Island Soul - Seattle

"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

"When: Monday-Friday, 4-6pm, Friday-Saturday, 9-11:30 pm The Deal: $4 Bottled Beer, $5 Drafts, $6 Well Drinks, $7 Glasses Of Wine, Discounted Snacks This Columbia City restaurant is always lively, with games on the TVs, big open windows that let in sunlight, and the bustling soundtrack from Rainier Ave. If you get there early (or late on the weekends), order the creamy mac and cheese with a rum-based cocktail that can easily turn into two." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente

"As the name Island Soul suggests, this Columbia City restaurant masterfully blends the cuisines of the Caribbean and Louisiana, so you get soul food like gumbo mingling with jerk chicken. The wings are killer, coated with a sweet mango sauce (and habanero, if you want some extra heat) and the rum-heavy selection of excellent cocktails will put out the fire. Check out the sidewalk patio too." - Eater Staff, Jade Yamazaki Stewart, Gabe Guarente

"This lively Columbia City spot serves up a variety of excellent Caribbean and New Orleans-influenced dishes, such as a fall-off-the-bone oxtail stew. But the gumbo is a true star, with a generous medley of shredded crab, prawns, hot links, and chicken, as well as heat to spare." - Jenise Silva, Eater Staff

"When your boss incorrectly uses the term "low lift" again, ditch work early and head to Island Soul for a rum-heavy cocktail and some Caribbean food. This Columbia City restaurant is always lively, 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." - Kayla Sager-Riley