Founded by Sean Meenan, Café Habana has become a significant part of New York (and Los Angeles) Mexican food culture. It was created on the principles of “great food, great fun and social responsibility” which is a pretty great start, right?

The Manhattan restaurant, in super-trendy Soho, started the trio back in 1997. It’s a diner-style eatery where big, citrus cocktails are readily available along with big home-style meals. (There’s also a take-away spot right next door.)

In Brooklyn, Habana Outpost is an outdoor, picnic-style place, where you can do some serious people-watching on a sunny Sunday afternoon. You can even mix your own frozen margarita by pedaling on one of the exercise bikes!

In Malibu, Café Habana is a little more serious, but just as delicious. And to add to the Mexican/Cuban vibes, you’re super-close to the beach.

We recommend the fish tacos, frozen margaritas, but the (surprising) crown jewel on this fabulous establishment is their home-made limeade. It is the best.

Café Habana has locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Malibu.

More at cafehabana.com.