The Restaurants, Coffee Shops, and Local Shops Bringing New Energy to Downtown Clermont
Blog Author: Jen Durben | The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty
If you ask locals is downtown Clermont Central Florida's next great main street? A resounding yes! Five years ago, likely you would have heard a different answer. You may say that downtown Clermont was pretty sleepy. There were several vacant storefronts and not a lot of dining options. And while there have always been some gems that locals have loved for many years, things tended to be pretty quiet overall. But, over the last several years, downtown has seen a resurgence of life. With new dining options, markets, coffee shops, local shopping, book stores, and nightlife have popped up, bringing new energy to Clermont. Let's explore one of our favorite downtowns in Central Florida, sharing some of the newest finds in town and some of our favorite staples, to see why people love calling Clermont home.
What Newer Restaurants Have Opened in Downtown Clermont?
Restaurant options, from sit-down to quick service, have grown significantly over the years. Here are a few of the newest options to put on your must-visit list:
Crafted Restaurant and Speakeasy, located at the corner of 8th Street and W. Montrose in the heart of downtown. This Steakhouse has a surprise downstairs, a speakeasy called The Club (Pro Tip: Limited seats are available; be sure to book ahead)- Cosa Nostra Italian Deli, located adjacent to Crafted, this Italian Deli is known for its authentic sandwiches, Italian desserts, breakfast options, and more. Our recommendation >> Try the Prosciutto Di Parma with burrata, pesto, arugula, and balsamic glaze on toasted ciabatta
- Huarike Peruvian Restaurant, located at W. Montrose & West Ave, this intimate space has received rave reviews since opening, with a 4.9 Google rating.
- The Station, located on W. Desoto Street, opened after the closing of the Clermont Brewing Company and offers a variety of menu options and live entertainment.
Where can you Find Coffee & More in Downtown Clermont?
Gurch Coffee | West End Plaza, 821 W. Minneola Ave. | This local spot touts valuing sustainability and traceability in their coffee sourcing. Our recommendation >> Try their iced coffee (with your favorite flavor) and take it to go in their unique compostable drink cups.- Main Squeeze | 763 W. Montrose | This is a refreshing and delicious spot offering specialty lemonades that are freshly squeezed and canned in-house to order. Perfect to cool off on a summer day. Our recommendation >> The Citrus Sunrise with tropical mango and blood orange
- Teamont Boba | 821 W. Montrose | This Boba tea spot features a variety of boba teas, including fruit, Tiger milk, slushies, and more.
Is there Nightlife in Downtown Clermont?
- The Roasted Spirit | 764 W. Montrose Street | Features signature craft cocktails and small plates, and brunch on Sundays.
- Mullets Sports Bar | 732 W. Montrose Street | A local sports bar with events like bingo, karaoke, and watch parties.
- The Bell Clermont | 637 8th Street | A British Pub with a beer garden, pints, and British food staples.
Are there Local Shops and Bookstores in Downtown Clermont?
A Little Hello Co. | The Downtown Exchange, 639 8th Street | This adorable shop has a selection of hand-designed stationery, art prints, cards, and more.- Sunshine Book Co. | 647 Lake Ave between W. Montrose & W. Minneola | This quaint independent bookstore has rooms filled with new releases, a kids section, and local gifts.
- The Black Rabbit Bookbar | 650 7th Street | A self-proclaimed spooky book cafe, combining reading and caffeine (an ideal match in our opinion).
What Marketplaces & Retail Halls Are Located in Downtown Clermont?
Montrose Street Market | 8th & W. Montrose | A 2-story food market with a selection of food items to pick from, including sushi, tacos, burgers, and our favorite, Daniel's Cheesesteak Express.- The Downtown Exchange | 639 8th Street | A cozy marketplace home to the A Little Hello Co. mentioned above as well as several tasty food options, a vinyl record store, and a Pickleball shop.
- West End Plaza | 821 W. Minneola Avenue | Home to Gurch Coffee, Chef'n It Up Pizza, and more.
What's New & Coming Soon to Downtown Clermont?
- Newly opened in 2026 Pups Pub Clermont, located at 898 W. Montrose Street, is a unique Sports Bar dedicated to the furry friend in your life, offering an off-leash dog park and weekday doggy daycare (starting August 2026).
- Fumao Table, located at 646 7th Street, is slated to open on June 28, 2026. This Cuban Street Food spot will feature authentic Cuban sandwiches, coffees, empanadas, and more.
- Back 40 Wine Co., now open at 719 W. Ave in downtown, this wine bar and kitchen has an elevated menu with everything from small plates to Caviar to salads and handhelds.
Beyond Downtown: Clermont's Bigger Growth Story
Downtown may be the heart of the story, but surrounding Clermont, Minneola, and Groveland are helping shape what comes next for South Lake County. The westward sprawl of new construction communities in Clermont offers more options for those seeking a move to the area. Neighboring Minneola and Groveland are also seeing growth with new neighborhoods and businesses.
That growth is changing the way people think about Clermont. It is no longer just a lakefront town with a charming main street. It has become one of Lake County’s most active residential corridors, offering a mix of newer homes, townhomes, and communities designed around convenience, trails, recreation, and access to major roads.
Thinking About Living in Clermont, Florida?
If you've been considering making Clermont home, the Clermont community page on RealtyInOrlando.com is a home base resource for all things Clermont real estate. Find available homes for sale, neighborhoods, market statistics, and so much more. The Funk Collection team has compiled details for over 80 Clermont communities, for buyers to explore details about each one, as we know choosing your next home is so much more than the home itself. It's also the neighborhood feel, amenities, and location that help narrow down that next move. For a more in-depth look at living in Clermont, check out our blog post: Living Local in Clermont, Florida.
>> Explore Clermont Community Info & Available Homes
Work With a Southwest Orlando Expert Who Knows This Market
Clermont’s growth is exciting, but it also makes the market more layered. Downtown charm, new construction corridors, nearby Minneola and Groveland growth, lakefront neighborhoods, established communities, and future development plans can all shape the decision in different ways.
That is where local experience matters.
Jeffrey Funk has spent more than 25 years helping people buy and sell real estate across Southwest Orlando and Central Florida. As co-founder of The Funk Collection, brokered by eXp Realty, Jeff brings the kind of market knowledge that goes beyond what can be found in a listing description. He understands how location, lifestyle, resale potential, builder activity, and long-term community growth all work together.
For buyers, that means having someone who can help compare the options clearly. For sellers, it means working with someone who understands how to position a home within the bigger story of Clermont’s growth and buyer demand.
Thinking about buying or selling in Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, or Southwest Orlando? Schedule a call with Jeff and get a clear, local perspective before making the next move.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clermont, Florida
Does Clermont, Florida actually have rolling hills?
Yes. Clermont sits along the Lake Wales Ridge, a natural ridge system that creates the rolling hills and elevation changes rare in Central Florida. Sugarloaf Mountain, located about 15 minutes north of Clermont, is the highest point on Florida's peninsula at approximately 310 feet, and the surrounding landscape features natural topography that gives the area genuine character compared to the flat terrain elsewhere in the region.
How far is Clermont from downtown Orlando?
Clermont is approximately 26 miles west of downtown Orlando, roughly a 30-minute drive via the Florida's Turnpike & 408, making Orlando commutes manageable for those working in the city while enjoying Clermont's lower-key environment.
How close is Clermont to I-4?
Clermont has direct access to I-4 in approximately 21.5 miles via Florida's Turnpike. This makes it straightforward to reach I-4 toward either direction (toward Daytona or Tampa Bay), plus convenient access to downtown Orlando via multiple corridors.
Is Clermont considered rural?
Clermont has a rural character with farms, lakes, and natural space, but it's not isolated. The town has a growing downtown, expanding commercial areas, and suburban neighborhoods. The rural feel is part of the appeal, offering open space and scenic views without being cut off from urban conveniences.
What makes downtown Clermont different from other downtowns in the region?
Downtown Clermont has lakefront access (Waterfront Park), a walkable core, and local restaurants and shops that reflect the area's personality. The historic district and ongoing revitalization efforts have created a gathering space that's scaled to the community.
Is Clermont a good place to live compared to nearby areas?
That depends on priorities. Clermont generally offers a lower price point for real estate than nearby Winter Garden, Windermere, or Dr. Phillips, genuine topography, and strong outdoor recreation options like the Clermont Chain of Lakes, trails, and cycling routes, making it an appealing choice for buyers.
What are the main attractions and activities in Clermont?
The Clermont Chain of Lakes offers boating, fishing, and lakefront living. Downtown Clermont's Waterfront Park is walkable with events, weekly farmers market, monthly food truck night, and local restaurants. The area also has golf courses, trails, and easy weekend access to both coasts, roughly 90 minutes to either Atlantic or Gulf beaches.
Posted by Jen Durben on
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