Finding a tasty tamale isn't always easy, even in a neighborhood crammed with Mexican eateries. Too often the spices are off, the corn meal is too mushy or the filling is over the top. Susupuato’s tamales are above all that with their spot-on spice and perfectly portioned fillings. And they don’t make you buy them in bundles, like many places, although you might want to after tasting one. Or opt for the tamal suizo, a generous pile of rice and beans topped by two tamales.

The only drawback is the limited tamale choices: chicken or pork. But if you're feeling more like steak or shrimp, the menu has a ton of entrees highlighting each; steak and eggs, steak and potatoes, sautéed shrimp and shrimp cocktail, to name a few.

Susupuato's interior looks like the remains of an old dance studio with its mirrored walls and open space. Over-sized Christmas bulbs provide a rainbow of light from gold-plated fixtures and two large window nooks offer more intimate seating. Susupuato is BYO, with no corkage fee.

Centerstage Reviewer: Stacy Warden