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Hours
Mon
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$9.00 – $16.00
CUISINES
American, Cafe, Healthy, Soups, Cuban
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
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
$9.00 – $16.00
CUISINES
American, Cafe, Healthy, Soups, Cuban
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
775 reviews
Excellent
622
Very good
75
Average
16
Poor
20
Terrible
42
BenGruda
Titusville440 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
My wife and I were on our way back from a trip to Mt. Dora. It was getting near lunchtime, so we thought we would stop in Sanford to get a bite.
We had been to Sanford before, but it seemed to lack some of the excitement from pre COVID days, and it seemed quiet for a Friday afternoon. I had read about The Corner Cafe from other TripAdvisors' reviews, and it sounded like it would be a good experience for us.
We were greeted warmly by Jody, and her first question to us was: "Have you been here before?" That's quite a switch from most places that we have been to! Usually they just sit you down and hand you a menu. Well, she explained everything to us, showed us the posted and printed menu and gave us time to decide before we sat at a nice table by the window. The place is quite cozy, and we were within earshot of the other side of the counter, so we exchanged some pleasant facts about us back and forth before other customers came in. I enjoyed watching her interact with newcomers and return customers. Hey, this lady really likes her job and cares about her customers!
It wasn't very long when our orders arrived. My corned beef and my wife's Cuban were in a panni type sandwich with a side of mac salad for me and blue cheese coleslaw for my wife. Now, I really, really like corned beef. That and smoked corned beef (aka pastrami) rank high on the food pyramid for me, and since my favorite Irish restaurant was closed this may be my only crack at corned beef before St. Patrick's day! Well, it was wonderful. If any of you have bought corned beef and cooked it you learn quickly that getting the "cheaper" cut is false economy. This corned beef was top shelf! It actually tasted unique to me because it was ground a bit finer than I have had before, but taste wise it was exactly where it was supposed to be. I tasted my wife's Cuban as well. Actually, we each had half of each others sandwich. It was excellent as well!. After we finished we were given just a small flan that would tickle anyone's sweet tooth. Unique and tasty as well!
Watching Jody work the customers and the care she took to make sure everyone had a great experience was fun to watch. Good food for us is a must when we go to a restaurant, and good service is almost as important! This place had it all plus the prices were quite reasonable for the quality of food.
If you have never tried this place it would be a mistake to pass it by!
Written March 14, 2021
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
Awww! Ben, how kind of you to take the time to write such a lovely review. I enjoyed meeting you and your wife, and love the fact that you decided to visit Sanford. We strive very hard to make sure our customers have a wonderful experience - a good meal in an atmosphere that provides a little respite from the "hum drum" and we enjoy getting to meet so many nice people from near and far alike! Please stop again when you are in our area. We look forward to serving you! Sanford has many unique places to visit and shop, and given the chance, we'll tell you about all of them! :-)
Written March 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tonyjN9837OM
Sarasota49 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
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!
Written June 30, 2022
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.
Mike K
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • friends
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.
Written October 1, 2023
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 Hill
Thank You for these very kind words! They say, "If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life"! Please keep coming to see us...The Corner Cafe Crew truly appreciates you & yours!!
Written October 31, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nancy
4 contributions
Aug 2021 • friends
We found many of the top rated restaurants were closed on Tuesday, so we tried the Corner Cafe and were very pleased. They have a unique way of ordering. Very friendly staff and the food was very good as promised. I had a combo with half of Cuban sandwich with and half Greek salad substituting marinated chickpeas for the chicken. It was tasty and just enough to fill me up. Then a surprise small complimentary dessert. We would definitely go back.
Written August 31, 2021
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Thank You Dream, We are a little different and we like to think it's in all the right ways! We greet you, the Chef takes your order and you're eating in no time...how elegant?!? Please keep us in mind the next time you find yourself in Historic Downtown Sanford! With Gratitude, Chef Michael
Written September 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike H
159 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We were on our last day of vacation and flying out of the Sanford airport so we picked this place based on TA reviews. We were not disappointed, the chef/owner greeted us and gave us a unique experience as he went over the menu and described everything with a sense of humor. Food was great and included a free dessert which was really good!
Written July 8, 2021
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Thank You Mike, It was real pleasure to meet you and your wife! I'm glad we got to spend a little time chatting and I'm even more delighted that you got home safely!! Please put us on your list of "Must Do's" when you head back to Historic Downtown Sanford. With Gratitude, Chef Michael
Written July 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Randy
Lake Mary1 contribution
Jan 2021 • none
The Corner Cafe is a must go if you are seeking perfect soups & salads. (I haven't tried the sandwiches yet). The french onion soup accompanied with the cobb salad is a lunch perfection. Finish with a desert shooter completes an outstanding dining experience. Staff is extremely friendly & attentive as well as the great music playing in the background creates the ultimate lunch experience. I started a new job nearby and just started visiting this establishment. This is a locally owned gem. I will likely visit this cafe weekly!! Excellent place!!!!
Written January 5, 2021
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Thank You Randy, We are so happy that you have come to be part of The Corner Café Community! I knew you got what we do from the get go and that you enjoy the food so much is icing on the cake!! See You Next Week (if not before), Chef Michael
Written January 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rorothman
Casselberry108 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
My husband and I enjoyed a delicious lunch here..eating outside on a beautiful Florida Friday. We ordered the chef's recommendation of their Onion soup (served in a delicious bread bowl) accompanied by a half sandwich. Our Cuban and Asian sandwiches were both delicious..so we shared them, since we couldn't decide which one we liked best. The service was friendly and fast and the meal came with our choice of a soft drink and complementary mini dessert. We definitely will return to try some of their other menu items..all made fresh and very inviting. Sanford has a lot if tasty restaurants and micro breweries..but we are so glad to have found this little cafe to add to our reasons to visit Sanford.
Written April 25, 2021
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Thank You So Much! Florida in the Spring is hard to beat and so is that French Onion Soup in the Toasted Bread Bowl Over Baked with Muenster Cheese...Yum!! Some folks aren't familiar with our "Casual Fast Dining" model, but it really does get you Greeted, Seated & Eating in the Wink of an Eye!! Please Hurry Back...And Bring Friends & Family, Chef Michael & The Café Crew
Written April 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dru F
Enterprise19 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
I don’t know why people rave about this place. It is truly over priced and over rated. The chef is very personable and the service is great but I do not find the food that great.
The specialities are Cuban’s which I don’t eat because I’m not much of a pork fan and French Onion Soup, which is one of my favorites.
I have had MUCH better French Onion soup in chain Restaurants than the soup at Corner Cafe. It is served in a cut bread bowl but as I said it isn’t great soup and it is covered with cheese slices.
A half of sandwich which is mostly bread (I had the Italian) and the soup ( about a cup to cup & 1/4, are $14.95. So a lunch for 2 is $40 before tip.
Written March 5, 2020
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
We are saddened that you found us to be lacking! With that said, we do score in the top spot with 99.9% of the guests that find their way to our sweet little cafe. The "Good News" is that Historic Downtown Sanford has a ton of Family Owned & Operated Restaurants and we hope you return and find one (or more) to your liking! In the mean time, we'll keep pleasing those we can and referring those we can't!! Peace Be With You, Chef Michael
Written March 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glassgurl2713
50 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We just had lunch here. The moment we entered, we were greeted with a big smile and wonderful recommendations. The entire staff is super friendly, which was a perfect compliment to the amazing food served. Chef Michael makes the best French onion soup that I have ever tasted. Served in a toasted bread boule, the soup is a savory, thick, gooey pot of goodness topped with a double layer of muenster cheese. Taking advantage of their ´pick 2’ plate, I also selected their Cuban panini sandwich. It was perfection as well. Just to sweeten the deal, the meal includes a shot glass sized dessert. Today’s feature was a very tasty salted caramel orange flan! Kudos to this enterprise!
Written January 22, 2020
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Thank You GlassGurl, We absolutely LIVE for moments like these and are so glad to have met & served you and your wonderful group! I can't wait to share your kind words of praise with my staff and we hope you can return to Historic Downtown Sanford soon for another go 'round with us!! With Heartfelt Gratitude, Chef Michael
Written January 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike Jamieson
1 contribution
Apr 2021 • couples
If you’re ever in downtown Sanford this is absolutely the best spot to eat lunch. They have gourmet food and you’ll feel welcome as soon as you walk in the door when you’re greeted typically by the owner. They give you a little run down of the menu and show you your table. I get the Cobb salad and turkey bacon press. So good. You’ll also get a little dessert shot at the end of your meal which is just the right size if you don’t want to feel like you’ve eaten too much. An absolute must to experience whether you’re visiting or live in the area. 4 thumbs up.
Written April 2, 2021
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Thank You Mike! We are delighted that enjoy The Corner Café so much and even more that you would share these kind words with the TripAdvisor Community!! As we enter our 14th Year of Service to Historic Downtown Sanford we know its folks like you that keep us in the game. Please Hurry Back, Chef Michael
Written April 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rajene H
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • none
I used to work down at the hospital so this place was a short drive once a week. I would have the Cuban sandwich, and I can say it's the best Cuban in Central Florida! Tasting their Cuban made me want to try every Cuban sandwich in the area, and let me just say that it's still the best...and I've moved to D.C.!!!!
I will miss The Corner Cafe, and it's amazing service. The chef always came out to chat about my day, and treated me to a fun little dessert. I couldn't find better service anywhere else!!
Written June 2, 2021
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Thank You AquaMarine, I know exactly who you are and you are missed! We hope you are happy in D.C. and that you will stop in to see us the next time you come to Sanford!! In the meantime, we'll keep cranking out that Tasty Cuban Press!! With Gratitude, Chef Michael
Written June 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
El Gran Coqui
Sanford416 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
I’ve heard really good things about The Corner Cafe and was pretty excited when I had the opportunity to have lunch there today.
Upon entering we were immediately greeted by the chef who was extremely inviting and informative. He broke down the menu and explained how things there worked. He provided some recommendations and allowed us some time to decide. It was nice to see social distancing enforced as well as the staff wearing masks.
We decided to go with a couple of half sandwich with soup combos. I got the Asian infused sandwich with his highly recommended French onion soup. We also ordered the Cuban sandwich with a chili bowl. Everything tasted fresh and was very good. My Asian sandwich was very similar to the Cuban but with an Asian flavored sauce which tasted a bit strange to me. I didn’t hate it but would never order it again. The Cuban was better but both were very very small. My French onion soup was the hit of the meal. It tasted very good and had a lathe slice of Muenster cheese on top and it was inside of a round bread with a hole cut out on top. It was pretty amazing. The chili was good but not great. The chef even gave us 2 free mini cups of triple chocolate cake which was outstanding.
Overall, it was a cute little spot with great customer service and good food. My only gripe was how pricey it was.
Written February 5, 2021
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Thank You Brother, We appreciate your kind words and even though the Asian B-B-Q didn't hit the Bull's Eye we applaud your adventurous spirit! Price -Wise we try to stay competitive while still paying a living wage to our dedicated employees and covering the cost of groceries that will not stop skyrocketing in cost! With all that in mind, we do hope you'll stop back in the next time you're in town, Chef Michael
Written February 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joie B
2 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
My sister and I had not seen each other for several months even though we are only 2 hours from each other. We decided to meet for lunch at a halfway point. My sister checked and found "The Corner Cafe" in Sanford. From the moment we stepped inside the door we were treated like royality. Chef Mike suggested for us, the Half Cuban Press and his very own French Onion Soup. The price included our drink and dessert...practically unheard of! The Cuban press was a delight with just a slight kick to it. The French Onion Soup was served in a bread bowl and was thick and full of flavor. The dessert was a perfect ending to the meal. We sat outside and enjoyed the soft breeze of the day. All the servers were attentive to our needs and reached out often. My sister came from Melbourne and I came from outside Eustis. This is the perfect half way point for anyone wanting to meet like we did. We spent 2 hours there catching up and not once did we feel rushed. We are making plans to meet again soon and will look forward to seeing Chef Mike and his crew again for another delicious lunch. Thank you so much! Joie Beemer
Written November 5, 2020
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Thank You Joie, I can't tell you what a delight it was to meet and serve you and your sister! My partner (Miss Jody) is very close to her sister and I have really come to cherish that "Special Sister Bond"! Thank You also for your delicious description of our tasty cuisine. I can tell you really enjoyed the meal as well as the "Vibe" we create at The Corner Cafe. Please Hurry Back to Historic Downtown Sanford, Chef Michael
Written November 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon P
Fort Lauderdale2 contributions
Apr 2021 • family
A little gem found in downtown Sanford. While my son was visiting from Phoenix, we made a trip to Sanford where he was checking out a quaint little independent bookstore. Being late in the afternoon we decided to stop by The Corner Cafe. What a great find. The food was great and the staff was awesome. The Chef, Michael O'Brien, Sr. even took a few minutes from his busy afternoon to chat and bring us a little treat. I will definitely visit The Corner Cafe next time I'm in Sanford.
Written April 16, 2021
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Than k You Sharon, How wonderful that you felt so "At Home" with us! It was terrific to be able to spend a few minutes in lively conversation with you both and we hope you include us on your "Must Do" list when you come to Sanford!! We'll Keep An Eye Out For You, Chef Michael
Written April 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jjordon515
Apopka31 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
The owner is entertaining and informative. The menu has a variety of items and menu combinations that you can create. We both chose the delicious French onion soup in a bread bowl combination, Mine with 1/2 Cobb salad with creamy dill dressing and my daughter got the 1/2 savory corned beef sandwich. It was ALL fabulously delicious! Afterwards we were treated to a complimentary shot glass dessert which was also yummy!
Written January 4, 2021
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.
CHEFMICHAELOBRIEN
Thank You Jordon, It was pleasure to meet you guys and we're so glad you enjoyed your lunch! We make everything we can "In House" and that makes all the difference. Please Stop In Again...We've Got Lots More For You To Try, Chef Michael
Written January 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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