"When your boss incorrectly uses the term "low lift" again, ditch work early and head to Island Soul for a rum-heavy drink and some Caribbean food. This Columbia City restaurant is always loud, with soccer matches playing on the TVs, big open windows that let in sunlight, and the bustling soundtrack from Rainier Ave. Colorful paintings of far off places are almost as beautiful as a pile of Island Soul’s creamy mac and cheese, sticky chicken wings, or glistening gumbo. And make sure a coconut corn muffin side (that we could eat for dessert) hits your table, plus at least one rum punch—which usually turns to two." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente