WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY -- ALMOST CUBA

Without breaking some pretty serious rules, we can't easily go to Cuba. And while that seems a little silly in 2007, there's not much we can do about it. Don't think we're giving up on our Miami Vice visions of speedboats to Havana with mojitos and Cuban music on a terrace overlooking the old city. But for now, here are our two favorite NYC Cuban joints. One on the east side; one on the west. Think we missed the very best? Click here to make yourself known.

FOOD & BOOZE: CAFECITO (Avenue C b/w 11th & 12th Sts.) (E. Village)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: This great Cuban spot sits on a block still largely occupied by Spanish speakers, despite the gentrification underway in Alphabet City. The quality food, great prices and fun, laidback atmosphere make it popular with both the old neighborhood types and the new.

Recommendations: Our favorite Cuban sandwich in the city (loaded with pulled pork, prosciutto, ham, cheese, pickles, mayo & mustard on pressed bread) is also one of the city's best food values at $7. On a good day, it's one of the best sandwiches we've ever had. The ceviche (usually grouper) and the shrimp salad are top notch, but a little more pricey. The Cuban style coffee is also excellent. Go for a mojito with that Cuban or maybe a pitcher of Sangria (they offer red or white).

Good in All Seasons: This is a great place to fade away to a little piece of Havana in the cold months, but it's also a great scene in the summer months when there's a real neighborhood feel with local kids playing at the lunch counter and a laidback crowd sipping Sol and Corona at the bar that opens on to the street. We'll be sure to remind you to head back when the weather turns.

Details: 11 to 11pm Sun-Wed. 11 to midnight Thurs-Sat. Entrees from $12 to $14. Sandwiches about $7.

FOOD & BOOZE: CAFE CUBANO (Thompson St. b/w Prince & Spring)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: Descend down a short flight of stairs from the street to enter this colorful upbeat little Cuban hideout in SoHo. The rainbow assortment of Jarritos soda that line the pillar in the middle of the place add an extra splash of color. And there's a small bar where you can grab a quick mojito as you wait for a table. It's just on the outskirts of the tourist filled shopping area of SoHo, so it's not overrun with out-of-towners or attitude. And it's a great place to grab some food after a SoHo shopping session.

Recommendations: We've found the shrimp dishes to be the standouts at this place. The Sopa de Mariscos is a must. The salty broth is perfect with loads of shrimp, mussels and calamari. Any of the shrimp entrees are also fantastic. The pulled pork and chicken entrees are hit or miss, but there are some solid choices.

Details: 11:30 to 10:30pm Sun-Thurs; 11:30 to 11:30pm Fri & Sat. Entrees from $7 to $12. Sandwiches about $7 or $8. Sopa de Mariscos $6.50.