Cafe Habana
17 Prince Street (off Elizabeth Street)
212-625-2002

Cafe Habana was at the forefront, years before the hipster cafe meets ethnic cuisine trend, and, since then, many have followed (Lovely Day, Cafe Cito -- can't walk through the east village without stumbling upon one). It is affordable and the corn and mojitos are delicious. The downside is that the wait is often absurd, there are no reservations at this trendy small 50's diner style of a restaurant. The good news is that the delivery and to go branch are excellent, and on any beautiful day, you can get your food in 15 minutes and eat it outside on a bench in beautiful Nolita. Be advised that the takeaway has 2/3 the menu, but all the favorites are on it. Be hip, and raise a glass to the death of Castro.