Islands is a small chain with locations in Southern California and Arizona. The Pasadena location is located in City Center on the second floor.
I look for Islands whenever possible. It's a great chain, with great food, good service and fun atmosphere.
The theme, of course, is tropical. They have grass huts, parrots and fake palm trees all over the place. It's a little tacky, but in a fun way. Throughout the restaurants are big TVs showing tapes of surfing competitions. No matter where you are, there is a beach vibe going on strong here.
The bar at Islands is always popular. I have had their mai-tais, and they are the best next to Hawaii. They are not watered down, are large and are full of rum and a great tropical flavor. Whenever I taste one it puts me right under the banyan tree in the back of the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki. They are the best!
They really push the burgers here. The kids have had them and give them a thumbs up. However, I am a creature of habit at Islands. It's the fish tacos that I come for. They are beyond delicious. The fish is done right, they come in a soft corn tortilla and are muy bueno! I can't help it, I don't even look at the menu at Islands anymore. The minute I step through the door I am craving one of their fish tacos.
Islands is fun. The waitstaff is young and full of youthful energy. The place has great music and a fun vibe.
So if you want some outstanding fish tacos and a great mai-tai, head over to Islands. It's one chain that does it right.