The Scene With thatched umbrellas, photos of crashing waves, stuffed toucans and a soundtrack of twangy '60s surf-rock, it doesn't take a genius to figure out this chain's theme. Yep, it's beach, burgers and plenty of kitsch. The jovial atmosphere and service (not to mention a full-service bar) lures lunching business folk, beer-drinking college students and families with food-throwing toddlers.
The Food Like the decor, the menu is a no-brainer--sandwiches, salads, fries and burgers. Served in a basket with fork and knife, thick beef patties come grilled to order with lettuce, tomato and any variety of extras. For a lighter bite, try one of the soft tacos. Filled with either fish or chicken, the wraps are inauthentic, but tasty. Yaki tacos are stuffed with teriyaki chicken, chives, pineapple and jack cheese. Whatever you order, don't forget the fries. These hand-cut, super-crispy sticks are addicting, especially when dipped in creamy ranch dressing.
Pros: fun atmosphere and decor, good salads and burgers.
Cons: too expensive (especially considering many of the entrees are served in plastic baskets!)
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Good burgers, Very filling
By twarkent
They make a fine burger, massive and juicy. Get a side of curly fries with some ranch dressing for that extra bit of arterial bliss, followed by a trip to the doc for angioplasty...ENJOY!
Posted 06/25/07
Good food, at good prices
By johnlee2323
Just went to Islands yesterday. I was happy with their wide variety of selection and I thought their prices were fairly set.
Posted 06/24/07
Terrible! Why Would Anyone in So Cal Eat A Burger Here!?
By jbramen
So Cal is home to some of the finest hamburger establishments in the US. We have In N Out, Fatburger, The Apple Pan, Hamburger Habit; all inexpensive high quality burger joints worthy of a letter home to Mom. If you want a good solid burger at a place with more diverse food options, please do not go to Islands. The meat is horrible (the last time I ate there there was crunchies in the patty), the cheese is low quality the tomatoes are unripe and it is priced like a good restraunts burger (not too far off from the Cheescake factory, which has better food and service). The fries used to be good, but the last two times I was there they were limp and greasy. They probably changed their supplier. I have fond memories of this place from childhood, but either my tastes have improved, or the food quality has declined significantly.
Pros: Good Ranch Dressing, Diverse Food Options Cons: The Food, All of It
Posted 01/12/07
A Welcome Spot for Parents
By poppies77
It's so nice to take your little one to a bright, friendly, tasty spot like Islands. I've never had a bad experience here, which says a lot since I end up here so often. The teriyaki burger (I order mine with a bean patty, which is a nice option to have) is pretty great, if a little drippy, and the awesome cheese fries come in a giant portion.
Posted 11/23/06
Good slushie margarita
By sillyputy9
One of my guilty pleasures are those margaritas you get out of a giant slushie machine and Islands delivers. They're perfectly smooth and goes great before some shopping at the Westside Pavillion.
