Islands Restaurant
| Address: | 250 S State College Blvd, Brea, CA 92821, USA |
| Phone: | +1 714-256-1666 |
| Site: | islandsrestaurants.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 8
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Chelsea Madren
Mahi Mahi Hoisin Bowl ($13.85) + Mai Tai ($8.99): Mahi Mahi Hoisin Bowl is made with fresh grilled mahi mahi, fresh grilled pineapple, red bell peppers, snow peas, water chestnuts, red onions, broccoli, diced scallions, and hoisin sauce over brown rice. Mai Tai is made with dark rum, pineapple & orange juices, sweet & sour, orgeat syrup, grenadine, and a float of Myer’s Rum. The bowl had a good mix of flavors of the succulent mahi mahi and savory vegetables balancing with the sweetness of the pineapple. The mahi mahi was able to hold up to the sweetness to shine through. This would pair better with the Big Island Iced Tea as the sour flavor works better with the fish and hoisin sauce. Rating: 4.5/5 Yaki Tacos ($10.69) + Pina Colada ($8.99): Yaki Tacos are flour tortillas stuffed with grilled chicken, teriyaki sauce, cheddar & jack cheeses, fresh pineapple salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, and served with a side of ranchero beans. Pina Colada is made with Don Q Rum, pineapple, and coconut cream. The tacos were a lighter entree and the combination of pineapple and teriyaki sauce make this a much sweeter dish. I would probably change out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas to tame some of the sweetness. Pina Colada pairs perfectly with the tacos. The coconut flavor tames the sweetness from the tacos. Rating: 4.7/5 Hawaiian Burger ($12.45) + Big Island Iced Tea ($8.99): Hawaiian Burger is made with fresh pineapple, teriyaki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, swiss, and mayo. Big Island Iced Tea is made with vodka, gin, tequila, rum, triple sec, pineapple juice, and strawberry puree. The burger was juicy and slightly sweet from the teriyaki and pineapple. It had lots of sauce so it was not dry, but it was messy (have the napkins handy). The wheat bun held up nicely. The Big Island Iced Tea was a little too sour for the burger. A better pairing would be the Mai Tai. Rating: 4.3/5 Margarita Lite ($10.79) is served on the rocks with Patron Silver Tequila, organic agave nectar, freshly squeezed lime juice, and triple sec. It was a little less sweet than a traditional margarita, but had all the flavor of a margarita that you know and love. It will definitely give you a little pucker! Rating: 4.5/5 Turkey Burger Lite ($10.79) is served on a whole-wheat bun with tomato, sliced red onion, lettuce, and mustard with a side of steamed broccoli and carrots (640 calories). This burger had a huge, flavorful turkey patty! The patty was a little dry, but that often happens with ground turkey due to the low-fat content. The veggies were a good substitute for fries. Rating: 3.9/5 Northshore Tacos, Limited ($10.29) are corn tortillas stuffed with spicy chicken, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and ranchero beans on the side (590 calories). The tortillas were nice and thick. The chicken was tender and slightly spicy. They were packed with veggies for a refreshing texture. Despite its size, this dish was deceptively filling. I love the ranchero beans. They were so flavorful and made me want more! Rating: 4.5/5 Sleek Greek Salad ($10.55) is made with grilled and chilled chicken breast, hearts of romaine, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions tossed with a low fat balsamic vinaigrette (380 calories). I love this salad!!! It had all the Greek flavors – briny Kalamata olives, creamy tangy feta, sweet tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, and zingy onion. Rating: 4.5/5 No-Blame Grilled Veggie Tacos ($9.75) are corn tortillas stuffed with a variety of grilled vegetables and cheddar, topped with roasted corn black beans, pico de gallo, avocado, and served with a side of Island slaw (480 calories). This is a great option for the vegetarian in your party. The veggies provided a variety of different textures and flavors – firm zucchini, sweet peppers, sweet and smoky roasted corn, smooth black beans, and creamy avocado. The slaw was a little too vinegary and needed a refreshing flavor like cilantro to brighten it up. Rating: 3.5/5
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Paul La Capria
So this place used to be good when they use to hand form their hamburger patties. But I could swear the last hamburger I ordered there had meat patties from Costco. A joke for what I was being charged. Remember when they use to ask you how you wanted your hamburger patty cooked? Because it was so thick you could order it well done, medium or rare and it actually came out the way you ordered it. Tell me when was the last time your waiter asked you how you wanted your patty cooked? Doesnt matter anymore, theyre just cooked. Too thin now, thus loosing the charm of a homemade hamburger. I wont go back anymore as this restaurant like all other corporate run restaurants has gone straight down hill in the pursuit of the almighty dollar.
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Brian Bergström
This restaurant is a regular of ours, features very good food and attentive servers. The menu features burgers & chicken sandwiches presented in an island theme. My main complaint is that the only way to get fries is to order a 3 pound basket, and that is too much for me to eat, since my friends are on Atkins and can not eat fries. Sometimes I order from the kids menu, the Junior Wave is a burger and fries, and is really about the right size meal, especially if there is an appetizer and/or dessert involved. I am speaking of this location; I have been to other locations of this chain/franchise and been less satisfied.
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Anne Sanchez
Came on a weekday and the parking was a bit full , the restaurant itself wasnt full though. Our server was great and refilled our drinks with out us asking . The food is great except the fish tacos I had ordered . The tacos was a bit dry to my preference , most fish tacos I get are usually coated and the fish is not dry. I know I had the condiments put to the side, since I did not want it to be soggy. Maybe next time Ill stick to the burgers , since the burgers are amazing .
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A Private User
The service was beyond poor. Ive been going to Islands for years and I have to say this will stop me from ever going again. I ate at the bar and did not get half my order because the girl was too busy talking about how drunk she was the night before. To my amazement the extra charge was still on my bill. When I told her I didnt get my the rest of my order she didnt even apologize. It seemed more of an inconvenience, then an error. Very disappointing.
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Phil Johnston
I dont even know where to start! The staff here is phenomenal! Tanner S. is one of the friendliest workers Ive ever come across in my time! As far as the food goes, Islands is top notch! If you wanna get away, imagine yourself on the beach in Hawaii and order the Teriyaki Burger! Itll take you and your taste buds to a nice tropical place! Oh and dont forget to ask for a refill on fries! Who can say no to more fries?! I know this guy cant!
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Matthew Snow
It might be just me but I love the fruit punch! Im sure its just Hi-C or Minute Maid but it is the best fruit punch! The North Shore has to be my favorite. Its worth getting a dessert too. The nuts on many desserts are also optional so people who have nut allergies dont have to miss out.
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Karen Flores
First time going here & it was amazing! Karen was my server & she was awesome! Best service I have had so far! She gave us a free desert for my 3 yr anniversary! Plus the food was awesome! I love that they have healthy options! I would definitely recommend & would definitely come back!
