Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks Menu 2026: Full Menu & Signature Items

Islands is best known for its hand-crafted burgers, particularly the double-patty Big Wave and the teriyaki-pineapple Hula. The chain is also celebrated for its fish tacos (a menu staple since the 1980s), its loaded fries, hand-spun milkshakes, and its selection of tropical cocktails including the house Mai Tai, Lava Flow, and Blue Hawaiian. The casual tropical-island atmosphere and bar-forward concept distinguish it from standard burger chains.

Islands operates approximately 50+ locations concentrated in Southern California — including the greater Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County areas — with additional locations in Northern California, Nevada (Las Vegas area), Arizona, and Colorado. The chain has historically been a West Coast regional brand. Use the official Islands website for a current location finder with addresses and hours.

Yes — fish tacos are one of Islands' signature items. The Original Fish Tacos feature beer-battered fish in warm corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, chipotle mayo, and fresh lime. The menu also includes Grilled Fish Tacos and Shrimp Tacos. The fish taco has been on the Islands menu since the chain's early days and remains one of its most-ordered items.

Islands offers a Veggie Burger (plant-based patty), a Grilled Cheese on the kids menu, and a Classic Caesar Salad (vegetarian). Vegan-friendly sides include the Original Fries, Guacamole and Chips, and the Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade. The Island Bowl and Island Salad can be ordered with grilled chicken or fish, but the base salad components are vegetarian. Cross-contact with non-vegetarian items may occur in the kitchen — confirm specific dietary needs with your server.

According to longtime menu presence and customer reviews, the most popular items at Islands include the Big Wave burger (the chain's signature double patty), the Hula burger (teriyaki pineapple), the Original Fish Tacos, Loaded Fries, and the Mai Tai cocktail. The hand-spun milkshakes — especially the Oreo Cookie Shake — are consistently top-ordered dessert items.

Islands is priced as a casual-dining restaurant in the moderate ($$$) range. Because Islands does not publish a national price list and individual menu item prices are set per location, we do not list specific prices on this page. As a general guide, expect burgers and entrees in the range you would find at a typical casual sit-down chain (comparable to Red Robin or Chili's). For current, accurate prices check the official Islands website or the Islands app for your specific location.

Yes, most Islands locations offer happy hour specials on cocktails, beer, wine, and appetizers. Happy hour times and specific deals vary by location. The tropical cocktail lineup — including the Mai Tai, Lava Flow, and margaritas — are typically featured in happy hour pricing. Contact your local Islands or check their website for current happy hour hours and offers at your nearest location.

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks was founded in 1982 in Southern California. The brand was built around a casual tropical-island atmosphere with a focus on hand-crafted burgers, fresh ingredients, and a full bar with tropical cocktails. The concept predates many of the “better burger” chains and is considered one of the originators of the casual burger-and-bar format in the region.

Yes. Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks is the full brand name, but the restaurants are commonly referred to as Islands Restaurant or simply Islands. The official website is islandsrestaurants.com. The brand should not be confused with other similarly named restaurant concepts.