3825 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Hours:
11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday
11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday
10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday
Food **1/2
Service ***
Ambiance ***
$
Enjoying that Islands vibe
Some places you go to are all about the food; others are all about the vibe.
At Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, they blend the two together quite well, with standout and filling burgers combined with the laid-back approach of the Hawaiian islands, as the surfing lifestyle is prevalent all over the La Cumbre Plaza restaurant.
And the service is the proverbial icing on the cake, as the staff is incredibly attentive and detailed, allowing customers to rest assured that their needs are being met. Islands seems to understand that fantastic service can overcome pretty much any obstacle.
Here are a few favorite options at Islands:
Island Fries
Yes, they are good enough for their own category. The restaurant serves them by the table, even though you order them individually. These fries are a bit thicker, as they feel sturdy in your fingertips. Really fresh taste, and they offer up ranch on the side if that’s your scene.
Big Wave
If you’re just looking for a big, basic burger, the Big Wave is just for you. Lots of lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles — and the staff will substitute anything you’d like for the mustard. Sometimes simple does the trick.
Mailbu
Beef patty. Cheese. Bacon. That’s about as American as you can get, and about as simple as you’re going to find as an island offering. As it should, the bacon dangles out the sides and brings a tangy taste to what would otherwise be a basic Big Wave burger.
Pipeline
Have always loved a bit of chili on top of a burger, even though it basically looks like you’re adding an extra layer of meat, which I guess you are. A little bit of a kick here that is a nice compliment to the thick patty. The bun is almost a bit too much, as jettisoning the top made sure there was enough room in the belly to finish it.
High points
The vibe is laid back and the staff is super friendly and attentive. It’s a fun twist to share the Island fries with the rest of the table, forcing families to have some sort of interaction with one another. And, ultimately, portion size will fill you up.
Low points
While it could have been the dinner rush, the burgers were a bit on the cool side once arriving at the table. While island food might not always be hot, you rarely want to experience cool hamburger meat.
