Plant Street exterior
After hearing so much buzz, I finally ventured out to Plant Street Market in Winter Garden. Having been open for a while now, I wanted to give this local spot the time to find its rhythm and truly come into its own. And I’m pleased to report, the wait was worth it.
The concept of Plant Street Market is fantastic. The space itself is wonderfully designed, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. If the Thursday night crowd was anything to go by, it’s undeniably a popular destination for locals and visitors alike seeking a unique experience in Winter Garden.
Plant Street crooked
The energy of the market centers noticeably around Crooked Can Brewery. Their brewing setup is truly impressive, rivaling some of the larger breweries I’ve toured, and their beers are top-notch. Brewmaster Kent Waugh and head brewer Nolan Clark are clearly doing something right, as the beers are consistently excellent and perfectly chilled. Wandering through Plant Street Market with a cold kolsch from Crooked Can in hand is highly recommended. The open layout encourages you to explore the various food vendors while enjoying your craft beer.
Plant Street michaels
My friend and I may have gotten a little carried away with ordering from the diverse food options. We couldn’t resist trying “The Boss” pizza from Michael’s Ali Coal Fired Pizza, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, and kalamata olives. We also sampled a Philly Cheesesteak and a burger with fries from Five Thymes Five – a name that still puzzles me!
Plant Street philly
Of the two sandwiches, the cheesesteak was the clear winner. It was packed with generous, flavorful chunks of steak that had a satisfying bite. The sautéed onions and peppers were cooked just right, and the generous blanket of cheese completed the classic cheesesteak experience. While the roll could have been a bit better, overall, it was a very enjoyable sandwich.
Plant Street burger
The burger, on the other hand, felt a bit overpriced at $13. It might have justified the cost if it had been cooked to the medium-rare we requested. Unfortunately, it was overcooked, resulting in a somewhat dry, albeit grass-fed, patty.
Both sandwiches came with a side of hand-cut fries that looked fantastic – thick and golden brown. However, looks were deceiving, as they turned out to be disappointingly soggy and lacking in flavor.
Plant Street pizza
The pizza, visually, was a standout. I appreciate the characteristic char that a coal-fired oven imparts to the crust. It was perfectly crispy, and the toppings were plentiful and evenly distributed. While the $14 price tag might seem a bit steep for the size, the quality and taste made it worthwhile.
I was excited to see a David Ramirez Chocolates booth, but sadly, it had already closed for the evening by the time I arrived. Perhaps it was for the best, as I likely would have indulged in far too many of their tempting chocolates.
It was noted that some other vendors also closed relatively early on that Thursday evening. While many vendors extend their hours on weekends, the consistent crowds might suggest reconsidering weekday evening hours to capitalize on the market’s popularity.
Plant Street Market, located at 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, is definitely worth a visit. Check out their website for a current vendor list and operating hours. Don’t expect detailed menus and pricing online, but do anticipate a vibrant atmosphere with ample indoor seating, especially around Crooked Can, and a spacious outdoor patio area. It’s a fantastic spot to experience the local flavor of Winter Garden.
