"This Columbia City restaurant is always active, with soccer matches playing on the TVs, big open windows that let in sunlight, and the bustling soundtrack from Rainier Ave. Must-try dishes include a pile of Island Soul’s creamy mac and cheese, sticky chicken wings, and glistening gumbo. Also make sure a coconut corn muffin hits your table, plus at least one rum punch—which usually turns to two." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley