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South Central Region

5 Waterfront Restaurants

Gators Riverside Grille
 Sanford/Osteen, FL

St. Johns Rivership
Sanford, FL

St. Johns River Steak & Seafood
Sanford, FL

520 on the Water
Sanford, FL

Cabana Live
Sanford, FL

Google Regional Map
(below)

Our South-Central Region is more urban, encompassing the St Johns River as it traverses Lake Monroe, passing the city of Sanford, north of Orlando. Before the railroads, Sanford FL was an important river port. Today, the Sanford Historical District has become an entertainment hub for the greater Central Florida area.

Gators Riverside Grille... www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028132137009   4255 Peninsula Point Sanford/Osteen, FL 32771 (southwest side of SR 415 bridge)

 

 

View of river

Blackened gator

Half-eaten grouper basket (we were hungry!)

 

Band

 

 

Marina

Arrive by boat

Arrive by jet ski

Nice view on the river by the SR 415 bridge, next to a marina and just before Lake Monroe. All outdoor seating, mostly covered, with fans. Grassy riverbank provides dockage for small boats and jet skis. Florida casual, live music 4 days per week, daily soup special.

St. Johns Rivership "Barbara Lee"... www.stjohnsrivershipco.com  433 N. Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 (Lake Monroe Harbour Marina)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Marina

On the lake

The "Barbara Lee" is a sternwheeler paddleboat offering lunch and dinner cruises. Designed to replicate steamers that once plied the St. Johns River between Jacksonville and Sanford, it features wrought iron railings and large wooden paddles. 5 decks offer different vantage points and room to roam.

St. Johns River Steak & Seafood... www.stjrss.com   550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 (in marina just past the sternwheeler)

St. Johns River Steak & Seafood

Inside dining

 

Covered terrace dining

Outside tables

Along the seawall

 

Lake Monroe

Dining on the water, by the Monroe Harbour Marina just past the sternwheeler. Lakeside pavilion and rotating local musicians. Food not served between lunch and dinner, bar only.

520 on the Water... www.facebook.com/520onTheWater   520 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 (west side of marina, opposite sternwheeler)

 

 

 

(View from inside shown when Wolfy's)

 

Former site of Wolfy's Lakefront Bar & Grill, which closed after more than 30 years as a local favorite in Sanford, FL. The location is now home to 520 on the Lake, a special events and wedding venue. We haven't visited the interior as it's reserved for private events, but online photos indicate extensive renovation.

Cabana Live... www.cabanalive.com  4380 Carraway Pl, Sanford FL 32771

Pool and pool deck

 

 

Outside bar

Cabanas

Bandstand

Inside bar and restaurant

 

Marina

 

Note: This location is under new ownership. Information and photos are from an earlier operation, will update upon visiting.

Just west of Lake Monroe, the restaurant is set back from the river at the Port of Sanford in the facility formerly named Otters. Outdoor tables and cabanas overlooking the boat basin and marina, but only a narrow view of the river. A big attraction here is the resort-size swimming pool and patio bar, immediately next to the restaurant. Eat inside or out. Live music on Sundays and at special events. Pool area restricted to 18+ only after 2 p.m. on weekends.

Google map... South Central region, 5 marked locations