West End
Best Accommodation: Higgins House Bed & Breakfast
Best Gift Shop: Magpies
Best Furniture Store: Park & Seventh Woodwork

Best Local Picks

Best Kept Secret: Woman’s Club of Sanford
Best Source for Local Information: Sanford 365 (that’s us, yay!!)
Best Sanford Catalyst: Hollerbach Family
Best Sanford Promoter: Paul Williams
Best Dining: Smiling Bison
Best Date Night: Tennessee Truffle
Best New Event: Porchfest
Best Sanfording Experience: Sofas & Suds
Best Happy Hour, Dinner & Drinks: The District
Best Specialty Shop: Rosie Lee

But wait, there’s more!!

The complete list of winners will be revealed in the next issue of My Sanford Magazine (or, if you can’t wait, just watch Part 2 of our Live Coverage below!). A VERY SPECIAL shoutout goes to one of our own: Benevolence Photography (that’s Jessica you guys!!) took home the well deserved award of “Best Photographer“. I am sure you have admired and adored her beautiful pictures right here on the blog before, haven’t you? Congratulations Jessica!! You ROCK!!