Chao Pescao draws you in: first with the punchy teal and canary yellow signage outside, and then with a soundtrack that’s equal parts laughter and salsa throwbacks like “Yo No Sé Mañana” blasting through the huge space with high ceilings. When your server returns after you’ve ordered drinks to say, “Your cocktails are coming - almost time to get the party started,” you’ll fully believe them. This Cuban/Colombian restaurant in Civic Center is big, bright, and always bumping. And at some point during your meal, as you see groups of friends going in on wooden boards of fried tostones and empanadas, and clinking mojitos before a basket of pan de bono hits the table, you’ll realize your server was onto something - you really are at a party, and one you won’t want to leave. Like any great party host looking to create the right vibe, Chao Pesao has all the details covered: good atmosphere and decorations, including one pink wall made entirely of mounted musical instruments. The service is friendly but not fussy. Even as the dining room gets packed, you’ll still feel like you’re the only table in the house. Or better yet, like a regular who’s been coming in for years to share plates of lechon cubano and bowls of ajiaco. But the best parties are ones where there are no rules and that’s how you should approach Chao Pescao’s huge menu. Go family-style and share some bocadillos, like hearty chicharrones, refreshing caesar salads piled high with grilled shrimp, and rice and bean plates you’ll be thinking about halfway through your third sync-up meeting the next day. Or you could drop in at lunch, and have some Tajín-fried chicken all to yourself. There’s no wrong way to order because everything is incredible - and comes in big enough portions to feed you and everyone you’re with, twice. In an area dominated by monochromatic grey city buildings, concert halls, and museums, Chao Pescao is a (literal) colorful spot. It’s somewhere you’ll have a great time, every time, and will encourage you to start thinking of the theme for your at-home leftovers party before you even leave.