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FOOD AND DRINK


BEST CAFE CUBANO

WINNER
Versailles, 3555 SW Eighth St., Miami, 305-444-0240, www.versaillesecuban.com
This lively, boisterous joint, called the ''Cuban Denny's'' because of its night owl hours, reportedly sells more than 1,000 coffees a day at its walk-up window alone. Decaf, anyone?

RUNNER-UP
La Carreta (multiple locations, www.lacarreta.com)

BEST BREAKFAST

WINNER
Mo's Bagels, 2780 NE 187th St., Aventura, 305-936-8555
Mo, Mo. Mo. How do you like it? Toasted with butter, thanks. This no-frills New York-style deli is known for its perfectly poofy hand rolled bagels, mammoth omelets and a Seinfeld fave, babka. All that's missing is the din of Broadway traffic.

RUNNER-UP
IHOP (multiple locations, www.ihop.com)
Flapjacks fanatics hop over for the fluffy stacks as well as eggs done every which way. Comfort food, take me away!

BEST BURGER

WINNER
Le Tub, 1100 N Ocean Dr. Hollywood, 954-921-9425, www.theletub.com
Once GQ and Oprah raved about these half-pound, hand-shaped sirloin patties (on a sesame seed bun), LT's stock soared, but not their prices. About $10, and worth every cent.

RUNNER-UP
Fuddruckers (multiple locations, www.fuddruckers.com)
Founded about 25 years ago by a hungry man in Texas, the company boasts 100 percent USDA fresh ground beef, produce-stand-fresh fixins and daily baked buns.

BEST JUKEBOX

WINNER
Johnny Rockets (multiple locations, www.johnnyrockets.com)
Feeling nostalgic? This international chain of Happy Days-esque diners specializes in food from a simpler time: soda pop, burgers, milkshakes. Slip a nickel into the tabletop machine for a sampling from the '50s and '60s. Sure beats crunk.

RUNNER-UP
The Bar, 172 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, 305-442-2730
The secret was out as soon as Maxim magazine named this place Best Bar in America in 2002. The jukebox, connected to six speakers, is fully loaded, with more than 10,000 selections. ''It's constantly being updated,'' says manager Domingo Nurillo. ''People love it.''

BEST SEAFOOD

WINNER
Joe's Stone Crab, 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-0365, www.joesstonecrab.com
How hot is Joe's? So hot that . . . it can close for Miami's hellish summer and reopen to the same, long lines. Flockers feast on the killer claws; plump, meaty crabcakes; and sublime Key lime pie.

RUNNER-UP
Red Lobster (multiple locations, www.redlobster.com)
While not the most refined of eateries, the red house gets the job done (love those cheese biscuits). And for the price, you can't beat it.

BEST MOJITO

WINNER
Mojito's, Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12th St., Miami, 305-406-9416, www.mojitos.com
Appropriate name. Savvy sippers rave over the way Cuba's national cocktail is made at this Colonial-style, evocative eatery. The secret? They'll never tell.

RUNNER-UP
Chispa, 225 Altara Ave., Coral Gables, 305-648-2600, www.chisparestaurant.com
Miami's hotspot for upscale Nuevo Latino cuisine since 2003 has just opened a second location in Doral.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

WINNER
Upper Deck
This popular hangout also came in first place for best hole-in-the-wall, but bartender Cherie Estrada takes offense to that. "We're actually a clean, cool, nice place," she says. "People like the fact that we know everyone by name, know what they drink."

RUNNER-UP
Flanigan's (multiple locations, www.flanigans.net)
In 1959, founder Big Daddy Joe Flanigan (that's his face on the signs) started this joint as a nightclub. It's now a SoFla staple where barflies dig in to fried appetizers, baby back ribs and yummy fish platters. Don't forget to take home your big green cup.

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE THE KIDS

WINNER
Chuck E Cheese's (locations, www.chuckecheese.com)
While this romper room can't boast great cuisine (not much else going on beside pizza), they've got loads for the chillun, including rides, arcade games, slides and a friendly mouse mascot, a rattier version of Mickey.

RUNNER-UP
McDonald's
We're lovin' that Micky D's constantly reinvents its menu to cater to nutrition-conscious adults, aka the baby-sitters. Post-Happy Meal, kids can be as hyper as they wanna be, mucking around in the playground or making a mess with unlimited ketchup packets.

BEST RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW

WINNER
Houston's Miami, 17355 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2000
Not many U.S. cities have the luxury of being surrounded by water. Unlike its Miracle Mile sister, this H has got
the prized vista of Biscayne Bay. Grab a trendy tipple, then watch the sunset along the pretty walkway.

RUNNER-UP
Rusty Pelican, 3201 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne, 305-361-3818
The vantage point of the Miami skyline doesn't get much better than at this low-key, funky seafood vet. Best at night when you can chill on the deck with firepits.

BEST CHAIN

WINNER
Houston's (multiple locations, www.hillstone.com)
The L.A.-based chain seemingly has something for everyone -- the singles cramming the bar almost nightly, families wolfing the big portions and non-cookers looking to cut costs. The classic American food is occasionally stellar, and more often than not, plain and good.

RUNNER-UP
Cheesecake Factory (multiple locations, www.cheesecakefactory.com)
What started out as a small cake shop in Detroit is now an always-hopping mega franchise, where the emphasis is more on what comes before dessert (though the cheesecakes still rock). The twist is it doesn't feel like a chain, with the classy Euro decor. Question: Isn't it time for a less cheesy name? The Factory, maybe.

BEST GET DRESSED UP & TAKE HER OUT TO DINNER SPOT

WINNER
Morton's (multiple locations, www.mortons.com)
You folks sure do like your steak when it's done right and under the right circumstances, as it is here. A clubby, understated spot with impeccable service, serious chops and generous sides.

RUNNER-UP
Prime One Twelve, 112 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 305-532-8112, www.prime112.com
This SoBe sleekster was made for date night. Couples love the buzzy scene, comp bacon at the bar and of course, the mmm-mmm-meat. The Kobe burger, $30, is reportedly nirvana for the mouth.

BEST HOLE IN THE WALL

WINNER
Upper Deck, 906 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach, 954-454-8878, www.upperdeckew hallandale.com
Go for the great view (overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway next to the Atlantic Avenue drawbridge) or just the friendly vibe, rockin' seafood and brewskis by the bucketload.

RUNNER-UP
Le Tub, 1100 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood, 954-921-9425, www.theletub.com
For more than 50 years, this waterside dive's been putting out cheap, quality chow like beer-steamed shrimp, fresh fish anyway you like and terrific burgers.

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