photo: Beatrice Smigasiewicz

The first thing you'll hear about Calypso Cafe is that Michelle Obama goes there for lunch, but that's not the only reason the restaurant has a line out the door. The atmosphere has a lot to offer; listen to the sound of steel drums as you take in the bright, pastel-colored Caribbean decor in the elevated Hyde Park restaurant, complete with palm trees, wicker-basket lamps and decorative toucans.

And how about the food? Start with the thick Cuban black bean soup, or try house-smoked salmon caesar salad. The Creamy Three Citrus dressing will keep you in that island state of mind, as will entrees ($11-$17) like jerk chicken and pineapple-glazed tilapia. You've been saying you need a vacation, so call ahead and reserve a table; you never know who you might run into.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Beatrice Smigasiewicz