Surf Brothers Teriyaki   

There are many Encinitas locals who remember when the first Island Brothers opened in the early '90s and went by the name Tokyo Teriyaki. It was something of a cult favorite among students and surfers with big appetites and small wallets. The restaurants have become a hit despite a menu with only three items: grilled chicken, grilled steak and a combo. Even though this could be called fast food, the quality is great, especially for the buck. The steak is thick and tender, never gristly, and the chicken is trimmed of excess fat, unlike many teriyaki places. Each plate comes with big scoops of rice and a cabbage salad. Some would say the key to Island Brothers' success is their homemade teriyaki sauce, extra thick and just the right amount of sweetness. Local high schoolers with only change to spare have been known to make a meal of a side of rice and a few extra containers of that great sauce.