This Chatham-based chicken shack has been cooking up some of the best Caribbean-style food on the South Side for over twelve years. Although the majority of its business is take-out, this ramshackle storefront does have some seating for folks who've come out of the way in order to sample Daddy O's wares. It's a comfortable atmosphere, with reggae, ska and other lilting Caribbean music styles playing in the background.

The standout meal at Daddy O's is jerk chicken, and it's prepared with lots of effort and care. Every inch of the butterflied whole chickens is coated in allspice, thyme, scallions and five-alarm Jamaican scotch bonnet peppers, then the birds are slow-grilled over hot charcoal for two hours. Finally, they are carved to order and served with a heaping portion of fresh plantains, salad, beans, rice and Caribbean hard dough bread. You'll need every bit of those sides to blanch the fire that will inevitably rage in your mouth, too. Daddy O's chicken is not for the faint of heart. Diners can also sample some braised oxtails, jerked red snapper, curry goat and chicken, which are slightly lower on the heat index, but still blazing.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Chuck Sudo