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Name: Islands Restaurant
Address: 3351 Nobel Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Telephone: (858) 455-9945
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.18

Islands Restaurant

3351 Nobel Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92037

(858) 455-9945
Store is closed

Islands Restaurant Menu

Appetizers

Island Fries

Onion Rings

Beachside Sliders

Tiki Tenders

Buffalo Wings

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Quesadila

Tortilla Chips & Salsa
Soup

Tortilla Soup
Entree Salads

Wiqui Waqui Bbq Chicken Salad

Kaanapali Kobb Salad

China Coast Salad

Jungle Caesar Salad

Greek Salad
Burgers

Big Wave

Big Wave W/cheese

Point Break

Hula

Hawaiian

Bleunami

Pipeline

Kilauea

Maui

Rincon

Malibu

Mavericks

Turkey
Soft Tacos

Island Fish

Yaki

Baja

Northshore
Other Favorites

Chicken Club Wrap

The Wedge (blt)

Moa Kai (tuna)
Birds Of Paradise

Shorebird

Ca Flyer

Toucan

Pesto Paradiso

Sandpiper
Paradise's Bikini Beach

Sleek Greek Salad

Turkey Burger Lite

No -blame Grilled Veggie Tacos

Northshore Tacos
Gremmie

Jr. Wave

Sandcastle

Li'l Hot Dogger

Macaroni & Cheese

Jr. Tiki Tenders

Jr. Quesadilla

Jr. Shake

Jr. Sundae
Sides

Island Fries

Onion Rings

Small Garden Salad

Small Caesar Salad

Steamed Veggies

Sweet Potato Fries
Desserts

Chocolate Lava

Kona Pie

Fudge Brownie

Icecream Sundae

Healthy Meal suggestions for Islands Restaurant

Appetizers

Island Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Onion Rings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beachside Sliders [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiki Tenders [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buffalo Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach & Artichoke Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Quesadila [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortilla Chips & Salsa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soup

Tortilla Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entree Salads

Wiqui Waqui Bbq Chicken Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kaanapali Kobb Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

China Coast Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jungle Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Greek Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Burgers

Big Wave [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Big Wave W/cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Point Break [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hula [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hawaiian [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bleunami [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pipeline [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kilauea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maui [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rincon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Malibu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mavericks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turkey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soft Tacos

Island Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baja [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Northshore [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Other Favorites

Chicken Club Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Wedge (blt) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Moa Kai (tuna) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Birds Of Paradise

Shorebird [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ca Flyer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Toucan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pesto Paradiso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sandpiper [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Paradise's Bikini Beach

Sleek Greek Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turkey Burger Lite [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

No -blame Grilled Veggie Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Northshore Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Gremmie

Jr. Wave [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sandcastle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Li'l Hot Dogger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Macaroni & Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jr. Tiki Tenders [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jr. Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jr. Shake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jr. Sundae [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Island Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Onion Rings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small Garden Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Veggies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet Potato Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Chocolate Lava [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kona Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fudge Brownie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Icecream Sundae [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in La Jolla for healthy meals suggestion.

La Jolla Brewing Company ( 7536 Fay Ave )

Einstein Bros Bagels ( 4150 Regents Park Row,Ste 180 )

Visit below restaurant in La Jolla for healthy meals suggestion.

Einstein Bros Bagels ( 4150 Regents Park Row,Ste 180 )

Write An Anonymous Review

Jeffrey L.

Not too much to say here. -Service was decent -Spinach Artichoke dip was good -Endless fries....they were very crispy but the first batch were all like 1 inch long...and the next batch was better but a lot of burnt ones and yeah..just not that enjoyable -Burger: nothing to write home about. Was craving a burger and got the Maui burger but it was really just whatever Verdict? Artichoke dip was good, but lots of places have this. Burgers and fries were really not that great. Probably won't come back here again especially for the price
(3)
Kristen H.

I got the toucan burger and added bacon with a side of onion rings - it was delicious! I'm a huge chicken fan so am really picky when it comes to trying it at different restaurants but it definitely did not disappoint. The server was quick and efficient and super friendly. I would suggest it for a casual family and/or friend dinner
(4)
Hal J.

Love their burgers, the craft beer is great. Sculpins are always a go-to. I'm islander at heart so the atmosphere and vibe is chill. I try to come once or twice a month at least. Never had a problem and always experienced a nice and clean facility with a friendly staff.
(4)
Kristi D.

This is too all the islands in general ! I was so disappointed that they now do not offer 1/2 order of the salads ! U have to order a whole order which as u know they are huge ...NOT A BAD THING but for us that eat on the lighter side. That's the thing wrong with America today trying to make us eat more! Please bring back 1/2 order size . And anybody that feels the same way please make your voice heard..ty
(1)
Lucky N.

Whenever my parents visit, we would always eat here because it is really close to UCSD. I love their burgers and bottomless fries deal. However, the last thing I ate there was their heat wave burger and I was a little disappointed. They made it sound so spicy but it wasn't as spicy as I expected it to be. There was only one bite that was was spicy but it was only at the center! Nevertheless, it was tasty. Their tacos are alright but I wish they had more fish tacos. They only have two fish tacos and the rest is chicken. Drinks wise, I love their strawberry lemonade and their unlimited free refills.:)
(3)
Emily L.

Came here for happy hour with a group of six, but there were no seats in the bar area to accommodate us, and they only do happy hour in the bar. I asked the host if there was any way we could do happy hour in the main restaurant, as we were celebrating and had come specifically for happy hour. The host was super polite and immediately went to ask a manager to make arrangements for us, which they quickly did. Great customer service. From that type of thing alone I'd want to come back. The great aps and drinks didn't hurt either. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area!
(4)
Trish S.

Islands is a mirage to me, always shimmering, popping up out of nowhere when I need it the most. For example: I'll be killing time between meetings in no mans land, look up and what glimmers? An Islands sign, the palm tree logo seeming to sway in the breeze. Maybe that's just because I'm parched and need a boozy shake? That must be it-I stumble towards the air condition haven. Waiting for friends in Chula: They're late, lets get a drink somewhere-we turn a corner and boom! Rising out of that Southern Sahara... it's Islands again, thank the hula pie gods. What sounds good? oh look, more boozy shakes... Fighting crowds at the outlet mall-and in the distance? 1-5 so jammed with traffic I give up hope of ever seeing home again. Must wait it out... oh but where? Where can a girl snuggle up at the bar around here? Eureka! Islands saves the day again: But here's a twist, no boozy shake this time... they infuse the pineapple tequila for THREE DAYS and use it to make their margarita. I may never drive again. If you're gonna dine at a chain, at least dine at a SMALL (less than 60 locations) southern California based chain who uses SD as their test market: We get cool Islands grub before anyone else. Look around, if you see one standing strong on the horizon it could be your salvation from starvation. Or maybe like me you just need a boozy shake. Burgers are solid, service is sweet, parking can be a pain depending on the hours and location. They carry loads of big names but you'll find a few local brews too.
(4)
P H.

Crappy food in a terrible chain restaurant atmosphere, no need to ever punish yourself by going to a place like this....:(
(1)
Matthew N.

I'm going to be honest, there wasn't anything special about the food, the atmosphere was pretty cool, and the service was ok. I had the Kilahua burger which was good but I've had a lot of awesome burgers. While the burgers are much better than a fast food joint, I was expecting something more. My only issue with the service is the server didn't refill my drink until after I was almost done eating. Oh yeah, they will only cook medium or more and I prefer medium rare!
(3)
Chad C.

Awesome food/service ... our fries were fresh and the beer selection was awesome !!!
(5)
Zach K.

A nice casual spot to catch up with friends and grab a burger. Similar atmosphere to Fridays or Applebees but Hawaiian themed. If you like spicy I recommend the Kilauea with a side of buffalo sauce. Don't forget fries are unlimited.
(4)
Lindsy H.

Man I remember the days... The days I used to frequent Islands 6 days a week. Took advantage of the incredibly affordable happy hour, enjoyed tasty salads and to die for chips and salsa. Islands has changed a lot over the last 10 years and it's not so great anymore. The appetizers, even at happy hour prices are over priced. The menu prices increase EVERY single time I go. I paid over $10 for a veggie burger! Are you kidding me! The chips have been cold, too salty or "bottom of the barrel" for a while now and they no longer offer real chicken on their salads, it's chilled, pre-processed meat - yuck! My parents love this place so I go back and am able to find something, but I hate paying so much for just okay food. The ONLY reason I gave 3 stars instead of 2, the Kona Pie. That stuff is amazing and I've never met a person who didn't love it!
(3)
Ula L.

Island's ... What happened to you?! Totally gone downhill! Tonight, I thought I ordered the Hawaiian Burger (pineapple, Swiss, lettuce, & teriyaki sauce), but what I received was the Diabetes-waiting-to-happen cheeseburger. The damn thing was so terribly sweet!!! I had to cover the thing down. The pebble coated onion rings felt like they practically broke my teeth. I thought my husband's fries would be better. Sadly, they were bland and hard on the ends. It was not appetizing at all. I think tonight is the last time we'll be eating there. Thank goodness for Hodad's & Five Guys!
(2)
Jan N.

I never go here.....now I know why! A lousy cheeseburger w/a heap of mustard!! BOO!!! A plus on the fries!
(2)
David F.

Mediocre burger at best. Only plus is watching surfing videos while waiting. Happy hour prices will bring me back but after venturing off that menu to the full dinner menu I won't do that again.
(2)
Maria C.

Happy Hour M-F 4p-Sunset (8:15p) Bar Area Only Islands has a mean HH!!! By mean, I mean pretty damn decent. We came for a quick drink and bite before our movie at AMC. There was 1 person (Terrance) manning the bar area and when we entered there was about a dozen patrons. I have to give him props because he provided great service to everyone with a positive attitude. Although there wasn't much on the menu, there was some interesting drinks and good deals. I opted for the I-Shandy (beer, lemonade and mango). WOW, I thought it was very tasty and refreshing. Evidently, it's big out in Europe - or that's what Terrance mentioned. Definitely will order that again! We opted to share the chicken tenders $5 and fries $2. It's bar food - it was OK. Cheap HH appys - all under $5 (except the buff wings). The drinks are super cheap. The HH drinks are all under $5. The pour on the well drinks were STRONG!!! Very cas environment and they even brought out a Kona Pie with a lit candle in honor of my birthday. YUM!!!
(3)
Daniel B.

Sadly this place sank from great to average over the past year. I always loved coming here, but on my most recent visit, about a month ago, it was a disappointment. They got rid of their signature beers (that were brewed by Firestone), and replaced them with common, hackneyed beers, like Kona Island Lager and Stone IPA. Very disappointing because I was always looking forward to their IPA. The burger seems to be changed as well. The meat quality and the size of the party have both turned south. Doubt I'll recommend this place to others anymore.
(3)
Phillip N.

Due to it's proximity, we end up here for our MEChA meeting breaks. A. LOT. And back in the days, fries weren't included. Just mediocre food at not so great prices IMHO. I still think that. This is one chain I'm completely done with.
(2)
Judy B.

Terrence and Nina at the bar makes this place a 5 star! Oh, yes... the kitchen staff who bring out consistent food is also a hit. Never fails to please the kiddos... and yes, me.
(5)
Andy P.

Imagine a lesser-cool version of Red Robin but costing the same, if not, more. Now mix that in with a Hawaiian theme, a few Toucan birds, lesser sophisticated food, and a terrible parking lot....and you get Islands. Lunch menu food ranges from 6-8 bucks and there are a selection of a grand total of seven items. Maybe it was six. A couple salads, a couple burgers, and a couple other random choices - what kind of CHEAP selection is this?! Cheap as in stingy, not price. Never seen such a famished selection before! My friend's KILAUEA tasted good but not $10 good. If you wanted a safe choice, this would be one, but NOT WORTH YOUR MONEY. So in the end, meh. Fries were very mediocre too and in small portions. My turkey burger was simply turkey...nothing special in it. Service was not bad, so I'm bumping one star from disastrous. I wonder why there was a full-house on a Friday lunch hour. I really had to ask myself, "do people really CHOOSE to eat here?!" I'd rather go to Red Robin...and this is coming from someone who doesn't care about burgers. It's kind of funny because this Islands is its own little island surrounded by a parking lot. I love how random restaurants just plant themselves in this parking lot...oh wait, this is that infamously horrendous Ralphs Parking Lot, huh. I'm seriously NOT surprised. I wont be coming back, sorry Islands. I tried you a few years ago, and your quality hasn't changed. Really not worth my money.
(3)
Eric G.

My mahi mahi sandwich was dry. It could have used more coleslaw. I won't return again.
(1)
Jeff K.

Islands is just like any other chain burger place. Decent burgers, tacky ambiance, and fair prices. There is nothing noteworthy. I had their Kilauea. It was pretty good. I asked for medium, and it was slightly overcooked. I did like the textural contrast with the fried onion placed in the burger, that was very good. The fries were okay. The chips and salsa, with guacamole was decent, but again nothing great. It is what it is, and I don't think I have to explain to anyone that you'll get what you expect from Islands.
(3)
John J.

Island's hi-calorie menu is usually enough to deter me from coming, but I came to this Islands last week and I've got to say, this Islands has redeemed the whole franchise for me. I came here on a Monday evening, and our server was Lindsey. My friend and I both ordered a salad. He had the Kaanapali Kobb Salad while I had the Wiqui Waqui BBQ Chicken Salad. Our orders came pretty quickly, and my salad had a cold refreshing crunch with a nice bite due to the BBQ sauce. However, my friend asked me to try his salad, and we both agreed it was bland. Then we realized that it was missing Avocado and Grilled Chicken Breast. We told our server, and she apologized. We asked for the salad to be re-made, but we didn't want the restaurant to simply throw the salad away since it would be such a waste. We asked Lindsey to ask the manager if we could box the salad which would otherwise be thrown away. I think something got lost in communication as the manager personally came to our table with the remade salad and took away the old salad. Then Lindsey came back and realized our salad had already been taken away. Then the Manager passed by our table to ask if things were OK and said that he "took care of our salad." When Lindsey came back yet again, we asked her to confirm whether "took care" meant the manager threw away the salad, or he took it off our bill. When Lindsey came back with our bill, we only got charged for my salad, and so our bill for dinner came down to a measly $4.65. I think the manager interpreted our complaint to be a bigger grievance than it was. My friend really didn't care that his salad was missing chicken, but this is a good example of "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." We were both pretty pleased with the turn of events, but we felt bad so we left a 100+% tip. The end.
(4)
Preston R.

Again, 200 + people cannot be wrong. Came in here on a whim, and 3 stars sums it up. I had the Hula burger and it was just average. My wife had the Shorebird chicken sandwich and the bun was twice as big as the chicken breast. Our service was great and efficient and the atmosphere is fun. Not a horrible place to eat, just not incredible.
(3)
Tina T.

Poor service and very poor quality food. What happened to this place? Cold undercooked chips for an appetizer. Salad came out with no dressing. All together poor quality food and the service is just the same.
(1)
Bruce K.

Islands is one of those theme chain restaurants that seem to pop up everywhere. Not that that's a bad thing because you'll know what you're getting before you even go inside. And today, I just wanted a simple burger and a beer in a quiet place where I could read a book in peace while I ate. Islands fit the bill. It was a good burger and the beer was nice and cold. What let it down was the super slow service. Yes, I was putting out a "read my book" vibe, but it shouldn't have taken 20 minutes to even put in a drink order. It seemed that the hostess really had put me in a quieter part of the place. Once I was able to catch a waiter's eye and motioned him over, we got some food and drink on the way. And the burger was decent, don't get me wrong. But when it was time to go, I again had to catch his eye to get a check. Thank goodness I had enough cash - I wouldn't have wanted to hand over a credit card and wait for it to come back. I can't say that I'll be back.
(2)
Kitty K.

I don't think they even deserve one star! Rude rude rude! Called to place a to go order at 10:30, got put on hold for several min, and then they refused to take a call in order for pick up because it was after 10:30 but I have been in there after 10:30. Big disappointment because I have been going here for years! I know to take my business else where now.
(1)
Liz J.

Great server (David). Great drinks (vodka soda). Great food (Longboard burger lettuce wrapped with a house salad). My hubby and I love to try new places. He has been here many times, but this was my first. I'm happy that we got to enjoy this experience together and hey maybe we will plan a trip to Hawaii ;) If you are going to see a movie and only have 45 minutes to spare come here!!!
(5)
April M.

Kinda pricey, but burgers are huge. Cheddar fries are amazing. I got the mahi mahi burger and it was so good. Came with a side of four giant onion rings, which were also amazing.
(5)
Evelyn L.

Great drinks for Happy Hour. Also a great place for birthday celebrations! I'm a regular customer!
(5)
Laura H.

Delicious! The tortilla soup with chips and guacamole was to die for. Service was awesome and the waiter was even cute!
(5)
D A.

This is the 3rd Islands Restaurant I've been to and this one is by far my most memorable experience. Our initial waiter in the bar area Terrance(?) was very attentive. He brought over Kennan after awhile to introduce, and let us know that he was going on break and would take of us. Both Waiters were friendly and talkative AND remembered our names along with alot of the locals, when people would come in it felt like "Cheers" when they knew everyone by first name and greeted them immediately. I had the Hawaiian burger and switch out the meat for turkey. Mini me had the regular Hawaiian burger. Both burgers were amazingly juicy and tasty! I can't wait to visit again so I can be greeted by first name with welcoming smiles and great food!
(5)
Jessica C.

Islands is the definition of your typical chain restaurant. As a kid, I used to love coming here - I thought their burgers were MASSIVE and STUFFED and DELICIOUS. Well I grew up, experienced the world, learned how to be critical, and thus found Islands lacking. The burgers are a decent size in terms of a person consuming them, but definittely on the border of overpriced. Most of the burgers on the menu only contains one special topping in addition to the typical lettuce tomatoes, ie. one burger has lettuce tomatoes and guacamole, and another has the regular stuff plus bacon. Not exactly innovative. But in their defense, the service is fast and friendly, the burger was cooked to exactly medium rare (just what I ordered), and the milkshakes were perfectly loveley. So for a perfectly ordinary but guaranteed solid burger, Islands is your place to go.
(3)
Shalini G.

if you had asked me to review Islands based on previous visits...it would have been a solid 1 star review...but I was pleasantly surprised by my experience here. We came here after a bday party at the movie theaters...wasn't my choice. i had a spicy burger...it was cooked perfect and really yummo! i ordered a beer (not what i usually order)...i really enjoyed that too. I didn't know that Islands had their own brewery! we were a giant party of 8 adults and like 10 kids...the servers did an amazing job catering to our large party! not my first choice of venue...but i would come back. maybe HH?
(3)
Maret W.

Maybe I'm just a food snob and used to things that taste good, but I cannot recommend this establishment. We should have checked yelp first. Now I'm paying it forward. We ordered the nachos and the hula burger (both based on server recommendation). While the fries that came with the burger were decent, the burger was, unanimously, declared as the worst $10 burger we've had in our lives. (My husband told me people are suspicious of superlatives, but this is my review and my statement is true). I was told it would be medium and pink all the way through. We cut it (to share) and first noticed that it was well done. "That's a shame" but it looked good. We took a bite and I found it to be the most bland burger of my life (again with the superlative). We started piling more and more salt on it, still bland mushroom taste. I sadly put ketchup on it (which isn't an appropriate condiment for Swiss and mushroom), but what else could I do? The server asked how we liked it and I mentioned I thought maybe the kitchen left off an ingredient, and she said it should be only mayo. So $10 for a well done unseasoned piece of meat with unseasoned mushrooms and Swiss... With mayo. How about caramelized onions and maybe some garlic? Some salt and pepper in the beef? The nachos were not as disappointing as the burger but they were not good. I was hungry so I kept eating, though, feeling a little sick about the thickness of the cheese (but at least they didn't skimp, I hate skimpy nachos worse). These had a TON of cheese and a few jalapeÃ±os and some sour cream with a side if salsa. That's it. I would have liked to have a little guacamole on it (they're $10 nachos, after all) and maybe some beans. Corn, suggests the husband. The service was nice, though and the place was clean.
(2)
Tania K.

I really like this location but it gets very busy! My favorites so far are the Hula burger and their quesadillas. Substitute for a turkey or vegan patty. Their curb side to go is a great option if you want to grab some good food really quickly. Just call ahead so you don't have to wait too long.
(5)
Ron B.

We lucked out with Shana as our server! She was soooo nice and on top of it! She was like Linus the bartender from How I Met Your Mother. When our drinks were empty, she was there before we realized we needed them! The food was typical of Islands (the fries dipped in their milky ranch is a great combo), but Shana made our experience excellent! Thanks for the great customer service, the smiles, and the expedited service!
(5)
T. W.

It's your typical Islands and consistently good food.
(4)
Rachael A.

This place never gets old... The buffalo wings are the best, I never get tired of them. I tried the long island iced tea and actually wasn't a huge fan, it was SUPER sweet! Maybe it's just because I don't like really sweet drinks! They have tons of beer choices on draft which totally makes up for it. Oh, and try their milkshakes... So good!
(4)
Tim H.

went in today and got my usual the Yockey tacos They were excellent like always! There was a new waitress named Rachel that was fantastic she gave great service very polite!
(4)
N P.

We go for happy hour and always get the best service! Servers and bartenders are super attentive and have really positive demeanors. Great experience every time!
(5)
LeeAnn B.

I have been to quite a few Islands Restaurants and the one in UTC is just as clean and neat as any other. They are always decorated so cute and the service is as expected. I have eaten in at this location a time or two, but lately my boyfriend and I have been ordering To-Go because it is quicker and more convenient. We have always received the correct order on time with no hassles. I usually order the California burger and I think it's delicious. My boyfriend has gotten the BBQ Chicken Salad and loved it. He usually order a burger of some sort and thinks they are good, but not great. He is a bit of a burger snob and is really picky with what he calls an awesome burger. I like this restaurant and will definitely continue to go due to convenience since I live around the block. Since it is a chain there is nothing special about it as far as I've seen. If you're looking for a quick and nice place to grab a bite to eat witha friendly staff this is the place for you!
(3)
Alan B.

Let's start off with the excellent customer service. The minute we walked in to the minute we left the service was outstanding from A to Z. Within 2 minutes of seating down are drink order was taken. No more then 3 minutes after that are food order was taken. Within 10 minutes we got are appetizer. Please let me know when you like to get your main dishes in. 15 minutes later are main dishes arrived. Every couple minutes they came back to make sure everything was going well. The manager even came over and asked if anything we need. I have to say well managed Islands Restaurant. If you live or visiting the area you must give them a try. No questions I will be back here again when I am in town. The hole staff here is super friendly. I love the fact they care about their customers.
(4)
D C.

Lunch at Islands this week with family members. Variety of food ordered. First up was plate of fries with dips for appetizers - fries looked fine to us, but Emily brought us a second order of even better fries, just in case. Our group variety of things - the chopped chicken salad - chicken warm, salad cold, as supposed to be, two orders of Mahi fish tacos - could smell the cheese on the beans and it was the right smell, like you are in Mexico. Also a chicken Caesar and a chicken club wrap with extra avocado. The wrap was made w/o the avo, but Emily caught that in the kitchen, turned it around and had it re-done and then comp'd the wrap for being later than the other food. More fresh fries arrived about the same time. Heads up again by Emily. Manager visited table three times and was professional and courteous - thank you, Jason. Good lunch all around and remain a satisfied customer.
(4)
David Ethan S.

A month later no evidence this place cares about inheriting the clients from TGIF Fridays' closing. Overpriced drinks, an embarrassing 1970's menu of fried food and flavorless hamburgers. I tried twice now, and in each case the lettuce, tomato and bun had more flavor than the beef patty. These guys need to spend some capital, address their stagnant menu, and "get it" that they are now a neighborhood bar - serve more appetizers, give a real happy hour, and get someone from Bar Rescue to advise you what people want to eat in 2015.
(3)
Rebecca S.

I went for quick cheap food and it's exactly what I expected. If you want a healthy meal you're in the wrong place. Bottomless fries even if they're sweet potato... Hayyyy. I grabbed a coloring book and I felt like a kid again. Bathrooms are clean. Veggie burger is pretty bad and the mustard is fake. Bright yellow like paint. I'm giving this place 5 stars bc it's as good as fast food gets. I don't really think fast food is supposed to taste like anything besides grease.
(5)
Nolan Y.

We were first greeted by a very kind hostess then seated and waited on by a helpful waitress. The food was good and the ambiance was really cool. There are tvs everywhere but the volume of the room is moderate. Great place I would return.
(4)
Frank P.

I visited the Islands Restaurant and had the distinct pleasure of having Lauren as a server. She was extremely polite and provided OUTSTANDING (timely and accurate) customer service! Her demeanor was both pleasant and professional! While this Islands location is out of my way, I will most definitely visit it again due to the superb service Lauren provided. Sincerely - Frank Pulley
(5)
Hurjane V.

First time ever at any Island's! Have I been missing out on life! Came here on a Wednesday evening with a friend for dinner. Pro: -seated quickly! No need to wait so long, even if it's a big party. -immediately approached to ask for drinks. Yes to amazing and friendly service! -clean environment! Also super chill and awesome decorations! -food took a while to come, but worth the wait! -I love that you can "mix and match" the meals! Switching meats, types of meat cooked (medium, medium well, well cooked) having the option between white or wheat buns, switching between sides....literally catered to you! Cons: -Island fries were not super amazing like others described. The ones we got tasted like the "end of the batch". A bit dry and stuff, but would probably be better if they were piping hot! -one server was carrying more than he could, and dropped two plates. Luckily the child who was behind him in the seat did not get injured....but seriously- safety first! -price is a tad bit overpriced in my opinion, but it was a good experience. -"steamed vegetables" had butter added to it...also, the carrots looked a bit old and dry. Popular burgers are the Hula Burger (sautÃ©ed mushrooms!) or the Bleunami (if you love blue cheese)...and many more! Definitely would come here again! Come here with family for a relaxing setting and delicious American dinner.
(3)
T B.

We did take out. Got two Cobb salads one with blue cheese dressing the other with vinegar and the bacon/blue cheese on side. When we were there we reminded waitress for extra dressing. Came home to eat it. The salad supposed to be with blue cheese dressing has none. The other salad has no avocado on it. And on side there was no blue cheese. We spent 25.00 for two salads and order was so messed up basically ended with a side salad with egg and one with no dressing. What the f***. I want my money back.
(1)
Maria J.

We came to islands today, as we love their food! Our experience was not very good! The artichoke dip had no flavor! We put our kids order in 15 minutes prior to ours and 45 minutes later, still no kids food! The waitress tried to lie and said she "didn't know" where the kids food is at. She then fessed up and admitted she forgot to put the kids order in!! 1 hour and 15 minutes after our arrival, the kids food showed up. Yet, the kids were unable to eat for another 10 minutes, as their food was extremely hot! We had to take their meals in a to go box! Also, the onion rings were way overcooked!! All the "manager" did was take the kids meals off of the bill!! I will not be returning! Summary: 1. No refills, we had to hunt down the waitress to get them. 2. Artichoke dip was bland and came out almost at the same time as our food. 3. Waitress Forgot to put kids order in, waited over an hour for their food. The adults were already done! Food was hot, unable to eat. We had to take their food to go. 4. Onion rings were overcooked, had to get new ones. 5. Manager did not really help the situation.
(1)
Austin D.

Service is always amazing here, the food always tastes great! I honestly just love islands a lot because it's always something I can count on as well as a company that cares about its customer. Their tacos are amazing, their tortilla soup is fantastic, and their turkey burgers are out of this world good!!!
(5)
Rene P.

When I think of burgers, I think of island getaways. Well, not really; Burgers are more of a continental thing, the presence of pineapple slices notwithstanding. Frozen cocktails, though, bring the true island flava maybe? I've been to this Islands and other locations a few times now. On the whole, compared to their casual dining competitor Red Robin, Islands doesn't quite approach the same level. Not that Red Robin will ever win a best burger award, but their burgers always manage to excite me more, and the addition of bottomless fries is a nice touch. On my recent visit to Islands, I ordered the Kilauea burger, and the result didn't nearly excite me as much as the name would have suggested. Basically, I got a burger with a vaguely spicy sauce on a bun that didn't seem the freshest, and the fries on the side don't stack up to Red Robin's regardless of refill policy. All that said, I did appreciate the waitress asking me how I wanted the meat cooked, and I doubly appreciated the fact that it actually came out as ordered. We also ordered the Lava flow cocktail, fundamentally a strawberry colada. Tasty, but, like much of the products on the menu (and, frankly, on the menu's of Island's competitors), pricey for the level of quality. That is, I ended up spending more than I might at a more boutique burger shop with better-made and more creative burger options. Summary: More like the flava of strip malls.
(3)
Abby W.

Based on my order, I'd give Islands four stars but considering that my date was less than impressed with his sandwich, I'm going to split the difference and give out three stars. Let's start with the good! My Shorebird chicken sandwich, which is a grilled chicken breast with swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato, was delicious! It's a good size burger that I couldn't quite finish despite my very best efforts. I skipped the mayo and asked for a side of ranch to put on the sandwich instead and that definitely elevated the sandwich to the next level. The side salad was small but considering that I still couldn't finish all of my food, it was plenty for me. Again, the ranch was simply divine! We also split a plate (and by split, I mean I ate 1/4 and my date ate almost 3/4) of cheddar fries. Since potatoes of all forms are my favorite thing and cheese comes in near the top of the list as well, I was very pleased with this simple dish. My date agreed that dipping the fries in the ranch made them even more delicious. Now onto the bad. My date didn't enjoy his Mahi Mahi Sandwich at all. The fish sandwich comes topped with a mixture of teriyaki sauce, tartar sauce and coleslaw. Apparently, there was too much teriyaki, not enough coleslaw and it was a very underwhelming dish all around. I wouldn't mind returning but my date has no interest in coming back.
(3)
Linh T.

Can't go wrong with Island's! Love this location since it has plenty of parking and the staff are all so attentive as well. The location here is never that busy (during the times that I go anyways at lunch). I LOVE the burgers here! It is really big so I can usually finish half on top of finishing off some fries. I used to come here so much for their unlimited fries option! BEST thing they ever did for better marketing. The original wave burger is reallly good. I love how the bun is made, and the texture of the meat as well! I usually order the Maui because of the guac. SOOO bomb. I love their wheat bun too because it is not dry or oily either. The fries here soo good!! Super crunchy and not too oily as well. I love their onion rings but it gets really gross after two bites because of all the oil. I do not recommend their nachos here....a HUGE disappointment. The cheese was this weird texture American cheese and it tasted disgusting after 5 minutes since it got cold and stiffened up. Overall, great service here and the food is great as well! Just wished the pricing wasn't so high since a $13 burger is completely overpriced. I recommend: - Maui burger
(3)
Tara A.

Came here yesterday for dinner around 8 while visiting one of my friends in SD! Didn't have to wait which was nice. Right when I opened the menu I was so conflicted because all of their burgers sound so amazing. I ended up ordering a medium Hawaiian burger on a whole wheat bun, which comes with pineapple, teriyaki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, swiss cheese, and mayo, with a side of fries and ranch. I was thoroughly impressed!! The bun was toasted perfectly and the outer edges had that crunch that I love. The burger patty was also HUGE and really filling. The teriyaki sauce wasn't too sweet or overbearing, though there was a lot of it so my hands were a mess afterwards even after trying to be neat and cutting my burger in half! I didn't really mind though because the burger was that delicious. The fries they give you on the side are also really good, I wouldn't call them skinny fries but they're kinda right in between skinny and fat fries... haha. They're well-salted but you can also add some salt/pepper/islands seasoning salt if you want. The service is pretty good, I did feel like we waited for a little longer than expected, but that was probably just because I was super hungry at that time. Walked out of islands with a happy and full tummy!! :) Will prob be back, but most likely in the OC, closer to me.
(4)
Gehre M.

Inconsistent food and service But good overall If there's a big game on, it can be crowded Seems like the first batch of fries they serve you are cold or have been sitting out. I order another batch
(3)
Kenna H.

I love Islands! My boyfriend and I would come to this Islands after finals were over for celebratory margaritas and fries. Definitely one of our go-to spots as it's decently priced, casual, and really good. Service is always fast here, and for the most part the servers are friendly. Some of our favorite things include the chicken tortilla soup, the cheddar fries, margaritas, and I love their chicken sandwiches. Part of the appeal of this spot is their ambiance - it's fun to come to a spot like this in SoCal because it's what you'd expect. Food is consistently good across this chain, and has been a staple restaurant in my family!
(5)
Leonard L.

Islands SD: La Jolla 5pm Saturday 23th May 2014 Three Stars After watching a Fed Up at the Landmark Theater with a bunch of old people, we went to Islands By UCSD. The waitress was quite nice and joke around with us. We drank some Tequila and ate Lettuce Wrapped Malibu Burgers. The Burger was moist and Bacon was Crispy which is all I ask of a decent burger. The French Fries always surprise me on how good they are.
(3)
Dana G.

The turkey burger patty was surprisingly delicious. It had flavor and was moist. The service wasn't perfect but it was good. The entire family loves the decor and we could either watch sports or surf video.
(4)
Natalya C.

Island offers tons of good deals and who doesn't like DEALS! Bottomless chicken tortilla soup - check Endless fries with your burger - check Unlimited soda refills - check Great HH from 4-7 pm with $2.99 wells - check There is always an Islands restaurant near by. The place offers a lot more than just burgers, there are salads, soups, sandwiches, tacos and also rice bowls. If you a healthy eater like me, try their teriyaki mahi bowl with brown rice.
(4)
Jenny W.

Pricing: Good. Pricier than Red Robin's, but bigger burgers. Quality: Good-Excellent. Flavored better than Red Robin's, but less variety. Turnaround: Good. Depends on the day. Service: Good. Hit or miss. I came on two separate occasions where the first time I came, I was completely floored by how quick the servers were on bringing refills for the drinks and fries. Then the second occasion, I was shocked that none of the servers would help us when we asked for some water. Their response was "I will tell your server" instead of just simply pouring us some water from the pitcher in their hand. I will say that both days even out to a "good" rating for service. Now with that out the way, on to everything else. Since this place is similar to Red Robin's, I am going to make a lot of comparisons so bear with me. Pricing-wise, this place is a little higher, but the burgers ARE bigger and in my opinion, flavored better than how Red Robin's does it. However, they do lose out on the variety count though. If Island's ever include something akin to the Royalty burger at Red Robin's, I might never go back to Red Robin's. We had the green ice tea, Kilauea burger, and tortilla soup. First off, the green ice tea is a must. Not only is it bottomless, but the light sweetness mixed with an equally light green tea taste makes this an amazingly refreshing beverage. The Kilauea was a little overcooked, but was a good combination of fried onions and pepperjack cheese. I wish the jalapenos had a stronger kick, but everything else came together nicely especially with the endless fries. The tortilla soup also has an endless option and was nice done, but also can be spotty with the ingredients. Sometimes my refill would be hearty and sometimes super watered down, but still a perfect meal for sick days.
(3)
K T.

I used to love Islands until yesterday! It has been awhile since we have been back so we were thinking cheese fries? ISLANDS! First of all, our waitress basically did not pay attention to anything. She disappeared for most of the night and only came to drop off food. When we got our fries, she just dropped it off and walked away. Not "Is there anything else I can get you guys" like normal waiters. My fiancÃ© wanted ranch and we were already 3/4 done until she popped out again. We literally had to flag her down and wave at her to get ranch. FOOD Cheese Fries - These used to be really good but yesterday, they were soggy. It looked like they cut down on the portion as well. Yaki Tacos - Basically chicken tacos with pineapple salsa. However, I got my tacos and there was just chicken and lettuce in a taco...no salsa. I did not get salsa until I got to my second one but I ended up not even eating it. Maui Burger - Standard. Fries that came with it...soggy and unseasoned. Not sure what happened to Islands but after last night, we will not be back.
(2)
Aly J.

I always love coming to Islands! Best burgers & sweet potato fries! Tonight I had their Hana Hou burger & it did not disappoint-just the right amount of spicy & w/ a hint of savory sweet onions. I found our server Travis to be especially friendly & helpful. He was very genuine & knowledgeable about the menu. I really appreciated his suggestions & his customer service skills were exceptional. I will be returning to this Islands location again very soon (After all I really want to win that beach cruiser-such a cool bike giveaway!)
(5)
Michael J.

What an awesome place. Great atmosphere, our server was spot-on and the portions were huge for the great prices. We'll be returning for sure, especially since we're now entered to win a sweet beach cruiser. Thanks for a great dinner, keep up the good work!
(5)
Cori L.

Not worth it. The service was okay but the food was terrible -& we were starving. Our burgers were extra greasy which is never a good thing. We did enjoy the sweet potato fries but nothing was worth a return visit.
(2)
Kristin T.

DO NOT EAT HERE! Went out with some friends to celebrate finishing an exam today. Ordered a burger and fries. I bit into a fry and bit into something really hard. I pulled it out of my mouth and showed it to my friends. It looked like a small rock. I showed it to the waiter, who didn't really seem to care much, who said he would go check with the kitchen. He took the rock with him. A few minutes later a guy comes out from the kitchen saying he didn't get to see it because the waiter threw it away but said that they make their fries fresh so it is possible it was a rock. He asked to bring me something else, like I wanted to eat anything after that?!?! When I said no, that I had no desire at all to eat anything more, he then said he would comp my soda. Not, are you ok? Not, did you chip a tooth? Not even, let me cover the cost of the food that had a rock in it. Then the waiter came back and tried to say it was just rock salt. I have never been one to complain about food but this is ridiculous! Especially how they didn't even seem to think it was a big deal that there was a rock in the food and that they then threw it away, seemingly trying to cover up that the whole thing ever happened. STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!
(1)
J O.

This review is long overdue and is for TAKE OUT only. The happy hour staff in the bar area is fantastic, but the take out service really is the worst. I keep trying it, hoping that the terrible experience I had the time before was a fluke...but no. Over the course of the last 3 years I have never had a satisfactory experience. They never fail to disappoint. On one particular instance, I was quoted 25 minutes. 30 minutes later, I pull into the spot outside and call the number. No answer. So I walk into the restaurant through the pick up door and wait. And wait some more. Nobody acknowledged me or said anything for a solid 10 minutes. Then another woman walks in, gets immediate service, and gets her order in less than 45 seconds. So I finally say something and am told that my order is still being put together. I finally get home and wouldn't you know it, I'm missing an item. Honestly, the take out thing isn't working- if things are too busy in the restaurant then maybe the focus should remain on that...
(1)
Vin S.

Islands Restaurant tries really hard to provide a tasty product at good prices with excellent service. Generally speaking, they pull all of this off. The burgers are well prepared and very flavorful. But tonight I'm in the mood for the chicken tortilla soup. For $7.75, they offer an endless bowl which will certainly fill even the hungriest diner. My favorite burger is the Kilauea. They recently changed the toppings, which I don't really like, but it is still excellent. The desserts are also a wonderful treat here. I had the Kona pie, which I couldn't even finish.
(4)
Alexandra Linette S.

I keep coming back because of the service! I didn't catch his name but he works at the bar has blonde hair. I noticed his service because when another person walked in he asked him if he wanted the usual? down to the beer and the small details on his burger! I was amazed!!!! When my friend started eating the islands paper on her plate they automatically re-plated her food on a glass plate for her and added extra fries. ( she's a princess) lol they have a great lunch menu. if you're on your lunch break be sure to sit at the bar I feel like it's a lot quicker.
(5)
Jessica L.

We just went on a trip back to CA and stopped at Islands - we so miss the days when we were in walking distance to the Orange location! Everything was perfect and better than we remembered - the chips were fresh, perfectly salted and warm, the fries were to die for - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with amazing flavor. The Shorebird (chicken sammie) was juicy and delicious and seasoned well. As always the service was excellent. Now if only they could put one in Tucson.......
(5)
Danielle F.

We stopped in for a drink and apps at about 8 pm on the 10th and sat at the bar. The female bartender looked cute yet professional. Then there is the large dishelved guy behind the bar wearing what looked like an olive green, over worn, oversized, wrinkled T shirt. He looked like he just rolled out of bed-hair a mess. Very unappitizing to look at. I am a 2 drink max person. I had 2 mojitos and I could have passed a breathalizer test, Terribly weak drinks. About 5 years ago I had my first mojito here and it was wonderful as were the fish tacos., The quality of both has sunk to a new level.
(1)
Bob M.

Our first time in Islands while we are visiting here from NC. The burgers were great, reminds me of a chain back east called Cheeseburgers in Paradise. Fries were good but the lady that recommended eating here said they were out of this world, and I am not quite sure why. Our server was very friendly and great attitude but a little while after we got our meal and we never saw here again until much later, we had all run out of drinks, luckily they gave us all a water with our drink orders (which were just sodas) so we didn't completely dry out, but that is one standard I go by at a restaurant, does my glass go all the way to empty and how long does it stay that way and this place was horrible for that. So my biggest Pro is the food and biggest Con is the lack of service after the meal is served.
(3)
April P.

My last visit was such a disappointment, especially since this place is my company's go-to for lunch on a weekly basis. The host out front was nice. But little did we know we'd be seated in a section waited by a not so helpful and not so nice server, Nohely. Our visit took place on 5/26/15 around 1pm check #20003 and the place did not look busy so that couldn't have possibly been the normal excuse for the poor service we received. I ordered a soup and burger. She did not ask if I wanted my soup before my burger, so of course I get it with my meal. Not good. My friend's order was messed up as well being brought the wrong sides and Nohely didn't seem at all apologetic. Our refills came late and by that time, I've had enough and wanted to get out of there. My past experiences have been good, until last week. Really hope Islands can redeem themselves some way.
(1)
Leigh F.

I always forget about islands. My man loves the endless bowl of tortilla soup. Comes w chips and guacamole. So good!! Last visit I got the chicken teriyaki bowl. Delicious. Food is really good here and lots of it! Service is excellent always! Ambiance is Hawaiian theme. Always gotta get the Kona beer. Yum!!
(4)
Jennifer A.

Islands is a pretty decent burger chain. It's one of those places it's easy to go to with a group of friends or my parents. I went here with my friends recently (party of 10) and the only reason we went here was that BJ's was way too crowded. We were seated right away, which is always a plus, but after that we were basically abandoned. The waiter didn't even take drink orders until 15-20 minutes after we were seated, which caused us to get our food almost an hour later. Their chicken tenders appetizer came out cold and the strawberry lemonade was watery. The only thing I liked was the endless fries, which you can never go wrong. Yeah, it might be that Saturday night dinner rush, but as the two star description says on here, I've experienced better.
(2)
Dan v.

The service was very slow. I waited 15 minutes at the table before the server came and asked if I wanted something to drink. It then took another 10 minutes to get the water and for me to order. The burgers are average.
(2)
Sarah K.

I came here last night to grab some food with my sister and mother and let's say the experience and food wasn't that great. We were promptly seated and waited 10minutes for our waiter to come ask what we would like to drink. We had our orders ready by then, so we told him what we wanted while we were at it. The waiter was very unprofessional and sat on his knees and leaned on the table to take our order. After ordering, it took us 15 minutes to get our water. And another 10minutes after that to get our appetizer of sliders. Pretty sure appetizers are not supposed to take 25minutes to make. We got our sliders and after we finished them in a matter of minutes, we waited 15minutes for our burgers and fish tacos. When we got the food there were barely any fries apart of the endless fries that came with the burgers. The steamed vegetables with the fish tacos tasted like they were good in a microwave with no seasoning whatsoever. And my sister's burger which was supposed to be medium rare, came out raw. That's a health hazard, serving uncooked meat is unacceptable. We had also asked for refills on water and for thousand island dressing to dip our fries in. It took the water 15 minutes to get the water and he had forgotten about the thousand island dressing. This place is just a mess when it comes to ordering food and attentiveness. Unless you want to wait 45+ minutes to get appetizers, the main course, water, and thousand island dressing, be my guest and come here. Otherwise their food isn't that great.
(1)
Rey L.

our first stop on our La Jolla trip. kids are familiar with the Islands chains so no brainer on stopping here. weird smell of parmesan and used bar cloth when we first walked in. oh well. got seated right away. mama and i needed adult thirst quenchers after the drive from LA. service was quick with both the drinks and the food. nothing exceptional. mama's tacos were good, my wings were good and the kids burger/fries were good. we didn't find any needles or used condoms anywhere in our viscinity so that's always a plus. good times.
(3)
Shannon G.

Our server Tiffany was awesome! Delicious food and great service as usual. Make sure to try the mahaka margarita with pineapple infused tequila and cinnamon rim, so yummy. A burger is big enough for my mom and I to split, and the fries are always on point. What's not to love? :)
(5)
Cassy M.

Just stood at the take out stand to pick up my order for 10 minutes unattended and had about 5 employees walk right past me without saying a word or even a smile. Management please have your staff work on customer service skills!
(1)
L K.

I am so very sad. I've been going here for years, and took full advantage of their curbside service many times. I always get the Wedge. Lately I have noticed their lettuce has been on the not-so-fresh side. Kind of a bummer to keep having to pull it off. Finally, it happened. This past weekend my DH and I both really got sick from the food. We even ordered different things. But this was definitely no "24hr bug". What a total disappointment. My innards are still complaining. We won't be back. Won't be going back to the Balboa one, either. Islands...what happened to you guys?
(1)
Larry S.

I've been coming to Islands Fine Burgers for 20 years since it first opened in this location. I have always loved the burgers which were always 1/2 pound and hand formed. It has been a few months since my last visit and I found that some changes were made that make this my last time for me until they get back to the original program. The 1/2 lb high quality hand patted burger has given way to a 1/3 lb made with poor quality meat and machines. This is no longer the quality of burger used by all of their competitors. I told the manager that you can't sell a 1/3 lb low quality burger in a casual restaurant when even Jack in the Box sells 1/2 lb burgers of better quality in their fast casual restaurants. Hopefully they get the message and go back to their principles so I can return. BTW that restaurant was always packed but on this Saturday night it was empty. Think maybe the customers have figured out the era is over? To the owners who made this profit margin call - do you think your customers are that stupid?
(1)
Lena L.

After finding out The Counter was far from where we were, we decided to try this place out since it was another burger joint. I ordered the Kilauea and my friend ordered the Maui burger. The burgers come with bottomless fries and a delicious seasoning you can add onto it. The burger itself was very delicious but pretty expensive (~$10). I get a delicious burger for cheaper at In N Out but it's nice to switch it up every now and then and eat here I suppose. The added seasoning on the burger makes it more delish as well. The drinks are pretty expensive so we just opted for water. Overall, this is a pretty nice place to stop by for lunch if you're in the area.
(4)
Nette B.

HAPPY HOUR GO TO FOR CHEAP EATS.... Great service at the bar. Fast and cheap. Well Drinks for $2.95 okay I'm a fan. Islands is a casual environment to hangout at. Nothing blew my mind because it was just regular. If you have a group this would be a nice place to hangout.
(3)
Eric F.

Burger lunch special sub fries for island red onion strings for $7.95?? Say what?? Great service from Terrence who hooked me up with my favorite red onion strings. Very attentive and good guy, great service, I'll be back.
(4)
Gabriel C.

Ricon burger (3/5) - $11. Guac, bacon burger with swiss, lettuce, tomato, and onion on wheat. Overall a larger sized burger bun with an unfortunately small patty. Fries were crunchy and golden brown. Able to season the fire Tableside with salt, pepper or garlic salt. Also tried part of my friend's Pesto Paradiso (3/5). Chicken breast was a bit dry, but overall this was a dressed up grilled chicken breast sandwich with basil pesto, lettuce and tomato.
(3)
Coco B.

Okay so First of all thank you to the management at la jolla for being so kind and making sure my second visit to their corporation was awesome. this time i went to the one off friars rd and i ordered a kilauea burger and it really did have so much flavor, it was peppery and spicy and crunchy. the patt was overcooked but it was thin so i didn't really see it being medium haha. it was pretty good next time i think i will order a teriyaki pineapple burger. i reviewed my rating because my burger was a milion times and better and i actually got to enjoy onion ring lots and lots of onion rings. my server was very sweet and i would go back.
(4)
Luis V.

This place has great ambiance and it's a nice spot for Happy Hour. They offer their own brand of beer, and sports playing on the TV's at the bar. You can order any burger with a turkey patty, which are delicious. The Hula with bacon & wheat bun is my usual choice. Now for the negative: The burgers come with unlimited fries, but they're bland 9 out of 10 times. The service is very slow on the Restaurant floor, and almost impossible at the tables in the bar area, nevertheless, they are always polite and courteous. I understand that they get busy, but it's such to where I've seen people walk up to ask someone for something.
(3)
Mari A.

I think I've become a slight fan ever since they included the whole wheat bun and turkey patty option. Couldn't stop eating it when I told myself from the beginning I was gonna scarf down half and save the other. Came here for a going away for a coworker. Ordered a round of margaritas. It was their special that day $1 off each JUST IN TIME! I had a Hula Burger and substituted for their whole wheat bun and turkey patty. Delicious, tender, and juicy! Yum! Can't complain abotut the side of fries it came with either. Medium cut, nice light crunch on the outside and cooked perfectly on the inside. Two of my coworkers got the lunch special burger I believe it's called the Big Wave which is basically a big basic burger. Both enjoyed theirs and looked equally as juicy as my Turkey Burger. mmmMMm One of my other coworkers had the chicken tenders and sweet potato fries and she didnt seem to enjoy it much. She seemed to yearn for one of our burgers. :) Wouldn't mind coming back for another get together.. and maybe have some more of those margaritas ;p.
(4)
Jeff U.

First time writing a review at yelp and sadly it's not for a good one. Went with my friends 1 hour before closing, we got our seats right away but that's the end of a positive experience. I got a hula burger just because I love mushroom burgers. The order took forever and their "unlimited fries" starts with a very little serving of it. Our water ran out before our orders got there and our server didn't even bother refilling it. The burger that I got was tasteless, and our fries was gone after eating a quarter of my burger. We asked for a fries refill just before the server left just because we know we're gonna consume a lot. 10 min later...no server presence 20 min later...no server presence Then we asked a different server but we're pretty sure our order was ignored. Basically every other server just ignored us. Then 10 min before closing, our server came with just one plate of fries (we asked for 3 just because we each ordered one). He said he's sorry and explained the reason was because they are closing in 10 min and asked us if we want the last batch of cooked fries (maybe in consolation). We finished the fries quickly and after waiting again for about 5 min he came back saying he did everything he could but couldn't give us more fries. He said the chef argued that some new customer might come in in the last 10 min wanting fries. *for the mean while, we were too darn thirsty because he keeps ignoring refilling our water. We paid to the exact amount and left thirsty. I don't get the argument that "new customer might come in on the last 10 min". We were customers too, weren't we? --from a college kid who thought the unlimited fries would fulfill his hunger.
(1)
Soo H.

I visited during the free Maverick burger promotion. I got there before 5pm and didn't wait long but it got crazy and people were lining up outside when I left around 5:30pm. The service was fast considering how busy they were. They did put cheese on my burger when I asked for no cheese but it was easily removed. The decor was pretty nice. The Maverick burger was excellent. I liked the blend of onion string, bbq sauce, beef paddy, lettuce, and tomato. Hodad's bacon burger is the only burger I like better than this one. The fries were also excellent.
(4)
Denise K.

HH sliders aren't that bad for being so cheap! And I dunno what the hype is all about in regards to the fries! They are so whatevs! I like the pork tacos here.. the cilantro dressing is yummers!
(3)
Christopher P.

Islands is as I remember it being, oh, way back when I was in middle school, when I'd come after movies and be seated in the bar. Wait, what? Anyways. This particular location is nothing particularly special from the chain, and offers few surprises. It's located within the horrible Ralph's complex, complete with the rather inspired (but illogical) parking lot, and thus offers a night view of La Jolla's Disneyland castle (the Mormon temple - they look similar, no?). It's got that Hawaiian straw hut and toucan theme, using words like 'wave' and 'hula'. But other than that, there's not much to say. You're seated soon after you walk in, without the 45-minute wait that plagues chains like BJ's and Cheesecake Factory these days. Upon sitting, menus can be found stacked in the corner at your table, which, if you're expecting it to be handed it to you, can be confusing. No matter, as the menu hasn't changed in, like, forever. Dude. Can I get a hula burger (the one with the mushrooms, right?) and an appetizer, please? Just not the nachos, those are freakin' expensive. The burger comes out tasting, to it's credit, as expected, though your cooking options range from medium-well to...well. Hm. But still pretty good. The quesadillas and tiki tenders taste decent, and oh, the fries with the burger, though not advertised as such, are, I think, endless. Just a tip. The service could be a little quicker, the place cleaner (the ketchup bottles are sticky!) and, I don't know, the food priced (or cooked) better? Like most of these sit-down restaurant chains, Islands isn't worth the cost. But, it is Islands, it's just as you expect it to be, and it'll do the job. As long as your expectations aren't that high.
(3)
Devon G.

I met a couple of girlfriends here after work for a drink. Not much to say on the food as I didn't order anything to eat but the bar service was prompt. And I don't know how you could mess up a pint of Stone. :)
(3)
Sandie C.

No complaints here. If you're in La Jolla, grab a burger at Islands in La Jolla Village Square. Typical chain restaurant but the burgers are go-ooo-oodd!! Really delicious after a day spent walking on the beach. Service was fast and endless french fries hit the spot. The place is busy and so we recognized that our server 'only' had 2 legs and 2 hands with which to transport our and everyone else's burger. Patience if the place is busy! We've been rewarded with tasty food, refills and friendly service. Here's the basic menu: islandsrestaurants.com/mâ€¦ although I think (if I remember correctly) that this particular Islands has a bigger menu plus daily specials. I usually scarf down a bleunami turkey burger ..... Nice location, clean restaurant, very close by to UCSD, prices are about average for corporate theme restaurants. You can barely get out of anywhere without paying approx. $15 per person for the average burger these days and that's usually without a soda or booze .... anyway .... Yum! Unless things change, and by that I mean the food turns rank, I will continue to visit and enjoy.
(5)
Juan R.

Not a bad location for some decent Hambugers. The good thing about going here, is that every time that I've been to this place - it's been for free! (That's the perk of having my bosses office next door). The service here has always been awesome here. Even if we come with a party of 2 or a party of 10, they will always seen you as fast as they can. From the hostess, to the servers, to the management team. I have tried everything here, let me name a few: -Chips and salsa: The chips are pretty tasty as well as the salsa. You can't go wrong here. I even asked for a side of guac - which was tasty as well! -Quesadillas: There are few places out there that get a quesadilla wrong (Even thought it's just a tortilla and cheese), but some people do. It's nothing out of the average, but add some guac and sour cream and your good to go! -Cheesburgers: Yum yum yum! I have tasted several of their burgers and every time they came to the table they were cooked to perfection! I can't recall the exact names of the ones that I've tried, but I have been here with at least 10 different coworkers and none have complained yet. If you're in the area, and want to get a burger for a decent price, check this place out. Islands has some bomb food and some even bomber burgers!
(4)
Novy D.

I had to bump it up to three stars for the sheer fact that they offer curbside service. Despite their lackluster menu, this is exactly what I was looking for. Two starving parents, a cranky child, made dinner aside from room service, much more possible. Service was exceptional and everything that anyone could need and could ask for was provided with our meals; condiments, wet naps for our wings, extra napkins,etc. The food was ready in no time and soon after we were eating our meals from the comfort of our nearby hotel room. Note: Skip dessert and make your way over across the street instead ;)
(3)
Dana S.

I was SO disappointed during our recent visit here. We were told there would be a 15 minute wait which ended up being 30 (mind you there were 3 people ahead of us), we were seated and offered drinks about 5 minutes later. From here it just gets worse: Server comes, takes order. 20 minutes later i ask if we could get our fries out first since we're starving. 10 minutes later our food arrives...COLD. Kids meals are warm but my veggie burger and hubby's burger are lukewarm at best. I hate doing this but we send the food back to the kitchen. 15 minutes later our food arrives warm, the kids are fussy and ready to leave because we've now been there over an hour and have yet for the adults to eat. The manager comes by to apologize and our server offers free dessert. I don't eat dairy nor do I eat meat so this doesn't really appeal to me. What i wanted was a good dining experience at a fair price. I left feeling cheated for having paid full price for a subpar meal that took 2x as long as it should have. Please don't offer to comp me for food that I don't want. Oh yeah, did i mention that we were NEVER offered refills on our drinks. SMH, not a great experience and they weren't so busy that I would extend them the benefit of the doubt. Not the best run location which is sad because I used to be an Islands fan...
(2)
Joe M.

My buddies and I managed to finally get together for dinner and chat about the state of our projects, and Islands became the chosen venue to get our grub on. I haven't had great experiences here in the past, but just having some good buddies nearby was a good start. I've worked so much lately that I've needed some spice in my life, so I ordered the Kilauea burger with onion rings. The burger itself was pretty decent and was cooked to their lowest temperature, medium rare. The onion rings were really freakin' oily and I couldn't really eat many of those. Overall the meal was a pass. The highlight of the meal was definitely being able to get together and catch up with my old colleagues. As a meeting place, it actually turned out pretty well, though I'm never really transported to the tropics whenever I come here. It might be the bad decor or perhaps the mediocre food, but Islands has never really wow'd me. At least the burgers come with fries now. Food: 7/10 Service: 7/10 Price: $$ Atmosphere: 5/10
(3)
Frankie G.

Started with a dinner salad. It was fresh and okay. Then I had the Mahi Mahi Tocos. The good news is they were on Corn Tortillas, but the bad news is the fish was getting past its expiration date. Sorry Islands, but it is time to update the inventory.
(2)
Veronica M.

I usually enjoy going to Islands from time to time except for the last time I went. My complaint is for the bartender named Nina (I think that was her name, she's blonde with a ribbon in her hair) who was absolutely rude! We went on a slow night and there was only a few people at the bar. It took her a long time to take our order and when she finally came around to us, she was not friendly or welcoming. She messed up our drink order and then was upset because we asked her for the right drink. After that, she didn't offer us anything else, we had to keep asking and when we would, she was blatantly rude and annoyed that she had customers. We were definitely not a priority to her and I'm not sure how Islands management allows this type of person to be a representative of their establishment. This is the last time I will be going to this Islands, which is sad, because I have enjoyed coming here for the past 6 years.
(1)
Michael M.

I was pretty disappointed when I ate at their restaurant recently. I recall eating 2-3 years back and enjoying a lot of food. This time around the portions were much smaller, the greens were wilted, and the service was lacking.
(2)
Monchai K.

This is one of the coolest place I've visited in San Diego. Their service is slightly slow but there are many points to confute. I gave 1 star for super nice and friendly staffs, 1 star for good quality of food, 1 star for the decoration and atmosphere. It has an outstanding decoration. I love Hawaiian style!!! I also added one more star for unlimited fries. This is a super awesome option. Highly recommended for everyone who fall in love with fries! Enjoy :)
(4)
Matthew L.

Great service great food:) all in all I loved it! Had the salmon bowl mmm mmm mmm well be back for sure!!
(5)
Chun P.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! The Father-In-Law is a badass drummer in 1-3 bands whom play at fine bars such as The Kraken and The Leucadian. The Father-In-Law is an expert line and country dancer and is at InCahoots 4-7 nights a week. The Father-In-Law, when single, can seduce your single Mother with his wicked dance and music skills. The Father-In-Law, once he has seduced your mother, can convince her to pay for most of the dates. The Father-In-Law is low maintenance, not a snobby yuppy golfer, cool, and was easily pleased with Islands for F-Day. The above sentences really has nothing to do with Islands itself. What I'm really trying to say is that Islands, despite being a chain, makes really FUCing delicious burgers. My Kilaue Burger was hot, juicy, delicious, spiced perfectly, and ginormous. The Nutrition guide says its1530 calories when you count the fries. That's a lot of food for only $10! Gossip Grill, Empire House, Crazee Burger, Regal Beagle and others will charge you an extra $2-4 for fries...WTF? That's like sex but without the orgasm. Sometimes it sucks being a woman. Actually, that analogy really makes absolutely no sense. What I'm really trying to say is that Island's fries are super awesome, don't cost extra, and are UNLIMITED. Our sweet, friendly, tall, and very handsome server even got his manager to let us use our 20% Off coupon on a holiday...and even gave it back to us so we could use it again. When I ordered their Islands Golden Ale, he said I could upgrade to a 25oz glass for only $1.50 more, which I did. Later I asked for a small refill on the fries...he came back with two big baskets full of fries. What I'm really trying to say is...well...I think I'm love...
(4)
Carlo E.

What a complete waste. After waiting for a table and getting seated, the comedy of errors began when my water glass arrived with a giant smear of chocolate cake on the side. The hell? No paper towels in the dispenser in the bathroom, though there were plenty overflowing out of the trashcan, and piled in a corner on the floor. Mac and cheese plates for the two kids were cold, and my fish tacos were lukewarm, and had the stingiest little pieces of stinky white fish in there. By the time we finally got our server's attention and got some food that was actually warm, we'd been there over an hour. Another person in our party wanted more soup, which was completely forgotten by our server, so at that point we just decided it was easier to give up on it. Though she did comp us some of the food, our server otherwise wasn't particularly concerned or nice, and it seemed she spent far more time sitting at the adjacent table with her friends that were dining there chatting with them than she did paying attention to her tables. I guess those people must have been pretty cool kids, because at one point three different employees stopped at their table to socialize. Given that we had to wait 20+ minutes just for a table, and so long for our food and the restaurant was so busy, maybe employees should do their hanging out on their own time. Had I not been there with a group of friends, I probably would have just walked out and left our cold food sitting there. What a disappointing experience.
(1)
Jessica K.

As someone who's worked every position known to man in this industry, I feel some guilt when I look down at what I've ordered and think to myself, "this (fill in the blank) really sucks. Damn. But I don't want to complain." Yelpers, the best thing to do is NOT run and post a negative review about whatever dish it was, how crappy the service was or how cheesy the restaurant was. Okay, maybe it's fair to point out how cheesy the "island's kitsch theme is but that's only because it's an observation. I ordered their tortilla soup and fish taco since the server was so insistent on how good it was and because as she said, "I'm not a meat eater so that's all I know is good on the menu." Cute. I love taking suggestions from the staff since they know the food best and since it was my first time coming to an Islands. You'd think a Caribbean themed place with such bright colors and painful corporate forced steps of service would put force a dish that had been tried and test true to be a crowd pleaser. It probably pleased something more like a crowd of one. The presentation with the tortilla soup was cute enough and I would have probably enjoyed the over glorified tomato soup if it was hot even to see steam. When I asked my server for a reheat on the soup, it was taken with a look of surprise, uncertainty and confusion. Not a problem, but when it was brought back, it was came back with a nice crusty ring of soup courtesy of a microwave maybe? (Big sigh...) While they were figuring out how to reheat my soup, I dug into my fish taco which I'm sure was in that flour burrito/liquid concoction that oozed all over the lettuce and black beans that accompanied it. I took a few bites to try to get to the meat of the matter and when I finally sunk my teeth into it, I found it wasn't worth the search. The batter was soggy, the fish cold, and the sauce overwhelming. I pushed away the fish tacos and seeing the skin and crusty bits of soup on my new reheated bowl, decided against the main course also. When my server came back to give a refill to the iced tea, I politely informed her of the issues I had and showed her that it only a few bites to come to my conclusion. She shrugged and offered no solution but a free dessert. Again, cute. Since she offered no real solution, NOW I can gripe to Yelp about how sucky the food is and how ouch of touch with customer service that restaurant can be.
(2)
Lili F.

We love Islands, so much so that we come here at least once a week. Highlights: 1) Lots of parking 2) Convenient La Jolla location 3) THE BEST service. All our servers are always at the top of their game. Super nice and attentive. 4) Love the fries and onion rings 5) My personal favorite: the unlimited bowl of tortilla soup. So worth it. 6) They have vegetarian options which is great for our crowd. 7) Blue-cheese veggie burger is my "go to" lunch favorite. 8) Teriyaki Bowl with salmon is very good, and ample. We are fans. They have excellent, consistent service and meals. Service: A+ Food: A Fun "surfer" ambiance to bring your out-of-state guests who want "the California experience."
(4)
Padres F.

A great place for a cold beer and better food than your average chain. The food is much much better than TGIF or anything else in the shopping center. Happy hour goes till sunset (815) which makes a really nice non rushed post work beer and appetizer possible. The bartenders are cool, beer is good, and the TV's are nice.
(4)
Lisa W.

I decided to come here again (to a different location though) to give the burgers another try because I had written a really horrible review for the one in balboa, so decided to give the La Jolla location a try. Didn't realize how big and overpriced the restaurant was. We ordered the chicken tenders, and wow, $11 for 5 pieces of thin chicken. What a big disappointment. Well at least the burgers were decent. The bread was nice and toasted, meat was good. Fries tasted like they have been put in with onions, had a weird taste. Service was good though, she was very friendly. Since I've gave island a second try, I don't think I would go back. Overpriced decent burgers ain't gonna get me coming back. I think Red Robin is better.
(3)
Diana E.

Stopped by for a Sunday afternoon beer & burger to watch some football. Island fit the bill perfectly. I sat at the bar, which was about 1/2 full of folks with my same idea. There were two servers in the bar, working tag-team style, and they did a great job. Beer came quickly, water glass stayed full, and they checked on me several times after food came out. I had the chicken club wrap - it was filling and tasty. I asked for no sauce (it comes with ranch and BBQ sauce, neither of which I like) but it wasn't dry or bland even without the goop. I did shake a little fry seasoning in there, though. Speaking of fries! Their fries were really tasty - and that's scary because they offer bottomless fries... I could've sat there for quite a while knocking back more of those salty delicious treats. I tried one of their house brews - the Islands Golden Ale. It was very crisp and light - perfect and refreshing on a San Diego fall day. Not too shabby for a chain restaurant. The menu variety was not as big as I expected, but I was happy with the selection they offered. Know that it's very surf-n-turf focused - lots of fish options here!
(3)
David W.

Islands isn't anything special, but they do have decent burgers. I would prefer this over Denny's if they had later hours. Their burger menu is anything but boring. I like their LongBoard Burger cause it's similar yet different from an In-N-Out burger. I just don't come here often cause it's more of a dine-in place than a to-go place. It seems kinda awkward just to come here for a quick burger to go.
(3)
Jessica L.

Hula Burger - YUM! I had a great experience at this restaurant. Friendly, prompt service, good ambiance, and tasty food. You can't go wrong with a fresh, well seasoned patty, grilled mushrooms and Swiss cheese, my favorite kind of burger! The Island fries were great - crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Chrystal Z.

I hate chain restaurants. I really do. I feel like their food is a bunch of trans-fat, fried in oil and slopped on a plate, and that they couldn't give less of a shit how great their food is because they're a big enough monopoly to operate elsewhere. But the tortilla soup here is bomb. Endless tortilla soup, to be exact. It has avocados in it, which may be why it's SO BOMB (I love avocados... I will eat them straight). Can't say anything about the burgers because I always just fall in love with the tortilla soup and can't leave it. And I also don't want to ruin this awesome chain restaurant experience by ordering your exceptionally unexceptional burger and fries.
(4)
Jennifer A.

I'll give 3.5. Fries now come with the burgers and are bottomless like Red Robin. Their house beer is pretty light and refreshing.
(3)
Tony L R.

Island's quality of food is as good today as it was when we first dined there about twelve years ago. The overall cleanliness represents the establishments pride in providing a quality restaurant. The staff is efficient and friendly. The Establishment's Hawaiian/surfing decor is representative with actual surfing footage on screens visible throughout. The atmosphere is suited for acquaintances, friends, families, and others looking to make new friends. We highly recommend Islands.
(5)
Alexander M.

My friend and I came in right when they opened. So pretty much the place was dead. But throughout our meal, business started picking up. Now the the host was GORGEOUS. He was beautiful! He was 5'11, 175 lbs ish, and ripped! You could tell he was in his mid to early 20's but has such a baby face! Meanwhile, the food. My burger was delicious! I mean as far as ordering goes, i pretty much ordered a basic cheeseburger. But its funny how at other restaurants a basic cheeseburger tastes like cardboard and cheese. Not here! It had such succulent flavors, and the IPA i ordered complemented the burger so well! Our server was an asian girl, very friendly, but not very keen on my off-the-wall humor... but I won't hold it against her! Everyone was delightful, the store was clean, the food was fast and delicious! Only thing i DIDN'T like was the mass amount of hickeys on a servers neck. He kept walking by and it was very obvious. How could management allow that to happen?
(3)
frank K.

Quotes from the meal. "I've been let down by these fish tacos, can I have some of your endless sweet potatoe fries?" "no, these are my fries and I'm determined to find the end of them." "when I bite into this Hawaiian burger I felt like like I was actually in Hawaii haha." The mojotos are made with a mix which makes them taste like a margarita with mint leaves in it. No bueno. It was a Saturday night and the place was not that busy yet the kitchen could not keep up with orders and our food took way too long for a chain restaurant that deals in the sort of volume that Islands does. The burgers were good but overpriced and the only thing saves this place from a harsher rating is the awesome sweet potatoe fries.
(3)
Smooch C.

Terrance at the La Jolla location is awesome! He provides the best, most friendly service of any restaurant in town! The food's always great! The service isA+++. Thanks Terrance!
(5)
Candy B.

Try the salmon tacos.
(4)
Marcela G.

food is good but watch the lettuce it can be brown and gross looking
(3)
Jacquelyn S.

I had the pleasure of working with the GM and the hostess on duty tonight and one of the servers to surprise a young boy celebrating his birthday with some very awesome news. The staff was amazing - everyone was so friendly and dedicated to making the dinner and birthday celebration and news delivery as special as possible. I would definitely recommend hosting birthdays or other celebrations at this location.
(5)
Amanda S.

We came in kind of late and our waitress was super nice. I really appreciated that she wasn't fake and just trying to get a good tip. Definitely one of my favorite restaurant environments. They have amazing, unique burgers (a little high in calories but worth it) and are relatively inexpensive. I definitely recommend eating here!
(4)
Em B.

Aaack, french fry overload. Topped with ranch dressing. Topped with artichoke dip and chips. Topped with an over abundance of buffalo wings that could have used another 5 minutes in the fryer. Remember, I like the fat burnt up crispy and unrecognizable as fat. Service was ok. They forgot our free chips and salsa, not like it mattered because of the buttload of food we already had at the table. My Arnold Palmer tasted off too but eh, who cares as long as I wasn't dying of thirst throughout the duration of my meal. Overall, A-OK but nothin' spectacular here. But I'll give 'em two whole stars because it was happy hour so all appetizers were half off. Yes!
(2)
Joan S.

I only come here once in a blue moon. This is one of my least favorite restaurants because the food isn't that great. However, I always like to come here once a year or two just to remind myself why I don't like coming here... and eating here couple days ago reminded me again the reasons... So, My boyfriend and I came here because we were both hungry. We haven't ate all day and we wanted food quickly! We didn't want fast food and we wanted to go to a sit down restaurant. Knowing how busy places get around 7ish, we decided to come here because in La Jolla, this place is the least packed restaurant. We even drove by Bjs, TGIF, etc. Our wait on a Friday night at 7 pm was 25 mins. As we were waiting I saw a table get Cheddar Cheese Fries ($6.95, $2.95 additional for chili ~ seriously that much just for chili .. totally overpriced) and boy did it look GOOD. So when we finally got seated that is what I ordered. I also ordered a Pina Colada drink (~$7). My boyfriend ordered Sliders (~$7) and Mai Tai drink (~$7). As we were sitting there waiting for our food.. it came out 20 minutes later! Yes granted the fact that the place was busy ... it doesn't justify the fact that it took 20 minutes just to get two appetizers. On top of that, it took another 5 minutes, so a total of 25 minutes, to get our drinks because they forgot about it. Wow seriously.. bad service! In addition to the lag in service, our food was gross. My fries was not what I saw before. It was stale, some were hard crispy, cold, and there were little cheese. The cheese also was melted but it was cold and hard. You could tell they left it out for a while before they served it. The sliders were okay.. i wasn't as impressed... it was only okay because we made it to be okay by adding more sauce and etc. Overall.. for a meal that was $30.. it's wasn't satisfying. --------------- Update 12/16 I was going through my pictures because I love looking at them (I know I'm silly) and I so happened to check Islands to see my food pictures and THEY TOOK IT OFF THEIR YELP SITE!! Is that even possible? If so , how RUDE!! They only kept ONE person's picture that gave them a good rating. On top of the worst service and bad food, this really topped it. Poor Sportsmanship! _____ Update 12/31 Okay so they put my pictures back up. Thanks Islands! I very much appreciate it!
(1)
Chelle D.

I always get the Malibu burger! It is super satisfying and the meat is always juicy. The fries are amazing. Just the right balance of oil, salt, and grease! It really hits the spot before going to the movies or ice skating at the UTC mall.
(4)
Charlton C.

* Reliable, Good Burgers * There are three constants at Island (all of them): - Good burgers - Good fries - Too much food I'd say to get the Hawaiian Burger but overall you can't go wrong.
(3)
Shimon T.

The value of living in UTC area is that you have clean streets, safe neighborhoods, school is close by, and the beach is minutes away. The price of living in UTC is good luck finding privately owned bars or other fun places close by. Islands is UTC's answer for the need of some burgers, beers, and ESPN. The food is decent, prices a little up there. They give you bottomless fries so can't complain too much. You just get this nagging feeling when you are there that if you had driven farther away from here, or lived in cooler parts of SD (PB, Hillcrest, Downtown) you could be sitting in a real bar with tastier burgers. Overall: You could do better elsewhere, but for burgers, fries and drinks in UTC this is all you get.
(2)
Kristen E.

My husband and I decided last night to NEVER eat at Islands again. It's not that the food is the worst in the world, it's just not good. It's bland and super generic. Probably great for kids. The only saving grace is their tortilla soup which is pretty darn good and maybe we'll have to go back there again just once to get some more of that soup. We decided to go to the bar at Islands last night to see if maybe they have a taco tuesday, since they do indeed serve tacos......... Nope.......No Taco Tuesday. In fact, no specials at all. They have happy hour until 7pm, but even those specials aren't that great. It's like they're TRYING to keep people out of the bar. I asked the bartender what the deal was and he said that they're trying to create a family atmosphere, which would explain the 13 yr old kid IN the bar that night. That's fine though.....family atmosphere.....whatever.....then don't have a FULL bar, jeesh! I have been continually disappointed with what they are calling "tacos". I suppose if you put meat and lettuce in a tortilla, then ya, it's a taco, but they just don't taste good at all. I make much better tacos at home all the time. Their fries are always over salted and small....they look like they came from the bottom of the mountain of fries they probably have in back. Their burgers are whatever. I'd rather eat a burger from burger king, and those are gross too, but at least they don't cost $8 or more. So goodbye Islands. Nice knowin' ya and good luck with the families....
(2)
Caitlin P.

Come here all the time and have never had such great service before. Lauren G was awesome. She was very nice and have fast surface.
(5)
Rob M.

Just moved to San Diego in November of 2012. I have been really disappointed at the availability and quality of buffalo wings and sandwiches - until today. These were the bear wings I have had in almost 7 months. My lips are burning and smiling!
(5)
Tyler Y.

The food here is decent. I live close so I've come here a lot and tried most everything on the menu and never really had a bad meal. The biggest selling point with this place for me is convenience -- I wouldn't go out of your way to come here if I didn't live by it. You can individually find better burgers or tacos or salads elsewhere, but everything they make is pretty good quality so it is easy to come to a consensus when you're with other people who don't know where they want to go. The reason I won't give it 5 stars is the price. I don't understand why the prices are so high for what you get. There has definitely been a few price hikes since I first started coming here, and at this point it's almost silly to pay $8+ for a half salad or some of the other things.
(4)
D K.

Great happy hour, good food and drink. Very friendly staff, Terrence is a champion, makes sure that we have all that we need in a very friendly manner. The staff keeps us coming back! Very welcoming feeling!
(5)
Hector R.

Endend up here by mistake and thought I could give the food a try (even after seeing their tacky "island" decor), wothout realizing what I was getting myself into. Everything was terrible, from the venue aesthetics, service, food/cocktails quality and presentation, etc. u name it was a general disaster :(
(1)
Eric V.

As long as it's not busy, you'll be okay. They usually get to you quickly and the prices are decent. It's close to home, so there is that. I's rather drive to Burger Lounge or The Habit if I'm craving a burger. It's not bad though. HH is the time to go. I've only sat in the bar area and the employees were great.
(3)
Christopher L.

Came here after hiking at Torrey Pines. Their fish sandwich with a side of onion rings was delicious. A little overpriced but delicious. The waiter even refilled the onion rings for us once.
(3)
Esther Y.

I've been coming here for a long time and I really like it. Always get my usual cheddar fries with ranch and usually a burger that usually comes with endless fries (but i always get the cheddar fries, which are not endless :P ) The ppl that work here are really nice too!! Not sure what the happy hr is like anymore since that part of my day is pretty nonexistent, but i remember always coming here for happy hour for half off appetizers. I'm sure that changed tho :/ Never been disappointed by the food or the service :)
(4)
Russell Z.

Stellar experience right from the get go. Despite a line, my girlfriend and I got a table within 5 minutes, just as the entering hostess had said. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip with tortilla chips is an excellent appetizer to start. Beware though, this dish was meant for 5 people, not 2. My girlfriend and I were already half full with the appetizer before our burgers even came out. Our server here was fantastic and within 3 minutes of emptying our drinks she attended us with refills. As we walked out the door, she was sure to leave us with a "Have a good night!" And a cheery smile on her face. Gratuitously, we left her a 25% tip. All in all, stellar experience and much better than the Islands in Encinitas. We went there last week and everything about that place was wrong (go to my profile and read my review on it, seriously, everything about that place just sucks).
(5)
Eric L.

Decent overpriced burgers with a decent happy hour makes Island's a decent place to eat. For a college student, happy hour is great. However if you want to avoid fried everything, you might want to look elsewhere. Nothing on their menu stands out except... well nothing.
(2)
Justin R.

As a recent transplant to San Diego, I was seduced into Islands by promises of fine burgers and drinks -- and the fact that it is stumbling distance from my place. I should have suspected the glowing sign, strategically beachy atmosphere and over-designed menus to indicate I had stumbled into what I dread most -- a chain restaurant. But at the time, I was too tired from a near-cross country move to care, so I ordered a margarita and burger. I found the burger and drink to be just as advertised: fine. Not fine in the elite sense but more in the casual, "How-are-you-doing?"-"Oh-I'm-fine" sense. I'm a firm believer in evaluating a restaurant within the context of its category. This place will in no way blow your mind with mouthwatering burgers and a superior mixology, but if you need a convient place for consistently good food and drink, Islands is a much better choice than T.G.I.Fridays, Chili's or whatever too-loud, too-bright, too-theme decorate, too-salty, too-high-calorie chain you grew up loving. Thus, as a chain restaurant, it's a four star decision, but I never recommend chain restaurants to my friends. I save those recommendations for the people who think we are friends.
(4)
Michelle V.

I ordered the Maui burger which was really good. Service was good too. I ordered a side of a caesar salad instead of fries which was unpleasantly over dressed. I dont think it was worth the price but I was satisfied.
(3)
nigel d.

I can't believe I am at Islands again. But you can guess it rigjt, I am with ChefUC. I bet we will be going there next week cause he gets on these good food streaks. Nonetheless this location turned out to be better than the Mission Valley Islands.
(4)
Matt E.

They changed up the Happy Hour ; only the Sliders are 1/2 price and no more free chips . oh well, good if you want cheap turkey sliders...
(3)
Carlo R.

I enjoyed the Longboard burger here it's a great burger and has the thousand island sauce on it and has great flavor to it. You can't go wrong with this Burger! Also good atmosphere nice big TV's everywhere for MNF and basketball games. They've also finally updated their happy hour and their prices ($2.50 Coors light..etc) are very competitive and generally have good food.
(4)
Yesenia C.

Food is always good here and the hostess are very nice but the service can be up or down. Sometimes it's great and other times its pretty bad but overall it's good. The Nachos are great, and the salads are really good and if your not too hungry order the half size it's a perfect size especially if you get the nachos.
(4)
Dianne R.

I have been going to Islands for years when in a rush and need to grab decent food. This Friday night my husband and I grabbed a quick bite before a movie. I ordered the China Coast Salad which has been my favorite salad on the menu since I could remember. About 5 hours later I was struck with the most severe food poisoning in my life. My husband being an ER doctor recognized this as Staph right away. Needless to say, the sleepless night and well... I will spare you the other gory details... have left me with a less then favorable opinion of this restaurant. I am now on my 3rd day believe it or not still recovering from severe dehydration. A meal at Islands is not worth 2.5 days in bed...
(1)
Crystal R.

Went in on a Monday night expecting mediocre food and mediocre service, was right about the former and way wrong about the latter. There was no host at the host stand and we waited in the lobby area for several minutes before someone came to greet us. Then I asked if there was a table available for three at the moment and this girl looked around flustered and told me that she'd get back to me. Fine--not a big deal, it happens. Several minutes later she comes back and brings us to a table that's just been bussed and warns us that the seat and table top are still wet. Our server Nina greeted us about 5 minutes later and took our preliminary drink orders. When she came back with our waters, she asked if we were ready and we asked for more time. We then proceeded to wait 20 minutes before she returned and took our order. In the middle of those 20 minutes, she walked by our table twice without acknowledging us or asking again if we were ready. Food came out, the food runner was great and brought by our extra condiments immediately after we requested it. After finishing our food, we proceeded to wait another 20 minutes before we were able to flag down our server for the check. Got the check, waited another 10 for her to pick it up--in between which my friend was able to go to the restroom and back--and then another 10 for her to drop it back off for us to sign. No apologies or explanations. Needless to say I was pretty pissed off. The burgers here are pricey, much pricier than In-n-Out or Five Guys and really not much better (if at all). For that price I expect to be getting some semblance of service which was sorely lacking tonight.
(2)
Karen L.

I've eaten here multiple times. I have to hand it to this chain, I think Islands does a great job of picking their locations. They're usually located near movie theaters and such, which is a smart move for drawing in the crowds. It's decently priced for a sit-down burger place in my opinion. I pretty much order the same thing every time. The Big Wave with cheese. I like that they offer the option of a whole wheat bun which I always prefer. The fries have some skin on them, which I also like. The portions are filling. All in all it's a typical burger joint. Not bad, not great, just ALLRIGHT DUDE! :)
(3)
Dawnelle F.

Good ambiance and feel to the place. Food is always fast and delicious. Servers are always friendly and efficient. Nothing to wow but cool place to go with a friend or work luncheon.
(4)
Tiffany P.

Okay, let's get down to business. SERVICE: Friendly, but sloooow. We showed up around 1pm for lunch and they were unable to seat my group of 8 together, so they split us into fours (lame!!). The other table ordered first, and when the waiter came over to my table, I wanted just another minute to decide... Don't you hate it when you say "Just a minute, please" and you literally mean a minute, but they come back 10 minutes later? Well, that's what happened here. After the delayed order, it took them much longer to bring out our food... and by the time we got our burgers, my friends at the other table were FINISHED EATING. Grrr. SELECTION: Pretty wide selection of burgers, both beef and chicken. There are salads and soups and tacos for burger-haters =p I appreciate the unlimited fries that come with burgers. THE FOOOOODD: My chili burger was pretty good; ate it with a fork and knife. However, the french fries at our table were AWFUL! They were so overfried that there was no delicious potato-y center... They were really just unpleasant. We asked for a refill and the next batch was maaaarginally better (still overdone). The bottom line: I haven't wanted to go to Islands in a while since I'm not really a burger fan in general, but oddly the burger was the only thing I enjoyed on this visit. The slow service and the nasty fries really left a bad impression.
(2)
Faye L.

Been there twice in the last week - only sat in the bar area this time around. Really nice bar area - very clean and welcoming. Decent Happy Hour - $1 off all drinks and 50% all apps until 7p or so. - Coors Lite on tap is awesome: poured into a frosty mug that seems to stay cold for quite some time - Spinach Artichoke Dip: REALLY good! - Buffalo wings: meh. Unless it's on HH, i don't think it's worth it - Sliders: same, meh. Meat was dry and unflavorful. I just remember the sliders tasting like ketchup. Again, it's an ok deal at HH, but full price, I'd be upset. - FREE chips and salsa during HH! I've been there a few times for lunch and their rotisserie chicken is incredible. The first time I went the bartender was boring and pretty, well, boring. He didn't have much to suggest in terms of food or drinks. 2nd time around, we got this lady bartender that was great! But it's really a nice atmosphere in the bar area. Great place to watch a game :)
(3)
Chris V.

I really wanted to give these guys at least 2 stars, but I can't figure out how to do it. This could possibly be the worst restaurant food on the face of the planet. Super greasy fries and onion rings. Burgers taste like those frozen patties you buy pre-made for a fast meal (IE- carboard). If you want to put sweet Hawaiian confections on a burger, I guess that might covwer the horrible taste, but for those of us who don't like sweet things on burgers, we should go somewhere else. Yuck!
(1)
Renee S.

A great place for my pre-race meal. All I ask the day before I run a race is a grilled chicken sandwich hold the mayo and the cheese add mustard and ketchup. Done deal. Low cal, carbs and protein. Check!
(5)
Jeannie O.

Its a place my boyfriend and I go to ALL the time. I love the booths. I love the Maui burger. I love the spinach and artichoke dip. Sadly the "free fries" isn't that much when its given in their "deep looking but its really shallow" plates...
(4)
Benjamin W.

This is a love hate for me...I NEVER crave this place. It's never the first, second, or third place I think to go to...but inevitably I end up here once a month or so with my people. They have great fish tacos, decent burgers, and everything else is slightly above average, aside from the salsa, which is ridiculously bad. The fries are crisp, but they aren't incredible. The videos have run their course for me really...I mean how many times can you watch the guy kneeboarding in lake havasu? The waitresses used to be hot,a nd provide good service...maybe Island's got sued for not having enough 16 year olds who don't know how to fill up water glasses. A year ago this could have been a 4 star, now it's really a 2 star, with an extra one, because I never leave hungry, and there is something strategic about their locations/hours/food, that keeps my ass coming back. When I figure it out, I will review again. The service is hit and miss. The one in Clairmont is great 24/7 on service, this one only has good service on the weekends during the day. BLT is pretty good here. Everything has a layer of butter or oil, that you need to request it without... i.e. the burger buns are topped with melted butter? really I need that on top of a burger bun? I want to be able to hold my burger when I eat. Suggestion: request your food without it. Kilueaua burger, BLT, Fish tacos = good choices. Pork tacos, salsa, onion rings = pass on it. Their salsa is the most disturbing thing I have ever had that is actually trying to be passed off as salsa. If you must eat it (i.e. you order bottomless chips...) ask for tapatio, and some limes- four shakes of tapatio, 1 wedge's worth of lime juice, and about 4 shakes of salt, and you have something passable. Their salsa as it comes served tastes like rotten tomatoes with a bunch of old onions and a mild jalepeno in it, mashed up with an old rusty ballpeen hammer. You have to actually try hard to make "salsa" that bad. This place will satisfy all but the most hardcore foodie's...but beware the grease, beware the salsa, and beware the chance for bad service. Oh and come say hi, when you see me there...for some reason I can't stop coming here at least once a month...
(3)
Liz H.

Go here for happy hour - otherwise the burgers, while enormous and delicious, are overpriced. They also do a very good turkey patty which is nicely flavored and not at all dry as many turkey patties tend to be. Their HH menu changes occasionally but definitely qualifies as good bar food. You can get a couple of different kinds of sliders, too, if you really want a burger. The HH drinks include cheap mixed drinks, not just wine and beer like a lot of other places in UTC. Coupled with the attentive and friendly bar staff, surf films, and the (albeit somewhat cheesy) Hawaiian decor, a nice place to unwind at the end of the day.
(4)
David L.

Islands is one of my favorite Denny's type restaurants to go to when I'm lazy. Their cheddar fries have become a necessity whenever me and my friends visit. This time I had the Hula cooked medium which meant the inside was pink, just how I like it. The hamburger practically melted in my mouth accompanied with the savory cheese and mushrooms. My cousin had the grilled fish tacos but those left much to be desired. The fish was rather bland and tasteless and needed a lot of toppings to make it more edible. I always like to visit Islands when I come down to LA and I wish there was one in the Bay Area.
(3)
Michal T.

Came here buzzing after several pitchers at Round Table on campus at UCSD, so this review is from an inebriated perspective. Came in, and the server greeted us promptly and handed out beer samples when we asked for them. Considering it was happy hour we got some free chips and salsa with out meal which were exquisite. I'm not sure if it was the alcohol enhancing the flavor or if their chips and salsa were just that damn good! All in all the service, cleanliness and tastiness of our appetizer and beers was satisfactory so a 4 is well-deserved in my book! Cheers!
(4)
Lauren J.

We stopped here for a quick meal before going to the movies. The decor cracks me up - the same as all the locations, cheesy Hawaiian. The service was pretty good. We told our server we were in a hurry, and he did a good job of getting us our food and check in a timely manner. The menu now has all the calorie information - i don't know if I love or hate this. Part of me loves putting it all into perspective because I end up looking up most nutritional facts online anyway. Part of me is totally digested and wished I never knew that one burger was enough calories for an entire day's worth of food. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. I got the regular burger and some fries. Pretty standard. Still love In-N-Out though.
(4)
Richard B.

I came here for lunch with my boss. It was around noon and the place was packed. It took about ten minutes for us to get seated. I had a cheeseburger and fries. Our sodas were brought over pretty quick, but it took a while for the food to arrive. Normally I'm not too picky about how long it takes for the food to get out. But, when on a working lunch with your boss, speed is your friend. I like to take my lunch break to relax not think about work... Not today though. The food arrived and it was hot and there was plenty of it. The bun and most everything on the plate had a thin layer of grease caoting it. I wasn't too concerned about the shine each item of food displayed, but my manager had to wipe down her burger with a paper napkin before picking it up. It was tasty and as I said before, large. I managed to eat most of the burger and the fires. I just felt that (if I were paying) it wasn't worth the $9.95 they charge. Oh well, that's me. I prefer a cheaper burger -- at least then, you know what your paying for.
(3)
Sara S.

Call me crazy but I'm in love with Islands lately. A few months ago, you couldn't drag me to an Islands - I'd never really cared for the food. My coworkers wanted to go and I was forced to go with the group; I'm so glad I did. They must have improved on their menu or ingredients because it was so much better than I had remembered. Islands has awesome lunch specials: $7.99 for meal with a drink. Nice! They have a limited menu to chose from but the options are appetizing. My personal favorite in the CA Flyer - so f'ing good. It comes with fries which are also quite tasty. Needless to say, this has become a routine lunch spot. I don't really give a crap about the decor or theme - typical chain BS. The food is good enough to carry the place for me and the service has always been pretty good.
(4)
Hunter R.

I would need to agree with the review posted by Benjamin W. This is never a first, second or third choice or some place you crave. However, it's family friendly and the food is decent for the standard Americana type of meal. It won't win any awards for creativity or inventiveness and is more like the typical TGI Fridays with less emphasis on potato driven meals. FOOD The food can be heavy, at least when you order as I do in places like this. By heavy, I mean generous portion that prompt you to perhaps indulge too much. I am particularly fond of the Rincon burger on the whole wheat bun, which is deliciously garnished with bacon, fresh veggies and avocado. Did I mention bacon? There's bacon and lots of it. For a bacon lover, there is never too much bacon. Let me just leave you with a parting thought about the bacon...it's bacolicious. SERVICE Is usually pretty decent. Your waitress/waiter are mostly college age people who make the rounds faster than I've seen in other places that are even better quality and have stellar reputations. We never feel like they frown upon serving a family with toddler, which can often be the case when you dine-out. AMBIANCE First, let's start with a critique: the booths fixed and the seats are WAY too close to the table. Unless you're a waif or seriously thin athlete, do NOT sit at a booth, ask for a table. Whomever designed these booths probably is related to the nimble minded people who designed the parking lot at Trader Joes/Ralph's in the plaza across the way. Utilizing space is a good idea for maximizing profits, but seriously, there's such a thing as TOO NARROW! : ) On the plus side, they designed booths tall enough to avoid conversations spilling from one booth the the next. I like that kind of semi-privacy, especially if you have a curious toddler I like I have. Another positive contributing to a better dining experience is the faux plants and colorful island decor. It's not too dorky. Not that it's authentic, it's just not distracting.
(3)
Salvo S.

I love the hula burger!! you must try it
(4)
Brian K.

The main thing I don't like about the place (besides the food), is the lighting. This is a GREAT place to take a blind date or an ugly date. It's so damn dark it doesn't matter how ugly your date is. And because it's by UCSD, it's a great place for ugly UCSD kids to meet! I am fugly and went to UCSD so I could make fun of it. Probably another star to that because the happy hours are good. Free chips and salsa; discount appetizers; and roughly $3 pints. If you're gay for Karl Strauss, they usually have something on tap. When I mean "gay for something," it's not meant to be demeaning and in this case, it actually means being joyful for something. Personally, I'm not gay for Karl. But, I am gay for franziskaner, hoegaarden, and stone. Their burgers? Ehh....Well many points for the toasted (double sides) buns. The meat is again, ehhh. I'd avoid their tacos but some people swear by them . Never had a problem with service. It's fast and efficient.
(3)
Alex D.

Islands. The name of this Hawaiian themed burger chain says it all. In other words, if you're feeling particularly tropical and a quick trip to Maui is not a viable option, this may be the place to go for lunch or dinner. Next time you visit, be sure to check out their new and improved menu - with an impressive selection of burgers, wraps, and soft tacos, this place is well-equipped to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. While healthful options like fish, turkey and salads are plentiful, the beef patty, steak, French fries, and (delicious!) onion rings - items more closely associated with a traditional burger place - are also available for those looking to commit slow suicide by saturated fat. Drinks here are also "muy excellente" - just try the Shipwreck on a Friday night - but before make sure you've got a designated driver at your side!
(4)
Jessica O.

I came with a large group of family members when I first moved to the La Jolla area. Our server was wonderful, the food was great, the only thing was it was freezing cold. I know servers are moving around quickly, so I understand..bring a sweater. All in all..great burgers in a fun, family atmosphere.
(4)
Steffany E.

Service was slow at first, but our waiter was super polite and helpful. Endless fries are tasty and crispy, but the rest of the food is so-so and messy. Veggie patties can be substituted for any burger.
(2)
Ernest C.

We stopped by Islands for a late night meal... Choices were limited since the great monsoon of '10 was upon us and we didn't own a boat. Found it on yelp (shout out for yelp on the iPhone!) with some decent reviews. Walked in, greeted warmly and the theme hits you like a sack of potatoes (which they then used to dump endless fries on our table). The tropical theme reminded me of Tommy Bahamas but the food reminded me of Chilis. Which isn't to say it wasn't good, because it was decent. The pork soft tacos (Cabo something) was good but overwhelmed with seasoning and onions. The burger was huge and cooked correctly. The fries, while abundant, were on the average side. A little pricey for what you get... But for the short time we may have been in the eye of the storm, it satisfied our needs.
(3)
Scott F.

I have been to Islands a couple times and it is OK, the burgers are pretty good as they should be since that is what they pride themselves on, but overall nothing to write home about. I should note that the staff is very friendly.
(2)
Adam Z.

pretty much a red robin with Hawaiian names on the menu and not quite as well done. I got a rotisserie chicken which was the only thing that was a little unique, it was pretty tasty and well cooked. It came with salsa, sour cream, and tortillas. The burgers look good, my wife liked her chicken burger. I like the option of a whole wheat bun. The service was very good which makes me almost want to give 4 stars. if i could give half stars I would do 3.5.
(3)
Bella C.

For whatever reason, my boyfriend and I LOVE their Chicken Tortilla Soup here. One of us will get the endless bowl of soup, the other will order a burger that comes with bottomless fries. Needless to say, we always walk out of their full beyond belief! Their burgers are okay - I like their big wave burger on a whole wheat bun, but I don't think there's anything truly spectacular or extraordinary about their burgers. My boyfriend seems to LOVE the Kilauea - jalapenos and fried onion strings on top of a decent sized patty with lettuce, tomato, pickle and onions. They cook their burgers pink in the middle, so be sure to let them know if you don't like it that way. I have never had a problem with them undercooking my burger. Some of the servers are not as attentive than others, but Terrence, my most recent server was so nice and responded very quickly to any requests. I want to learn how to make Tortilla Soup after trying it here. Their chicken with the mix of spices and all the different vegetables makes it so TASTY. Their small bowl is an okay size if you're planning on eating it with some other dish. However, if soup is all you want, I would go for the endless bowl. It's definitely worth it. =)
(3)
Jonathan C.

Islands deserves 5 stars for great service, awesome staff, yummy food, fun environment, endless fries and giving out FREE Mavericks burgers to ALL their customers today!
(5)
David G.

It's that time of the month -- time to go out to lunch with the coworkers! And where was the destination this month? A couple of us were hankering for burgers, and Islands was within walking distance. So off to Islands we went. The first thing that piqued my interest at Islands was the $7.95 lunch special -- burger, fries, and a beverage. Just the hot fatty mess that I was looking for. I settled on the classic "big wave" cheeseburger (whole wheat bun, cooked medium). If I were to rate the burger alone, I'd give it perhaps 3 stars. It was flavorful, but too calorific for my taste. It's my personal preference that a river of grease and condiments not ooze out of the burger when I bite into it. But whatevs -- I know that lots of people like it this way. On the other hand, the fries were absolutely perfect -- crispy, salty but not too salty, and (apparently) never-ending. As some other reviewers have mentioned, the fries served here have the potential to totally rock your proverbial socks. But the main reason that I"m rounding this review up to 4 stars is our server, Terrance. He was polite, friendly, prompt, and really seemed genuinely eager to ensure that we were having an enjoyable lunch. Oftentimes I'm too oblivious to appreciate good service, but I really noticed Terrance's top-notch work here. I admit I was skeptical about Islands, which I assumed was another bland entry to the chain-restaurant-dominated UTC food scene. It's actually a winner. If you're in or around the university and looking for a quick and reasonably priced burger, give this place a shot.
(4)
Tyler A.

If your looking for delicious and reasonably priced food but don't want fast food - Islands is great! I recommend going during Happy Hour (M-F 4pm-7pm) where it's half off appetizers. If you go with someone else, often you can order 2-3 apps and that's all you need. Very affordable to go this route. I'm a fan of the sliders, especially the Turkey Burger ones if your trying to watch what you eat.
(4)
James F.

Been going to Islands off and on for years - even before they opened this location, so long ago. Anyway, their food is pretty good, the staff is usually friendly, helpful and competent. Here's the good about today's dinner at Islands: Islands started with turkey patty substitutions for all their burgers, at no additional charge. And their turkey patty is good. I had a Hula (or whatever their mushroom burger is called) with a turkey patty, and i was surprised at how tasty it was. Things that used to be on the menu but are no longer: you can still order them - at least in the case of the Flamingo (honey mustard chicken sandwich). Flamingoes have been off the menu for years, but the La Jolla Islands can still make them properly (unlike the Mira Mesa Islands where my wife and i got botched Flamingoes once, a few years ago). Bottomless fries. When the economy shifted in a downwards direction, Islands changed their menu around to have fries come with the burger and sandwiches as a way to justify cost increases, as people were probably choosing to just skimp on getting fries a la carte. Bottomless fries are good and in the quantity you want: until you're full. So tonight, we had good food, got filled up, had a friendly server and waitress. The one drawback of Islands is that at night, it's not well-lit. Sometimes dim lighting is cool (or romantic), and sometimes you actually want to see. It's not dark enough that you can't see what you're eating. But maybe just turn up the lights a little bit more, please! Sum it up: Turkey burger = good!
(4)
Heather W.

island's, island's, islands...how many chances have i given thee? well now im not feeling so bad for my following review after seeing the overall score for this place. island's SEEMS like a good default location to have lunch or dinner when meeting up with people. that's really the only times I've gone...family visiting or a birthday meal. something like that. i'm not entirely sure why that even is. i guess because it's a chain and everyone knows it? that they have tiki decoration and endless fries? (which btw, I've never actually been offered more fries- but do i really need it? no. moving on). I seem to pick incredibly wrong when i go here. I guess I figure...well i can get a sandwich anywhere so let's try something else. NO! get the friggin burger or chicken sandwich! it's the only safe bet here. the taco? eeck. the wraps? aack.. i just have been disappointed time and again. i finish my meal and you know what i think? well, it was food. i am no longer hungry. job accomplished. thats no fun, dude. no fun at all. i mean, I feel like poor Oliver Twist finishing a bowl of gruel. at least i had food. i will survive another day. ok it's not that bad. not at all. but seriously. stick to the sandwiches. the other stuff is not good. oh and this last time i went (today) the fries were basically dead (like no longer fries...just charred up hard oil bits). what is up with that? and why do they bring you a new fountain drink when you are only 1/4 of the way done with your current one! i don't need that much drink man! now i feel like i gotta keep guzzling so im not the wasteful one. eesh. 2 stars! the saving grace is that the service is pretty good. the servers are friendly and prompt, and we got our food in like 5 mins. ok, plus 1 star.
(3)
Jae S.

Incredibly burgers, and the fry's are fantastic! My girlfriend and I came in expecting to fill up on the unlimited fries, but we were too full for even one refill! Also, the waitress here was really sweet. When she saw us ignoring our burgers and attacking fries first, she was genuinely concerned that osmething was wrong with our burgers. Great place.
(5)
Amanda B.

Love Islands, good location, good service. Surprisingly not the traditional gross SDSU/Miramar group... Unless it was just when I went there? If so, don't ruin it for me.
(5)
Zack W.

Didn't get a chance to review Islands here before coming here... thanks to the rolling black out ... skipping out on Rock Bottoms as a result. My Caucasian friend chose this restaurant as a result. Nothing good or bad really... kind of like Red Robin more than Applebee's or Chill's. With bottomless fries. My friend had a Hawaiian burger and he chowed it down. I had a Kobb Salad with Chicken. It's OK.. nothing to brag about my food. The server was attentive to my friend more than me... I mean a lot more than me... nothing sexual there. The ambiance was OK. It's 9 PM then on Monday. So it's reasonably quiet. So diners, if you are careless where you go for foods, this is one of those many places.
(3)
Johnny S.

Service was pretty good except the guy that served us must have been new because he seemed nervous and it made it hard to understand him. The burgers seem a little overcooked considering that everyone at my table recieved well done burgers instead of medium. in the end the burgers were still pretty good. I'll definitely be coming back, but considering I live a couple blocks away i'm not sure if thats really saying much.
(3)
Lila Z.

It's a fun, very casual place to go with a group of friends. While this is a burger place, they have a good selection of salads. I usually order the China Coast and Caesar salads. It's not my favorite place to go, because the food is nothing special. If you like burgers and fries, you should try it out.
(3)
Chelsea F.

Had lunch there last sat and it was pretty good. My only complaint was that it took forever to get the check and it cost $1.50 to get mushrooms added to my burger
(3)
Neko C.

4-stars for their Endless Bowl of Tortilla Soup. Because I really, really like their Tortilla soup. The soup has good spice to it, the chicken is tender, the cheese on top is melty and gooey, the tortilla strips on top are not soggy but still crispy and crunchy, the avocado isn't too soft and still adds a nice cool contrast to the hot soup- all around delicious soup!!!
(4)
Hannah L.

This was my second time coming to Island's to grab a burger/sandwich. My first time was in Hawaii and it was delish! I was very surprised to find that there were so many Island's Burgers in So Cal and was excited to re-live the Hawaiin burger experience on the mainland. I ordered the Maui turkey burger with a wheat bun which consisted of mushrooms and swiss cheese and of course the basic condiments for a normal burger. It was real good and juicy and of course fulfilling. The only downside of the place, more like this location, was the fries weren't that great. The Island's Burgers in Hawaii's fries were very crisp and seasoned perfectly, but it seemed the fries at the La Jolla location were very salty and seasoned way too much. I had to drink down the saltiness of it which was at times displeasing. Other than that, still a favorite spot. 4 stars!
(4)
Joe H.

To be brief, the appetizers are good, filling, and cheap if you get them during Happy Hour. I'd stick to those and save your sandwich craving for a better burger joint. Read on, if you'd like the detailed, inside scoop from a former employee. As a former employee, I'm proud and glad to say that I know more than anyone here about Island's Fine Burgers and Drinks in La Jolla. As per service, I plead the fifth, seeing as though I wouldn't want to sabotage former employees, but I will go so far as to say that they do the best they can. There aren't many slackers there. I will recommend Danny, Sara, Devin, Julie, and Sydney, all of whom personally served me before I was a co-worker of theirs. They know their stuff, they're friendly, and they won't forget about you. The burgers are ok as far as quality goes. I can attest to the fact that the sanitation of Island's La Jolla is very good. The food line is well-maintained and strictly regulated to make it safe and clean for food. No worries there (trust me, I worked it for nearly a year). They recently changed their menu to include guacamole and bacon on some burgers, making their burgers a better value than ever before. So now's the best time to grab the Malibu or the Rincon, before "Corporate" repeals. As to the fries that now come with the burgers, they aren't always as fresh as the ones you'd normally order. The basket of fries is barely over $3 for a full pound of fresh-cut papas fritas, and worth it in my honest opinion. Rumor has it that you can opt for alternative sides instead of the handful of fries that go with the sandwiches, but don't believe "everything" you read. Ask your server just in case... ;) The Cheddar Fries are pretty solid. It's a pound of fries plus a lot of melted cheddar, scallions (I opt without these). It's great for sharing, but don't you dare order it yourself. Adding bacon, chili, jack cheese to accompany the cheddar are all popular and tasty additives. The lunch specials are worth it, and I recommend the Grilled Veggie Tacos. They're quite good, especially if you order it with some Cholula sauce (the server will bring you a bottle on the side if you request it). I also think the Chicken Club Wrap is a solid item. I add blue cheese and spicy mayo to flavor-it-up. Then again I also got a 50% discount back in the day. Buffalo wings are surprisingly good. They give you 13, and if you go at happy hour from 5-8PM, they're half off. In fact, all of the appetizers are tasty and at a good value if you go to Happy Hour. Tortilla Soup is also pretty tasty.
(3)
Rebecca M.

Came here on a Sunday night. Not too packed. I sat at the bar. Got a really good beer, the longboard and pretty much had a really nice evening. The beer which was 24oz hit the spot but almost cost the same amount at my food. Still a really good price though. Around 6 bucks, nothing compared to downtown. The hostess Natalie was very sweet and gave me a really good vibe about the place from the get go. The bartender jason was very attentative and was really friendly yet professional. I will definetly be coming back very soon. The food was good. The sweet potatoe fried were amazing! Can't wait to have them again when my stomach has more room!!
(5)
Dorris W.

I came here for happy hour which is 4-7pm on Mon-Fri. I only ordered the buffalo wings which weren't really buffalo wings, but fried chicken with ranch. It was decent considering it was only ~$5 for a dozen wings. I recommend coming for happy hour since it is $1 off drinks, 50% off appetizers, and you get free chips & salsa. Paying for their food regular price just doesn't seem right.
(3)
Chris C.

Islands just doesn't do it for me; went because my coworkers chose it but it's pretty standard franchise fare... nothing special.
(2)
Joshua S.

Islands is just what it says for 3 stars, 'A-OK'. It's not bad, but not great. A little pricey but portions are big. Tasty, but greasy. It's a good plan B place to eat, but never a place where I walk out super satisfied.
(3)
Anh V.

big screens, friendly service, bottomless rootbeer floats and endless fries. my bf and i can even take our stinky buns in here after a work out. now i've never had a beef with islands until today... we were out to watch the game and do our usual orders: rootbeer float for me and 2 tacos - either the northshore or the pork. a bunless hawaiian or mushroom burger for my guy. instead of the booth seats, we sat in the bar area on a table top to watch the game. the server was attentive up until taking our order. after that, we never saw him again except when he was chatting it up with other diners. the table next to us waited a good 20 mins before the bartender had to come from behind the bar to get them some service. management - you can pm me for the server's name. no need to smear it all over yelp. i know, i know, i've softened over the years. i had to re-fill my drink twice from 2 different stations. once my bf had to walk up to a station after we initially asked a different server for a re-fill that never came. the 2nd time, i asked the bartender to re-fill it. the bartender ended up apologizing and comping the drink. by the time we left, i think the table next to us finally got their food. neither of us ever got the free chips and salsa. booth seating definitely has superior service so i guess we'll be watching the games elsewhere.
(3)
mark d.

A burger place I like to go to if I want an okay burger and a casual dining experience. Nothing special. Good service and good food.
(4)
Mel M.

Nasty, disgusting, putrid. Not sure what other negative adjectives I could come up for Islands. I still don't understand why I end up there once in a blue moon, but I will be sure to avoid it all costs. The generic blandness screams of chain food! Stay away and yelp a real burger place! Serves me right for living in University City!
(1)
Henry V.

good burger. good service. next time i want to try something different. i had the hula burger that had mushrooms tomatoes and swiss in it.
(4)
Kristy H.

2.5 actually. Meh, it's a chain so I wasn't expecting much. My margarita was watery, my waitress was SUPER nice, and my pork tacos hit the spot. I'd definitely recommend the pork tacos over their fish tacos. If you want fish tacos, just go to Rubio's across the street. Seriously.
(2)
Matthew V.

Decent food for lunch and fast service.
(4)
Kristen B.

As far as cheesy chains go, this place is probably my new favorite. It's getting 3 stars because I know I have enjoyed (and do enjoy) better places but as I said, it's better then any other run of the mill burger place with atmosphere. My fiance took me there for the first time today for lunch and since I had never seen these until I began coming to San Diego and then of course moving down, I've been wanting to try it. We decided to do the lunch special we had seen advertised outside so often. Surprisingly (or not so much so) it was packed (it was noon after all) and after a brief wait we were seated. Our waiter was super friendly and took our orders quickly after giving us enough time to choose. The lunch menu only has a few things, but they all looked decent for the price. My fiance went for the chicken sandwich with fries (it had some catchy name but I can't recall it now) and I got the chicken tacos (again, cheesy name, don't remember). We also ordered chips and salsa...not bad at all surprisingly! The salsa was very fresh and had a slight kick. I had expected the typical chain restaurant watered down version. Our food came pretty fast and I really enjoyed the side of beans that came with my tacos. My tacos were good but well, yeah I've had better BUT the chicken was well seasoned and I wished they had more of it and less lettuce. I did not like the regular run of the mill yellow cheddar cheese that was used, but the food was still tasty. My fiances chicken burger looked amazing and it was according to him. I tried his fries and WOW best fries at a chain, hands down. I say they even rival In-N-Outs! They tasted fresh and not super greasy. They were also cut the perfect size. I would like to try one of their burgers they are so famous for along with the rest of their menu. Islands is better then the rest of those chain spots so if you're in the mood for some decent well priced food in a kitschy themed atmosphere, I would for sure say check it out.
(3)
Kathleen H.

I love this place! Not only does it give a glimpse of paradise, the burgers are great! Ever been to Rainforest Cafe? Instead, you're in Hawaiian tropics. I always get the Mavericks burger because it has the perfect ratio of BBQ sauce and mayo with lettuce, tomato and crispy fried onions! You can also never go wrong with never ending fries!
(5)
Kevin S.

Islands is a good place to go to grab a burger. The parking lot at this place is a bit cramped but its part of La Jolla village square so that's expected. This place always has fast service with friendly observant staff and good quality food. You never have to ask for refills, they are always on it and the burgers are top notch with good fresh buns to compliment. Endless fries or rings are an extra reason to love this place.
(4)
Max P.

Decent meal in nice decor. On par with a Red Robin or Claim Jumper type of place, but maybe a tad nicer. Lots of TV's if you care about that sort of thing while eating out.
(3)
DivX ..

Surprisingly good menu. You'll have a hard time picking a burger cause they all sound great and most of them are. Their tacos are the dark horse of their menu. All of the tacos are fantastic and are guaranteed to fill you up. You'll hate yourself for eating it but love it while you're there.
(4)
Kristy S.

My husband and I were visiting my son at UCSD. We wanted someplace different to eat. We decided on Islands. Our only other experience was from many years ago when the Bella Terra location in Huntington Beach first opened. We weren't impressed. I have to admit this was a GREAT find! The food was really delicious. I'm looking forward to eating there again the next time we go to La Jolla to visit my son.
(5)
Tim T.

Island's is a great place if you are in the mood for a burger or chicken sandwich. They do both of these very well. Also, if you are going to the movies in the shopping center, you can usually get in/out of the restaurant quickly (within 30 to 40 minutes). The wait staff was nice, our food was good, and I left full and happy. What else could you want out of a chain restaurant.
(4)
Taubin D.

The owner of this place contacted me on there, acting like he truly cared about what happened at the restaurant. After speaking with him via email a few times. he passed me on to the manager of the place, who acted like it was my fault my food was horrible. There was no apology from him, no assistance to make things better, no nothing. Talk about horrible management, no wonder the restaurant is so horrible.
(1)
Anit D.

They have the best Turkey burger. I have never gone wrong at this place. Great service too!
(5)
Joseph P.

I hate this place. Over priced, low quality burgers in a completely artificial environment that feels like something out of the movie "Office Space." You pay $9 for a burger and it DOESN'T come with fries. And by the way - it tastes like ass burger.
(1)
Jennifer M.

The fries are good. Period. The bar set up was wierd to me. The bartenders were friendly, but not friendly enough to engage is some shrivelous conversation. I was on a lunch break, where I guzzled down two new castles in an ice cold glass and ordered some fries. The fries took too long, so I had to have them to go. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back here unless it was for some fries to go.
(2)
boris f.

Service is great, food is typical. I'd give em three stars but they didn't charge me happy hour price during happy hour so I'm mad. Props for having a beer alternative to coors and bud, their islands brew is not too bad. Also, well done with the free chips and salsa too. Staff is always friendly, as others have noted. There are better places for burgers in la jolla, and the food is typical greasy stuff. ...meh..2 stars
(2)
Christopher K.

The food at Islands is always kind of mediocre. I somehow end up eating there once a year. I ate the RINCON and my sister had the Big Wave burger. Both of us agreed that they were bland and uninteresting. The French fries are too salty and had a peculiar texture. It is too expensive for what you get.
(2)
Josephine Z.

Have you ever NOT been somewhere that people always talk about? I had a friend who LOVED Islands and swore up and down it served one of the best hamburgers that I had ever tasted. I finally decided to give it a whirl one day.... The decor was kinda overwhelming. Islands definitely hired a designer whose concept of creation was cliche. I did kinda dig the surf videos, but I think they went overboard with the bamboo. [get it? overboard? surfing vids? with the decoration? ah, nevermind.] The service was less than adequate when I came in a little after lunch rush. It took almost twenty minutes to catch our server's attention who was off manning several other tables. Since we heard they served large portions, my friend and I decided to order the Hula with their Island fries. Our order came out about a half hour later. Dude. A HALF hour for a burger and some fries? C'mon. That's NOT rad. When our order FINALLY arrived, the burger was pretty huge as was the portion of the fries. I take a huge bite....and this is it? So was this the best burger I'd ever tasted? Was my delusional friend correct? NO! What a fraud! This was not the best burger I'd ever sinked my teeth into. This burger tasted like something Carl's Jr would concoct except taxed. Save your money and grab your junk from somewhere else. Go far away. Don't fall into peer pressure. Don't give into the hype of this taxed hawaiian-inspired fast food joint. If a friend refers you here, check their credibility.
(1)
Lawrence T.

Another theme restaurant with burgers on the menu.. a lot of burgers. My bro and his wife split theirs... who would have thought? And, I after a heavy day of eating had a garden salad with chicken... our waiter must have been pretty disappointed in us. But the service was good and the food was solid. The basket of fries were crispy and how i like them... i never get them the way i like them... with PEPPER!!! Only they were really dry and powdery inside, what?
(3)
Dian C.

I came for the burger, and I came away with many ounces of burger grease in my tummy. There isn't anything wrong with ground beef grease, but it's just not my thing. It was good and definitely satisfying, though I want to try some of their more exotic burgers (like the one with pineapple). Their fries are seasoned like curly fries and are delicious. The atmosphere is very friendly, with TVs showing Hawaii surfing videos. Overall, not a place I could come back to on a regular basis, but a good place to satisfy your burger grease craving.
(3)
Carolyn S.

If you're looking for a decent place to eat when the wait's too long at The California Pizza Kitchen, this place is great! FOOD: Please, nobody smack me...I kinda like their cooking! I have a two year old, we've been to this (and every) location of Islands....again and again and again. My first requirement is fresh and clean, second is nutritious ingredients, third is flavor and presentation. They have all of these elements YELPers, as far as I can see....so what's the complaint? As I think about it, they are shortsighted to skimp on the fries. Please, what would it cost them to toss a dozen fries on the plate with your burger? Potatoes are not that expensive! Whenever we go we create terrific veggie burgers by subbing the veggie patty for the beef patty on one of their more exotic offerings. I like to do the onion and mushroom with some swiss cheese...will you all attack me if I say it's delicious? Then again, "Islands" was way beyond my means when I was in college.....Oh! To have been able to afford to eat at Island's! We always split their Cobb salad as well as getting a couple of burgers. I've yet to be disappointed. If they'd wake up and stop chiseling us over a few fries I'd give them a fourth star! ATMOSPHERE: My daughter loves it. It's colorful and there's plenty to see. It's as though somebody plopped you down at the rap party for Gilligan's Island. Kids, Islands is what it is....This is not fine dining, this is not Trader Vics in Beverly Hills! For what it is...it's pretty good!
(3)
Darren T.

I'm from norcal so I'm used to red robins and In-N-Out. Let me tell you, these burgers are by far the best burgers I've had. I always get the kilaeu burger and it is nothing short from spectacular. Every burger I've had has been cooked perfectly medium rare and the bread infused with flavor. Who would have thought that even a bun could taste so good? Also, they have bottomless fries/onion rings so if you're hungry, you'll definitely be satisfied after your meal. And if not, there's always a yogurt place across the street. So far, I have not been disappointed with any experience I've had here. Expect a wait time after ordering food, because it tends to get quite busy. Unfortunately, when I went the other day, our waitress wasn't as attentive as they normally are. We didn't get our second round of fries like we ordered and my girlfriend and I were in a rush so we had to leave. Still, this place is great for burgers. Honestly though, how can you mess up a burger? Try it!
(5)
Vivian L.

My friend wanted a burger so we ended up coming here. The atmosphere is fun, like you are in Hawaii, but the food isn't very good. Don't even get the salad to be healthy since it's just a bowl of iceberg lettuce. Nothing green colored in there at all. And the tomatoes were barely a pink shade with no flavor. The fries are a bit too hard, double fried perhaps? Everything else is ok, nothing here will blow your mind. Think like a Chili's type of place to eat.
(2)
Jon T.

Good place, good portions of food and prices are fair as well, the selection of food is SOMEWHAT limited if you're a picky eater, but I'm pretty picky and I can find something to eat usually :), The teriyaki burger is really good and fries are good for 2 people for each order so share :). Good place for lunch or dinner!
(4)
Karyn M.

My daughter suprised me and picked me up at work and took me to lunch in the pouring rain ... awww how sweet AND she didn't ask for anything (e.g., money, fill up her gas tank, makeup, etc). My tall skinny kid ordered a half of a cobb salad and a plate of fries. . haha I had the veggie tacos without cheese. Our meal was pretty good. Service was attentive despite the fact that it was lunch time in la jolla so it was impressive. The best part of the meal, aside from having a nice conversation with my first born, was that SHE paid. priceless!
(3)
Jeff S.

Terrence is super cool!
(5)
Steve R.

Not much I can add here really. One of the better Islands in the area. Much better than Balboa Ave. For the most part always received good service here. Occasional slip ups-especially when sitting at the bar for some reason. Plenty of parking in surface lot or nearby garage. Convenient to Trader Joes and Ralphs. NB 5 Freeway traffic exit at Nobel - SB 5 Traffic Use La Jolla Village. Again, nothing really stood out at this location. A solid 3.
(3)
Jeremy W.

I love Islands. I really do. Of course I've only ever gotten one burger there, and it's been about 15 years since the first time I went to one. Granted I don't go very often, but to get the same thing every time for 15 years says a little something. Anyways, that something is the Maui. I mean, come on, I love guac burgers and this is a freaking delicious one. Why would I get anything else that has ingredients I like less? Especially since the only time I ever even think of coming here is when I'm feeling a good guac burger. Other than that, the fries are pretty legit with the seasoning they have at the table.
(4)
Lawrence L.

Fries are crispy, good and ENDLESS. They are one of the few restaurants who have garlic salt on the table. Even with endless fries, I can't justify $10 for an average hamburger. It wasn't anything special. Although, the bun (whole wheat) was soft.
(3)
Coral S.

Nothing that I've had at this Island's has been as good as the other Island's that I go to. And yet, I've returned a few times with my boyfriend because it was conveniently right there and so we went for it. I must admit that it's not so bad that I wouldn't come back. It just doesn't do Island's food justice if you ask me. If you want the really Island's experience I suggest making your way over to the Island's off of Friar's Road, it's fantastic!
(2)
Christine C.

I grew up in San Diego and I definitely feel at home in this surf-culture infused town, but Islands is downright tacky. This is one of the hokiest restaurants that maybe only a Wisconsinite would appreciate. The fake Hawaiian / surfer theme looks cheap, too bad the food isn't. The fatty burgers are expensive and served sans fries. Yes, you have to order a side of fries want to eat them with your burgar. What a rip! Also, there isn't a single salad on the menu that doesn't come loaded with heavy dressing or some sort of fried topping. And the service here is pretty weak. Then again, I can't imagine anyone being enthusiastic about working at Islands.
(1)
Krista C.

I just went there with my husband and will not be going back EVER! Burger was greasy, fries were double fried (obviously warmed up by the fryer), and the service sucked!!! We ate at the bar and the girl was getting off so she ignored us and then the guy getting on was just talking to his spent friends and hanging out not helping us.
(1)
Celine L.

I hate when places charge you extra for fries when the burgers aren't even that good. I hear that they now include them, which is nice. I've been here several times, not by choice, but I've never had a good experience. It's either the server is slow or food is forgotten. The one high point to this place is that the spinach artichoke dip is really good, however, it doesn't take much to make it.
(2)
Vicky L.

Decent food, but the service can be really spotty. You have to order fries seperately. Burgers are decent, I like the one with the guacamole on it, but other than that, this place doesn't really stand out.
(3)
Denise B.

Yummy, I think that coming here when I used to visit Tressa in LA was why I decided to move to SoCal at the young age at 22. Everyone here was tan, peppy and happy. But then I ate there, and got my burger, and grease fix satisfied................ What I love about Islands are the following: cheddar fries ( doesn't the name alone explain it?), tiki tenders, the Yaki tacos ( the terriyaki sauce makes it excellent), The Hula Burger (mushrooms, cheese and mayo!), the Maui Burger (guacamole, lettuce, tomato and mayo!) and the Kona Pie (mocha almond fudge ice cream in a pie crust!)........ No it's not gourmet, and yes it's a chain. But who cares? With a burger and grease like this I can overlook the cheeseyness factor for an hour! YUMMY, I wish they would hurry and open one in Northern California!
(4)
Laura C.

I went yesterday with my husband for lunch and I was surprised how good the service was. Devin was so attentive - I never had to ask for a soda refill. The food was good but really - how can you mess up a Big Wave w/cheese. I do like that they have lunch specials that include french fries. I would try the place based on the service from Devin. Hopefully all the servers are good. Tons of TV's!
(5)
keri r.

I had my worst restaurant experience here. My boyfriend and I came for lunch one day, and we waited at our table for 50 minutes before someone came to take our order. Other people from different tables were leaving since the service was so bad. We received free drinks, but honestly we deserved a free meal. This was the only time I didn't leave a tip, but they didn't deserve it. I don't mind their food, but I won't come to this location again.
(1)
Erin Q.

I tend to order a Big Wave when I come here, but today I opted to go with the Soup and Salad lunch combo. While the caesar salad was a little skimpy, the bowl of soup was huge! And very tasty. It's been my experience that tortilla soup is spicy enough to make my nose run a little, but this was perfect. But now I'm just regretting the fact that I didn't order a fruit punch - oh I love it. We went with a basket of fries instead of cheese fries this time...a bit of a mistake only because I was craving a bit more fat. But I can't really complain. The wait wasn't bad at all, and I never find Islands to be a disappointment.
(4)
J L.

As a chef I am APPALED with this place. I went in yesterday to grab a bite while I was x mass shopping and I got FOOD POISONING!!!! I did not eat anything all day had a burger there for lunch which filled me up way to much and I immediately wanted a nap. I ate nothing more for the rest of the day/night. 3 am I was awoken because I had to throw up amongs other things! Sic all day loss of pay because of apparent lack of quality control. I hate to write a bad review and I have never written a review EVER, but this needs to be seen and acknowledged! Do not eat here!!!
(1)
Karen F.

I'm surprised this place only has an average rating of 3 stars... I love this place! My friends and I started coming here more often (well, often being once every 2 or 3 months) because they started serving endless fries with their burgers. It's also nice that they have a full bar and lots of drink choices. My friend got the Mango-rita and really liked it, and their burgers and tacos are always good. For a while, I tried to do the vegetarian thing, but I'm also lactose intolerant and very picky... The waiters and waitresses I've had at Islands have always been very accommodating, and the service speed isn't bad either. I like it.
(4)
Grace L.

This is a good decent burger place with a breezy vibe. It's laid back and serves large enough to share with me sized burger plates. They have many kinds of burgers and toppings, as well as good salads. We ordered a Kobb salad and a Maui burger and it was enough to fill me and my husband up. Great atmosphere for families and groups. If you want a nicer sit down burger place, come here and stay awhile.
(3)
Resa W.

I already don't like burgers/fries much so I'm hard to please, but this was just... overpriced, mediocre food. For some reason my friends still want to go here all the time. I guess the milkshake was good, but that's hard to do wrong, right?
(2)
Daniel S.

Welcome to America. Islands has a very chainy (not Dick) feel to it. Which is fine if you know that's where you're headed. I got the blue cheese burger and fries and a large beer = $21.26 (with tip and tax). That was expensive for what it was and here's what it was: 1) The fries have that special fresh taste that you only find at some places like In N Out. I then read that it is because they cut them fresh. They put some kind of onion/garlic salt combo on the fries which was almost worth taking away the star for, but it wasn't too overwhelming. They also give you a ton of fries. 1 star 2) The burger was tasteless, the blue cheese was only put in the center (something I really hate in burritos and burgers). No condiments. -1 Star 3) The service was excellent. I walked in and the guy up front chatted with me for a second and then the waitress did and so did the bartender. They were all very nice and were smiling. I also had a special request to get my fries first so I could eat them while they were hot and then my burger - they were happy to accomodate. They also always asked before doing anything (getting the check, etc.) 2 stars 4) Music was mellow and not too loud which is awesome. I REALLY hate going to a place and you can't even hear the person next to you. Why do places do that? If I wanted to go to a rock concert I would have. 1/2 star 5) The beer selection was terrible, but they had california wines on the menu - good work. All in all this is just a generic american food place, which I was expecting, but didn't come through on taste. And for that price you should be getting waaaay more.
(3)
Lozz Y.

Big juicy burgers here. My favorite is the one with blue cheese. They also offer wheat hamburger buns here which are also pretty good. Their fries are well seasoned and extra crispy. They also have great lunch specials for pretty cheap.
(3)
Princess L.

this place is no red robins. their salads are horrible and over dressed. and their ranch sauce is water-y however, three stars for being a subsidiary of OUTBACK! the server was a complete beezy to us, but she was the girl covering breaks (getting no tips i guess) get the hawaiian burger, it's good. (they substitute veggie patties as well but they don't have a choice between two like red robin does) Also, their fries, are NOT BOTTOMLESS, but they're crispy and delicious nonetheless. If you eat meat, i don't recommend you base your decision of this restaurant on my review. except, get the fries. they're yummy.
(3)
Michelle R.

we went in on Easter, and the service was good, food was decent.. They had the LAKERS game on which was a definite plus! :)
(3)
Alvin W.

Pretty good burger joint. Very similar to Red Robins but has better speciality burgers. The island themed restaurant is a nice place to unwind for happy hour.
(3)
Kim F.

I guess I will be the voice of dissent. I used to love Islands' when I was down in SD. The burger meat is good, the buns are super-soft, and they have some really creative burgers. I loved their fries the first time I went, but with each visit thereafter they seemed to lose their appeal. Friends have reported that the non-burger stuff is not so hot - nachos espeically are pretty gross. I'd go to Islands for the burgers and Red Robin for onion rings and fries.
(4)
Bony K.

I really only come here if can't find parking everywhere else in along Nobel in the Whole Food complex. Waiting time only took 15 mins on a busy Friday night. The food is mediocre, burger at least $7, nothing unforgettable in terms of their burgers w/o fries, cobb salad was made up of the iceberg lettuce that are used on burgers drenched with dressing! Fruit smoothies aren't bad, but something different is their lime, frosted cola mug drink. Perhaps better deal for lunchtime instead? However, for burgers in UTC area, I usually like Red Robbins at the mall.
(2)
Mari C.

i just wanted a hamburger and this place is located in a strip mall that's very close to my apartment. i'd also never been to an islands. it's a west coast thing. i figured it was pretty much a tiki tgi fridays. i was more or less right. the burgers are tasteless. the fries are over-fried. it took until the end of the meal to get our waters refilled. also, it's LOUD in here.
(1)
Jenny L.

the only thing i ever get here is the maui burger. everything else isn't so great. after i eat the maui burger, though, i'm generally feeling ill for the next few hours cause it's so greasy and packed with fat (guac/cheese/mayo). but hey, there's guac on the burger, and guac on anything is good. i don't like their fries so much and i hate the fact that you have to order them separately and the serving is huge (which means pricey also...but good for sharing i guess). i'm pretty content with the service. also, i like the fact that they have so many booths for seating.
(3)
Barry B.

Actually the food is pretty good especially the burgers but they've steadily increased their prices and it's simply not worth the money any longer. Their new menu also makes it harder to figure out that they serve chicken sandwiches and they are definitely overpriced. Note: since writing the above, they've introduced a luncheon special and started serving fries or a baby salad with their sandwiches. It's now fairly priced and business is up.
(2)
Kimberlee J.

This was a college favorite (considering there isn't much else around UCSD.) But overall the food is good. It can get crowded since it's small, but it's a pretty social atmosphere. The Hawaiian theme is everywhere, from the shirts the employees where to the food names..."Hula," "Big Wave," "Sandpiper." You get the idea. It's mostly burgers and chicken sandwiches. Get cheddar fries with a side of ranch. I'll admit, I get a craving every now and again.
(4)
Edenista M.

Islands is a safe culinary bet for comfort fare in a commercially pleasant tropical decor. I never had to wait for my food, and the service has always been perfunctorily efficient. I have a preference for their mushroom-garnished tasty Hula burger and the fajita-styled Baja soft tacos. Of course, the TV imagery is made up of surfing videos, which provide a relaxing and entertaining eye target while wolfing down one's meal. The only complaint I have is their room temperature, which always feels freezing and consequently counteracts the visually tropical environment.
(3)
Peggy W.

3.5 stars. Good burgers...but for these kinds of burgers In n Outs usually satisfies me pretty well. My mom likes their swiss&mushroom burger and I have to say it's pretty good on wheat bun. Fries are think and seasoned well. Don't bother with their soft tacos...their burgers are way better. Salad is aiight too. Smoothies are great but kinna expensive.
(3)
Michael P.

Really good burgers and great fries that are a thicker and saltier version of In-n-Out. I recommend the Hula Burger, which is a burger with swiss and mushrooms. With the burgers, you can have it cooked Medium or higher and with a choice of a white or wheat bun. The only thing that's bad about a place like Islands is price. I think that if I pay $7 for a burger, not including fries, I'd rather go to Red Robin's and pay $10 for an even better burger and bottomless fries.
(3)
Ann L.

eww.. i hate islands! the burger i ordered was not good. the food was way too salty for me. would NOT go back. go somewhere else if you want a burger
(1)
Chris B.

Mediocre food for the price. Service kinda flakey. I will re-iterate - ridiculously overpriced for a burger. Go to Red Robin at UTC - great service, better burgers, and unlimited fries.
(2)
Bonnie L.

I love the fries here. I'm not a big fan of burgers, though, so I normally end up just getting the cobb salad, which is actually pretty good and definitely very filling. Make sure to share the fries with some friends because they give you a pretty hefty basket.
(3)
Erin D.

oh man. this is another place where if i think about the food, i double over in pain and head straight for the bathroom without even having to "go." everytime i have gone to ANY islands (i just frequented this the most during my college years), i've gone home and spent a good hour in pain. sometimes it'd be super awkward and i'd be with friends or on a date and start getting the sweats and wouldnt' be able to sit still. i don't know what it is about the food, but it gets me everytime. i tried ordering different things, burgers, quesadillas, salads, tacos... everytime the same result. aside from the gastrointestinal problems caused by their mediocre food, what gives with ordering a burger with NO FRIES! i hate that about places. how can you call yourself a burger joint and make fries a side? grrr. blasphemy. service is okay. touch and go. i also heard from an insider that each bowl of the endless tortilla soup has at least 1,000 calories per serving. yea... staying away from that. otherwise, free refills is a plus. but I NEVER GO HERE anymore. and i'm glad they aren't in the bay area.
(2)
Roshni R.

the burgers are decent...good but nothing special. i always get "the pipeline" (a chili cheeseburger), and it's $8 which is pretty standard i think. be forewarned that their medium is really pink the middle, so if that's not your thing, make sure to get your burger well-done. the chili cheese fries are really dry and bland, and the fish tacos are only semi-decent (they're exactly like the ones at baja fresh, but far more expensive). i like the tropical music in the background.
(3)

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Address : 3351 Nobel Dr
La Jolla, CA, 92037
Phone (858) 455-9945
Website https://www.islandsrestaurants.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
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
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : No

Claim Restaurant

Burgers

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Islands Restaurant

3351 Nobel Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92037

Islands Restaurant Menu

Appetizers

Soup

Entree Salads

Burgers

Soft Tacos

Other Favorites

Birds Of Paradise

Paradise's Bikini Beach

Gremmie

Sides

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Islands Restaurant

Appetizers

Soup

Entree Salads

Burgers

Soft Tacos

Other Favorites

Birds Of Paradise

Paradise's Bikini Beach

Gremmie

Sides

Desserts

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