Cafe Paraiso

Downtown day workers have been grabbing a quick lunch at this Cuban sandwich stand along Andrews Avenue for years, since it was known as Sury's. But recently, the walkup counter has been taken over by the property's original owners, who have cleaned the place up and revamped the menu. Where the old stand was dirty and in disrepair, the new look is muy limpio, with freshly prepared food to match. Park in back next to the quirky, oceanic art and pull up a stool at the counter. For around six bucks, you can get a grilled-steak sandwich with griddled onions and hot, pressed Cuban bread, topped with lettuce, tomato, and crispy fried potato sticks (for an authentic crunch). Pork and croquetas sandwiches are constructed in much the same way, as is the trademark Cuban sandwich, made with sweet ham, pickles, and savory roasted pork. Paraiso also makes a great bean- and meat-laden chili each day that you can wash down with a frosty mango batido or steamy cortadito.