Best new excuse to brush up on your Spanish: Yerba Buena

OTHER NOMINEES: Cabrito, La Superior, Txikito

Since island escapes are on hold this year, you've sought relief closer to home—in tropical cocktails and bright, fiery food. Julian Medina's Pan-Latin sleeper, with its bygone Havana decor, delivers both. Yerba Buena features contributions from some of the city's top barkeeps (including Audrey Saunders's Pisco Punch) and a generous roster of vittles, both innovative (a Cubano sandwich in pizza form!) and classic (exceptional suckling pig). Yerba Buena 23 Ave A between 1st and 2nd Sts (212-529-2919)