Phone: +14079156086
Address: 107 Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, 32771, United States Of America
City: Sanford
Menu Dishes: 19
Reviews: 626
Website: http://smilingbison.com/sanford
"I am from out of town so I don't really know the local restaurant scene here in Sanford. I do have friends who live locally and wanted to try this restaurant they had heard about. We arrived at the restaurant at 7:15 and were told that because we did not have a reservation we had to sit outside. I did notice three tables that had nobody at them inside so I assumed that meant they were reserved and the people were arriving soon. Sitting outside was not bad, it's not too hot and the humidity is not too bad at this time of the year, and the restaurant is very close to Lake Monroe which is also attractive. The menu is very limited, there are only eight options for a main course, and about the same number of options for appetizers. [I see a couple other comments written here that the restaurant was pricey. We ordered two appetizers, good that we did because when they came they were very small. This is nouvelle cuisine in the stereotype fashion. The chicken strips came with a side of what they call couscous, but I am very certain no one from Lebanon would confuse this with the real couscous. This is more similar to a cold quinoa salad but it was not lacking in flavor. It was quite good. The other appetizer was 4 mini biscuits, each about 1/3 the size of Pillsbury Grands biscuits, tasty but quite expensive. From the menu my buddy and I chose the bison burger, and his wife chose the winter vegetables. Again, very small portions, no risk whatsoever that you will go home stuffed I have attached photos of the main courses and desserts. I have eaten buffalo burgers in the past in both Oklahoma and Texas, and I am familiar with the strong, gamey flavor. We were told that the restaurant imports their bison meat from Canada so they can ensure 100% quality of the meat. In fact the meat does not have a strong gamey flavor, it tasted very much like Iowa corn fed beef, except a lot more expensive at $16 for the burger and a half cup of red cabbage and carrot slaw. (The menu said this was coleslaw, but the menu is wrong. Red cabbage and carrots do not make coleslaw, and as an aside, coleslaw is supposed to have a dressing on it. Our waiter had a little trouble this evening, he did finally bring lemon for the ice waters about halfway through dinner after a couple prompts, but he was unable to remember to bring any sweetener for the tea. In most of my visits to Orlando, and dining out with my long time friends, after a hearty dinner we don't have room left for dessert. Not so tonight, so we ordered cheesecake for me and a chocolate mousse with peanuts for them. Both were excellent in flavor, barely 2 bites a piece. I took pictures to show back home when nobody believes my story of miniature portion sizes. I did use the restroom before paying the bill, and going inside I noticed the same 3 unattended tables they had when we first arrived. Apparently no one had reserved them, or perhaps decided not to show up later. Or perhaps, the young lady who greeted us simply did not want to give us a table without a reservation in order to teach us a lesson about making reservations before we come the next time. I don't think there's any risk that we will go a next time. As we left the restaurant we had an interesting discussion of where to go next to get some real food. I do not recommend this place to anyone. Go some place that treats you nice, serves a broad selection of dinner options, is attentive to your requests for lemon and sweetener and refills your water glasses... that is, a place that offers service and values your business... and most importantly, doesn't cost you $100 for enough food to feed a 10 year old (three 10 year olds, in our case ."
Full menu - 19 options
All prices are estimates on menu.
Dessert
Cheesecake
Creamy, rich cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, sweet topping.
Salads
Wedge
Crisp iceberg lettuce topped with tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and creamy dressing.
Coleslaw
Crunchy cabbage and crisp carrots mixed with creamy dressing for a refreshing side dish.
Quinoa Salad
A fresh and vibrant salad made with fluffy quinoa, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light lemon vinaigrette.
Pizza
Chicken
Chicken Strips
Crispy golden chicken strips fried to perfection, served with a side of tangy dipping sauce for a delightful taste experience.
Buffalo Chicken menu
Spicy buffalo sauce draped over crispy chicken, served with a side of creamy ranch for a savory, tangy punch.
All Day - Pasta
Wild Rose Angus / Spring Creek Ranch - Fort Macleod, Ab.
Featured Items
Bbq Sandwich
A savory BBQ sandwich featuring tender meat, smoky sauce, and fresh coleslaw on a soft bun for a deliciously hearty meal.
Sweets
Specials
House Made Fresh Pastas
New York Style Italian Specialty Pizza
Classic And House Specialty Pizzas
User
Delicious and fresh food combinations, putting a twist on many favorites and showcasing local foods. The staff is friendly and always happy to answer questions. It's a smaller space, so you may want to call ahead for a larger group. Definitely check out the fun cocktails.
Address
Reviews
User
Smiling Buffalo is one of the best restaurants in Sanford. Sitting is plentiful, the ambience is very pleasant and the service was enormous. The food was prepared for perfection and the service was excellent. Overall, this restaurant is definitely 5 stars plus. The signage is clear, parking is abundant and the cost for dinner is. Enjoy!
User
The first time we went there, we were happy with everything from food to service. We didn't know they made reservations, but were able to find a table in the bar area without waiting. Tried the duck pizza and wow!!!!!! Who would have thought a Duck egg and Duck meat would go on pizza?! The cocktails were different but delicious! In any case it is worth checking it!
User
Great food selection and really good quality strong drinks. The menu changes seasonally but great quality food. The only thing I could complain about was the portion sizes for the price of the food. Not the $16 burger that was DELICIOUS and a good size, but my husband ordered the pasta and it was definitely not enough to even fill me up and cost a lot more. Space inside was a bit crammed in a Saturday night but not bad. View menu
User
The Bisonburger on Texas Toast is absolutely fantastic. It's situated in a great location, and while the interior is small, there were plenty of available tables on Saturday night. The atmosphere inside this old downtown building has a charming, rustic feel. The burger itself is incredibly sweet and juicy, and the prices are reasonable. I don't visit Sanford often, but I definitely plan to come back for the Bisonburger!
User
What an amazing spot! This was my first visit to the Sanford location, but I’ve been to the Orlando location multiple times before it closed. From the moment you enter, you can tell you're in for a great experience. The staff is friendly, cheerful, and well-informed. The food is fantastic and creative, as are the cocktails, beers, and wines on the menu. I highly recommend visiting Sanford and stopping by The Smiling Bison.
User
On my most recent visit, I discovered they have a cooking table where diners can interact with the chef and watch the plates being prepared. I was also allowed to take photos with my Nikon, which made the experience even more special for me. The owner was very friendly and took time to chat with us about the restaurant. Overall, everything was excellent. You can truly appreciate the creativity, care, and passion that goes into the food from these seats. I highly recommend reserving a spot at the cooking table. View menu
User
Pretty good. Went for their valentine's day dinner. Food was good. I thought their dessert was a little lacking. Update: Finally got to go again, and thing as before. Food was pretty good. I got the bison burger pizza, everything on it was good, but the crust was a little lacking in flavor and texture. The crust on the bottom was equally as hard on the sides. Dessert was sub par again. I don't think desserts here are meant to be. There are plenty of dessert shops within a 2 minutes walk, I would recommend to go to those.
Krisada
I have to preface this with a little background info. I have family that recently started working here. Years ago, we lived upstairs above the art gallery on the same block that The Smiling Bison occupies. Back then it was DiVinci's, then SmokehouseBBQ and something else after that. We're not strangers in this neighborhood. But I moved away several years ago so I've onlybeen here at The Smiling Bison a handful of times and had some very good seasonal fare, both seated in the dining room and atthe bar sharing an entree with a friend. All good experiences. On the last visit I learned they have a chef's counter where youcan interact with the chef and see plates dressed as they go out. I got per...
User
I am from out of town so I don't really know the local restaurant scene here in Sanford. I do have friends who live locally and wanted to try this restaurant they had heard about. We arrived at the restaurant at 7:15 and were told that because we did not have a reservation we had to sit outside. I did notice three tables that had nobody at them inside so I assumed that meant they were reserved and the people were arriving soon. Sitting outside was not bad, it's not too hot and the humidity is not too bad at this time of the year, and the restaurant is very close to Lake Monroe which is also attractive. The menu is very limited, there are only eight options for a main course, and about the sa... View menu
Sanford
Sanford, a charming city near Orlando, offers diverse cuisine with Southern comfort foods like fried chicken and barbecue, often found alongside fresh seafood from the nearby coast.
Categories
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Pizza Delve into our perfectly baked pizzas, crafted with hand-tossed dough, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of gourmet cheeses. Each slice bursts with fresh toppings, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
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Pasta Delight in our selection of classic and contemporary pasta dishes, each crafted with fresh, quality ingredients and flavorful sauces that capture the essence of Italian cuisine in every bite. View menu
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American Enjoy classic American flavors with our diverse menu, featuring juicy burgers, crispy fried chicken, hearty BBQ ribs, and fresh salads. Indulge in timeless comfort with each bite, crafted to satisfy all tastes.
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Sandwiches A delightful assortment of freshly made sandwiches, crafted with premium ingredients and served on artisan bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying meal, each bite is packed with flavor and goodness.
Amenities
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Debit
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Takeout
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