There's a reason Chopped judge and celebrity chef Amanda Freitag told New Times this place is her first stop when she lands in Miami. El Mago de las Fritas is casual and family-owned, with more than three decades of legacy. This spot does classic dishes best, especially the beloved frita, which is how owner Ortelio Cárdenas earned his nickname of "El Mago," or "The Magician." Cárdenas is 77 years old and handcrafts the patties himself. His fritas are perfectly sized, impeccably juicy and flavorful, and lack the grease that taints some Cuban burgers. Though he keeps his seasoning and sauce recipes a secret, Cárdenas is eager to share the renowned finished product, which sells for only $3.50 each. Miami has lots of options when it comes to this local staple, but choose the spot with the magic touch. El Mago de las Fritas is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. till the last customer leaves.