A Hidden Waterfront Restaurant Worth Discovering in Sanford

Tucked away at Boat Tree Marina along the St. Johns River in Sanford, Florida, is a little waterfront restaurant that you might never know existed unless someone told you about it.

Meet Connie’s Deli, a casual breakfast and lunch spot where hearty comfort food, beautiful marina views, and a laid-back Old Florida atmosphere come together for a unique dining experience.

While the name might suggest a traditional sandwich shop, Connie’s offers much more than deli sandwiches. From classic breakfast favorites to burgers, hot sandwiches, and homemade-style comfort food, this little restaurant has plenty to offer.

But what really makes Connie’s Deli special is its location. With outdoor seating overlooking the marina, boats resting along the docks, and wildlife swimming through the water, it’s the kind of place where the surroundings are just as memorable as the meal.

Breakfast With a Beautiful Waterfront View

During our recent visit to Connie’s Deli, we stopped in for breakfast and enjoyed the peaceful waterfront setting.

We ordered corned beef hash with eggs and bacon, a hearty combination of classic breakfast favorites. The generous plate was exactly the kind of comforting, no-frills breakfast you’d expect from a neighborhood diner.

And because no good breakfast outing has to end with breakfast, we also tried a slice of Key lime pie, topped with a generous helping of whipped cream.

With boats nearby and beautiful views of the marina, the setting made our morning feel like a little getaway without ever leaving Central Florida.

More Than Just Breakfast: What’s on the Menu?

Although Connie’s Deli is a great place to start your morning, the restaurant also offers an extensive lunch menu filled with familiar favorites.

Breakfast options include pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, breakfast burritos, and corned beef hash with eggs.

One of the restaurant’s featured breakfast selections is the Boaters Omelette Meal, a three-egg omelet with customizable ingredients, served with home fries or grits and toast.

For lunch, visitors can choose from burgers, deli sandwiches, wraps, salads, and hot sandwiches.

Some of the menu highlights include:

  • Best Cheeseburger on the River: A classic cheeseburger with your choice of traditional toppings.
  • Philly Cheesesteak: Seasoned beef with grilled peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese.
  • Reuben Sandwich: Hot corned beef on grilled rye bread with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.
  • French Dip: Roast beef served on a toasted sub roll with cheese and au jus for dipping.
  • Classic Deli Sandwiches: Options including turkey, roast beef, ham, chicken salad, and tuna salad.

You’ll also find sides such as French fries, tater tots, onion rings, potato salad, and coleslaw.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick breakfast, meeting someone for lunch, or grabbing something to take out on the water, Connie’s offers plenty of choices.

A Waterfront Surprise: Turtles Swimming Right Up to the Dock!

One of the most memorable parts of our visit actually happened after breakfast.

Just about 10 to 15 feet from our table was a dock overlooking the marina. We decided to walk over and take a closer look at the water.

That’s when we spotted something unexpected!

Several turtles were swimming through the water, coming right up to the dock where we were standing!

We watched as the turtles gathered near the dock, their little heads popping above the surface as they swam around below us.

It was such a fun, unexpected moment and easily one of the highlights of our visit.

Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the opportunity to enjoy the marina and observe its surroundings adds something special to an otherwise simple breakfast outing.

A Relaxed, Old Florida Atmosphere

Part of Connie’s Deli’s charm is how different it feels from a typical restaurant along a busy shopping plaza.

Located within Boat Tree Marina at the Port of Sanford, the restaurant offers a casual setting surrounded by boats, docks, and views of the St. Johns River area.

The outdoor seating allows visitors to enjoy their meals while taking in the waterfront atmosphere. It’s an especially appealing setting for anyone who enjoys discovering quieter, less touristy places around Central Florida.

Boat Tree Marina is also a full-service marina offering boat storage, rentals, sales, and marine services. That makes Connie’s a convenient breakfast or lunch stop for boaters as well as visitors arriving by car.

There’s nothing particularly fancy about the experience, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s a place to enjoy a familiar meal, watch the boats, and appreciate a little slice of waterfront Florida.

Planning Your Visit to Connie’s Deli

Restaurant: Connie’s Deli

Location: Boat Tree Marina, Port of Sanford

Address: 4360 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771

Phone: (407) 322-8800

Hours:

  • Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Breakfast Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Breakfast is served all day Sunday.

Dining Options: Breakfast, lunch, waterfront seating, and takeout.

Website: Visit Connie’s Deli Official Website

Menu: View the Breakfast & Lunch Menu

Hours and menu offerings are subject to change. We recommend checking directly with the restaurant before visiting.

Why Connie’s Deli Is Worth Discovering

Central Florida is filled with restaurants, but sometimes the most memorable discoveries are the little places tucked away where you least expect them.

Connie’s Deli combines the comfort of a neighborhood breakfast spot with the peaceful surroundings of a working marina.

From our corned beef hash breakfast and slice of Key lime pie to watching turtles swim right up to the nearby dock, our visit offered much more than just a meal.

If you’re looking for a casual waterfront restaurant in Sanford with a little Old Florida charm, Connie’s Deli is one hidden gem worth adding to your list.

Have you visited Connie’s Deli at Boat Tree Marina? We’d love to hear about your experience!

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