Back in May 2023Walked into a packed local where the bar was a solid wall of people clamoring for their drinks. The side where the seats were had nearly every spot taken came up to a wooden booth and were going to sit, but the other gals we were with decided it was best to try sitting outside. We did not realize that the outside was more for eating than chilling out with a drink or two, so we moved out to a different spot.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 3
Meggan Larsen
Alex old fashion was the best I've ever had! If you are in the area it's a must try!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Briana F.
It's safe to say the Imperial at Washburn is one of the best bars in downtown Sanford. The vibe is quirky and eclectic, yet comfortable with purchasable antique furniture filling most of the space. You can expect consistent service here as the bartenders are always efficient and still manage to whip up cocktails pretty quickly even when the place is packed. My favorite thing about Washburn is that the cocktails are just like the decor/furniture that's for sale on the inside, ever changing and unique. The menu seems to change pretty regularly, but I can honestly say I've never been disappointed by any drink here! On my most recent visit I tried the Gin Grapefruit Cosmo and the 2020 Daiquiri and both cocktails were exceptional. Whether you're looking for a classic cocktail or a new spin on a traditional one, the Imperial at Washburn in Sanford will keep you coming back for more!
David Dorman
Erin was super friendly and knowledgeable, making my so so day so much better! What. A fun day! Thanks for a great experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Bonin
Great bartender. Great atmosphere. I feelLike I’m in New Orleans.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Heather Moore
Love! staff is great and always treats us fantastic. Drinks are good. They also have a pretty decent selection of beers if craft cocktails aren't your thing. Decor is really cool, and bathrooms are spotless.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Raven D.
The Imperial is probably one of my favorite spots to grab a drink in downtown Sanford. You're greeted by the sweet smell of the gorgeous wooden furniture and accoutrements they have to sit on and display (im pretty sure these items are for sale, too!) The lighting is soft, but not so soft where you cant see. I was able to play a couple rounds of palace with my friend, partner, and daughter with no problems. We randomly popped up on a saturday night for a lil drinky drink and this amazing band was playing! They ended up letting me get up and sing and catch a lil vibe with them. I typically get a margarita, espresso martini, or anything prickly pear and this particular night i went martini and had the bartender add a little sweetness to it and it was probably the best one I've had in Sanford. I cant wait to go back because the staff and crowd was just a vibe! My 9 year old had a good time also and usually she sits around bored when i want to drink and talk lol we danced the night away together and it ended up being a really beautiful evening.
Doris K
Great place to stop in for a drink! Great bartenders and great service!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
John (Seth0194)
Great place to grab a cocktail, staff super friendly great prices and an overall great selection.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Adrian Slemmons
This place is awesome, Alex one of the bartenders and Erin the bar manager really know their cocktails well. If you don't know what you want just ask them they will happily guide you to try something new and amazing. All their drinks are amazing. The Vieux Carre there is the best I ever had.Parking: Tons of free street parking, but if you can't find any there is a massive free parking lot down the block which I've never seen completely full.
Erin was the best bartender ive ever had. And im talking awesome drink maker. Wow. This place is impressive. Id definitely recommend for custom drinks,atmosphere, and of couse Erin!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dan A.
Great cocktails and nice place to hang out and chill. Definitely will be on our list of regular spots to hit.
Eugene M.
Best old fashions in Sanford. Erin was a great and very sociable bartender. Definitely want to try their other drinks next time but I'm so hooked on the old fashion.
Joe Garcia
We've been meaning to stop in for a while, final did so on a Friday night..surprisingly it wasn't packed. Lots of seating area, but you self order at the bar, maybe there were two bartenders, but for sure the one guy with the exquisite stashe was on it. The lines at the bar seem to clog up the space, giving a feel of ppl hovering over you while you're drinking. Not horrible but again it occurs. Overall really good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Bob H.
Fun place. Great decor. Excellent craft cocktails to be had here in a comfortable old time setting. Give it a try!
Back in May 2023Walked into a packed local where the bar was a solid wall of people clamoring for their drinks. The side where the seats were had nearly every spot taken came up to a wooden booth and were going to sit, but the other gals we were with decided it was best to try sitting outside. We did not realize that the outside was more for eating than chilling out with a drink or two, so we moved out to a different spot.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 3
Alex old fashion was the best I've ever had! If you are in the area it's a must try!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It's safe to say the Imperial at Washburn is one of the best bars in downtown Sanford. The vibe is quirky and eclectic, yet comfortable with purchasable antique furniture filling most of the space. You can expect consistent service here as the bartenders are always efficient and still manage to whip up cocktails pretty quickly even when the place is packed. My favorite thing about Washburn is that the cocktails are just like the decor/furniture that's for sale on the inside, ever changing and unique. The menu seems to change pretty regularly, but I can honestly say I've never been disappointed by any drink here! On my most recent visit I tried the Gin Grapefruit Cosmo and the 2020 Daiquiri and both cocktails were exceptional. Whether you're looking for a classic cocktail or a new spin on a traditional one, the Imperial at Washburn in Sanford will keep you coming back for more!
Erin was super friendly and knowledgeable, making my so so day so much better! What. A fun day! Thanks for a great experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great bartender. Great atmosphere. I feelLike I’m in New Orleans.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Love! staff is great and always treats us fantastic. Drinks are good. They also have a pretty decent selection of beers if craft cocktails aren't your thing. Decor is really cool, and bathrooms are spotless.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
The Imperial is probably one of my favorite spots to grab a drink in downtown Sanford. You're greeted by the sweet smell of the gorgeous wooden furniture and accoutrements they have to sit on and display (im pretty sure these items are for sale, too!) The lighting is soft, but not so soft where you cant see. I was able to play a couple rounds of palace with my friend, partner, and daughter with no problems. We randomly popped up on a saturday night for a lil drinky drink and this amazing band was playing! They ended up letting me get up and sing and catch a lil vibe with them. I typically get a margarita, espresso martini, or anything prickly pear and this particular night i went martini and had the bartender add a little sweetness to it and it was probably the best one I've had in Sanford. I cant wait to go back because the staff and crowd was just a vibe! My 9 year old had a good time also and usually she sits around bored when i want to drink and talk lol we danced the night away together and it ended up being a really beautiful evening.
Great place to stop in for a drink! Great bartenders and great service!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great place to grab a cocktail, staff super friendly great prices and an overall great selection.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
This place is awesome, Alex one of the bartenders and Erin the bar manager really know their cocktails well. If you don't know what you want just ask them they will happily guide you to try something new and amazing. All their drinks are amazing. The Vieux Carre there is the best I ever had.Parking: Tons of free street parking, but if you can't find any there is a massive free parking lot down the block which I've never seen completely full.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Noir Vleux Carré
Restaurantji Recommends
Erin was the best bartender ive ever had. And im talking awesome drink maker. Wow. This place is impressive. Id definitely recommend for custom drinks,atmosphere, and of couse Erin!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great cocktails and nice place to hang out and chill. Definitely will be on our list of regular spots to hit.
Best old fashions in Sanford. Erin was a great and very sociable bartender. Definitely want to try their other drinks next time but I'm so hooked on the old fashion.
We've been meaning to stop in for a while, final did so on a Friday night..surprisingly it wasn't packed. Lots of seating area, but you self order at the bar, maybe there were two bartenders, but for sure the one guy with the exquisite stashe was on it. The lines at the bar seem to clog up the space, giving a feel of ppl hovering over you while you're drinking. Not horrible but again it occurs. Overall really good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Fun place. Great decor. Excellent craft cocktails to be had here in a comfortable old time setting. Give it a try!