Islands truly takes beach bum dining up a notch. Open for all you hungry souls seeking solace in the midday sun or looking for a lazy dinner under the stars. They master the art of burgers, freshly cut fries, and special tropical drinks including lip-smacking cocktails unheard of in any other part of the town.
The culinary journey of Islands started back in 1982, thanks to Tony DeGrazier, a true pioneer when it comes to tantalizing taste buds. Opening the first restaurant in West Los Angeles, his vision expanded all the way across California and Arizona with an array of appetizing locations.
If you want to explore more of this tropical food paradise, go check their website; it has everything you'll need to know.
Where can I find an Islands Restaurant?
You're in luck! Islands are sprinkled across the sunny states of Arizona and California. Big on the Golden State scene, they've set up shop in places like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. Arizona fans, look out for them in both Phoenix and Avondale.
And here's the best part: finding the closest restaurant is as easy as pie (or should I say, as easy as ordering a delightful dessert from Islands?) Head over to their website, pop in your zip, city, or state, and bam! There's your nearest restaurant, contact details, and even local services offered.
Any options for vegetarians?
Absolutely! I was quite taken by their extensive vegetarian options. They've basically waved a magic wand over their behemoth burgers and turned them into scrumptious veggie delights. They even serve the Impossible Burger, topped with avocado, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli. Other veggie-friendly options include Fresh Cut Island Fries and a refreshing Strawberry Salad (just skip the chicken).
What about the kids?
Don't worry, they have the kiddos covered too. Their special kids' menu offers a variety of fun options all served in child-friendly portions.
The Islands kids’ menu is nicely divided by age, catering to munchkins aged 6 and under, and those aged between 7 and 12. It’s a perfect feature that prevents wastage of food and your hard-earned bucks.
Here are some of the top picks from the kiddie menu:
- Hot Dogs
- Burgers
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Macaroni & Cheese
And to add the cherry on top, each dish is accompanied by a choice of sides including fries, applesauce, and even slices of fresh pineapple.
Any gluten-free options?
Yes, indeed. While not everything on the menu is gluten-free, Islands has plenty of options that are.
For the burger buffs among us, all of Islands' burgers can be served up with a gluten-free bun. Just remember to check the other ingredients for any sneaky gluten hideouts. The good folks at Islands can help you there – just ask in person or hop onto their website for full nutritional information.
A few gluten-free popular choices include:
- Cheddar Fries
- Cheesy Fries
- Kaanapali Kobe’s Salad
- Big Wave Burger (Remember to request the gluten-free bun)
- Malibu Burger (Again, don’t forget the gluten-free bun)
- Corn Tortilla
It’s worth noting that Islands doesn’t guarantee a 100% gluten-free kitchen environment. This means dishes like their Buffalo Wings BBQ with Ranch, though wheat-free, could still have come in contact with gluten products as they share the same fryer.
Do They Serve Alcohol?
You bet! Islands take their "summer vibe" quite seriously and their cocktail menu proves it. Their array of concoctions includes a fabulous frozen mango margarita with tequila called Magorita and a Froze - a frozen mix of rose, vodka, peach & strawberry puree. Beer-lovers, they've got your back too with a range of Craft and Domestic varieties. Wine is served by the glass and bottle too.
When is it open?
Usually, Islands swing open their doors from 11am to 9:30pm from Sunday through Thursday, and till 10pm on Friday and Saturday. But do check their website or give a call to your local restaurant for their precise opening hours.
Do they do home delivery?
Yes! Even if you're a homebody like me, you can still enjoy their sun-kissed flavours in the comfort of your house. Delivery options may vary by location, so check with your local branch or the company's website for the delivery services in your region. You can order directly from them or via popular third-party delivery apps and websites.
Do they have a loyalty program?
Yes, they do! Called Islands Locals, it rewards regulars like me quite handily. For every dollar spent, you get a point. Collect 150 points to get a $10 reward. Plus, referring a friend gives you an additional 50 points. And as a welcome treat, new sign-ups receive $7 off any appetizer. It's a no-brainer.
Definitely! I suggest swinging by Islands on a weekday for lunch to make the most of their special Lunch Break Menu. Serving up affordable food under $11 till 2pm from Monday through Friday, they've mastered the fine art of fine dining on a dime. A Double Stack Burger with a generous helping of fries from this menu is just the ticket to a satiating meal.
Can I reserve a table?
Yes, you can! It's as easy as a phone call or an online booking on their official website. Simply give them the date, time, and number of guests, and you'll have a reserved table waiting for you. No more worrying about securing a spot for your posse.
The Pros:
- Relaxed, beachy atmosphere
- Extensive and diverse menu
- Offers both vegetarian and gluten-free options
- Has a kid-friendly menu
- Great loyalty program
- Accessible locations
- Offers home delivery
The Cons:
- Possibility of gluten contamination due to shared cooking utensils
- Delivery options may vary by location
- Opening hours vary from branch to branch