"Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine has become a New York lunch staple for good reason: Open since 1997, the Luna family has perfected the Cuban lunch counter for the masses of Manhattan office workers. And you won’t find larger portions of tender, spiced meat anywhere else in the neighborhood. The crowd favorite may be the oxtail stew (served as the Monday, Wednesday, Friday special), especially when served with a heaping side of yellow rice and fried plantains. There’s always a Cubano sandwich too, but insiders know to order it (or the equally tasty pernil sandwich) with a twist: topped with fried plantains and Sophie’s special green sauce, made with fresh jalapeños." - Marcy Franklin