Islands
Fine Burgers & Drinks was once a dream back in the 1960s. After a day of
surfing in Oahu, founder Tony DeGrazier and his Navy buddies were in need of
some “kau kau”. They were craving a juicy burger, a hot basket of fries, and a
cold drink. In 1982, this dream came to fruition when Tony took the feeling of
aloha along with the satisfaction of that juicy burger, fries, and drink that
once satiated him years ago. It was ahead of its time in terms of the gourmet
burger. This was one of the first places I had ever seen bleu cheese on top of
a burger and fell in love with it instantly back in the early 1990s on a date
with my (now) husband at this very location in Brea. Although, it’s not just
about the burgers and fries. They also have a wide variety of menu items from
appetizers, salads, entrees, tacos, and more. Almost twenty years later, we are
back to try some new summer menu items.
Hula Bay
IPA ($6.50 - regular, $8.35 – large, limited
time only) is handcrafted exclusively for Islands by Left Coast Brewing Co. This
classic West Coast IPA (6.0% ABV) has aromas of citrus, grapefruit, tangerine,
and pine from the generous use of Amarillo hops. Hula Bay IPA is a light
bodied, dry brew which pairs perfectly with the Heat Wave Burger. Tasting
notes: Light IPA; Fruity aroma; Grapefruit and pine experienced on the palate;
Bitter bite on the front end that lingers for a bit; Good summer offering and
would also pair well with salads, fish tacos, and chicken sandwiches. Rating:
4/5
Lava Flow ($8.75) is made with Don Q Rum, pineapple juice, strawberry, and
coconut cream. It is a creamy, frosty drink. It is a combination of pina colada
and strawberry daiquiri. Great for summer to cool the core. Rating: 5/5
Mai Tai ($4.69) is made with dark rum, pineapple &
orange juices, sweet & sour, orgeat syrup, grenadine, and a float of Myer’s
Rum. This is one of the best Mai Tais you’ll have outside of Hawaii. It is
strong and has a tropical flavor. It has the perfect balance of sweet, sour,
and rummy flavor. You can just imagine yourself poolside or beachside with a
fan in one hand and this Mai Tai in the other. Rating: 5/5
Big Island Iced Tea ($5.89) is made with vodka, gin,
tequila, rum, triple sec, pineapple juice, and strawberry puree. It is a little
on the tart side versus sweet with a tropical flavor profile. If you like Long
Island Iced Teas, you’ll love this one! Rating: 4.5/5
Island Nachos ($10.19, add $2.15 for chicken, add
$2.19 for chili) are topped with melted cheddar and jack cheeses, jalapenos,
tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and served with a side of salsa. This sharable
munchable has good flavor. The chips probably need to be a little thicker to hold
up to the toppings, especially when chili is added to overpower the soggy
factor. Chili also needs a more chili powder and salt to make it flavor
forward. Rating: 3.9/5
Buffalo Wings ($12.95) are tossed in traditional spicy
sauce and served with carrots, celery, and ranch dressing. You can also order
then with teriyaki or BBQ sauce instead of the spicy buffalo sauce. These are
some of the best buffalo wings I’ve ever had! The spicy level is just right.
The sauce consistency sticks to the wings but is not so thick that it’s
dripping down your fingers and hands. The wings are perfectly cooked with a crispy
exterior and tender, juicy interior. Rating: 4.9/5
Kaanapali Kobb ($10.99) is grilled and chilled chicken
breast, crumbled Applewood smoked bacon, fresh avocado, bleu cheese crumbles,
chopped hard cooked egg, tomatoes, and scallions atop lettuce tossed with kobb
dressing (creamy vinaigrette). I love cobb salads! And this one is a good
portion with lots of ingredients. This is a refreshing option for summer with
all of the flavor profiles you crave – salty, smoky bacon, tender chicken,
sweet tomatoes, creamy avocado, tangy bleu cheese, and zingy scallions. Rating:
4.3/5
Heat Wave Burger ($12.19, add a fried egg for $.99, limited time only) brings the heat with
grilled serrano & green chiles, pepper jack cheese, tomato, red onion, lettuce,
spicy mayo and served with fresh cut Island Fries. As we would say in Hawaii, “Dis
buggah is hot, brah!” It’s a spicy number but it is full of flavor. The beef
patty is juicy. Even though the chiles are spicy, they give the burger a nice
green chile flavor, like in New Mexico. The yolk from the fried egg helps cut
the heat and adds an extra richness to the burger. Rating: 4.5/5
Kona Pie ($6.75) is perfect for sharing. It is a mocha
almond fudge ice cream in a cookie crust topped with chocolate fudge, whipped
cream, roasted almonds, and a cherry. It is basically a mud pie for you haoles
out there. The mocha almond ice cream is creamy and packed full of mocha
flavor. The chocolate fudge is rich and decadent. What would be nice is to have
macadamia nuts sprinkled on top to give it that island flare. Rating: 4.5/5
With locations in Arizona, California, Hawaii, and
Nevada, Islands Fine Burgers and Drinks will hopefully be on the top of your
list of dining this summer. Mahalo!
- Special: Happy
Hour – Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday
from 9 p.m. to close
Atmosphere: 5 out of 5 stars
Décor: 5 out of 5 stars
Service: 5 out of 5 stars
Food: 5 out of 5 stars
250 S. State College Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821
+1.714.256.1666
Hours: Sunday through
Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Parking: Free lot parking
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