La Caridad
A great stop-off if you're shopping or strolling on the Upper West Side. Though it bills itself as Cuban-Chinese, very few people order from the Chinese side of the menu. Instead, this clean but no-frills eatery has drawn massive crowds with Cuban and Cuban-tinged specialties like ropa vieja (shredded beef) and arroz con pollo (boneless chicken with yellow rice). We also like the fried pork chops, which are massive and come smothered in chopped garlic. The one excellent Chinese dish worth ordering is the wonton soup -- it's huge and comes with a generous addition of sliced pork. This is a popular spot, so you may have to wait. The service isn't especially chummy, but that's not why you go. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations not accepted. $. No credit cards. 2199 Broadway (between 77th and 78th Streets; near the 79th Street subway station), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-874-2780.