by Hannah Wallace

Photography by Chad Spencer

THE PLACE

Red Clasico, 1341 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 957-0700, barclasico.com.

A sleek, contemporary, Euro-style interior with moody lighting that complements the big, sunlit windows that reveal Palm Avenue sidewalk life. Opposite the windows, a long bar overlooks tables and high-tops and sits adjacent to a pastry counter in the back.

THE PEOPLE

High-powered executives plotting their next moves; hip, tattooed 20-somethings studying their iPads.

TIME FACTOR

If you couldn’t tell by the moody atmosphere, this is not a grab-and-go kind of place. Bring your next big client here to sit back and seal the deal.

THE FOOD

Sophisticated takes on lunchy, café fare include Baja fish tacos ($10) with tempura-battered fish, spicy aioli and homemade tortillas or the roasted broccoli and cauliflower flatbread ($9). They also serve a selection of sandwiches like club, Reuben and French dip, plus a burger ($9) that some claim is the best in town. Salads range from Cobb ($10) and kale Caesar ($9) to warm goat cheese and candied walnuts ($12) and raspberry, avocado and cucumber ($9). ■