I was too hungry and too excited to take a picture of my food but I got the sandpiper and it was delicious! If you really like mushrooms then you should really get this chicken sandwich. It comes with French fries and they were just okay for me. Not the greatest. They were too hard and crispy for me. The margaritas were really good and tasty! They have really good deals for happy hour. The service was great. Our waitress was really nice and helpful. She was fast on ordering our food, bringing our drinks, answering any questions we had and bringing out our food when it got here. The restaurant is really big inside. They have plenty of seating. They have different options so if you wanted to sit at the bar or in a booth you can. They have plenty of parking outside so you'll never have to struggle to find parking which is a plus! I would definitely come back here again and try something new and different on their menu. read more

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The food is good and there are lots of choices for people with special diets. If you are on a gluten free diet, there are gluten free buns for hamburgers. If you are dairy free, just ask if they can make it without cheese. They are very flexible and will help where they can. Carrieann is a great server. Not only is am she helpful when ordering, she brings over new glasses of ice tea and water when your glass is running low. The atmosphere is a bit rustic, what you might find when you go to a Caribbean or pacific island. Cute, but not over done. They just changed a few things to make them more customer centric. Now they have Happy Hour 7 days a week and throughout the restaurant instead of just the bar. Now some suggestions... the beach bowl is a nice dish but would be improved if they offer a choice of brown rice along with the white. In the restroom, there are two hand towel machines. It would be helpful if there were a garbage basket below both. One hand towel machine is touch free, but the other is not. It would be better if they both were. When seating seniors who may have eye issues, it is better to seat them with natural sunlight during the day and a well lit table at night. Nice place for lunch. read more

I always go with the Malibu burger medium well done. One of the best spots to come for a quick burger and some wings read more

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Prisana was our server. She was very attentive, friendly and quick with our drinks and food. We sat in the bar for happy hour enjoying our drinks and food. Hubs had a margarita and I had a glass of red wine. We also shared a chicken quesadilla, spinach dip and sliders. Chicken quesadilla was a bit messy and a little too salty for me. Spinach dip was good. Hubs ate all the sliders and said they were good as well. The music was fun and the atmosphere was relaxed and chill. Overall a good time. Next time I'll try something different! read more

Islands Restaurant - Sliders - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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I stopped by Islands recently with a friend took check out their all night Thursday happy hour during football a season. We were lucky to grab a table since HH is only offered in the bar. The kicker is on the table was a $10 Big Wave with cheese and fries special that you can get anytime, dine in only for a limited time! Big Wave is usually $15 so a much better deal than "HH sized and priced" specials. The burger juicy and fries fresh fried with a side of ranch. I enjoyed with a $6 Mai Tai, during HH. It said only 230 calories which I was surprised by since Mai Tais seem pretty sweet. Great deal on the burger. Waitress said offer is. Valid until under of October and wasn't sure when it might end. She did say it had been on special since July. read more

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Been eating at all Islands locations for almost 3 decades now...love these burgers!!! Burgers and Fries of many different but all delicious choices run $14-18ish each, all include their lovely crispy thick fries. Limited Time you can get the Big Wave burger for only $10!!!!!! Normally $15, this is a classic tasty juicy burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle...yum!!! read more

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Haven't been in a couple of years and the Kilauea burger on their wheat bun was still the best. The fries were cold which was a bummer. Service could have been better. We got there around 830 pm (so 90 mins before closing). The servers seemed more focused on cleaning to get out on time, but I will compliment them because they looked like they were doing a really thorough job cleaning the booths. Def recommend if you're looking for a no frills, casual burger spot. They have salads and other items too. read more

Islands Restaurant - Kilauea burger on a wheat bun - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

I am writing as a local resident and frequent customer of your Mission Valley location to express my deep concern regarding a series of unprofessional encounters I have experienced, culminating in an unacceptable incident today. During previous visits, I have dealt with a bartender who was consistently argumentative and dismissive regarding simple drink requests. On one occasion, she attempted to use vinegar-based jalapenos for a margarita and became upset when I politely declined. I later overheard her speaking negatively about her coworkers to the manager. On a subsequent visit, when I specifically asked for another staff member, K.C., to assist me, this same bartender insistently intervened. The situation escalated significantly today. Upon my arrival, I witnessed a bartender tell the manager she refused to serve me. The manager's response was highly unprofessional, using profanity and laughing about the situation. Later, while I was waiting for my order, the manager approached me in an aggressive and condescending manner. When I mentioned that I felt rushed, she responded by stating that if she wanted me out, she would have already removed me. I eventually witnessed her punching her hand in a threatening gesture before I decided to pay for my drink and leave. Due to this unprofessional, accusatory, and hostile environment, I no longer feel comfortable patronizing your establishment. I believe these actions reflect poorly on your brand and hope you will address this behavior with the staff involved. On top of all this my rewards are never correctly accumulating. I've spent way too much money to have some MamSir be disrespectful because she wants to show off to the young girls. Despicable and disgusting read more

Visited this location for a quick lunch. Islands has a great offer for members only for $10 Big Wave burger & fries. Enjoyed my burger! It was cooked perfectly. Our waitress was super personable and came by several times to check on us. I'll be coming back. read more

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Excellent spot for a burger, beer, and to catch some sports! PROS: Love the vibes, decor, and ambience here. Very Hawaiian feeling. Music playlist is 1990s and early 2000s which is cool. Server was Karen and she did an excellent job. Many adult libations to choose from with their full bar. We had a chicken nugget meal and blue cheese burger. Both were perfectly cooked and I also recommend the side sales. Fries or very custom and tasty. Restrooms were clean and the kids menu is very well done to keep them entertained. CONS: This place has to compete for parking with Costco so it may be a challenge, other wise NONE! read more

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The bartenders here are the best! I love Carrie Anne, Lauren and Edgar! So kind and fantastic service! I ordered the new returned burger, the Mavericks. I had them hold the mayo and tomatoes and the. Put the bbq sauce on the side. Yum!! read more

Islands Restaurant - The Mavericks burger. I had them hold the tomates and mayo and put the bbq sauce on the side. Yum!! - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Recommend for happy hour! The drink prices are so reasonable and there is a great selection of appetizers. My friend and I had a margarita and a mixed drink and both were great. We especially loved the cheesy fries! We sat at the bar, which was lively and clean, and the bartender was nice and helpful without hovering. We went right after work at 5 and it wasn't crowded at all, though more people were showing up by the time happy hour ended at 6:30. Fun, casual happy hour! read more

The food is always great at islands and I love their happy hour menu on game day. Big shout out to Edgar for being so diligent and kind during a Sunday night football. He made the experience even better and we will definitely be coming back to this location! read more

5 Stars food is amazing and service manager was very VERY VERY nice to us we owe him one by the way I was the kid with the award named "Rocco Renfree" the service was amazing they were so nice and just a big thank you for having us you guys are so kind thanks!!! read more

Islands Restaurant - Box - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Good location friendly staff and relaxing place to grab a drink. Ordered a basic burger and was not the greatest. Not many fries with order and half of them were burnt and hard and bland. It was a big Burger but was falling apart along with bun. read more

Islands Restaurant - Long boarder burger - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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Grilled fish tacos tonight were a very small piece of whitefish, tons of cabbage & pico. Their tortillas are good but were room temperature at best. I get these often but tonight they were a big disappointment. As you can see in the picture, one of the pieces of fish was inedible because it was so overdone and basically charred to the point of being cremated. Probably won't be back for a while after this. Not sure but I think the price had even gone up a few dollars since my last time. $18.05 for this? Service was fine. The manager did just come over and did remove the cost from the bill, which I did not ask for but do appreciate. Sadly it never should have left the kitchen. read more

Islands Restaurant - Charred to a hard, dry and edible resemblance of white fish. - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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Ordered on DoorDash, order was cancelled after waiting over 45 mins while they said they were preparing the order

Wish I could give 0 stars & I usually enjoy coming to Islands, but this visit was rough from start to finish. The quality has definitely taken a dive. The food just didn't taste like what I'm used to here. The burger bun fell apart immediately, the patty had zero flavor, and even the fries tasted off -- almost like they were cooked in old fish oil. Portion sizes were noticeably smaller, too, which made the price sting a bit more (especially charging almost $2 just for cheese). Service didn't help either. Our server barely checked on us, and when we were done eating, we sat waiting for the receipt for at least 5-10 minutes. Same with the hostess -- not much acknowledgement the whole time. Everything just felt slow and disconnected. I don't usually leave reviews, but this was disappointing compared to past visits. I hope management takes a serious look at what's going on, because this isn't the standard Islands used to have. Wishing I could get reimbursed and just move on. read more

When a friend suggested we go for dinner, I was amazed this place is still open. It has been here for years! It had been about 20 years since the last time I had eaten at islands. We sat in the bar area, service was quick and friendly and the food was delicious. read more

Islands Restaurant - Islands Burger Bowl - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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A perfect experience! First time trying this place and I was really impressed! Safe to say this is my new go to burger spot. The staff is so friendly, specially our waitress Jessica. She was amazing! She was so patient with us and got all our orders right even though we were a big party and asked for no salt on our fries. Everything was delicious, on time, and served hot. The double stack burger was delicious! And their fries are crispy and so good. There's a lot of TVs for you to watch the game and so much parking nearby. The restaurant theme is Hawaiian and it really feels like you on the island enjoy a good burger. Their pineapple butter cake is also really good!! read more

Islands Restaurant - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've been going to this restaurant for about 8 years because it is close and offers great food. I am disappointed to see how they have scaled back their portions. read more

Islands Restaurant - The soup container used to be full! - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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Great environment!!! Pretty loud like a sports bar, great appetizers and drinks. Service was great and the hostess was super kind, helpful and cool. read more

My family and I had a great time at Islands. My wife always enjoys the tortilla soup, I had the incredibly yummy Beach Bowl, and we enjoyed lots of fries. An amazing dinner. The staff was awesome. The hostess took great care of us. Kasey, our server, was friendly, personable, and fun. All in all, she made the evening very enjoyable. Go have a good burger (I'll have a great one next time), a chocolate shake and some great fries. Ask for Kasey, you won't be disappointed! read more

I come to this Islands pretty frequently, not only because I live close by, but because of the fantastic service! Carrie Anne is the best bartender! She treats you as if you are a guest in her own home! Edgar is also an excellent bartender as well. Thank you! read more

Islands Restaurant - Malibu burger with bbq sauce on the side. I LOVE their onion rings. Service here is terrific! - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Maybe if that chubby musky Latino bartender would stop flirting with the female bartenders, he'd be better at his job. I was sitting for 10 minutes waiting for service while I watched him and the tall girl flirting without someone coming to serve me. He's so consistently bad at his job and I'm a regular here. I dread seeing him working the bar. read more

Have always had a great time here for happy hour. They have a great pour at a great price.

We had a large party with us with several children, it was a bummer they were out of children menus. Our waiter was very pleasant and accommodating. Service was a little slow but we were not in a hurry. The kids plates were good sized portions for the hamburger and chicken strips plates. My salad was delicious. They have organic hot tea available. Plenty of parking on the lot. read more

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I usually come to this location because they are always on point with their wings (extra crispy) soo good. However this time it wasn't all that great. Which is okay.. maybe next time. But I ordered a burger this time with onion rings. Burger was great! Onion rings, I would suggest maybe smaller plate or serve more lol so at least it can look fuller!! The environment of this place always so chill. read more

Islands Restaurant - Malibu burger and Onion rings - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Fist time eating here . Food was good, service was great. Our waitress was super friendly and helpful. Lots of different Island style burgers to choose from! We went with the Longboard and the Maui! The fries are really crispy and delicious! read more

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Been sitting here for 20 mins with 3 other bar tops on a Monday night during happy hour. The manager least looked like it went behind the bar and saw us and did nothing. During these times of inflation yall should have someone behind the bars at 5pm..get the food to go here because this is stupid waiting Edit: manager be at the hostess standing flirting with the 2 girls instead of helping his one server with 8 tables...if I was this bartender/server I would be walking out. Sliders also burnt. read more

Islands Restaurant - Sliders - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

The passion fruit tea is the best. Love the yaki tacos. We've been eating there for years.

I've eaten at this restaurant a few times, but never left a review. I don't know why people give it low ratings, but I feel that this place serves good food AND the it has a nice atmosphere. I came here with colleagues right after work and mentioned that one of them had a birthday. They gave us a complimentary dessert after the meal that was a pretty good size and it was delish! Thank u! read more

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Great service and a really nice restaurant. However, I was super bummed they did not have an Impossible burger as shown on their website. I ordered the veggie burger expecting Impossible and I got a generic veggie burger patty. Huge bummer. Veggie burger/patties are not a meat substitute and it was super dry. Borderline high school cafeteria level. I understand that product cost is important but to switch from Impossible to this product was a big mistake by those in charge. As a vegetarian of 31 years, I can confidently say that for those who do not eat meat - only having a veggie patty for a meal choice is not an option and it would prevent many from returning to this restaurant. I know that Impossible meat is an expensive ingredient - but it is simply the best burger substitute out there and in my opinion, it comes down to your brand position. Do you want to associate your business with inferior ingredient, or respect the vegetarian community and provide an option that is first class. I hope that this is a temporary decision and that Impossible is placed back on the menu along with at least one or two other vegetarian (optional) meal choices. read more

We have been to this Islands many times over the years. The food is consistently good, as is the service. Why three stars? We found a partially melted pink thumb tack in our French fries. My daughter picked it up and then realized what it was. Our waiter, Mark, was pretty horrified. The manager (bummed I didn't get his name) did not handle it so well. He came to the table to tell us that they only have thumb tacks in the office. Made it seem like it was our fault or like we did it. Half apologized but continuously said they only had tacks in the back and not in the kitchen. When Mark returned to our table, he asked if the manager was taking care of things for us. We said no and explained what he said. Not happy, Mark went to speak with the manager and came back letting us know he was able to get us half off our meal. Mark was great. We talked for a few as my daughter works in the food industry and knows all too well how customers can be and how things can happen. We weren't looking for a free meal, but the manager only could have handled this worse if he had come out and said it was our fault. Really lame. He also showed zero concern for our health and safety. That wasn't even on his mind, it seemed. That's all that was on our mind. Our safety and the safety of other customers. Thanks, Mark! I hope they treat you well because based on how your manager is, it seems to me that you are the better person for his position. Stuff happens. The tack was dangerous though and the manager needs more training. Food was still good and as you know, Mark was great. PS - We thought to take a picture but didn't want to be so obvious and make a big fuss. Had we known the manager was going to be that way, we would have taken one but he took our plates after the conversation. ADDED the next day: Spoke with upper management, Sandy. She was wonderful and said she had spoken to the manager to discuss how to handle these issues better. Also took very seriously that a sharp, foreign object was in our food. Changing review from 3 to 4 stars now because of this call. read more

You can never go wrong with a burger from Island's! My favorite is the teriyaki burger but this one was definitely a monster of a thang + super filling with so much flavor. Kilauea Burger is a must try and favorite. Pair this with sweet potato fries dipped in ranch and call it a day read more

Islands Restaurant - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

So this location is my go to for a family night out with other people's kids! The food is delicious and the variety is perfect for even the pickiest eaters. We had amazing, prompt service which really counts when there are kids under ten dining with you. So dining time was about 45 minutes and we had dessert as well. The crowd is fun. There is enough lively conversation at the bar and surrounding booths that kids on iPads or loud laughter isn't going to bother anyone. Delicious drinks so take a look at their new fancy cocktails. Every time when we go, I always want to come back without kids so that I can enjoy the cocktails. I definitely would come back to this location. read more

We enjoyed dinner here the other night. I've been on a burger kick so it was great to try this place out because they had plenty of burgers to choose from. We tried their drink flight which all were good. I liked the long Island best. It was a bunch of alcohols and pineapple juice. We ordered sliders as an appetizer which were loaded with grilled onions and plenty of pickles on the side. Very good. I ordered the chili cheese burger, medium cooked. It was perfect. You get a very large basket of fries and there was a good amount of chili and cheese on my burger. The bun was nicely toasted also. Service was great! All wait staff was friendly and attentive. The vibe is definitely family-friendly and also kick back with friends. read more

Islands Restaurant - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Good hamburger restaurant in Mission Valley with a beach theme. Lots of TVs where you can watch various surfing videos and they also show popular sports. We had the Wave and Maui hamburgers which were very good and our server Lauren was fantastic. She was quick, friendly, checked up enough to make sure we had everything we needed but not intrusive. Fun decorations and good looking restaurant. read more

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KAREN needs a lesson in hospitality and to smile a little. I come here everytime my family is in town and I will still continue to come here as long as I don't have her. It almost seemed as though my family was bothering her she slammed our drink on the table when we told her she forgot our drink, gave unpleasant looks to my mother when she asked her for the butter for her vegetables. It just was a very awkward experience with her. The actual food servers who brought our food out in blue shirts were more accommodating and smiled and asked if we were okay. Karen did not do that once until she switched with her coworker. This was on 2/2/25 @4pm also lighting is poor I'm 37 and had to use my phone light to see the menu . Too dim. read more

I used to hang out at Islands a LOT when I was (much) younger, but when I moved north, Islands didn't move with me (what's up with that?). Moving back to SoCal, I was happy to go into one to show it to my wife...and frankly, it was not a good experience. We repeated the visit, same results.....this was very disappointing. Fast forward a couple of years, and our son wants to meet for Father's Day, and there happens to be an Islands next to SnapDragon Stadium (where the best North American major league rugby team plays...and wins), and he wanted us to join him and his family there. We decided to give it another chance... We were seated immediately, and perused the (now quite familiar) menu. I ended up going with my standard Shorebird, my wife got the Beach Bowl, my son with the bottomless stomach ordered the Big Wave, and our daughter-in-law got the Toucan Tuna sandwich. We all got libations (I was the one with the Diet Coke looking at the dirty margaritas and various Ales). The food showed up quickly, and my first thought was holy cow, each serving of fries was enough for the table! I bit into my bird, and was pleasantly surprised to find it tasted exactly like my original memories were....delish. Fries were cooked perfectly, the burger disappeared too fast for his taste buds to register, my wife's bowl was, in her words, awesome, and the daughter-in-law registered a definite thumbs up. And the baby in residence finished her meal of avocado slices (admittedly, she didn't give a rave review, given her lack of speech....but she definitely slammed down the avocado). Hard not to recommend this place. Great service, good food, good location. read more