The Basin Sanford — Restaurant in Sanford

Disappointing Experience Due to Rude Bartender

I was really excited to visit Sanford with a girlfriend of mine to celebrate a new job opportunity. We loved the setup, the vibe, and the overall space—it felt like the perfect spot to enjoy a great evening. As someone with over 6,000 followers on social media, I enjoy sharing cool experiences and places, and this one started off feeling like a hidden gem.

Unfortunately, things took a turn when we went to order another drink at the bar. I noticed a display of toothpicks with little mustaches on them—cute and quirky, perfect for a photo or shout-out. I picked one up, thinking it was part of the décor or a fun garnish. Without any warning or polite correction, the bartender, Megan, abruptly walked up, snatched it from my hand, rolled her eyes, and said, “Don’t touch my things,” before throwing it in the trash. The male bartender nearby looked stunned and didn’t even know how to respond.

Before we could shake off the shock, Megan returned and began verbally attacking me and my friend. She belittled us over a harmless mustache toothpick and acted completely unprofessional. I’ve never been treated with such blatant disrespect, especially while being a paying customer trying to support a local business.

The space has potential, but management seriously needs to reconsider who they put behind the bar. I would’ve loved to promote this place online, but due to this awful interaction, I can’t recommend it. Great atmosphere terrible service from a bartender who clearly needs a reality check. If I could give the bar service zero...

This is a bar, so it doesn't exactly count for food. But take your pick of 5-star eateries under the same roof in the same communal space. The cocktails made here are nothing short of pure magic. That is evident by the craft cocktail prices that rival some downtown Orlando locations. But believe me when I say the quality speaks for itself and well worth the price outside the vortex that is downtown Orlando. I enjoyed The Monroe, with its punchy, house-made pineapple ginger jam and accented by a smoldering cinnamon stick; and the Lemon Meringue, rich with its butter-washed gin, limincello, and house-made vanilla simple syrup - it tasted exactly like a slice of fresh lemon cake! And this isn't some cliché neighborhood "sports" bar. No, the TV in front of me played episodes of "How It's Made", while the TV adjacent to me plays Bob Ross' "The Joy of Painting". Go grab a sandwich Sweet and Salty Island Grindz (I confirmed the Tik-tok hype--it IS the best chicken sandwich in florida, if not the country.) This is a fantastic place with fantastic cocktails, a fantastic selection of other craft beverages, with direct access to fantastic artisinal foods, in a fantastic venue in a severely underrated locale. Give the area a chance and take a step outside the direct Orlando bubble to give this place a shot. It will be well worth your...

Horrible experience! Hospitality business right? A bar. What a joke. After our first drink (seated at the bar) we couldn’t get our bartenders attention for nearly 20 minutes. No, it wasn’t that busy. Two separate people sat next to us got up and left. The owner of this place is obviously making so much money they do not care or are unaware. This is the hospitality business. How about you train your staff to show a little hospitality. We could have been sold at least two more drinks. I had to actually stand up and wave my hands to get served a second drink. It’s a joke. How about you teach your bartenders to pay attention to the people around the bar? How about you teach them to care? I’m so sick of people like this who demand 20 or 25% tip because they think they’re so wonderful. Oh then she goes to the other end of the bar and starts eating. Walking back and forth never looking at our end. There were three bartenders back there. I really can’t wait until the economy takes a hit so people like this learn to respect a dollar. The bar for customer service at this place is so low, it’s stunning how they have success at all, but they do, and that’s why...