I've been a diner at Island's for a very long time and they have never failed me. You always know what to expect when you walk in the door. I love a restaurant that can be so consistent for so long! Some of my favorite dishes include their burger (always a good choice), their quesadilla, the tortilla soup (my favorite!!), the cheese fries or plain fries, the chicken tenders, their Shorebird sandwich (LOVE), their BLT, and their Yaki Tacos. As you can see I've tried a lot of their menu options and have enjoyed them all. Island's is a reliable, yummy restaurant that the whole family can enjoy. I will always be a customer!!
(4)
Jason Q.
First, I love Islands. But, this one? Nope. Service was good and manager comped a meal, but both meals were poorly cooked, my mojito was basically club soda with lime juice, my wife's Margarita was pure mix, and even the beers (which we switched to because the mixed drinks were gross) tasted funny. 2 stars because they offered friendly service, but we came here for the food. I eat McDonald's weekly, so when I pay 12 bucks for a burger I don't want to regret it. Asked for medium and got well done with a crispy burger. I'm not a heavy drinker and am usually buzzed with 1 or 2 drinks. I downed the mojito and 3/4 of the gross Margarita and a large Blue Moon and barely left feeling anything (which is OK with me, wasn't trying to get drunk, but that shows you the weakness of the drinks). I'd probably regret drinking that much anywhere else. I felt like I was 20 and still in the Marine Corps. But no, the drinks were just weak and gross. Also, WORST HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS. Forget about it. Anyways, good service but again, we came for drinks and food and we didn't get it. So sad...
(2)
Bungle G.
When I ate here the first thing I thought of was Pulp Fiction. Sadly they don't have a Big Kahuna Burger on the menu. Still, this place is a worthy, and quick, stop for burger lovers. They do not cook the meat under medium well, which kind of sucks, but oh well. I like my burgers to crawl on my plate and warble their last rites at me prior to me sinking in my teeth. Eh, but a medium well burger is good enough I suppose. It sure beats fast food crap. The theme, and decor, of the restaurant is Hawaiian. It's kind of cool. Though I still wish they had that Big Kahuna Burger. The couple of times I ate here I got a spicy jalapeno burger. They will replace any beef patty with a turkey burger, and actually the spicy turkey burger worked better for me there. They have bottomless fries also, which is a huge plus. All in all a tasty place to eat at the Ridge.
(3)
Paula E.
We were very impressed with the decor, service and burgers here. The fries (unlimited) are as good if not better then McDonald's which says a lot! Be sure to try their secret spice on everything you eat. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. They have indoor seating and outdoor seating. Near the AMC theater.
(5)
April P.
Had a really great experience! Service was great, burger was delicious and the Mai-tais were amazing!!!! Not to mention the prices were very reasonable!!!
(5)
Jacquelin D.
Dined there today and their fish tacos are simply the very best. Service was great and staff was so friendly. Jackie
(5)
TJ H.
We drive here from Chandler because they closed the location at Alma School / US60. Then they closed the location across from Paradise Valley Mall. So, it's either here or the one out west, I-10 / Dysart area. We choose this one. We've been here 5+ times and have had pretty consistent service and food. Our server Jeremy, was spot on. He took care of our table with no issues. Drinks were refilled when needed and he even offered to get our drinks in to-go cups when we were leaving. Nice. I love the Passion Fruit tea. Our burgers were done as ordered, even the kids burger. Nice that they don't serve the kids hockey pucks like quite a few restaurants do. I agree with some of the reviews that the fries can come out overcooked. We've only experienced that once and it was quickly fixed. If you don't like the way they're cooked, send them back. I love the fries here. Growing up in So Cal, I love(d) the fries at both Islands and In N Out. Above avg service, yummy food & delish all u can eat Islands Fries. 4 Star.
(4)
Thomas B.
Burgers are still really good here. But what made our drive across town worthwhile is the service by Amanda. She was simply the best server out of all our experiences here. When you come ask to sit in her section. Never have to ask for a refill or any other item to bring to the table!
(4)
Kat S.
What a joke. We were seated right away, waited a minutes for our server who walked up and didn't even say hello to us. He asked what we wanted to drink came back dropped the drinks off and walked away without a word. We wanted to order an appetizer but were never given the opportunity to ask for one. We left , talked to the manager and he offered to sit us with another server, but at that point we were done so we left. Terrible service, and the washroom was disgusting. Never again.
(1)
Lupe W.
The food was great but what really stood out was the service! Alexia was amazing! She was friendly, courteous, and responsive. We were visiting from out of town and she helped us with directions as well. If you want great food, great value and great service go to Islands Restaurant on Tatum Blvd!
(5)
Denise M.
First time here and it was a great experience especially POST school shopping! Burgers were perfect fries and onion rings homemade and the team members were so so nice! Ashley our waitress was so nice and prompt and had an attention to detail! The manager Kenny was great and really cares about the perfect experience for every guest! What I loved the most was the care for not only the customers but their employees as well! They had a drawing for a couple of bikes one for the customers to enter and the other for their employees. Kids loved it great environment and food! Great happy hour specials that we will definitely be back for! Location is perfect for shopping and having fun!
(5)
Nicole L.
Excellent Service! Great Drinks and Food. Nice atmosphere and a great place for a fun casual meal.
(5)
Steven M.
Ate here for the first time with our family on a Friday night. Despite the busy atmosphere, our service was excellent (Thanks, Michael L. !) We were seated quickly considering the weekend dinner time crowd. The table was very clean and we were greeted quickly. My wife and I both went for the tacos (she had Northshore, I went wuth Yaki). Both were very tasty and filling. We topped it off with a chocolate brownie that was very good. Overall, a very good experience and we would both recommend a return visit.
(4)
Brittany C.
Awesome service and amazing burgers. I got the Hawaiian and it was cooked perfect and was hot. The bathrooms were clean. The service was fast and on point. Not disappointed at all. Strongly recommend the sweet potato fries they were great.
(4)
Shawna B.
Great burgers...endless fries. Too bad I'm full from the crappy place I had lunch. My daughters enjoyed it though! And the iced tea is phenomenal.
(5)
Jacob B.
I've been here several times but the last time was just too dreadful not to share. First, one the burgers didn't say anything about mayo, yet it had mayo on it. The burger I got had more pink then it should have for being medium well :|. Also, there was a middle aged cougar woman screaming the lyrics to "accidently in love" song. I wanted to cry! I've had a lot better experience here and islands in la and San Diego.
(2)
Emily M.
Sad they closed down the one at Paradise Valley Mall area but I get it, this one is just a couple miles north. LOVE ISLANDS! BEST BURGER - Hawaiian, best fries anywhere and best ranch. Lol they cut their fries fresh everyday, make their own salsa and marinate their own chicken. They also make their own ranch. Delicious ! Yum yum yum. Can't get a better burger anywhere else. Juicy flavorful and the bun (whole wheat) is divine.
(5)
Erin H.
Yes, Islands is a chain, but they do a good burger. A damn fine one. Since my health kick started about 1.5 mos ago, I'm avoiding a lot of red meat, so I opted for a Turkey Lite Burger w/side of steamed veggies. It was a little painful as I watched my friend eat her cheeseburger w/avocado and bacon, but it was victorious. The turkey patty was refreshingly moist and seasoned beautifully! The whole-wheat bun was not too dry either (I was worried). Steamed veggies had no salt/butter and just a tad crunchy - just how I like them! Our server did A LOT of check-ins w/us. Very attentive.
(4)
D D.
Loved it ! New to the area went with my two kids and husband was really surprised by the cost for us with a drink and appetizer. Waitress Suzette was super accommodating! It's been a long time since we had service like this will be going back regularly. Good healthy options and great service with a fun atmosphere!
(5)
Lauren B.
I usually look forward to islands but have not had a good experience with their takeout. Today I ordered the large soup which is "endless" when you dine in but the bowl they put it in for takeout was only half full. When I brought it up to the waitress she said, "that's the large soup." I would have let that go but then I get home and find that they also had not put the avocado in it. Obviously their staff is sloppy and does not put time or care into their work. Considering I paid $8 for a half full bowl of mostly broth, I am very disappointed.
(2)
Em T.
My family and friends and I have been coming to Islands for years and it has never let us down! From the incredibly friendly staff to the delicious food, Islands has been a long time favorite. The atmosphere is definitely cool -- I like watching people on surfboards wipe out on the TV while eating my meal. They always play good music too. They have great burgers, tortilla soup, chicken tenders, milkshakes, and even salads. Everything I have gotten there has always been quality and delicious. I leave Islands happy and satisfied with food and the service. Everyone is always very welcoming and the service is always excellent. Definitely come eat at Islands! They know quality for sure.
(5)
Kayla G.
My husband and I stopped for a quick bite to eat. My "medium" Maui Burger was overcooked not once but twice...which is not a big deal. The bartender and manager really went the extra mile to take care of us! Not only did they comp the burger from our bill, but gave us an Islands gift card to go back another time with. - I have never experienced such a generous make-up for a couple of small kitchen errors. - We will definitely go back because the staff made such a valiant effort to make it right. Now if only they'd make their burgers big again....but that's a different review :)
(4)
Roam J.
Not bad - the portions are huge, but its standard big chain burger place fare. Think Red Robin with a Hawaiian theme. Service was good - our waiter was like clockwork with the refills. Good thing too - I wasn't a fan of the onion rings, they were bland and made me feel really thirsty. Probably sucked down 3 iced teas before I gave up trying to choke them down.
(3)
Shylo S.
My husband and my favorite place to eat! Too bad there isn't one in the east valley. I guess it saves us money because we'd be there every week if there was one closer to us.
(5)
Jacob A.
Great atmosphere, excellent food, wonderful, friendly, and hardworking staff and management. Will definitely be back again!
(5)
Eddie C.
I've been eating Islands since I was a young lad. This by far was one of the better experiences I've had. We were on a getaway from California and decided to have setting we're used to. First off, the chips and salsa with guacamole. Wow! They gave us so many chips we couldn't finish them and they gave us a lot of guacamole. We were surprised since back home they are super stingy on the guacamole. The meal was excellent. My wife's turkey burger looked a bit sad with a pathetic turkey patty. Once it was brought to the waiters attention, he took it back and was overly apologetic. Then the manager came out to apologize some more and to take care of that entree. The staff was so generous. It was a pleasant experience.
(4)
Carolinne S.
Coldest beers around - the taps are chilled and mugs frozen. Great place to grab a beer and a bite before or after the movies. Comes with a great people watching patio too.
(4)
Robert P.
This place is disgusting. I ordered take out for my wife and I. I had a burger with bacon and thousand island dressing and a side of onion rings. First, it was drippy from watered down thousand islands dressing and the burger tasted like grounded up dead cow, no flavor on a bun. The dead cow was flavorless. On the high side, the bacon and onion rings were delicious. Next time I will go to In and Out or Smash Burger
(1)
Lisa Monique C.
I went to Islands (Desert Ridge) alone. My server, Wade, sat down WITH me to take my order. He really made me feel welcome! I ordered a cup tortilla soup and a Malibu burger with a Caesar salad. My soup was warm; perfect temperature to eat. My burger was so juicy and full of flavor, I almost died because of how good it was! Wade, was so awesome that he didn't charge me for substituting Caesar salad instead of fries when it was $1.49 extra. Sweet! My experience was fast and efficient. Complaints: absolutely none. I had forgotten about Islands! But it's cool I can revisit an old restaurant and have a new experience. I left him a nice little tip. Thanks Wade P!
(5)
Jochen W.
I come here pretty much every time I go to Desert Ridge for shopping. The food here is pretty good and the waiting time is short. The staff is accomodating and always lets us sit where we want if it's available. Over the years my wife and I pretty much narrowed it down to the bottomless tortilla soup and the Hawaiian Burger combined with a Blue moon beer. The latest on the Hawaiian Burger is that you can order it now with an extra layer of pulled pork. Oh man that thing is so juicy and full of flavor. I can definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Burgers. The waiters are mostly on top of their game and check on you regularly, but without being annoying.
(5)
Daniel B.
When it comes to burgers, this place is one of my favorites. I like the island beach vibe they feature and the burgers are done to my specifications. Only thing that I wish they had was a bigger patio with more beach themed atmosphere like palm umbrellas etc..
(5)
J B.
Haven't been to Islands since they closed the one by PV mall last April. Well with the urging of the teenage daughter we headed up on Friday night. Small wait when we got there but it turned out to be a good thing! Lo and behold we spot a familiar place from the old location, Amy. Well cross our name off the list and we are headed to the tables in the bar. Delicious Kilahuea burger for me, veggie tacos for the bride, and chicken strips for the daughter and her friend. Delicious IPA on draft and girls never had an empty soda glass (probably not a good thing). All in all it was a great time and look forward to going back.
(4)
Halley K.
My mom and I always like to pop in here for the yummy food, but tonight I'm writing this review for the darling server! Stacey is an absolute doll and her smile is infectious, so thanks for minding all of our silly requests!
(5)
Gerald B.
Don't do the nachos. Pretty generic Sysco canned cheese and chips. Good service at the bar tho. Shannon was great. I've ate here before and good service and good but you can tell some/most of the stuff is Sysco food.
(4)
Sandi O.
I thought this brand had closed up and left AZ, as the location I used to visit was just a mile from our house. Imagine my surprise when I was invited to join friends here for dinner. While it looked like the previous location the food and service were also the same, sadly that also means that the endless fries ends when the fries you are first served are gone, as our server hardly every came to check on us, a party of 9. and not once was anyone offered any additional fries. As I've talked to a Dist, Mgr. and location Mgr. maybe this will change, maybe it won't. I'm sure I'll be bake and yes, I'll let you now how endless my supply of fries are.
(3)
Mike S.
Never eating here again. There was half of a dead fly in my greek salad. Disgusting. The service was great the half a dead fly wrecked the dining experience for me. I posted a picture in the photos
(1)
Michael T.
Awesome lunch! Clean envionment. Well ran establishment. Our waitress, Elizabeth, did a great job!
(5)
Bell J.
Surprisingly good. I didn't expect it to be bad but wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. Reasonable pricing. My burger was good and came exactly how i special ordered it. Also, grabbed a couple mai-tais on Happy hour that came stronger than any normal priced drink...that's a win, win!!
(4)
Manny S.
One of my favorite Desert Ridge restaurants. No, it's not fine dining but it's pretty good food. The restaurant is beachy but not overly done. There are enough decorations to set the mood of the theme. The service is outstanding. Everyone has a smile on their face and they are eager to please. The food is good. They have an extensive menu (sandwiches, salads, tacos, etc.) but the main event for me at this restaurant is the burger. Your choice - beef, turkey or veggie served on a white or whole wheat bun or as a wrap. Good service, good food, reasonably priced.
(4)
Subodh N.
The most amazing burgers in town!! Love the Kilauea and Maui!! Tacos are just fine.. Nothing great.. But overall amazing place.. Awesome food.. Good beers.. Great music and lovely people all around..
(4)
Debi C.
Another great dinner with great service at the Islands tonight! It's that place you can count on to always be consistently good. Servers and the Managers are very welcoming know matter how busy it may be there. Also, the food come out just as ordered and always hot! Great job, can't wait for more of this restaurants in the metro Phoenix area!
(5)
Joe T.
I've been here more than a few times and will certainly continue eating here. First, the food. a wide selection of burgers (and other dishes). I'm a sucker for the Hula (swiss cheese, mushrooms). You can get a turkey burger or a veggie burger instead of the beef (I opt for the turkey which is very good). You can also choose a wheat or white bun. Both are very good. Your burger comes with fries or onion rings or veggies. The fries are just the way I like them, crisp on the outside, soft in the middle. The onion rings are OK but not great. Now the service. Outstanding! I think the average age of the servers is 18. I only mention this because if you think (like your parents did) that the next generation will be the end to civilization as we know it, they'll prove you wrong. They're all very friendly, knowledgeable and eager to see if everything is OK and refills show up automatically.
(4)
Mark S.
Time to edit my first review of Island's....The first time I was here we had a not so good experience. However, the company reached out and wanted to improve and boy did they. The same group of 9 of us went out with 5 kids under 5 years old and four adults, and we had no issues. We were able to sit in a corner booth, which we actually kind of need for all of us. Our food came out quickly and everything tasted delicious. The best part about it was the service and our server. He recognized that the kids were getting hungry and a little out of control. He brought them extra crayons, and was able to get their food and drinks out first. Island's made a huge come back in my book and showed that they truly are a, "family restaurant" and suits the needs of everyone. It just a cool place to grab a burger and hang out.
(4)
Medarapu K.
This is one awesome place. The manager of the pkace Kenny, actually came to our table and made a good impression. The Veggie burgers are unbeatable undoudtedly. I havent found a good place so far for the Veggie burgers. This is not my first time visitng this place and wont be last time. Keep up the good cooking and i will visit every chance i get.
(5)
Jessica W.
This place is essentially a Jimmy Buffett themed TGI Fridays. And I don't mean that as a compliment. I split the quesadillas as an appetizer and they weren't good. There was some sort of pepper relish in them that added a weird flavor. For the entree I had the tortilla soup which was very average (kind of watery but avocados were fresh, so they get points for that). I got the sense that they were known for their burgers, so I might recommend sticking with those if you insist on going. But overall, I thought this place was cheesy and pretty mediocre.
(2)
jeanette d.
Excellant Food , Excellant service from our waitress Amy and GREAT prices!! Wish there was one in the East Valley. Anytime we are at Desert Ridge we go to the Islands. But its the worth the trip even from Chandler for a 'treat".
(5)
Addie S.
Well I know I am not a food critic and really not much of a fan of food but hey a girl had to eat. After reading the reviews I felt like I was unaware of what good food taste like. I thought the food was good. The service better. I will definitely be back.
We come to islands every time we are at Desert Ridge, 3 or 4 times a month we eat here. We absolutely love there service, food, and atmosphere. Everyone is so wonderful! LOVE the hamburgers , and the chips and salsa are to die for especially the guacamole. we have tried all the food and no complaints! we are sad about the pv island, they need to open more.
(5)
Julie A.
We had a great lunch at The Islands at Desert Ridge! I was SO happy, they have brought back the Cabo Tacos for a limited time! They are the best tacos ever! Please go there and try them, then write a review so that they will keep them in their menu! The service was great and the servers were very friendly too.
(5)
Janet S.
Islands is a good place to eat and just relax with friends. the service is very good and I usually get the chicken rice bowl or the chicken fingers when I go to Islands
(5)
Richard R.
Islands is one of those chains I really enjoy coming back to. When my family first used to come to Arizona to see my older brother at ASU, then when they came to see me years later, we probably ate at the old Mill Avenue location every visit. The burgers are really good and I love that they can be ordered on wheat buns. My personal favorite item is the Yaki. It's a chicken taco, but with pineapple, jack cheese and teriyaki sauce. You'd think you could get this anywhere, but for some reason it's fairly unique to Islands. So why only three stars? It's not because I'm anti-chain snob, it's because there's one big drawback for some diners who eat at this location at Desert Ridge that sticks out to me. The tables are mostly four top booths, and four top round tables that are bolted into the floor (meaning you can't push them together). We came as a big party and were told it would be at least a 20 minute wait if we wanted to sit together, despite there being several empty tables throughout the dining room. We opted to sit at a pair of tables next to each other rather than debate going to another restaurant. I'm pretty surprised that a family restaurant, in a very family friendly outdoor shopping mall, wouldn't have more tables to accommodate bigger groups.
(3)
Kailee G.
This is definitely a go to date night for me And my bf. We absolutely love the beachy/surfy/laidback enviornment! The server we love is named eugine I beleive. Hes very kind! I'm a picky eater and love substituting things. I usually get the "Rincon burger" which they took off the menu and substitute for Turkey. He had no idea what it was but was willing to go ask someone if I could still order it, and he also reccomended other new options! He handled my pickiness very well, and genuinely cared about serving us and making us happy! I also appreciate that he treated my bf well, (guy waiters can tend to talk to the women more) but he almost acted as of they were friends! I love great customer service! We are always there because the food is great, but we def found our new favorite waiter! I'd recommend this place to everybody!
(5)
Chef M.
Ok so first whoever commented below it is NOT a closed location, Clean and tropic ambient atmosphere, our server however was slow as molasses, was not overly busy took 15 minutes from time we sat down to get drinks. We ordered a Kilauea burger and a long boarder was mediocre at best, service sucked not very hospitable, the kitchen messed up our orders twice had a white bun bottom with a wheat top on one and completely wrong type of burger on the other, I expect better service and food for that!
(1)
Carol K.
Came here midweek to get those Island feelings pre Willie K concert at the MIM. The former is a Hawaiin musician which inspired us to give this over the top chain restaurant a whirl. Happy Hour was a good deal. Mai Tais - great Sliders-exceptional Quesadilla- I don't like salsa inside my Q, it is off putting Poke- nicely seasoned but cut too large and cut unevenly. One piece huge, another miniscule.. it was annoying in the mouth. Service pleasant. We will return if the stars ever align in which we are going to the MIM to see another Hawaiin musician and are hungry.
(3)
Ryan C.
My favorite family burger stop. Grabbed takeout from here last night and the fries were still crispy when we got home 20 minutes later. Now that's impressive!
(4)
Kitty P.
Delicious and great service. We normally sit at the bar but i love the quiet atmosphere and the happy, helpful servers.
(4)
Hannah C.
Only knocked off one star because the service can be sometimes slow. Besides that i'm surprised this place has been open for such a long time. In a good way I'm saying. The restaurant has classic american meals and everything i've had here over the years has been great. I definitely recommend coming here if your eating out on a budget, it's great for large groups too.
In fairness to Islands, I'm not a burger fanatic. I didn't even want a burger necessarily, but since Islands was the closest thing to a vacation I might see this year, and they are known for their fine burgers, this is where we ended up. We started with chips and salsa. "Started with.." There lies my problem. Why do I always have to "start with" something. Why not "start with" my entree like a normal person. I digress, I'm having a fat day. The chips were a little over browned, but it's just a chip right? The guacamole was actually pretty good, however. I went with the Big Wave cheeseburger. I love that the bun was toasted, but it was on the greasy side. Other than that, no complaints, was actually quite a good burger. The fries (thick cut-skin on) were not very good, however. They were hot, but didn't seem fresh. We did have great service though. Islands is quite a distance from me, so I think I would save the gas money and fly to Hawaii instead. Funny how that was almost true not too long ago. But if you're at Desert Ridge, it's worth the stop.
(3)
Chris G.
Great hamburgers and great service. Love this place. You must try the Hawaiian burger with fresh onion rings. It's the best!
(5)
Lane C.
The pros: friendly, personable service Amazing fries and fun atmosphere The cons: can be a bit expensive Absolutely not healthy and very limited healthy options.
(4)
Moe S.
I love these guys, I don't go often since they're out of our way so instead we go to In-N-Out for premium burger needs but I love Island Burger. The staff is always great, the place is always clean, the burger options are fantastic, my sister enjoys their very healthy portion of chicken in her salad, and I always try to get the healthiest burger (turkey instead of red meat) to justify gorging myself on the unlimited fries. This isn't a $4 burger, you'll going to pay $10 a person at least but the burgers are big and tasty and you can substitute anyway you want. They have a lot of other stuff, including fish tacos and bla bla bla I always get the burgers. I honestly can't remember if I've ever left unhappy, maybe once but personally, I never hesitate to go here if I'm in the mood to pay 10 bucks for my burger and fries and the long drive. They're awesome and I plan on seeing a movie and eating here tomorrow.
(4)
Kat R.
This is a great alternate to a place like Red Robin: it's super casual and fun with pretty good food. I usually just get your basic cheeseburger and it tastes less dried out than Red Robin. The service is great and always friendly and fast. I do love their french fries and seasoning. Had the onion rings for the first time and those were definitely a repeat order. Cool vibe with surfing and wakeboarding videos playing. Great for families and kids.
(4)
Kris B.
This place is pretty good. I was surprised. The service was just ok though.
(4)
Sanford R.
My first meal at Islands was a lot of fun. Its a neat looking place and the burgers really are quite good. I liked the fries that you could get refills on. The wait staff were all super nice, but they could check in on tables a lot more. That would be my only issue with the restaurant as we waited awhile to get what we needed. I really enjoyed the food though!
(4)
Melissa V.
You can't go wrong with Island Burgers! The service is great and the food is good. However, don't get the fish tacos. It was bland and it took forever to cook. I have been going to Islands since I was a teenager. The tortilla soup is my fave! Full of flavor and never disappoints. The staff is always very nice, almost too nice but I like that!! I would definitely recommend this tasty spot with friends or family.
(4)
Phil A.
The server was nice but just left us with empty pop for a while. My wife's chicken bowel...I mean bowl...was no good. Nothing was seasoned, the chicken wasn't seasoned, the broccoli florets had brown rotten spots on 2 of them and the bowl was room temp. My fish tacos had room temp. chipotle cream sauce with a dearth of seasoning and the corn tacos were punctured and fell apart. The bean soup was not charra beans it was soup. The quesadilla appetizer before it all had about 8 hunks of tomato in the pico de gallo and the cheese was 2 inches away from the edges at parts. The place was packed because it's in the mall. I will give 2 stars because the waitress was heartfelt friendly, but the food was anemic. The hostess did not crack a smile the whole time, I watches as were next to the hostess station.
(2)
Jasmine C.
We had to wait about 10 minutes for a table on a Friday night after 7pm. It would have been a 30 minute wait for an outside table which would have been preferable to us. Went with my son and husband. I ordered a Mangorita and enjoyed it. My husbands Pina Colada was also very tasty. Husband got pork tacos and was happy with them. Son got a teriyaki burger and loved it. I had a Hula veggie burger and it was good but I was wishing I had ordered the Teriyaki one also. I ordered the french fries with cheese and scallions on them. At first they tasted good but then they started to taste fishy. (The likely fry them in the same oil?) Great place to bring the kids. Service is good and the ambiance is fun. The kids meals are a great size. My two littlest ones could easily share one meal if we bring them next time.
(4)
Megan L.
great happy hour prices, kid friendly, the food is decent for the pricing.
(3)
Jennifer S.
Sat outside with a small group of people so as to enjoy the mild weather. That mango margarita with an extra shot in it was fabulous (so much so that I ordered a second one the same way), and those cheddar fries...!! My friend did not steer us wrong on those! Freshly cut skin-on potatoes fried crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Not greasy at all, and piping hot, too! On top of the mound of freshly-fried potatoes was melted (cheddar?) cheese and chopped chives or green onions. They were really delicious with the ranch dipping sauce served alongside. Soooo goood! I'll certainly get those again!
(4)
Kirstin E.
I've somehow been here twice in the past week. The first time was on a Saturday night at 6, so of course they were busy. We had to wait 10 minutes which wasnt a big deal at all. However once seated service got reallllly slow. Food took a while to come out. Though it was good. Last night I ended up here with the Hubs. So a Wednesday night at about 630. We got seated right away. It wasnt busy in the slightest, yet somehow the food took even LONGER to come out. So so slow. But it was good. So there is that. So if you go be prepared to wait forever, for tasty food. Maybe take a snack?
(3)
Roland W.
A typical Saturday, my partner and I are headed out to lunch. He's starving so the most important criteria is a location close to home. Sadly this means Desert Ridge. We settle on Islands, my suggestion, his pick. This is a typical Desert Ridge Saturday at Islands, tons of kids with parents no where to be found. So here's how it goes: Me: Please seat us somewhere away from all of the children Hostess: UM... Me: How about that table in the corner they are cleaning off Hostess: let's see Partner: Geez, I'm hungry let's just sit down Hostess: okay, how about this table? Me: Uh...what about that table with eight little kids sitting alone over there? Partner: Oh, let's just sit here. So I give in and we sit next to a table of eight kids, screaming fighting, crawling over each other while their parents sat in the bar and ate. What a wonderful experience. Oh and the food. $30 bucks for a hamburger, chicken sandwich, chips and salsa and two drinks. The food was just okay, no better than I could make myself and I certainly didn't see any value in the atmosphere for the $30. Doubtful that we will be back.
(2)
Shannon M.
Whenever I feel too land-locked and forget what the ocean looks like, I head off to Islands. Maybe it has something to do with the freaky-tiki kind of decor, or the surf videos that play constantly. I Like It Here. Yes, it is a chain. Yes, it is smack in the middle of the Desert Ridge Marketplace. No, I don't care. Islands restaurants are everywhere in So Cal, and they are all consistently good for a casual meal. I was happy to see that there is a location in Desert Ridge - nice and close to me! The service is friendly and attentive - you aren't left panting for a drink refill. My faves are the North Shore tacos and the Sandpiper chicken breast sandwich. If you are in the mood for some bad for you goodness, definitely try the cheddar fries. A plate laden with their fresh-cut fries just covered with cheddar cheese and chives. Served with ranch dressing, it is artery-hardening perfection. Who needs a fork!? Just use your fingers!!
(4)
JD H.
Corporate food thats not half bad. Second time we have been here, the burgers are very good as are the fries. The fish taco is very stodgy as its like a heavy english style fish-in-chip fish portion that sits on a bland corporate corn tortilla.....not a favorite choice of mine. The service was excellent and its not a bad place at all. Great stop after the movies!
(3)
Kitty F.
One of my favorite reasons to go the the Desert Ridge Mall is so I can go to Island's. I am a vegetarian and I will start by saying that Island's is a very vegetarian friendly restaurant. All of their burgers can be made using a vegetarian veggie patty instead of the usual meat. The staff is also really knowledgeable and will answer any questions you have about ingredients or toppings. Since I am addicted to their burgers I have yet to try anything else on the menu, but a friend of mine always gets Island's tacos and says they are to die for. Island's also has the most amazing french fries! Best of all the french fries are bottomless! The awesome servers never object to bringing you an extra plate of french fries to go with your meal. This Island's is one of my favorite places to go for casual, fun food!
(5)
Michael G.
Great burger, taco, salad, nacho place. I love the decor, feel like I am in Hawaii. Quick service and the Strawberry Lemonade is yummy. Seems no matter when I go, I never have to wait, but they are packed. I love the burger slections, something for anyone.
(4)
Rebecca V.
Maui chicken sandwich is so flavorful! I cannot wait to go back when I am in Phoenix again. This place can get busy so make sure to come early before you get too hungry. I love the never ending french fries!
(4)
David T.
I went here with my sister yesterday. I loved the atmosphere, the food was great, and our server Chad, was awesome. I may be a bit "old", but the noise was too loud for me, but otherwise than that, everything was good!
(4)
George H.
I used to like going to islands burgers, but there is just something about them that I can't quite pick out. I probably just ate here more often than I should have and now don't like going any more. Their burgers are decent, and I wouldn't say no if going with a group, bu my personal opinion is to swing by In-N-Out or Yard House if I want to be served.
(3)
Joanne G.
I love this place and their burgers. Had their turkey burger and it was delicious!! Clean and bright restaurant, great wait staff...will be back!!
(4)
Shaina T.
I love their burgers and my favorite are the mahi tacos! (if thats how you spell it) you can get unlimited frys and every one is nice in there. The only thing is i think the prices are just a little too pricey for some of the things. Other than that they are a thumbs up for me!
(4)
Eli G.
Their burger selection is awesome, and their unlimited fries are delicious and of course plentiful. Their drinks are also really great. Good combination and flavors. Good service, great prices, good place for a family to dine out. They accommodate well to gluten free people as well! I have been to other locations and this one is probably better.
(4)
Brenda L.
I found myself with an hour to waste last week while I waited for work on my cell phone. So I decided to go in for a bite to eat since it was dinner time and the smell in the parking lot was good. I ended up having a nice time as I set at the bar and conversed with a senior couple that comes in frequently. We both ordered appetizers since they were half price at happy hour and we all had a drink. I had a bottle beer. They only offer a dollar off drinks at happy hour and they are still overpriced. The food was ok. The bartender that basically ignored me and had 3 others assist me kept talking to the couple I was talking to also. She never spoke to me or made any eye contact. Hmmmm Anyway she said on more than 3 accounts how she loved the cheese fries and onion rings we were sharing. Maybe she wanted some? Well the orders were bigger than the 3 of us could consume and we trashed the remaining. LOL I thought the Onion rings were grand, but was not impressed with the cheese fries. At half price they are a good deal for either but at full price I would rethink before spending 7 bucks on fries.
(2)
Chukki S.
Passion fruit iced tea is amazing. Burgers are okay, nothing special. I love the tropic beach themed decor inside, makes it fun to eat here. Service is decent too.
(4)
Denise R.
Love the burgers and onion rings !
(4)
Adam N.
I had some co-workers go to this place for lunch and rave about it. I couldn't agree more. I thought it was a very good lunch. The burger was tasty, fries were good, and plenty of sodas to keep my thirst quenched. THe prices were good, no complaints here, very fair. The wait staff was good, nothing that was "absolutely amazing" but they definitely did their job, drinks, food, and ticket were all on time, that's all that I wanted and expected. The decor was very cool, it feels like you're on an "island". So i dug that. I'm a fan and will definetely return.
(4)
Kristin C.
my son really enjoys islands, great food, casual kid freindly atmoshpere we go here quite a lot and seem to keep coming back
(4)
hilary c.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Islands. In college it's where we would go for lunch after a long night out on the town and piece together said long night from everyone's memories or lack thereof. We'd get cheese fries and salads or soft taco's and stay for hours it seemed like. Now in my 30's and relatively settled down I wanted to go for lunch before a movie with my sweetie. Not quite the same. Different location but same college age servers and cutesy beach swag everywhere. No cheese fries for this rear end I am sporting now meant just chips and salsa (blah blah a thousand times blah) and a cobb salad. I ordered the both the creamy vinaigrette and greek dressings on the side and both were tart as sucking on a lemon wedge. The salad itself was good except for the pound of blue cheese it contained. Oh Islands, I have wonderful memories of you, but I have since grown up and moved on.....Good luck.
(3)
chelsea k.
AMAZING FOOD!! I actually worked here at this exact location for 6 years. I have eaten every item on the menu. Everything that Islands servers is prepared and made with perfection! The service is friendly and pleasant and best of all its FAST! Islands is a great place for a nice lunch or fun dinner. The lively and tropical atmosphere really sets this restaurant apart from any other. i could strongly urge anyone with a appetite!
(5)
Kathy D.
my kid's favorite, and the hula burger rocks!
(5)
Bruce B.
I had a fantastic burger here the other night, place was busy but service was still good! I'll be back!
(4)
John S.
Islands is a great place to go if you are in the mood for a burger and don't want to spend a lot of money. The service at this location is very good and the food is delicious! The food also comes out very quick and I really like how the servers at this place are on top of things. The little things like bringing extra drinks when they see you're getting low, and making sure that everything is satisfactory for you really shows that they care for the customer. I really enjoy getting the Kilauea which is a jalapeno and black pepper encrusted burger with pepper jack cheese and chipotle aioli, it is so tasty! If you're not in the mood for a burger, they also have salads, sandwiches, tacos, etc.. I also really enjoy the fries at this place, and they also have some really good desserts that are fairly large in portion. I remember after I ate my burger and fries I decided to ordered the Chocolate Lava for dessert which is a chocolate brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, cherries, almonds and chocolate syrup, a fairly simple but delicious dessert. I thought the dessert would be around the size of my fist like some other restaurants do, but it was much larger which I think is awesome.
(4)
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Address :21001 N Tatum Blvd,Ste 36-1160
Phoenix, AZ, 85050
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
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Brittany W.
I've been a diner at Island's for a very long time and they have never failed me. You always know what to expect when you walk in the door. I love a restaurant that can be so consistent for so long! Some of my favorite dishes include their burger (always a good choice), their quesadilla, the tortilla soup (my favorite!!), the cheese fries or plain fries, the chicken tenders, their Shorebird sandwich (LOVE), their BLT, and their Yaki Tacos. As you can see I've tried a lot of their menu options and have enjoyed them all. Island's is a reliable, yummy restaurant that the whole family can enjoy. I will always be a customer!!
(4)Jason Q.
First, I love Islands. But, this one? Nope. Service was good and manager comped a meal, but both meals were poorly cooked, my mojito was basically club soda with lime juice, my wife's Margarita was pure mix, and even the beers (which we switched to because the mixed drinks were gross) tasted funny. 2 stars because they offered friendly service, but we came here for the food. I eat McDonald's weekly, so when I pay 12 bucks for a burger I don't want to regret it. Asked for medium and got well done with a crispy burger. I'm not a heavy drinker and am usually buzzed with 1 or 2 drinks. I downed the mojito and 3/4 of the gross Margarita and a large Blue Moon and barely left feeling anything (which is OK with me, wasn't trying to get drunk, but that shows you the weakness of the drinks). I'd probably regret drinking that much anywhere else. I felt like I was 20 and still in the Marine Corps. But no, the drinks were just weak and gross. Also, WORST HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS. Forget about it. Anyways, good service but again, we came for drinks and food and we didn't get it. So sad...
(2)Bungle G.
When I ate here the first thing I thought of was Pulp Fiction. Sadly they don't have a Big Kahuna Burger on the menu. Still, this place is a worthy, and quick, stop for burger lovers. They do not cook the meat under medium well, which kind of sucks, but oh well. I like my burgers to crawl on my plate and warble their last rites at me prior to me sinking in my teeth. Eh, but a medium well burger is good enough I suppose. It sure beats fast food crap. The theme, and decor, of the restaurant is Hawaiian. It's kind of cool. Though I still wish they had that Big Kahuna Burger. The couple of times I ate here I got a spicy jalapeno burger. They will replace any beef patty with a turkey burger, and actually the spicy turkey burger worked better for me there. They have bottomless fries also, which is a huge plus. All in all a tasty place to eat at the Ridge.
(3)Paula E.
We were very impressed with the decor, service and burgers here. The fries (unlimited) are as good if not better then McDonald's which says a lot! Be sure to try their secret spice on everything you eat. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. They have indoor seating and outdoor seating. Near the AMC theater.
(5)April P.
Had a really great experience! Service was great, burger was delicious and the Mai-tais were amazing!!!! Not to mention the prices were very reasonable!!!
(5)Jacquelin D.
Dined there today and their fish tacos are simply the very best. Service was great and staff was so friendly. Jackie
(5)TJ H.
We drive here from Chandler because they closed the location at Alma School / US60. Then they closed the location across from Paradise Valley Mall. So, it's either here or the one out west, I-10 / Dysart area. We choose this one. We've been here 5+ times and have had pretty consistent service and food. Our server Jeremy, was spot on. He took care of our table with no issues. Drinks were refilled when needed and he even offered to get our drinks in to-go cups when we were leaving. Nice. I love the Passion Fruit tea. Our burgers were done as ordered, even the kids burger. Nice that they don't serve the kids hockey pucks like quite a few restaurants do. I agree with some of the reviews that the fries can come out overcooked. We've only experienced that once and it was quickly fixed. If you don't like the way they're cooked, send them back. I love the fries here. Growing up in So Cal, I love(d) the fries at both Islands and In N Out. Above avg service, yummy food & delish all u can eat Islands Fries. 4 Star.
(4)Thomas B.
Burgers are still really good here. But what made our drive across town worthwhile is the service by Amanda. She was simply the best server out of all our experiences here. When you come ask to sit in her section. Never have to ask for a refill or any other item to bring to the table!
(4)Kat S.
What a joke. We were seated right away, waited a minutes for our server who walked up and didn't even say hello to us. He asked what we wanted to drink came back dropped the drinks off and walked away without a word. We wanted to order an appetizer but were never given the opportunity to ask for one. We left , talked to the manager and he offered to sit us with another server, but at that point we were done so we left. Terrible service, and the washroom was disgusting. Never again.
(1)Lupe W.
The food was great but what really stood out was the service! Alexia was amazing! She was friendly, courteous, and responsive. We were visiting from out of town and she helped us with directions as well. If you want great food, great value and great service go to Islands Restaurant on Tatum Blvd!
(5)Denise M.
First time here and it was a great experience especially POST school shopping! Burgers were perfect fries and onion rings homemade and the team members were so so nice! Ashley our waitress was so nice and prompt and had an attention to detail! The manager Kenny was great and really cares about the perfect experience for every guest! What I loved the most was the care for not only the customers but their employees as well! They had a drawing for a couple of bikes one for the customers to enter and the other for their employees. Kids loved it great environment and food! Great happy hour specials that we will definitely be back for! Location is perfect for shopping and having fun!
(5)Nicole L.
Excellent Service! Great Drinks and Food. Nice atmosphere and a great place for a fun casual meal.
(5)Steven M.
Ate here for the first time with our family on a Friday night. Despite the busy atmosphere, our service was excellent (Thanks, Michael L. !) We were seated quickly considering the weekend dinner time crowd. The table was very clean and we were greeted quickly. My wife and I both went for the tacos (she had Northshore, I went wuth Yaki). Both were very tasty and filling. We topped it off with a chocolate brownie that was very good. Overall, a very good experience and we would both recommend a return visit.
(4)Brittany C.
Awesome service and amazing burgers. I got the Hawaiian and it was cooked perfect and was hot. The bathrooms were clean. The service was fast and on point. Not disappointed at all. Strongly recommend the sweet potato fries they were great.
(4)Shawna B.
Great burgers...endless fries. Too bad I'm full from the crappy place I had lunch. My daughters enjoyed it though! And the iced tea is phenomenal.
(5)Jacob B.
I've been here several times but the last time was just too dreadful not to share. First, one the burgers didn't say anything about mayo, yet it had mayo on it. The burger I got had more pink then it should have for being medium well :|. Also, there was a middle aged cougar woman screaming the lyrics to "accidently in love" song. I wanted to cry! I've had a lot better experience here and islands in la and San Diego.
(2)Emily M.
Sad they closed down the one at Paradise Valley Mall area but I get it, this one is just a couple miles north. LOVE ISLANDS! BEST BURGER - Hawaiian, best fries anywhere and best ranch. Lol they cut their fries fresh everyday, make their own salsa and marinate their own chicken. They also make their own ranch. Delicious ! Yum yum yum. Can't get a better burger anywhere else. Juicy flavorful and the bun (whole wheat) is divine.
(5)Erin H.
Yes, Islands is a chain, but they do a good burger. A damn fine one. Since my health kick started about 1.5 mos ago, I'm avoiding a lot of red meat, so I opted for a Turkey Lite Burger w/side of steamed veggies. It was a little painful as I watched my friend eat her cheeseburger w/avocado and bacon, but it was victorious. The turkey patty was refreshingly moist and seasoned beautifully! The whole-wheat bun was not too dry either (I was worried). Steamed veggies had no salt/butter and just a tad crunchy - just how I like them! Our server did A LOT of check-ins w/us. Very attentive.
(4)D D.
Loved it ! New to the area went with my two kids and husband was really surprised by the cost for us with a drink and appetizer. Waitress Suzette was super accommodating! It's been a long time since we had service like this will be going back regularly. Good healthy options and great service with a fun atmosphere!
(5)Lauren B.
I usually look forward to islands but have not had a good experience with their takeout. Today I ordered the large soup which is "endless" when you dine in but the bowl they put it in for takeout was only half full. When I brought it up to the waitress she said, "that's the large soup." I would have let that go but then I get home and find that they also had not put the avocado in it. Obviously their staff is sloppy and does not put time or care into their work. Considering I paid $8 for a half full bowl of mostly broth, I am very disappointed.
(2)Em T.
My family and friends and I have been coming to Islands for years and it has never let us down! From the incredibly friendly staff to the delicious food, Islands has been a long time favorite. The atmosphere is definitely cool -- I like watching people on surfboards wipe out on the TV while eating my meal. They always play good music too. They have great burgers, tortilla soup, chicken tenders, milkshakes, and even salads. Everything I have gotten there has always been quality and delicious. I leave Islands happy and satisfied with food and the service. Everyone is always very welcoming and the service is always excellent. Definitely come eat at Islands! They know quality for sure.
(5)Kayla G.
My husband and I stopped for a quick bite to eat. My "medium" Maui Burger was overcooked not once but twice...which is not a big deal. The bartender and manager really went the extra mile to take care of us! Not only did they comp the burger from our bill, but gave us an Islands gift card to go back another time with. - I have never experienced such a generous make-up for a couple of small kitchen errors. - We will definitely go back because the staff made such a valiant effort to make it right. Now if only they'd make their burgers big again....but that's a different review :)
(4)Roam J.
Not bad - the portions are huge, but its standard big chain burger place fare. Think Red Robin with a Hawaiian theme. Service was good - our waiter was like clockwork with the refills. Good thing too - I wasn't a fan of the onion rings, they were bland and made me feel really thirsty. Probably sucked down 3 iced teas before I gave up trying to choke them down.
(3)Shylo S.
My husband and my favorite place to eat! Too bad there isn't one in the east valley. I guess it saves us money because we'd be there every week if there was one closer to us.
(5)Jacob A.
Great atmosphere, excellent food, wonderful, friendly, and hardworking staff and management. Will definitely be back again!
(5)Eddie C.
I've been eating Islands since I was a young lad. This by far was one of the better experiences I've had. We were on a getaway from California and decided to have setting we're used to. First off, the chips and salsa with guacamole. Wow! They gave us so many chips we couldn't finish them and they gave us a lot of guacamole. We were surprised since back home they are super stingy on the guacamole. The meal was excellent. My wife's turkey burger looked a bit sad with a pathetic turkey patty. Once it was brought to the waiters attention, he took it back and was overly apologetic. Then the manager came out to apologize some more and to take care of that entree. The staff was so generous. It was a pleasant experience.
(4)Carolinne S.
Coldest beers around - the taps are chilled and mugs frozen. Great place to grab a beer and a bite before or after the movies. Comes with a great people watching patio too.
(4)Robert P.
This place is disgusting. I ordered take out for my wife and I. I had a burger with bacon and thousand island dressing and a side of onion rings. First, it was drippy from watered down thousand islands dressing and the burger tasted like grounded up dead cow, no flavor on a bun. The dead cow was flavorless. On the high side, the bacon and onion rings were delicious. Next time I will go to In and Out or Smash Burger
(1)Lisa Monique C.
I went to Islands (Desert Ridge) alone. My server, Wade, sat down WITH me to take my order. He really made me feel welcome! I ordered a cup tortilla soup and a Malibu burger with a Caesar salad. My soup was warm; perfect temperature to eat. My burger was so juicy and full of flavor, I almost died because of how good it was! Wade, was so awesome that he didn't charge me for substituting Caesar salad instead of fries when it was $1.49 extra. Sweet! My experience was fast and efficient. Complaints: absolutely none. I had forgotten about Islands! But it's cool I can revisit an old restaurant and have a new experience. I left him a nice little tip. Thanks Wade P!
(5)Jochen W.
I come here pretty much every time I go to Desert Ridge for shopping. The food here is pretty good and the waiting time is short. The staff is accomodating and always lets us sit where we want if it's available. Over the years my wife and I pretty much narrowed it down to the bottomless tortilla soup and the Hawaiian Burger combined with a Blue moon beer. The latest on the Hawaiian Burger is that you can order it now with an extra layer of pulled pork. Oh man that thing is so juicy and full of flavor. I can definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Burgers. The waiters are mostly on top of their game and check on you regularly, but without being annoying.
(5)Daniel B.
When it comes to burgers, this place is one of my favorites. I like the island beach vibe they feature and the burgers are done to my specifications. Only thing that I wish they had was a bigger patio with more beach themed atmosphere like palm umbrellas etc..
(5)J B.
Haven't been to Islands since they closed the one by PV mall last April. Well with the urging of the teenage daughter we headed up on Friday night. Small wait when we got there but it turned out to be a good thing! Lo and behold we spot a familiar place from the old location, Amy. Well cross our name off the list and we are headed to the tables in the bar. Delicious Kilahuea burger for me, veggie tacos for the bride, and chicken strips for the daughter and her friend. Delicious IPA on draft and girls never had an empty soda glass (probably not a good thing). All in all it was a great time and look forward to going back.
(4)Halley K.
My mom and I always like to pop in here for the yummy food, but tonight I'm writing this review for the darling server! Stacey is an absolute doll and her smile is infectious, so thanks for minding all of our silly requests!
(5)Gerald B.
Don't do the nachos. Pretty generic Sysco canned cheese and chips. Good service at the bar tho. Shannon was great. I've ate here before and good service and good but you can tell some/most of the stuff is Sysco food.
(4)Sandi O.
I thought this brand had closed up and left AZ, as the location I used to visit was just a mile from our house. Imagine my surprise when I was invited to join friends here for dinner. While it looked like the previous location the food and service were also the same, sadly that also means that the endless fries ends when the fries you are first served are gone, as our server hardly every came to check on us, a party of 9. and not once was anyone offered any additional fries. As I've talked to a Dist, Mgr. and location Mgr. maybe this will change, maybe it won't. I'm sure I'll be bake and yes, I'll let you now how endless my supply of fries are.
(3)Mike S.
Never eating here again. There was half of a dead fly in my greek salad. Disgusting. The service was great the half a dead fly wrecked the dining experience for me. I posted a picture in the photos
(1)Michael T.
Awesome lunch! Clean envionment. Well ran establishment. Our waitress, Elizabeth, did a great job!
(5)Bell J.
Surprisingly good. I didn't expect it to be bad but wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. Reasonable pricing. My burger was good and came exactly how i special ordered it. Also, grabbed a couple mai-tais on Happy hour that came stronger than any normal priced drink...that's a win, win!!
(4)Manny S.
One of my favorite Desert Ridge restaurants. No, it's not fine dining but it's pretty good food. The restaurant is beachy but not overly done. There are enough decorations to set the mood of the theme. The service is outstanding. Everyone has a smile on their face and they are eager to please. The food is good. They have an extensive menu (sandwiches, salads, tacos, etc.) but the main event for me at this restaurant is the burger. Your choice - beef, turkey or veggie served on a white or whole wheat bun or as a wrap. Good service, good food, reasonably priced.
(4)Subodh N.
The most amazing burgers in town!! Love the Kilauea and Maui!! Tacos are just fine.. Nothing great.. But overall amazing place.. Awesome food.. Good beers.. Great music and lovely people all around..
(4)Debi C.
Another great dinner with great service at the Islands tonight! It's that place you can count on to always be consistently good. Servers and the Managers are very welcoming know matter how busy it may be there. Also, the food come out just as ordered and always hot! Great job, can't wait for more of this restaurants in the metro Phoenix area!
(5)Joe T.
I've been here more than a few times and will certainly continue eating here. First, the food. a wide selection of burgers (and other dishes). I'm a sucker for the Hula (swiss cheese, mushrooms). You can get a turkey burger or a veggie burger instead of the beef (I opt for the turkey which is very good). You can also choose a wheat or white bun. Both are very good. Your burger comes with fries or onion rings or veggies. The fries are just the way I like them, crisp on the outside, soft in the middle. The onion rings are OK but not great. Now the service. Outstanding! I think the average age of the servers is 18. I only mention this because if you think (like your parents did) that the next generation will be the end to civilization as we know it, they'll prove you wrong. They're all very friendly, knowledgeable and eager to see if everything is OK and refills show up automatically.
(4)Mark S.
Time to edit my first review of Island's....The first time I was here we had a not so good experience. However, the company reached out and wanted to improve and boy did they. The same group of 9 of us went out with 5 kids under 5 years old and four adults, and we had no issues. We were able to sit in a corner booth, which we actually kind of need for all of us. Our food came out quickly and everything tasted delicious. The best part about it was the service and our server. He recognized that the kids were getting hungry and a little out of control. He brought them extra crayons, and was able to get their food and drinks out first. Island's made a huge come back in my book and showed that they truly are a, "family restaurant" and suits the needs of everyone. It just a cool place to grab a burger and hang out.
(4)Medarapu K.
This is one awesome place. The manager of the pkace Kenny, actually came to our table and made a good impression. The Veggie burgers are unbeatable undoudtedly. I havent found a good place so far for the Veggie burgers. This is not my first time visitng this place and wont be last time. Keep up the good cooking and i will visit every chance i get.
(5)Jessica W.
This place is essentially a Jimmy Buffett themed TGI Fridays. And I don't mean that as a compliment. I split the quesadillas as an appetizer and they weren't good. There was some sort of pepper relish in them that added a weird flavor. For the entree I had the tortilla soup which was very average (kind of watery but avocados were fresh, so they get points for that). I got the sense that they were known for their burgers, so I might recommend sticking with those if you insist on going. But overall, I thought this place was cheesy and pretty mediocre.
(2)jeanette d.
Excellant Food , Excellant service from our waitress Amy and GREAT prices!! Wish there was one in the East Valley. Anytime we are at Desert Ridge we go to the Islands. But its the worth the trip even from Chandler for a 'treat".
(5)Addie S.
Well I know I am not a food critic and really not much of a fan of food but hey a girl had to eat. After reading the reviews I felt like I was unaware of what good food taste like. I thought the food was good. The service better. I will definitely be back.
(4)Steve I.
I have only been here once but I hope to be a regular. I own Hawaiian Experience Spa in Scottsdale and Chandler, Arizona and usually have myself immersed in Hawaiian themed activities. However, if I see something chintzy it really turns be off. In this case, however, the décor was great. The food was also terrific. All burgers are available in both beef and ground turkey, providing a choice. Lot's of cool island drinks are also available. My only complaint is that the calories are not on the menu. I will never know how many calories I saved by going turkey!
(5)Lisa G.
We come to islands every time we are at Desert Ridge, 3 or 4 times a month we eat here. We absolutely love there service, food, and atmosphere. Everyone is so wonderful! LOVE the hamburgers , and the chips and salsa are to die for especially the guacamole. we have tried all the food and no complaints! we are sad about the pv island, they need to open more.
(5)Julie A.
We had a great lunch at The Islands at Desert Ridge! I was SO happy, they have brought back the Cabo Tacos for a limited time! They are the best tacos ever! Please go there and try them, then write a review so that they will keep them in their menu! The service was great and the servers were very friendly too.
(5)Janet S.
Islands is a good place to eat and just relax with friends. the service is very good and I usually get the chicken rice bowl or the chicken fingers when I go to Islands
(5)Richard R.
Islands is one of those chains I really enjoy coming back to. When my family first used to come to Arizona to see my older brother at ASU, then when they came to see me years later, we probably ate at the old Mill Avenue location every visit. The burgers are really good and I love that they can be ordered on wheat buns. My personal favorite item is the Yaki. It's a chicken taco, but with pineapple, jack cheese and teriyaki sauce. You'd think you could get this anywhere, but for some reason it's fairly unique to Islands. So why only three stars? It's not because I'm anti-chain snob, it's because there's one big drawback for some diners who eat at this location at Desert Ridge that sticks out to me. The tables are mostly four top booths, and four top round tables that are bolted into the floor (meaning you can't push them together). We came as a big party and were told it would be at least a 20 minute wait if we wanted to sit together, despite there being several empty tables throughout the dining room. We opted to sit at a pair of tables next to each other rather than debate going to another restaurant. I'm pretty surprised that a family restaurant, in a very family friendly outdoor shopping mall, wouldn't have more tables to accommodate bigger groups.
(3)Kailee G.
This is definitely a go to date night for me And my bf. We absolutely love the beachy/surfy/laidback enviornment! The server we love is named eugine I beleive. Hes very kind! I'm a picky eater and love substituting things. I usually get the "Rincon burger" which they took off the menu and substitute for Turkey. He had no idea what it was but was willing to go ask someone if I could still order it, and he also reccomended other new options! He handled my pickiness very well, and genuinely cared about serving us and making us happy! I also appreciate that he treated my bf well, (guy waiters can tend to talk to the women more) but he almost acted as of they were friends! I love great customer service! We are always there because the food is great, but we def found our new favorite waiter! I'd recommend this place to everybody!
(5)Chef M.
Ok so first whoever commented below it is NOT a closed location, Clean and tropic ambient atmosphere, our server however was slow as molasses, was not overly busy took 15 minutes from time we sat down to get drinks. We ordered a Kilauea burger and a long boarder was mediocre at best, service sucked not very hospitable, the kitchen messed up our orders twice had a white bun bottom with a wheat top on one and completely wrong type of burger on the other, I expect better service and food for that!
(1)Carol K.
Came here midweek to get those Island feelings pre Willie K concert at the MIM. The former is a Hawaiin musician which inspired us to give this over the top chain restaurant a whirl. Happy Hour was a good deal. Mai Tais - great Sliders-exceptional Quesadilla- I don't like salsa inside my Q, it is off putting Poke- nicely seasoned but cut too large and cut unevenly. One piece huge, another miniscule.. it was annoying in the mouth. Service pleasant. We will return if the stars ever align in which we are going to the MIM to see another Hawaiin musician and are hungry.
(3)Ryan C.
My favorite family burger stop. Grabbed takeout from here last night and the fries were still crispy when we got home 20 minutes later. Now that's impressive!
(4)Kitty P.
Delicious and great service. We normally sit at the bar but i love the quiet atmosphere and the happy, helpful servers.
(4)Hannah C.
Only knocked off one star because the service can be sometimes slow. Besides that i'm surprised this place has been open for such a long time. In a good way I'm saying. The restaurant has classic american meals and everything i've had here over the years has been great. I definitely recommend coming here if your eating out on a budget, it's great for large groups too.
(4)Michael M.
I used to like going to Islands, but had not been there in quite some time. My fiancé and I stopped at the Desert Ridge location on our way out of town, and it was an unmitigated disaster. We ordered salads, and the lettuce was literally brown. I am not exaggerating. I ordered a chicken sandwich instead, which was awful. Server did not refill my drink for half the meal, then came back with the wrong drink. I will not be going back to any Islands' restaurants again.
(1)Heather C.
In fairness to Islands, I'm not a burger fanatic. I didn't even want a burger necessarily, but since Islands was the closest thing to a vacation I might see this year, and they are known for their fine burgers, this is where we ended up. We started with chips and salsa. "Started with.." There lies my problem. Why do I always have to "start with" something. Why not "start with" my entree like a normal person. I digress, I'm having a fat day. The chips were a little over browned, but it's just a chip right? The guacamole was actually pretty good, however. I went with the Big Wave cheeseburger. I love that the bun was toasted, but it was on the greasy side. Other than that, no complaints, was actually quite a good burger. The fries (thick cut-skin on) were not very good, however. They were hot, but didn't seem fresh. We did have great service though. Islands is quite a distance from me, so I think I would save the gas money and fly to Hawaii instead. Funny how that was almost true not too long ago. But if you're at Desert Ridge, it's worth the stop.
(3)Chris G.
Great hamburgers and great service. Love this place. You must try the Hawaiian burger with fresh onion rings. It's the best!
(5)Lane C.
The pros: friendly, personable service Amazing fries and fun atmosphere The cons: can be a bit expensive Absolutely not healthy and very limited healthy options.
(4)Moe S.
I love these guys, I don't go often since they're out of our way so instead we go to In-N-Out for premium burger needs but I love Island Burger. The staff is always great, the place is always clean, the burger options are fantastic, my sister enjoys their very healthy portion of chicken in her salad, and I always try to get the healthiest burger (turkey instead of red meat) to justify gorging myself on the unlimited fries. This isn't a $4 burger, you'll going to pay $10 a person at least but the burgers are big and tasty and you can substitute anyway you want. They have a lot of other stuff, including fish tacos and bla bla bla I always get the burgers. I honestly can't remember if I've ever left unhappy, maybe once but personally, I never hesitate to go here if I'm in the mood to pay 10 bucks for my burger and fries and the long drive. They're awesome and I plan on seeing a movie and eating here tomorrow.
(4)Kat R.
This is a great alternate to a place like Red Robin: it's super casual and fun with pretty good food. I usually just get your basic cheeseburger and it tastes less dried out than Red Robin. The service is great and always friendly and fast. I do love their french fries and seasoning. Had the onion rings for the first time and those were definitely a repeat order. Cool vibe with surfing and wakeboarding videos playing. Great for families and kids.
(4)Kris B.
This place is pretty good. I was surprised. The service was just ok though.
(4)Sanford R.
My first meal at Islands was a lot of fun. Its a neat looking place and the burgers really are quite good. I liked the fries that you could get refills on. The wait staff were all super nice, but they could check in on tables a lot more. That would be my only issue with the restaurant as we waited awhile to get what we needed. I really enjoyed the food though!
(4)Melissa V.
You can't go wrong with Island Burgers! The service is great and the food is good. However, don't get the fish tacos. It was bland and it took forever to cook. I have been going to Islands since I was a teenager. The tortilla soup is my fave! Full of flavor and never disappoints. The staff is always very nice, almost too nice but I like that!! I would definitely recommend this tasty spot with friends or family.
(4)Phil A.
The server was nice but just left us with empty pop for a while. My wife's chicken bowel...I mean bowl...was no good. Nothing was seasoned, the chicken wasn't seasoned, the broccoli florets had brown rotten spots on 2 of them and the bowl was room temp. My fish tacos had room temp. chipotle cream sauce with a dearth of seasoning and the corn tacos were punctured and fell apart. The bean soup was not charra beans it was soup. The quesadilla appetizer before it all had about 8 hunks of tomato in the pico de gallo and the cheese was 2 inches away from the edges at parts. The place was packed because it's in the mall. I will give 2 stars because the waitress was heartfelt friendly, but the food was anemic. The hostess did not crack a smile the whole time, I watches as were next to the hostess station.
(2)Jasmine C.
We had to wait about 10 minutes for a table on a Friday night after 7pm. It would have been a 30 minute wait for an outside table which would have been preferable to us. Went with my son and husband. I ordered a Mangorita and enjoyed it. My husbands Pina Colada was also very tasty. Husband got pork tacos and was happy with them. Son got a teriyaki burger and loved it. I had a Hula veggie burger and it was good but I was wishing I had ordered the Teriyaki one also. I ordered the french fries with cheese and scallions on them. At first they tasted good but then they started to taste fishy. (The likely fry them in the same oil?) Great place to bring the kids. Service is good and the ambiance is fun. The kids meals are a great size. My two littlest ones could easily share one meal if we bring them next time.
(4)Megan L.
great happy hour prices, kid friendly, the food is decent for the pricing.
(3)Jennifer S.
Sat outside with a small group of people so as to enjoy the mild weather. That mango margarita with an extra shot in it was fabulous (so much so that I ordered a second one the same way), and those cheddar fries...!! My friend did not steer us wrong on those! Freshly cut skin-on potatoes fried crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Not greasy at all, and piping hot, too! On top of the mound of freshly-fried potatoes was melted (cheddar?) cheese and chopped chives or green onions. They were really delicious with the ranch dipping sauce served alongside. Soooo goood! I'll certainly get those again!
(4)Kirstin E.
I've somehow been here twice in the past week. The first time was on a Saturday night at 6, so of course they were busy. We had to wait 10 minutes which wasnt a big deal at all. However once seated service got reallllly slow. Food took a while to come out. Though it was good. Last night I ended up here with the Hubs. So a Wednesday night at about 630. We got seated right away. It wasnt busy in the slightest, yet somehow the food took even LONGER to come out. So so slow. But it was good. So there is that. So if you go be prepared to wait forever, for tasty food. Maybe take a snack?
(3)Roland W.
A typical Saturday, my partner and I are headed out to lunch. He's starving so the most important criteria is a location close to home. Sadly this means Desert Ridge. We settle on Islands, my suggestion, his pick. This is a typical Desert Ridge Saturday at Islands, tons of kids with parents no where to be found. So here's how it goes: Me: Please seat us somewhere away from all of the children Hostess: UM... Me: How about that table in the corner they are cleaning off Hostess: let's see Partner: Geez, I'm hungry let's just sit down Hostess: okay, how about this table? Me: Uh...what about that table with eight little kids sitting alone over there? Partner: Oh, let's just sit here. So I give in and we sit next to a table of eight kids, screaming fighting, crawling over each other while their parents sat in the bar and ate. What a wonderful experience. Oh and the food. $30 bucks for a hamburger, chicken sandwich, chips and salsa and two drinks. The food was just okay, no better than I could make myself and I certainly didn't see any value in the atmosphere for the $30. Doubtful that we will be back.
(2)Shannon M.
Whenever I feel too land-locked and forget what the ocean looks like, I head off to Islands. Maybe it has something to do with the freaky-tiki kind of decor, or the surf videos that play constantly. I Like It Here. Yes, it is a chain. Yes, it is smack in the middle of the Desert Ridge Marketplace. No, I don't care. Islands restaurants are everywhere in So Cal, and they are all consistently good for a casual meal. I was happy to see that there is a location in Desert Ridge - nice and close to me! The service is friendly and attentive - you aren't left panting for a drink refill. My faves are the North Shore tacos and the Sandpiper chicken breast sandwich. If you are in the mood for some bad for you goodness, definitely try the cheddar fries. A plate laden with their fresh-cut fries just covered with cheddar cheese and chives. Served with ranch dressing, it is artery-hardening perfection. Who needs a fork!? Just use your fingers!!
(4)JD H.
Corporate food thats not half bad. Second time we have been here, the burgers are very good as are the fries. The fish taco is very stodgy as its like a heavy english style fish-in-chip fish portion that sits on a bland corporate corn tortilla.....not a favorite choice of mine. The service was excellent and its not a bad place at all. Great stop after the movies!
(3)Kitty F.
One of my favorite reasons to go the the Desert Ridge Mall is so I can go to Island's. I am a vegetarian and I will start by saying that Island's is a very vegetarian friendly restaurant. All of their burgers can be made using a vegetarian veggie patty instead of the usual meat. The staff is also really knowledgeable and will answer any questions you have about ingredients or toppings. Since I am addicted to their burgers I have yet to try anything else on the menu, but a friend of mine always gets Island's tacos and says they are to die for. Island's also has the most amazing french fries! Best of all the french fries are bottomless! The awesome servers never object to bringing you an extra plate of french fries to go with your meal. This Island's is one of my favorite places to go for casual, fun food!
(5)Michael G.
Great burger, taco, salad, nacho place. I love the decor, feel like I am in Hawaii. Quick service and the Strawberry Lemonade is yummy. Seems no matter when I go, I never have to wait, but they are packed. I love the burger slections, something for anyone.
(4)Rebecca V.
Maui chicken sandwich is so flavorful! I cannot wait to go back when I am in Phoenix again. This place can get busy so make sure to come early before you get too hungry. I love the never ending french fries!
(4)David T.
I went here with my sister yesterday. I loved the atmosphere, the food was great, and our server Chad, was awesome. I may be a bit "old", but the noise was too loud for me, but otherwise than that, everything was good!
(4)George H.
I used to like going to islands burgers, but there is just something about them that I can't quite pick out. I probably just ate here more often than I should have and now don't like going any more. Their burgers are decent, and I wouldn't say no if going with a group, bu my personal opinion is to swing by In-N-Out or Yard House if I want to be served.
(3)Joanne G.
I love this place and their burgers. Had their turkey burger and it was delicious!! Clean and bright restaurant, great wait staff...will be back!!
(4)Shaina T.
I love their burgers and my favorite are the mahi tacos! (if thats how you spell it) you can get unlimited frys and every one is nice in there. The only thing is i think the prices are just a little too pricey for some of the things. Other than that they are a thumbs up for me!
(4)Eli G.
Their burger selection is awesome, and their unlimited fries are delicious and of course plentiful. Their drinks are also really great. Good combination and flavors. Good service, great prices, good place for a family to dine out. They accommodate well to gluten free people as well! I have been to other locations and this one is probably better.
(4)Brenda L.
I found myself with an hour to waste last week while I waited for work on my cell phone. So I decided to go in for a bite to eat since it was dinner time and the smell in the parking lot was good. I ended up having a nice time as I set at the bar and conversed with a senior couple that comes in frequently. We both ordered appetizers since they were half price at happy hour and we all had a drink. I had a bottle beer. They only offer a dollar off drinks at happy hour and they are still overpriced. The food was ok. The bartender that basically ignored me and had 3 others assist me kept talking to the couple I was talking to also. She never spoke to me or made any eye contact. Hmmmm Anyway she said on more than 3 accounts how she loved the cheese fries and onion rings we were sharing. Maybe she wanted some? Well the orders were bigger than the 3 of us could consume and we trashed the remaining. LOL I thought the Onion rings were grand, but was not impressed with the cheese fries. At half price they are a good deal for either but at full price I would rethink before spending 7 bucks on fries.
(2)Chukki S.
Passion fruit iced tea is amazing. Burgers are okay, nothing special. I love the tropic beach themed decor inside, makes it fun to eat here. Service is decent too.
(4)Denise R.
Love the burgers and onion rings !
(4)Adam N.
I had some co-workers go to this place for lunch and rave about it. I couldn't agree more. I thought it was a very good lunch. The burger was tasty, fries were good, and plenty of sodas to keep my thirst quenched. THe prices were good, no complaints here, very fair. The wait staff was good, nothing that was "absolutely amazing" but they definitely did their job, drinks, food, and ticket were all on time, that's all that I wanted and expected. The decor was very cool, it feels like you're on an "island". So i dug that. I'm a fan and will definetely return.
(4)Kristin C.
my son really enjoys islands, great food, casual kid freindly atmoshpere we go here quite a lot and seem to keep coming back
(4)hilary c.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Islands. In college it's where we would go for lunch after a long night out on the town and piece together said long night from everyone's memories or lack thereof. We'd get cheese fries and salads or soft taco's and stay for hours it seemed like. Now in my 30's and relatively settled down I wanted to go for lunch before a movie with my sweetie. Not quite the same. Different location but same college age servers and cutesy beach swag everywhere. No cheese fries for this rear end I am sporting now meant just chips and salsa (blah blah a thousand times blah) and a cobb salad. I ordered the both the creamy vinaigrette and greek dressings on the side and both were tart as sucking on a lemon wedge. The salad itself was good except for the pound of blue cheese it contained. Oh Islands, I have wonderful memories of you, but I have since grown up and moved on.....Good luck.
(3)chelsea k.
AMAZING FOOD!! I actually worked here at this exact location for 6 years. I have eaten every item on the menu. Everything that Islands servers is prepared and made with perfection! The service is friendly and pleasant and best of all its FAST! Islands is a great place for a nice lunch or fun dinner. The lively and tropical atmosphere really sets this restaurant apart from any other. i could strongly urge anyone with a appetite!
(5)Kathy D.
my kid's favorite, and the hula burger rocks!
(5)Bruce B.
I had a fantastic burger here the other night, place was busy but service was still good! I'll be back!
(4)John S.
Islands is a great place to go if you are in the mood for a burger and don't want to spend a lot of money. The service at this location is very good and the food is delicious! The food also comes out very quick and I really like how the servers at this place are on top of things. The little things like bringing extra drinks when they see you're getting low, and making sure that everything is satisfactory for you really shows that they care for the customer. I really enjoy getting the Kilauea which is a jalapeno and black pepper encrusted burger with pepper jack cheese and chipotle aioli, it is so tasty! If you're not in the mood for a burger, they also have salads, sandwiches, tacos, etc.. I also really enjoy the fries at this place, and they also have some really good desserts that are fairly large in portion. I remember after I ate my burger and fries I decided to ordered the Chocolate Lava for dessert which is a chocolate brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, cherries, almonds and chocolate syrup, a fairly simple but delicious dessert. I thought the dessert would be around the size of my fist like some other restaurants do, but it was much larger which I think is awesome.
(4)