Islands Restaurant   

1665 S Alma School Rd
Mesa, AZ 85210
480-831-1400
www.islandsrestaurants.com

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Islands has wormed its way into the hearts of suburban families with a surprisingly sneaky attack strategy: Cloak a family restaurant in enough tropical bar/sport bar trappings that Mom and Dad feel like they're going someplace kind of cool, create a menu of familiar food jazzed up a tropical edge and keep the prices moderate. Order from a variety of burgers, chicken sandwiches, whopping salads such as the super-good China Coast and the better-than-average soft tacos. Even still, the most popular items on the menu are still Islands' scrumptious, monstrous burgers, big enough that most people require a doggie bag. Also try the veggie Californias. Kids under 12 can eat off the Gremmie menu, which features kid-sized favorites for kid-sized prices. The bar area works hard to be a scene, but the family-friendly restaurant surroundings keep the vibe mighty wholesome in spite of the surprisingly effective margaritas. The Pacific Rim-surfer-themed decor is relentless and unapologetic.