If you're looking for a place in Sanford where you can drink like an adult but play video games like you're 12 again, Throwbacks is your spot. I walked in, saw FREE arcade games, and immediately knew I wasn't leaving for at least three hours or until someone unplugged the machines. The drinks? Cheap. Like "did they forget to charge me?" cheap. I had to double-check the receipt to make sure I didn't accidentally order a kid's menu lemonade. And the food? Exactly what you want at a place like this. Not fancy. Not complicated. Just good. The kind of food that hits perfectly after a couple drinks and three rounds of Pac-Man abuse. Now let's talk about the real MVP: Kristine -- the best bartender in the building, the city, probably the state. She's fast, funny, remembers everyone, and pours like she's trying to fix your whole week. If you go and she's working, consider yourself blessed. If she's not working... honestly just come back when she is. Overall, Throwbacks is the perfect mix of nostalgia, cheap drinks, good food, and Kristine being an absolute legend behind the bar. Highly recommend. If you see me there losing to a 10-year-old at Street Fighter, mind your business. read more

Horrible experience!!! Went to downtown Sanford for my first time last night with my grandmother and mom and the service was terrible, especially at this bar! We we waited over 25 minutes to try and order our drinks and never got one so the guy next to us was friends with the bartender and ordered from her (both bartenders were blonde didn't catch there names or I would write it) and when he gave us the drinks he ordered for us, She got pissed that we ended up being able to order a drink so I don't know what is going on with this establishment, but your bartenders are horrible and rude and lose you a lot of money from business. I will never be returning and spreading the word this place sucks. Never had an experience this bad at a bar in my life! Do better!!!!!!!!!! read more

I wanted to like this place but the vibe is off. It feels like the nice interior doesn't match the juvenile theme, The drinks were ok but the service lackluster read more

Stopped in for a quick cocktail before seeing a play and was not disappointed! It was $20 for the pictured cube and was made perfect for me and my girlfriend to get a buzz going. Well worth the money. The bartender was awesome as well interacting with us. The place did have a smell to it but not terrible and it was aired out with the door open, all in all we will be back! read more

Throwbacks Sanford - The Wario - American Near Me - Sanford, Florida

This is where you want to be to unwind, bring friends, and just enjoy a Thursday night out. The bartenders are absolutely cool, they prep Jell-O shots for the night, and the pizza is also really good, but that could also be the liquor plus American staple talking. Karaoke wise: I think this is my favorite place. You get up on stage, and if it's your first time it can be nerve wracking. But once you get started, you don't want to stop. Like the pantheons are hearing your battlecry. Anyway, shoutout to the Dj and Bartenders! read more

Their was been plenty of times i've bought the same drink(sugary vodka seltzer) during the day and it was a way lower price during than it was at night. when did the late night menu start ? is it because of tips? EITHER WAY i charged it to the game and accepted it's my last time purchasing a drink there. Had some good times there. Even some from this past visit. But it was super weird. made no sense. lowkey a regular, and was even shocked at the last comment talking about this. didn't know i'd be next!! read more

Throwbacks is a great little bar off Sanford Avenue in downtown Sanford. This bar has changed hands a couple of times over the years. It used to be called the Stranded Sailor Pub then after that the British pub (the owner was from somewhere in England). Back in those days the venue showcased a band almost every weekend. The Bands were mostly a local rock/punk style genre which we enjoyed although it could be LOUD at times. Regardless, we appreciated the great drink specials and the opportunity to see a local band performing original music right here in downtown Sanford. Now, Throwbacks has more of a sports/interactive gaming vibe which caters to more customers in my opinion. There are a variety of FREE games you can play with friends while enjoying a drink or some quality food from their limited menu. There are multiple TV monitors available for watching sports related entertainment and CHIVE TV. They have a decent sized liquor bar along with some of the best craft beers available for purchase. Robbie (the owner) and Drew have always been super nice and helpful on every visit. I never have to wait long for a drink, even on busy nights. Once you get to know the crew, they treat you like royalty. There are several large picnic style tables available for dining/drinking and a smaller raised platform that allows additional seating next to the window to view activity on Sanford Avenue. There is a small undeveloped seating area in the front of the venue. I look forward to seeing what Robbie decides to do with this portion of the building. Additionally, there is also a large fenced-in back patio area they will most likely dress up in the near future. All-n-all Throwbacks is one of my favorite pubs in downtown Sanford. They have a great thing going and I look forward to see where they will be in a few years to come. read more

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Christine, Jack, Tyler and Amanda go above and beyond for everyone. love this place. best staff.

Cute little place in downtown Sanford! Was not really liking the people singing in the karaoke, but I do appreciate the old school games and the bartender was amazing! read more

Throwbacks Sanford - Vodka P1. - American Near Me - Sanford, Florida

I came here during the day with my kids for some apps and a beer. They have FREE arcade games and board games to play! My boys and I played a huge version of connect four. They also have a makeshift photo booth with a tripod and a backdrop. It feels really great to walk into a bar and feel welcome with kids. They support their local businesses and have beers from many of the breweries in downtown Sanford. It's a great place to start or end your night in downtown Sanford. read more

First time visiting Sanford Downtown and found this arcade bar. My husband and I enjoyed some free games while having a beer. It wasn't really crowded so we actually got to try most of the games. Would definitely come back with friends. read more

Update on my review. I reached out to the owner, he promised to look into the situation and take care of it. Not sure whats going on because he has ignored me ever since that contact. As a business owner what he has done has so far has been unfortunate. I realize his employee may have lied to him about the event, as she obviously was mistaken the night it happened. I met the owner one evening at Busters, he was nice, I do not think he remembers me, either way he has not got back to me about my concerns, so I guess he just does not give a shit how his staff treats people. read more

For everyone who uses cards either take pictures of your receipts or keep track on what you spend here they updated the cost of my drinks and extra $10 they charged me an extra $3 on 1 transaction and $8 on the other I didn't tip due to my budget for the night so why was I charged and extra $10. This is ridiculous. read more

This place is great if you're in the mood for good drinks and good vibes. The retro decor and games took me back to the 80's and 90's when gaming was simple and fun! This place had a little bit of everything. Drinks, games, good music and food. I stopped in after dinner, so I didnt have a chance to try the food, however I did order a Moscow Mule which was good and the price was perfect for the area. Throwbacks is conveniently located in downtown Sanford, which is up and coming and a chill place to hang out! I'd definitely visit again, and try the wings. read more

Throwbacks Sanford - Throwback - American Near Me - Sanford, Florida

Been in several times, even when it was slow and the service is spotty. For a get your drink and play video games place it's just fine. The crowd skews young, so be ready for a more meet-market vibe than other watering holes in Sanford. The food is where they really lost points. I understand supply chain issues, but we ordered chips that were supposed to have crumbled blue cheese and balsamic vinegar on them. What we got were chips with ranch dressing. The person in the kitchen claimed that the bottle wasn't even labeled, which is scary if that's true. Regardless, blue cheese dressing and crumbles are not the same. I would have rather been told they can't make something than be served something incorrect. read more

Fun little Sanford, no-frills dive bar...warm staff and friendly space! I picked up some to-go White Claw Slushies to enjoy at home, and I'm looking forward to going back once the Quarantine is lifted! read more

Throwbacks Sanford - White Claw Slushies to-go! - American Near Me - Sanford, Florida

Someone put their hands on my husband and I tried to speak to someone in charge and was told if I have a problem I can leave. Lol

Decent bar, but why do they have Arcade1ups? They aren't built for commercial play. They would've gone a lot further getting authentic arcade machines. read more

I couldn't get the drink I wanted because the bartender didn't know what a Reef Donkey was (a beer that was in his cooler) then didn't give me anything to sign when I cashed out. I shouldn't have left without signing anything, but I was was in a hurry. Won't get anymore of my business. read more

Came to Throwbacks a few weeks ago for the first time. I believe this place just opened up in the last couple of months. I tried the corn nuggets and the tater tots. This place also has local beers- all at reasonable prices. Dog friendly and best of all, they have games to play! Played some connect four and jenga. Grab a picnic table bench and some friends and stop on down! Really fun atmosphere and welcomed addition to downtown Sanford. I will be back with friends! read more

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Walked in, seemed lively! Unfortunately, the 2 bartenders were much to concerned about spending time with their friends, talking about taking shots with their friends, and all around just not caring about anyone else! Retro games would have been great to play and eat and drink here, but we walked out. And no one even said a word for the 7 minutes we were seated and waiting. Would not recommend to anyone!!! read more

I considere myself regular to this place I like the environment I like the game and every time I have a friend visiting from out of town I always bring them to the bar. bartender Chrisitne is great she knows me well and she gets me drink ready as soon as she sees me cause she knows what i will ask for . however this sunday I have a really bad experience with new bartender I came in with a friend from Miami.like always we start with two shots of fireball and ttwo beers. Well the shots were Less than Half of what I normally get... it was like few drops of whiskey in the shot cup. we even asked her ... is that That a shot ? They were not even the same one has little bit more than the other. she didn't care. we sat down and i ask for the other people of the bar cause I know everyone there kind of letting her know that I am not a new guest. The worse was when she left the bar unattended to go play the game next to the restroom with her boyfriend whom actually got the shot served accordantly ... even maybe some extra since she was doing it with him too. again I love place I just hope the management team take note so it doesn't happen to other regulars read more

I stopped in this place to have a drink with a friend. She said she had been there before. I was in shock when I received my tab. They charge $8 for a thimble Jameson that they call a shot! Add my friend's single tall Captain and coke, the end result is almost $19!! Ridiculously over priced bar!!! read more

Always loud, not a good place to watch a game, noise carries throughout building, meatball sub very good, Murphy, the owners dog your best friend, as long as you share!! Tone down the noise, get some more attentive help and you've got a winner!! read more

Great music! Ice cold beer! David gave us Great service and kept us happy!!! Skeetball, retro video games and Jell-O shots!!! We loved it!!!

Lots of fun, really relaxed environment. Our go-to in downtown Sanford. All of the arcade games are free play. Seeing Murphy is the best part. read more

Great place to hang out and love that it is pet friendly! I also love the games- skee ball, connect four and arcade games. We ordered pizza which was thin crust and delicious. Will definitely return. read more

Went in here to watch the Tyson Fury boxing card and stayed till 2am. Cool as s@#% bartender entertaining as hell. Dude looks like Wolverine & has2be best bartender ever. Saw him make 20 drinks in like 3 second. That dude moved like Wolverine when a old drunk coworker kept getting behind his bar. I think he was a cook. read more

This is a great bar with fun games like ski ball, giant Connect 4, Jenga and arcade games. Unfortunately, none of the bartenders were wearing masks. There is currently a county mask mandate. As a teacher, I'm working very hard to stay healthy every day at work. It's disappointing that I can't go somewhere like Throwbacks on the weekend and feel safe. I guess I'll have to wait until the pandemic is over before I go back. read more