Photo provided by Cafe in the Park

With an expansive skate park, tennis court center, kids’ playground, paved walking trails/biking pathways, plenty of space to lounge solo or gather with your chosen—you couldn’t ask for a better establishment of engaging food and refreshments in the heart of Payne Park. Kart-wheel over to Cafe in the Park for an airy lunch break spoilt with natural lighting and plenty of greenery—around you and on your plate. Off-menu daily specials written on a chalkboard feature bites made with locally sourced ingredients in season, of which you can receive 10% off your lunch when you mention the day’s awesome board (leaked ahead of time on the Facebook and Instagram). Offering a healthy mix of creative, organic and affordable foods, the cafe starts each day with baking fresh baguettes in house and using hand-picked herbs harvested from its own garden, as well as market-fresh produce from local providers. Cafe in the Park also carries a quality selection of beer and wine, featuring seasonal brews and vintages to pair with that scrumptious Chicken Salad Croissant.

On Friday nights, Cafe in the Park hosts Session Live—showcasing concerts and performances on the patio’s outdoor stage that diversifies weekly. “We’re currently enthusiastically booking for the upcoming season and will be covering all the musical bases from jazz, blues, Americana, bluegrass, alternative, gypsy jazz, soul, Latin, World and others,” shares owner/proprietor Simone Steiff. Loyal park-goers anticipate the weekly email that announces the musical guest for that coming weekend, as well as the featured menu, which offers specials often geared to the genre of music that night. “On Friday nights, we expand our menu options and shift from a more simple daytime sandwich spot to feature a creative and exciting range of specials, adding another option in Sarasota’s exciting dinner and music scene,” says Steiff. “On any given Friday night, you could find anything from a Watermelon Feta Mint Salad to Organic Vegan Lentil Soup to a hearty Italian Beef Sandwich.”

This Friday, get your drink and belly roll on with a World Music & Belly Dance showcase with Latin Rendezvous. Sounds by Rumba Flamenco Bossa Nova World Music, performing a blend of music inspired by rhythms of Latin America, Spain and the Middle East, plus a belly dancing treat by Jameela. It’s all within easy reach on the edge of Downtown Sarasota—but an oasis still of nature and music under the stars.

Photo provided by Cafe in the Park

2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota, 941.361.3032. Take Out, Catering & Delivery also available.