Island Hut — Restaurant in Lomita

I'm a total Instagram sucker, and when I saw this place trending, I just had to give it another shot. I mean, I'd been here years ago, but it was kinda meh - not bad, just not exactly groundbreaking. But, with all the rave reviews from my wife's coworkers and the Gram, I figured, why not? We rolled up at 5 pm on a Wednesday, and the parking lot was hoppin'! I mean, it's not huge, but you can squeeze in. Inside, it's chill - lots of tables, high-tops, and even a bathroom, because, priorities. Michelle greeted us with a smile and asked if we needed menu help. Now, I'm a Kahlua pork aficionado, so that's a no-brainer. And, man, it did not disappoint - tender, smoky, and all that jazz. The mac/potato salad? Genius. My wife went for the Teriyaki Chicken, and she's all about that sauce life. It was just right, not too much, not too little. And, can we talk about the Chinese Chicken salad? It's like they're trying to feed you for a week. Michelle was awesome, and the menu's got something for everyone. I'm stoked I gave this place another chance - it's definitely getting added to...

So I ordered the chili special about 22 hours ago. I say this because I have been so sick, I slept for hours after this. It is chili, rice, a hot dog and salad w/dressing. I ate the salad ( which had clumpy dressing) and then tore into the Chile. Halfway thru it I began feeling incrementally nauseous. Next thing I knew I was projectile vomiting up all that I ate. I passed out. Just now I called Island Hut, asked for a manager and a guy said "yes." I explained the above and he initially tried to dispute they carried the items then blew me off with a thank for my report, noone else had a problem, etc. The worst. Never again.

-Edit- After a year of wanting their scrumptious food, I called back and spoke to Edgar, who offered a FAR better experience. Explained It again and comped the Chili and I bought Chicken and a unique drink. I am very happy to...

New place for me, although I drive by it several times a week. First visit I had the Chinese chicken salad and California roll combo. Chicken salad had a good amount of chicken and a flavorful dressing, but was all cabbage (no lettuce) - I’m used to lettuce or Napa cabbage so this was different… not bad just different. Came with 4 very large slices of calif roll - equivalent of 8 slices I’d get elsewhere. Being big there was more rice, but enough filling to balance it. Second visit was karaage (fried chicken) and Chinese chicken salad. Kargaae was a little dry, salad was like before. Also picked up Chinese chicken salad to go - got a small order that pretty big. The to go salad was lettuce based and my wife liked it.

Good for a quick lunch. I’ll be back to try more of the...