Insider Pages Reviews for Islands

4 Stars: Good burgers, Very filling (by twarkent)

twarkent — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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!

3 Stars: Good food, at good prices (by johnlee2323)

johnlee2323 — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Just went to Islands yesterday. I was happy with their wide variety of selection and I thought their prices were fairly set.

1 Stars: Terrible! Why Would Anyone in So Cal Eat A Burger Here!? (by jbramen)

jbramen — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

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.

4 Stars: A Welcome Spot for Parents (by poppies77)

poppies77 — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

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.

4 Stars: Good slushie margarita (by sillyputy9)

sillyputy9 — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

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.

4 Stars: nice lunch spot (by samsclams)

samsclams — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

a good place to grab a burger, basket of fries, and chocolate shake - if you're really feeling sinful. kinda miffed that fries aren't included with your burger order and doesn't make sense that a veggie burger costs more than a regular burger, but otherwise recommended when you're in the mood for a non-fast food burger.

5 Stars: Good Burgers, and Margaritas (by lisa_f)

lisa_f — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

This place is great to go to if you want a nice relaxing casual meal. The burgers are great, and so many to choose from. Great Margaritas, I recommend this place if you want to have a good meal and not have to pay an arm and a leg for it.

5 Stars: Best Burgers (by mywash)

mywash — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

By far the best burgers in the LA area. The ambiance & decor is amazing & the service is surprising for a place you visit for burgers. My wife also loves the salads.

5 Stars: My favorite burger place! (by balgus)

balgus — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Islands never fails to serve a great meal with friendly prompt waiters and relaxing ambience. Parking is a little difficult during certain hours if you don't valet but there are meters on the street. A great place to hang out with friends!

1 Stars: At least I can watch surfing..... (by kamaaina63)

kamaaina63 — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Once they got rid of the "Lu'au Tacos," I had no reason to go back. Typical chain restaurant food....aka Chevy's, Cheescake Factory, etc..... Crappy food, crappy service, nice looking restaurant. The only thing Islands has now, is the fact that i can watch surfing and snowboarding on the many TV's located throughout.

2 Stars: Fun place but overpriced (by Jamie P.)

Jamie P. — Wed, 18 May 2005 22:46:00 GMT

Pros: fun atmosphere and decor, good salads and burgers.

Cons: too expensive (especially considering many of the entrees are served in plastic baskets!)

5 Stars: best burgers (by defjux)

defjux — Fri, 08 Oct 2004 02:00:00 GMT

i can't believe some of the negative things people say about this place. they must work for in n out cuz there really is no comparison. island's burgers like the hawaiin and hula are great.. half a pound of juicy beef with great fresh toppings. one of islands patty's is as much beef as 2 in n out burgers and tastier too. island's fries were voted best of L.A. on some show on NBC. their tacos are good too, and the service is great. waitresses fill yur drink up before you even have time to finish the one your on.

1 Stars: Terrible Service (by foodcritic2004)

foodcritic2004 — Tue, 22 Jun 2004 02:00:00 GMT

Islands is not famous for their hamburgers, but for their terrible service, specially this location (pico west LA) I have been there twice and both times I had very bad service. The servers forget things, they are indifferent, talk to much on the back and dissapear without notice. The manager is never there. I will never go back to this location. The hamburgers are not that good, the french fries are greasy and only small pieces of it. You get a better hamburger, better service and better value at Carl's Jr.

4 Stars: islands (by mendozafamilia)

mendozafamilia — Tue, 18 May 2004 02:00:00 GMT

The burgers and tacos are very good. However, it is somewhat pricey considering you don't get fries with your meal.

4 Stars: Great Value (by buckwheat02)

buckwheat02 — Mon, 03 Mar 2003 01:00:00 GMT

We tried this place as it was suggested by friends. We enjoyed the burger and fries. The atmosphere is fun, and the waiters were friendly and efficient. We can understand why there appears to be a crowd during the lunch-rush, but feel the wait was worth it. We will return and tell our friends about this place as well.

4 Stars: More burgers? (by budd_e_bev)

budd_e_bev — Thu, 20 Feb 2003 01:00:00 GMT

This place doesn't have the "ultimate burger" to choose from, depends on what you like. The atmosphere is nice..relaxing and not uptight at all. I go here to eat for lunch all the time, and no matter how busy they are, they seem to be well on top of things. The menu price isn't too expensive. Ideally you'll spend at least $6.50 on a burger. Their Cheddar Fries are filling as well!! Bottomless drinks for $1.90 which is pretty good, even for soda. Parking here is DREADFUL! Don't park in the residential area nearby, the ticketing officers down here ticket like crazy! Even if your a minute over the time! You could try parking at the Westside Pavillion, and walking. I know very few that do that. Very good for groups too!

4 Stars: mmm burgers (by PatrickRU92)

PatrickRU92 — Sun, 19 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

I've always liked Islands. Yes its cheesy the whole tropical decor but the food is just plain good. Great place for burger/fries and beer! Not fair to compare it In-N-Out, which is a better than average fast food burger. Islands is NOT a fast food burger

3 Stars: with $7 burgers you pay $5 for fries too (by piyopiyo)

piyopiyo — Wed, 08 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

Island's a mediocre, not exceptional... honestly, i'm really impressed with their salads and tacos (especially China Coast! everybody should try that)
one thing that's really ridiculous about this place is their price. burgers are not that big and way too expensive. the biggest turnout is you have to order fries separately for $7 burgers!!! you get the same quality at In n out for only $4.50! the lighting is too dim, i could hardly look at people sitting right in front of me. if you're going for burgers, just go to In 'n out...

4 Stars: Great Fries (by MrWilliams)

MrWilliams — Sat, 28 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

Good Burgers and the Fries are excellent, I like the island decor

4 Stars: Yummy (by DarkEyed1)

DarkEyed1 — Mon, 16 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

The burgers are huge and really juicy! the order of fries is HUGE!

really good iced tea too :)

5 Stars: Island Fries (by p_stickney)

p_stickney — Mon, 16 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

i just wanted to say that Islands has the BEST french fries that i have ever tasted. they are cooked in canola oil and it shows. they are very tasty but without the greasy mess. Islands French Fries Numero Uno

4 Stars: Yummmmmmy (by Elentari)

Elentari — Mon, 16 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

The food here is great and there is heaps of it. One serving of fries will feed the whole table.

4 Stars: tasty tasty (by michiemoo)

michiemoo — Mon, 16 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

I really enjoyed the food. the fries were great! the burgers are huge!!

5 Stars: a good place 2 eat (by lucineh)

lucineh — Sun, 15 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

overall, i love eating at islands. its a great place to take friends or family, especially young children.

3 Stars: Cute Shirts (by wonder_wall)

wonder_wall — Sun, 15 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

The atmosphere was engaging, the food was pretty good, and the amount for the price was excellent. The service could use some work though. We sat there for about half an hour before we recieved our drinks. It took another 45 minutes before our food arrived.

5 Stars: yummmy (by sileightygrrl)

sileightygrrl — Sun, 15 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

Islands fries and ranch dressing is the best and their burgers are good too.

4 Stars: islands rocks (by aneelak1)

aneelak1 — Thu, 05 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

i love islands, it is so much fun to go there, the service kinda sucks ,but the food i good

5 Stars: DELISH........... (by Monet_02)

Monet_02 — Thu, 05 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

I love Islands fries!! Ketchup, a little Ranch and some good company..........................yummm.

1 Stars: Basket of Grease (by billy_kang)

billy_kang — Thu, 05 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

Eating at Island is watching your arteries clog to the size of pinholes. The basket of fries are greasy and not tasty. The burgers are bland and not worth it.

5 Stars: fast, friendly service (by xandi)

xandi — Wed, 27 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

fast, friendly service. fries are really good as well as the rest of the food there. they give good portions.

4 Stars: Seasoned Fries! (by lavender369)

lavender369 — Sat, 31 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Islands has great seasoned fries! This chain restaurant is a recent discovery of mine and it's a good one. Food is consistently good and atmosphere is fun. You'll have a great time watching all the surfing / extreme sports video clips.

5 Stars: NEVER A BAD BUGER (by JAIANDMAL)

JAIANDMAL — Tue, 20 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

I HAVE BEEN GOING TO THIS PLACE FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND I TAKE FRIENDS THAT COME FROM OUT TOWN AND THEY ALLWAYS WANT TO GO BACK.

5 Stars: surf's up! (by bobaholic)

bobaholic — Mon, 19 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

the cheddar fries are great! the portion is especially huge, so don't forget to share! fries are drizzled with cheddar cheese, and chives. be sure to ask for ranch dressing and pour it on!

4 Stars: mmm mmm good! (by tangerinegirl87)

tangerinegirl87 — Tue, 13 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

islands is a great place to go on a casual date. the atmosphere is fun with the surf theme.
the price is from 5 to 15 dollars

5 Stars: Hamburger Paradise (by wong88)

wong88 — Thu, 08 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Great, fresh tasting burgers, with the option of healthy wheat bun. I like the Maui, with guacamole and added bacon! The basket of fries is a tasty with the seasoning salt, and a great deal.
Tropical setting with lots of fun for the family.

5 Stars: the city's beach hut (by ginanut)

ginanut — Fri, 26 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Entering makes you feel you have been deported to Hawaii, in the shortest time ever. With the whole tropical motif, makes you relax a bit, as if you really are in a hut on an island. Menus at the table, everything looks so good from burger (beef & chicken) to soft tacos. The fries which are ordered separately, come in a big round basket always perfect for sharing. Topped with cheddar cheese and chives (or plain if you want), their fries tend to be just right, a little crispy yet little soft. Ranch is given as a dip along with the basic ketcup. The seasoning salt makes fries have a little more kick to it. The fries itself could be a meal of its own.

4 Stars: Great Food (by gregulate)

gregulate — Thu, 27 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

This place serves some great food. You always get plenty. I usually order their Moa Kai which is a tuna sandwich. This place makes the best tuna sandwich on the planet. I never order tuna anywhere else because it is so easy to make yourself but this place is different. Try it and you will see.

4 Stars: Greasy but Sooo Good (by taradelis_citysearch)

taradelis_citysearch — Tue, 21 May 2002 02:00:00 GMT

I'm not sure of the name of it, but whichever burger comes with the guacamole is very good. Just make sure they don't put too much on or it will completely fall apart. These burgers are all huge, so if you don't have a football player's appetite, consider sharing one and splitting an order of their behemoth fries.

Another good tip (though one that you may not be able to get away with on non-take out orders) is to just order the kid's meal. I know it sounds silly, but if you're dining alone and your just not that hungry, then get the normal human sized kid's burger, fries and a soda.