By Jim Carchidi
March 8, 2026
The Smith & Main complex just off Plant Street will debut its first tenant this week when Harlow Grove begins service on Wednesday, March 11.
The venue joins AJ’s Pizza Joint, The Whole Enchilada, and Harrell’s Hot Dogs as the latest Winter Garden concept by Fort Lauderdale-based Knallhart Management Group. The two-story restaurant at 186 S. Main St. is billed as “a space that’s carefully curated but never intimidating, where ease and style coexist.”
The interior
The entrance opens into a first-floor lounge offering table and booth seating, and a semi-private nook by a front window. The bar is flanked by ornate wall sconces and liquor shelves decorated with small animal sculptures.
The ceiling above the bar is filled by an Old Florida-inspired custom-made rattan chandelier with a flock of tropical birds surrounding its lighted center.
A grand staircase leads guests past the chandelier and onto the second-floor dining room, situated by a full-service mirrored bar. A row of windows previews the 65-seat terrace, canopied by the lighted branches of the century-old oak tree by the corner of Main and Smith streets.
The Planning
Marketing Director Ashley Alejo told The Orlando Real the concept is loosely based on one of the company’s South Florida eateries, The Wilder.
“We used The Wilder as a kind-of template,” she said. “It has a similar safari vibe that invites you to explore each area, but here, it’s all leading you toward the second-floor terrace.”
According to Knallhart Director of South Florida Operations, Tamara Jovanovic, the oak tree played a major role in the design and planning.
“We started working on this restaurant two years ago,” she said. “There were ideas in mind to incorporate the tree and make the most of this property. Having the terrace and bringing the experience up into the branches became an important feature.”
The menus
Harlow Grove's American fare includes salmon, burgers, and crispy chicken alongside signature dishes ranging from lobster lasagna and “24-Hour” ribs to a short-rib dip.
The drink menu includes 16 cocktail creations and features an espresso martini with pistachio and almond orgeat. Another item, dubbed The Dime Piece, incorporates bourbon with Heering cherry liqueur and sour cherry with a topping of salted vanilla "air." Three “zero-proof” mocktails are also offered.
Local Business
Harlow Grove and it's upcoming Smith & Main neighbor, Pure Barre, are opening at a time of some uncertainty for fans of the nearby Plant Street businesses district. Recent building purchases and small business closures have raised questions about the future of Winter Garden's small town vibe. Residents have expressed concerns to city leaders, who are unable to intervene and cite the commercial purchases and business leases as private matters. Guests at recent pre-grand-opening events seem to be offering Harlow Grove a warm welcome.
Second floor office spaces at the Smith & Main complex are still available and Harlow Grove is looking to fill some job openings. A sandwich board by the door advertises front and back of house positions.
Hours and reservations
The Harlow Grove dress code is casual and reservations are available, but not mandatory. Hours are:
- 4-11 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.
- 4 p.m.-12 a.m., Fri. and Sat.
- 4-10 p.m., Sun.
Dinner service ends at 10 p.m. with a Late Night Menu offered until closing. Weekend brunch service is expected to begin within weeks of the March 11 grand opening. Check Harlow Grove social media and the website for updates, reservations and information.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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