It’s been a long time since I’ve been to an Islands. It’s funny because even though they are known for burgers, I usually get something else whenever I go with my friends who want burgers.
On this recent trip, I went with my son who loves burgers. We arrived early evening and happy hour was still going on. They have a handful of $5 or under items which are good accompaniments for one or two drinks. I was happy to see they had skinny margaritas and ordered the Margarita Lite ($8.90) which uses Patron Silver, organic agave, fresh lime juice and Triple Sec.
On the happy hour menu, we chose the Cheddar Fries ($3.95) and it was a huge plateful of Island fries covered with melted cheddar and scallions. I kept telling my son to not overindulge in it because he still had a burger coming, but he’s a growing boy and I couldn’t believe how much he was able to pack away!
The Poke ($8.95) a new item on the menu is pretty damn good. Chunks of albacore tuna is tossed in soy, sesame oil, sambal and sits on a bed of shredded cabbage topped with diced scallions and sesame seeds. Loved this!
If you like fish tacos, the Grilled Fish ($10.69/2 tacos) offers the day’s selection of fresh fish on corn tortillas and topped with cabbage, cilantro, diced tomatoes and a house chipotle white sauce. Nicely seasoned albeit the tortillas were a little hard. The ranchero beans served on the side is really good!
My favorite of the night was a new item from their “Local Menu”. Salmon Miso Glazed Bowl ($12.49) is a brown rice bowl with fresh grilled pineapple chunks, bell peppers, red onions, water chestnuts, snow peas, broccoli and scallions. A nice piece of fresh grilled Atlantic salmon is then placed on top making it a delicious and healthy meal. You can also get this in teriyaki or hoisin sauce.
My son loved his Nalu Nalu ($10.85) burger, a new menu item which is only offered for a limited time. This burger is reminiscent of a Philly cheesesteak topped with provolone cheese, sauteed onions, mixed peppers, hot deli pepper rings and lettuce with roasted garlic aioli. I took a bite and it was very flavorful. I’m not a huge burger person but my son devoured it in its entirety. I wish I had such metabolism!!
This week, Islands has generously donated THREE $25 giftcards for my readers to win. Leave me a comment with your FULL name (you won’t be entered if you don’t leave your full name!) and tell me if you’re a burger person or if you’ll be ordering something other than burgers — and why! Three lucky winners will be chosen to win one of those giftcards. Entries close Thursday and winner will be announced Friday. Good Luck!
Islands
(check out full list of locations on the website)
4020 Barranca Pkwy
Irvine, CA 92604
Tel: 949-552-1888
Islands has the best fries!
I actually LOVE their grilled chicken sandwiches! The chicken is always moist and juicy and I feel kind of virtuous when I order it 🙂 Haven’t been there in a while, would love to try it again.
-Stephanie Han
I’m a total burger person and I love islands. I always get their Kilauea burger, well done, on wheat. It’s so good! I get it well done because it compliments the seasoned pepper taste well. I also get the fries with no salt. You know because of that, I always get a fresh batch and my high blood pressure thanks me just a little bit.
I like hamburgers, but the salmon miso bowl looks really good too.
That miso bowl looks awesome! I’d love to try it!
Hamilton Le
I am most definitely a burger person, still trying to find that one place for burgers. Although that Poke looks just as good.
The Poke looks really good. I haven’t been there in a while but their burger are pretty delicious. The tacos are a pretty healthy option. Thank you!
I’m a total burger person and definitely would order one of those!
I am a burger person – however, the poke looks yummy and something I would order as an appetizer! But, I would definitely have to get the Hula Burger with Applewood Smoked Bacon added!
I’m an un-burger person: I love veggie patties and I LOVE Islands veggie patties. It would be great to try the Nalu Nalu burger but with the veggie patty. Also, I want to try the Cheddar Fries because they look delicious and I know they have a cheese quesadilla on their appetizer menu that I’ve never tried but I would love to!
Leslie Van Cleave. Burger Person. Islands burgers and fries are the BEST in SoCal. And it’s the only place I know that serves its beer in ice-cold frosty mugs.
Burger person. Islands is the best in SoCal for burgers AND fries. Plus it’s the only burger chain I know that serves beer in ice-cold frosty mugs.
I keep replying and keep receiving a notice that I haven’t replied. I’m a burger person. Ok?
I’m the first to admit that I’m a burger addict. Islands has a special place in my heart as it was there that I tried my first burger with bleu cheese, which is now a staple in my diet. Every time I go I stick with the burger option. The last time I went to Islands I went with my whole family because my grandmother (88) had specifically requested the restaurant because she loves their Chinese Salad. Nearly everyone in my family got burgers except my grandmother and Step Mother who got the Chicken Tortilla soup. They were both kind enough to let me try their meals and I was blown away by how much I enjoyed their food. I’d love to have the opportunity to go to Islands and step outside of my box and try their Tacos, Fish heck the whole menu. My eyes have been open to a great world of yummy possibilities and I excited to venture into that world.
yes William, I was surprised at all the new menu items since my last visit (which was years ago). I really like the salmon bowl
I love the Chinese Chicken salad! The dressing is amazing. Have to order the fries with ranch too!
I’ve been eyeballing that new poke dish. I’d say I’ll have to give it a try.
I’ve been eyeballing that new poke dish. I’d say I’ll have to give it a try now.
I am more of a salad person. I usually order a salad, but have a few bites of my husband’s burger.
Hi. Not a burger person myself but find myself often at those type of places as my 3 sons do like their burgers. Haven’t tried Islands yet & look forward to options other than the “grilled cheese” at in and out. Thanks
may i suggest next time trying the teriyaki chicken tacos!! i’ve tried to make these at home and can never come close to the ones served at Islands – so so good!
Wow! Very eye opening! I had no idea islands had miso glazed salmon and poke. I would love to try 🙂 Jenny lee
I’m definitely a burger person…whenever I go to Islands, I’d always order the Hawaiian burger. It goes so well with their ice cold beer. I think the flavors in this burger just meshes really well. Making me hungry thinking about it. I just love pineapple. That Salmon bowl does look pretty good tho…has pineapples in it. Salmon and miso is a very good pairing as well!
congratulations you are one of the winners!
i typically associate that place with burgers and i myself is a burger person. i haven’t tried their non burger dishes but may try it some day.
I am definitely a burger gal, especially at Islands and I’ll be sure to try the Nalu Nalu the next time I visit. I hope I win a gift card 🙂
Thanks!
While I eat most of my meals vegan, burgers are one thing I can’t give up and I have to have one about once a month. Sometimes I go to Islands for one – they are pretty good. Good fries too. ~Adrea Reed
hey, its Mia Waldron from Mia’s Mini’s.com I love absolutely everything they have at Island starting with dessert. I love their soup and bottomless fries. there is something for EVERYbody and the ‘ADULT” beverages are the best!
I like the bleunami burger @ Islands.
We used to go every week after little league. Definitely burger and those fries with extra garlic salt! !
I love the burgers there but I’m very excited to try that Salmon Miso glazed bowl.
Their Kona cake with Almonds and the oreo crust, Is the best!!!! Get it free with coupon with sign up for their email list.
Full name: Jamie Gall and omg, I have yet to visit Islands so I hope I win.. And I am craving burgers right this minute.. doesn’t mean I won’t change my mind the day of! 😉
congratulations, you are one of the winners
Being a huge fan of their Hawaiian burger, coupled with the combination of being a creature of habit, a gift card would really allow me to feel good about trying something new so I didn’t miss out on my FAV burger there 🙂 I would love to try that new salmon dish, it looks wonderful!
I”m a burger person. I’ve been to an Islands a few times, but it’s been a while… and who doesn’t want to return to the Islands every now and then?
My name is sean solomon and I am definitely a burger person. I wish to try the burgers at islands as I need an alternative to other local burger places. Help I can’t eat another big mac….
I love burgers!
I used to always order the Hawaiian burger and a basket of fries, but now will have to give that poke and miso glazed salmon bowl a try!
I love Islands, they used to have some awesome pork tacos with a green sauce but they took them off the menu for some reason. I miss those, I also love their cheese bacon fries. I agree that there’s much more to Islands than just burgers.
I love Islands, they used to have some awesome pork tacos with a green sauce but they took them off the menu for some reason. I miss those, I also love their cheese bacon fries. I agree that there’s much more to Islands than just burgers.
Erin Miller– Definitely a burger!! I love Islands Burgers, so if I’m going to go there, I’m going to have a burger…. and their Garlic Fries!!! YUM! 😉
Oomg…got to have a mushroom Swiss burger with their bomb fries!!!
I am a total burger person. The Hawaiian burger at Islands is my favorite!
Patricia M. Nalu Nalu burger rocks!
definitely a burger person, but will try the poke and salmon bowl because of your review!
I would get a burger. They have the best burgers.
I like their burgers, but I usually order their nachos more than I order a burger. The nachos at Islands are my favorite out of restaurants I go to, so that’s what I would order.
congratulations you are one of the winners
AHI poke looks good!
Even though I am a vegetarian, I am totally a burger person. I love a delicious “juicy” burger with interesting toppings, like pineapple! And a guilty indulgence like those fries doesn’t hurt either.