Six months is usually considered the earliest a new restaurant, bar or coffeeshop can receive a fair review. Each month, Metro spotlights five of the newest places we think are worth a look-see.

Habana Cuba
387 S 1st St, San Jose. 408.998.2822
This iconic San Jose restaurant—and 16-time Metro “Best of” winner—has shut its doors on Race Street and maneuvered into the SoFA Market. All of the usual favorites, like tostones ($6), ropa vieja ($14) and lechon ($14) are still available, but in a fast-casual setting as opposed to the sit-down style of years past. (JD)

Boiler Maker
379 E Campbell Ave, Campbell. 408.370.3400
From the owners of the now-defunct Liquid Bread, this fast-casual pub features a full bar, local craft brews, wine and cocktails, as well as re-imagined classic pub food needed to soak up the excess booze. The beer-battered deep-fried bacon ($8) and short rib Philly ($12) are two mouthwatering items. (JD)

XLB Kitchen
10235 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino. 408.217.6510
One thing we can never have enough of are those delightful Chinese dumplings, xiao long bao (aka XLB). Dining rule No. 1: if it’s in the name—get it! Their namesake XLBs ($6.95/6) are the go-to item here, with savory soup filling, meaty interior and plump skin. (JD)

The Funny Farm
7028 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose. 408.681.9501
This new south side joint is taking everyday items and giving them its own “looney” twist, such as the Monte Cristo sandwich ($10), which features turkey, Black Forest ham, bacon and Swiss cheese wrapped in a tortilla and then deep-fried golden-brown. And any place that serves up poutine fries ($8) is certainly worth a try. (JD)

O Mok Jo Mok
3080 El Camino Real, Santa Clara 408.899.6000
Specializing in small, affordable dishes, this Korean style izakaya is a perfect place to grab some grub and soju ($7.77) after work. If soju isn’t your thing, they also offer peach sangria, bek seju—a rice-based fermented alcoholic beverage flavored with ginseng and other herbs—and draft beers by the pitcher or glass. Try the savory kimchi pancake ($6.77), loaded clam soup ($13.77) or mouthwatering bulgogi ($17.77). (KL)