the place Appropriate for the historic brick building it occupies, the interior calls to mind bygone ice cream parlors, with a storefront window, black-and-white linoleum floors, low tables and a handful of seats at the hefty marble bar backed by a large mirror. Find the menu on a large chalkboard on the wall.

the diners Young locals in pairs; precocious high school kids learning about good coffee (or ice cream).

time factor Great for grabbing a quick cup of coffee, or sit down for a sandwich and make it back to the office within the lunch hour.

the food Boar’s Head sandwiches in small (eight-inch) or large (12-inch) sizes, including a “Sicilian Special” Italian ($7.05, $9.30) and a killer hot-pressed Cuban ($8.20, $9.50), as well as other standard combinations. Also offered are hummus, flavorful black beans and a rice bowl ($6.25) featuring mojo pork, beans and plantains. Not to mention excellent coffee and espresso drinks, ice cream, fresh-made Italian sodas and milkshakes.

Drago's | 904 Manatee Ave E., Bradenton, (941) 757-0953