Carmine's Seventh Avenue   

After the demise of several cheap Latin-quarter eateries, Carmine's remains, offering staples such as black beans and rice, and Cuban sandwiches, along with hearty Italian fare and bar food. What might come as a surprise is that this spot also dishes up one of the best burgers in town: hearty slabs of ground chuck between fluffy buns, with generous portions of toppings to boot. A popular daytime restaurant and late hours watering hole, Carmine's was established by a famed Tampa Italian clan, the Iavarone family, in 1946. They've catered to both Tampa's working class and elite. The spacious, matchless mix of nouveau restaurant and old-style cafeteria atmosphere make it a date spot and a cool place to nosh between shopping stops and night club hops. Its local claim to fame -- the genuine Cuban sandwiches -- comes packed with smoked ham, roasted pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, salad dressing, mustard, lettuce and tomatoes on fresh, flaky submarine bread. A vegetarian-style Cuban is also available. Those dining on a budget should order the combination of a half-sandwich and choice of black beans and rice or a bowl of Spanish soup made with sausage, potatoes and garbanzo beans. Other recommended entrees include the Cuban-style roast pork chops with mushroom sauce and spaghetti with a blue-crab tomato sauce. Count on standing in line late-night, when the munchies kick in for Ybor City revelers.