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About
The Corner Cafe, consistently rated one of the best restaurants in north Seminole County, is located in Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida at the intersection of 1st & Park. It is open by reservation for groups starting at 15 and up to 40 people for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seven days a week. This charming bistro specializes in unique and delicious, handmade fare at an affordable price. Award-winning Chef, Michael O'Brien Sr. delights in creating one-of-a-kind menus that are perfectly suited for your event and tastes. When it needs to be extra special, look no farther than The Corner Cafe - Home of Michael's Gourmet to Go! Full catering is available for off-site events. Contact Chef Michael
PRICE RANGE
$9 - $16
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch
CUISINES
Cuban, American, Cafe, Healthy, Soups
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Free Wifi, Takeout, Seating, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Reviews (775)
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771 results
Traveler rating
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LanguageEnglish
Traveler rating
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75
16
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40
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Thankfully, we CALLED PRIOR TO DRIVING THERE! Owner answered... said place NOT OPENED anymore to service as a restaurant.... saved ourselves over an HOUR of what would have been a wasted trip.

Date of visit: November 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 4, 2023

Such a wonderful place to enjoy a unique culinary experience. Chef Michael makes it a point not only to make great food but to get to know what people want. We’re thrilled to be invited to all his culinary events.

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 1, 2023

Absolutely love the corner café. Chef Michael’s delicious offerings are always top notch and love the ambience of his café. My friends and I have been enjoying the corner café for sometime and enjoy it very much. It’s very obvious that Chef has a passion...at making wonderful dishes that are not only delicious but also visually pleasing as well. I would recommend the corner café to everyone looking for a fun place to dine.More

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 1, 2023

Wow! Great atmosphere. The best customer service. Food was phenomenal. Chef Michael personally greeted me and my family when we walked in the door. Can't wait to go back!

Date of visit: September 2023
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Reviewed April 7, 2023 via mobile

According to other reviews it seems to be hot and miss as to when they are open. We were looking forward to lunch there on a Thursday afternoon... Sadly closed, no reason or note explaining why.

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed January 17, 2023

I've been eating here for several years beginning back when it was primarily a lunch restaurant. The soups, salads, and sandwiches are excellent and I've enjoyed them all. Not to mention, the Coffee Smoothies were the best I've ever experienced anywhere in the WORLD! Now...Chef Mike and crew are focused on Catering and special dinner events like Valentines Day, St Patty Day, and New Years Eve which are always top-notch. You can taste and feel the passion for culinary arts and warm hospitality.More

Date of visit: December 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed January 17, 2023 via mobile

Baden on TA reviews, we drove to Sanford for lunch on Friday. Surprise, not open. I have no idea what’s happening with this place but go not make a special trip.

Date of visit: January 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed January 1, 2023 via mobile

Chef Michael is a 5 star Chef his meals so delicious and like no other place. Chef Michael is very creative with all his special dinners. His Bread Bowl onion Soup is like no other.

Date of visit: December 2022
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Reviewed January 1, 2023 via mobile

Wonderful New Years Eve dinner at the Corner Cafe! Second experience with the in-house catering service and did not disappoint! Had been to the Cafe a number of times for lunch before the pandemic and was sad to see that he could not reopen. The...in -house catering is a nice alternative and the special events are something to look forward to. Chef Michael is a creative and talented chef. Check the Corner Cafe Facebook page for upcoming events!More

Date of visit: December 2022
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Reviewed January 1, 2023 via mobile

Always terrific food and a fun time. Chef Michael is a great host that truly cares about his guest experiences. His invitation only dinners make a great date night or just a good meal with friends. Can’t wait for his French Onion Fridays to begin.

Date of visit: December 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed July 6, 2022 via mobile

We love this restaurant but now they aren’t open. Had planned our visit there before hopping the car train. Appear to have had this schedule for over a month but no sign.

Date of visit: July 2022
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Reviewed June 30, 2022 via mobile

The Corner Cafe is run by the simply terrific and affable Chef Michael who takes care and pride in everything served or ordered to go. (He also caters for very large events!) Whatever you order will be cooked and served to perfection as your enjoyment...always his desire. As a multi-generation Floridian he knows all the ins and outs of the Sanford area and when not studying the latest meal recipes is clearly a great asset to the community. We never miss Michael' s establishment when in the area and neither should you!More

Date of visit: June 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed June 3, 2022

IMy wife and I visited Corner Cafe on 27 May. We had missed the previous week and we were determined to make it this week and nothing was going to stop us. I left from work and headed home and slight mishap we managed to...have a great meal and great atmosphere. Would highly recommend this place. In case you were wondering about the food and what the bump in the road wasMore

Date of visit: May 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed April 26, 2022

We arrived at lunch time and found the restaurant closed. We were later told by a merchant next door that the chef decided to close the restaurant due to supply chain issues and concentrate on the catering side of his business. Very disappointed from the...reviews I had read. It would be nice if the chef alerted people on both the restaurant and on its website.More

Date of visit: April 2022
Helpful?
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Jody H, Owner at The Corner Cafe, responded to this reviewResponded April 27, 2022

Larry, we are so sorry to have missed you. Due to circumstances beyond our control (Labor, Supply, Inflation, etc), Chef Michael and I have determined that for The Corner Cafe to remain viable, it made sense to return to our catering roots. We do private...More

Reviewed December 17, 2021 via mobile

Wonderful street side dining cafe. The staff was on the spot, efficient and friendly. They had wonderful lunch combo. Their corn beef panini is out of this world lean and just the right amount of cheese. Their signature savory French Onion soup is fantastic. A...short walk to the lake and picnicking. They do to go orders. Definitely will go back.More

Date of visit: December 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jody H, Owner at The Corner Cafe, responded to this reviewResponded January 7, 2022

Thank You Sally, We are delighted that you found us pleasing! It is a pleasure to serve folks that find their way into Historic Downtown Sanford. Please take the time to visit again as there is tons more to see. With gratitude, Chef Michael

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Questions & Answers
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mamasharono
June 23, 2018|
AnswerShow all 2 answers
Response from ProudCestrian60 | Reviewed this property |
I would say it is about a 10 minute walk, on W 1st Street.
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Kathleen M
December 13, 2017|
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Response from Kurt_on_the_go | Reviewed this property |
An easy 15 minute drive.
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THE CORNER CAFE, Sanford - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Corner Cafe

Yes, The Corner Cafe offers takeout services.

Yes, The Corner Cafe is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

The Corner Cafe is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Atmosphere: 4.5