THE PLACE

Lovin’ Spoonfull, 2241 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota,

(941) 366-4408.

An unassuming, sunlit diner, Lovin’ Spoonfull has the kind of no-frills charm you want in a downtown lunch stop. There’s the requisite diner bar and a booth by the front window, with a line of tables and chairs stretching toward the back of the elongated space.

THE PEOPLE

City workers from nearby governmental offices, including suits, subcontractors and lab-coated employees from the health department.

TIME FACTOR

Make it a long lunch meeting if you’re dining in; for folks on the go, there’s a steady stream of called-in takeout orders.

THE FOOD

Hearty diner favorites do not disappoint, including the avocado BLT ($7.95), the tuna melt on rye with tomato and Swiss ($7.95), and the standard selection of deli sandwiches. The breakfast menu, no less hearty, is also available during lunch and includes a waffle ($4.95), quiche ($7.95) or a heaping serving of biscuits and peppery sausage gravy with two eggs ($6.95), as well as a good selection of pastries.