La Bruquena is a high-end neighborhood Puerto Rican restaurant. It's got the casual feel of an "around-the-corner" joint with worn wooden floors, an imposing neon jukebox that greets you at the front door and floor-to-ceiling front windows that open onto the sidewalk in the summer. Photos of Puerto Rican sculptures, murals and street art hang as signs of pride and symbols of La Bruquena's inspiration. Black tables with curved feet are placed next to the wall of clay-colored and decorative tiles, which leave a wide-open space for standing conversation in between the dining area and the bar.

A handful of welcome distractions can help you pass the time between when you order and when your food arrives, such as the restaurant's four flat-screen TV's, chatty yet personable regulars, a passion fruit-juice margarita or the upstairs area with its own pool table and live-music space.

There's nothing wrong with being social at La Bruquena, but from appetizer to main course, you'll want to be left alone—just you and the plate. The big hit here is mofongo—mashed plantains stuffed with meat or fish (try lobster for $23). For other lip smackers, try plantain cups stuffed with octopus ($11.95) or roasted pork with green bananas ($8.95, add blood sausage for $11.95).

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Puhala