My favorite cheap cruisers are the Kent La Jolla. Nice light frame, fun to ride. Rear hub is crap, though. Crank isn't so hot either but they usually last longer than rear hub. All bearings should be repacked before riding.

If price is no object, then Merlin Newsboy, of course.

One of these days I hope to find a nice KHS Brentwood cruiser. CL searches for Brentwood are such a drag, though, cuz they're all Brentwood comfort bikes.