Sanford

  4.8 – 579 reviews   • New American restaurant

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Chef’s tasting menu of creative, upscale New American fare & wine served in an elegant venue.

✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in Sanford 53202

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Reviews

Scott W
This was our second time eating at Sanford’s. The first time was literally decades ago. The restaurant is a small building the size of a small home (probably was at one time). If you cannot find a street spot to park, they offer valet parking for $10. We had reservations for four on Thursday night at 6:30.

When we arrived, we got a friendly greeting from the host/server. We were seated at a round table (probably better suited for a table of six), but it was situated in the front corner, so it was quiet. There was an HVAC vent right overhead, which caused a bit of a draft.

The server did a great job of getting us settled in. After some discussion about the menu, we decided that we would try the seven-course Chef’s Surprise Tasting Menu. We didn’t need the accompanying wine service and opted for a couple of cocktails and individual red and white wines. There was water and breadsticks with butter as we waited for the first course.

Before any of the menu items came, we were offered an amuse-bouche. While I don’t recall exactly what it was, it did contain a little bit of gelatinous cucumber with some oil and seeds. I have to admit that, while I realize this may not represent the rest of the meal, the strangeness (flavor and mouthfeel) was a little anxiety-producing (have you seen The Menu?).

The rest of the meal was superb. The savory courses consisted of Duck Basturma, Sea Scallops, Swordfish, Head Cheese, and Beef Striploin. I could talk about each of them separately, but you can check out the picture of the menu. I think the one menu item that really surprised us all was the Crisp Head Cheese. I myself had no hesitation, but a couple of the others did. It was delicious, with nice crispy edges — a real surprise.

The entire evening was lovely. The whole team at Sanford’s works well together to make everything flow in a very organic way. We were there for three-plus hours, but it didn’t really seem that long.

To be sure, it’s not inexpensive, but a real treat for a special night with good friends.
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Shuwei Wang
We had a great time at Sanford. The cuisines are delicately prepared and food had great flavor. I appreciate our server double checking on every dish to avoid dairy for my dairy intolerance and chefs finding alternatives. We had $95 4 course and scallops and venison are both great for our entree. Will definitely come back!
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PJ Carter
We did the 7 course surprise tasting menu and loved it! Some more adventurous dishes for Milwaukee which made it a great experience! Our server was amazing and all the servers were very attentive.
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Brady Davis
Incredible restaurant for an exquisite dining experience. I loved my “Day in the Kitchen” with the Sanford team. The 7 course surprise tasting menu was incredible, and they seemed to incorporate specific foods that we focused during my kitchen experience. The wine pairings were great, and every staff member was kind and thoughtful. Couldn’t recommend more!
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Karen Menzel
This was such a wonderful experience. Kelly and Shauna were very informative about the history and each of the courses. The Elk was amazing and done to perfection. The Halibut was also done to perfection. Each course brought a plethora of flavorsand so enjoyable. The desserts were out of this world. I would definitely go back and highly recommend.
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Tracy Tucker
White table cloth dining experience in a comfortable older building. We enjoyed the chef’s surprise tasting menu and wine pairings—some very surprising wines and every dish was delicious and offered intriguing flavors and textures. It really was a delightful evening without a single misstep from the chef or the staff. One of the best things about Sanford is that they are a real throwback to a time when you didn’t have to guarantee your reservation with a card, didn’t have to get out for the next table, didn’t have to venmo money to a friend because the restaurant wouldn’t split the check or whatever. This felt easy and relaxing and fun—like a restaurant should be.
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Lin Stacy
Went in there really excited but left feeling disappointed. I didn’t think the 7-course surprise menu was exceptional for a few reasons and would probably not revisit.
1. Too many repeating elements in all the savory courses which made the flavor profiles all very similar.
2. Way too much salt on all the savory courses.
3. Desserts were good but very basic (lemon pound cake and 3 short breads).
4. I did not receive a copy of the 7-course surprise menu to take home 🙁

Pro:
1. Server was attentive.
2. Palate cleanser was the best part!
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Mark W. Holiday
I am writing to thank Justin and his staff, especially our waitress Kari, for an exceptional evening! We recently visited with a group of six to treat our new pastor and his wife, and we truly appreciated the comfortable environment, fantastic food and wonderful service. We all ordered the seven-course surprise menu with the intention of each couple sharing the courses. Although this wasn’t initially communicated, the team graciously adjusted to our request after the first course. I also appreciated that they were willing to accommodate my request to provide a printout to each couple of the course we had just been served. Thank you for making us feel like royalty and helping us create such great memories! We look forward to visiting again!
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Lori
For the love of Pete this meal was amazing!!!
Celebrated our anniversary and chose Sanford based on the reviews.
Carrie was our server and she was nothing short of amazing!!
Explained the menu and answered our questions.
We chose the 7 course surprise dinner.
Most of the time we sat in silence just trying to figure out what just happened to our taste buds!
Absolutely delicious every single plate.
A meal like this in Chicago would have been three times as much.
We were the last ones in the restaurant and had the honor of meeting the Chef and seeing the kitchen!
The entire experience from start to finish is one we will remember for ever.
Thank you xoxo
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Daniel Randolph
Wow!

This is a unique dining experience. We chose the 7 course tasting menu. You sit down and they just start bringing you awesome food. You have no idea I’m what is coming and no need to make any decisions.

Of my 7 courses – 6 were incredible. The one potential issue is all night you are comparing to the previous courses.

The service topped my high expectations. The staff was incredible.

I should note, I went for a special occasion and they were very helpful.
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