Photography by Chad Spencer

THE PLACE

Café in the Park, 2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota, (941) 361-3032. A glass-walled, sunlit, sandwich shop oasis atop a small hill in the middle of downtown Sarasota’s Payne Park, the café has both indoor and outdoor patio seating with sleek aluminum tables and chairs and a near 360-degree view of the park’s grassy expanse, fountains, play-ground and skate park.

THE PEOPLE

Young families with children and/or dogs; workers from the nearby courthouse and city offices.

TIME FACTOR

Counter service and just a short wait for your sandwich to be made to order and brought to your table. There’s also a to-go option if you’re really in a rush.

THE FOOD

Ten creative sandwiches include a grilled cheese on sourdough ($4), a Cuban ($7.25), and originals like the “Zoe” with prosciutto, goat cheese, pine nuts and honey ($8.25), or the Pilgrim, with turkey, curry mayo, red onion and cucumber ($7.25). A couple of colorful salad options and a more-than-respectable coffee/cappuccino list complete the menu. ■ by Hannah Wallace