Islands — Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Islands is a new restaurant here. Only been open since February 2018. I thought it would be much better but it's mediocre. I give it 3 stars based on service and some taste.

Pros: Server was friendly and attentive. The chicken wrap had a good flavor. The beer selection was good and they give samples if you have a hard time choosing. The atmosphere was pleasant and if you're into sports, there are many TV's to choose from. There is also a full service bar.

Cons: Hostess was bland and unfriendly. Spoke as if reading from a script (which I'm sure she is) The person who sat me was about the same. Moving through the motions. I ordered chili cheese fries with my wrap but the chili tasted like its from a can. Very generic. And the cheese was like plastic. (My best description) Toward the end of my meal, I felt it was near closing time since my server kept coming by to check on the check and then disappeared for about 10 to 15 minutes but after running my card, hovered around until I filled out my receipt and took it immediately.

Overall, I'm not thinking of returning since its basic foods I can get elsewhere in town with better taste, service and prices. Its so unfortunate since Santa Barbara is in desperate need of more food places with decent prices. The only thing I may return for is the...

Upon entrance we were greeted with a friendly welcome & a smile. It wasn't too busy so we were seated right away. The service was excellent and courteous. I ordered the Huli Huli (Spicy) chicken sandwich. The server had asked me if I would like the sauce on the side as other customers had found the spice level was too hot to handle. I said no, but that was thoughtful of them to ask. I also ordered the truffle fries. The food came hot and delicious. The taste more than delivered!! The Huli Huli chicken sandwich was fire.🔥🔥 Spice was just right for me, the chicken was juicy and flavorful. I just wish it was a little bigger. The truffle fries and the creamy chipotle sauce was out of this world!! I wasn't expecting the amount fries, but that meant more to take home. Overall excellent service, delicious food, but a little pricey for what I ordered. I've had better burgers elsewhere for the same price. That's not a knock on Islands. It is what it is. I'd still come back though to try...

Islands is a chain restaurant, so any Islands you visit is pretty much just like every other one. There is the pro-forma generic Hawaii vibe gimmic, but that is where the chain restaurant experience ends. It is actually a very good restaurant, and not just mediocre food that is marketed really well. The Blue Wave is a simple burger with simple ingredients. It is a very good burger. I like the Bleunami burger, which is a burger with Bleu cheese. Very good. The fries are hand cut, crispy, and tasty. The staff is exceedingly polite and accomodating...very good service. The restaurant is very clean and well maintained. The only downside are that it is kind of expensive. Figure about $20 per plate when you include drinks. One important thing is to ask for a bunch of napkins...you...