Welcome to The Old Jailhouse Kitchen & Spirits
The Old Jailhouse Kitchen & Spirits is a unique dining and drinking establishment located in a former jailhouse in Sanford, Florida. This restaurant offers a captivating atmosphere, showcasing original artifacts that tell the story of its incarceration past. The menu, crafted with care by the chef, features standout dishes such as the delectable pork belly appetizer and espresso crème brûlée. The bar, helmed by talented bartenders like Avery, serves up creative and seasonal drinks. Guests rave about the exceptional service and friendly staff, making every meal a memorable experience that immerses diners in both history and flavor.
The Old Jailhouse Kitchen & Spirits: Reviews & Ratings
A craft bar and restaurant built within the walls of an actual closed jailhouse. Many artifacts survive, including the ledger of it's residents. The staff is super friendly, especially bartender Avery. They even turned the lights on in a closed dining section so we could walk around and explore the room. They provided the history of the place. All doorways have the original bars in some part. There's a dining room within a fully barred room. It said insane asylum, but I believe it was actually the shower. Definitely worth a visit.
We came across this place walking Downtown. When you walk around the restaurant, they have artifacts from when it used to be a jail. The atmosphere makes you feel like an inmate which is pretty neat. The service and food were delicious. They also have awesome places to take pictures.
We came here for my birthday last weekend and what a wonderful experience! The food was exceptional to say the least !! Chef sincerely takes such care in the menu planning and it shows! Also, the hidden gem of this amazing restaurant is the bar! Avery is by far the epitome of bartender perfection! Her seasonal drinks are not only gorgeous but so unique and oh so delicious! If you find yourself in Sanford and want to really treat yourself The Old Jailhouse is the place to be! Oh and make sure you ask about the history of this interesting restaurant!
The food here is amazing. The pork belly appetizer and the espresso creme brulee desert are an absolute must! Our waitress was Kat/Katana and she truly made our night amazing service and personality.
Stopped in just for drinks at the bar—and I have to say, the service was excellent. The bartender was quick, friendly, and knew his stuff. Great atmosphere, solid drinks, and a team that makes you feel welcome right away. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
First timer and didn’t know what to expect but everything was EXCELLENT! Indoor/Outdoor seating and bar area. Lemon drop martini was so good. Beef empanadas were flavorful and good portion size. Fried chicken was seasoned and fried to perfection. Orzo and salmon were amazing as well. We also had the apple cobbler for dessert. Everything had so much flavor and seasoning and had me trying to guess all the flavors. Very impressed with this place. Service was great as well as the environment. Really enjoyed the night here and will return to try other items!
Wrapped up a home inspection then treated ourselves to lunch behind bars—on purpose! After a busy morning making real estate moves , we stopped by The Old Jailhouse in Sanford, FL... and WOW . From the warm welcome to the open kitchen and handcrafted cocktails , everything was a 10/10. Historic charm modern flavor total vibe. This place is too cool not to share. Real estate hustle by day, foodie by lunch! #RealEstateLife #LunchBreakVibes #TheOldJailhouse #SanfordFL #HistoricDining #FloridaEats #OpenKitchenMagic #WorkHardEatWell #BehindBarsButFancy #HiddenGemAlert
We flew in with feathers ruffled and beaks dry, looking for trouble—or at least a decent drink—and landed at The Old Jailhouse. Didn’t know what to expect. We’re not usually ones for human hospitality. But curse the friendly bartender and the dangerously good cocktails... they won us over. The service? Impeccable. Quick with a pour, quicker with a smile. The bar staff treated us like VIPs instead of escapees from an avian lineup. We came in angry, we left buzzed—and maybe even a little charmed. Five squawks out of five. We’ll be back... whether they like it or not. – The Angry Cardinals
Location
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113 S Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, United States Hotline: +1 407-548-6964
Welcome to The Old Jailhouse Kitchen & Spirits, a culinary gem nestled within the historic walls of an actual closed jailhouse at 113 S Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771. This one-of-a-kind establishment artfully combines captivating history with an exceptional dining and drinking experience. Imagine stepping into a space where the remnants of a storied past shine through, complete with original bars and intriguing artifacts from its days as a jail.
The atmosphere here is unlike any other. As you meander through the restaurant, you may feel the echoes of history surrounding you. Many guests have remarked on how the ambiance makes them feel like they’ve temporarily stepped back in time, making it a delight for both food enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The staff adds to this enchanting experience, with reviews praising their warmth and knowledge—especially bartender Avery, known for her creative seasonal drinks that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
As for the menu, it's carefully curated by a chef who is deeply passionate about crafting culinary delights. A visit would not be complete without indulging in the standout pork belly appetizer or the exquisite espresso crème brûlée, both of which have garnered rave reviews from impressed diners. Each dish reflects the chef's dedication to quality ingredients and inventive flavor combinations, ensuring a memorable culinary journey.
It’s not just about the food and drinks, though—the Old Jailhouse invites you to explore your surroundings. As one customer noted, the team even turned on lights in closed dining sections so they could appreciate the intriguing history of the space. This blend of spirited exploration and gastronomy makes it a must-visit destination if you're in Sanford.
In summary, if you’re looking for a place where history meets exceptional dining, look no further than The Old Jailhouse Kitchen & Spirits. It's a venue that offers delicious food, unique drinks, and a captivating atmosphere that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you're there to celebrate a special occasion or simply to enjoy a night out, you're sure to leave with unforgettable memories and a satisfied palate.