The secret of the success at Islands Restaurant is right there in the tagline: “Fine Burgers and Drinks”. To keep up with the demand for their beach-inspired beverages and family friendly foods, Islands has opened their third South Bay location in Redondo Beach.
The South Bay Foodies were keen to check out the new spot so we stopped by for a taste of the burgers, beer, and cocktails that Islands is known for.*
From the outside, the restaurant looks to be on the smallish side but its not the case. Inside, there’s plenty of room a bar and a nice sized dining room. Multiple TVs hang from the walls for comfortable viewing from just about any locations.
Starting off with beverages, we tried one of the signature drinks and a beer. The Big Island Iced Tea ($7.25) is a tropical take on the tea most people know to be from Long Island. They keep the vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and triple sec and then add pineapple juice and strawberry puree. The result is an easy-drinking blend of vacation in a glass.
Along with several beers on tap, Islands also has a line of beers made especially for their restaurants by the Firestone Brewing company: The Islands Golden Ale, IPA, and Brown Ale.
Appetizers quickly followed the drinks and were devoured just as fast as they came. The spinach and artichoke dip was superb, sporting plenty of spinach and sizeable chunks of tender artichoke. The Buffalo wings were as you might expect. Our batch was not too hot spice-wise and included carrots, celery, and bleu cheese for dipping.
There are plenty of entrees to choose from on the menu at Islands: soups, salads, and even tacos stuffed with chicken or fish. But the burgers are the focus. With names like Pipeline, Kilauea, and Longboarder the burgers are all tied back to the theme of a burger shack on the beach in Hawaii.
I tackled the hefty Malibu, a thick beef patty topped with American cheese (I substituted pepper jack) and applewood smoked bacon and then rounded out with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mustard.
I paired the Malibu burger with sweet potato fries which were outstanding. Fans of regular fries will want to consider getting the endless fries. As you finish your fries, they keep bringing wave upon wave of fresh cut, skin-on fries. I’m wondering though, with the burgers as big as they are if anyone really can make it through more than a helping or two of fries!
Whether you do or not, try to save room for dessert. There’s a complete line up of shakes, smoothies, and other delectables that are perfect for chasing a big burger and fries. The Chocolate Lava is first on the list and is plenty to share: a nicely portioned fudge brownie with ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, almonds, and a cherry.
Even getting the left overs wrapped up at Islands is a treat. The whole to-go box is like a kit with a piece of aluminum foil (to wrap the half of your burger), a paper bag, and a box to cart it all away for a snack later on.
Happy Hours and Playoff Specials
Along with their lunch and dinner service, Islands is also featuring a happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 7 PM in the bar area. Specials include appetizers and drinks for $5 or less.
During the football playoffs leading up the big game, they’re offering the best of best with a $10 burger and beer combo.
- Islands Restaurants
http://www.islandsrestaurants.com -
Three South Bay Locations
- Redondo Beach @ 1609 Hawthorne Bvld.
- South Torrance @ 2647 Pacific Coast Highway
- Manhattan Beach @ 3200 North Sepulveda Blvd.
* Prices and menu items are subject to change without notice. Some items mentioned in this article were provided on a complimentary basis for the purpose of this review. This story was accurate when it was published and reflects the uninfluenced opinions of the reviewers.
** Shout out Kristi, Doug, and the rest of the staff at Islands, Redondo Beach!