{"id":8830,"date":"2018-03-23T18:31:40","date_gmt":"2018-03-24T01:31:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=8830"},"modified":"2018-03-23T12:38:39","modified_gmt":"2018-03-23T19:38:39","slug":"local-dish-islands-restaurants-sails-to-santa-barbara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=8830","title":{"rendered":"Local Dish: Islands Restaurants Sails to Santa Barbara"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Islands

Islands Hawaiian Burger, courtesy photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

Family-friendly and surf-inspired, the new Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks<\/a> is a great fit for La Cumbre Plaza<\/a> (3825 State St.). Probably best\u00a0known for specialty burgers, fresh cut fries and tropical drinks, we tried Islands out recently and it didn’t disappoint.<\/p>\n

The 4,900 square-foot restaurant (formerly occupied by Marmalade) features an open layout, beach-vibe d\u00e9cor, including surfboard-inspired booths, and a large outdoor patio area, equipped with heaters and a cozy communal fire table.<\/p>\n

The expansive menu emphasizes burgers, including the classic Big Wave (your basic burger ingredients), the Hawaiian (topped with fresh grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce and Swiss cheese), and the spicy Kilauea (a Jalape\u00f1o & black pepper crusted burger with pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato and Island Reds, which are fried onion strings), among others, along with tacos, bowls, fresh salads and fresh-cut Island Fries.<\/p>\n

\"Islands

Islands Big Wave, courtesy photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

In the mood for something sweet? Don’t miss the Kona Pie, made with mocha almond fudge ice cream & cookie crust topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, roasted almonds and a cherry on top!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Islands

Islands Kona Pie, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.<\/p><\/div>\n

I can also vouch for the tropical drink selection. Mojitos, Mai Tai’s, Long Island Ice Tea’s, Margaritas, they’ve got it all, as well as locally sourced wine and beer. They have happy hour weekdays from 3-6:30 p.m., with discounted offers on sliders, nachos, beer, wine and cocktails, as well \u00a0an all-day happy hour in the bar area as part of March Madness basketball games, in addition to all-day happy hour for Women\u2019s NCAA games for the Final Four (March 30 & April 1).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Islands

Islands Mojito, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re incredibly proud to open our first restaurant in Santa Barbara, an iconic beach city that resonates with our own coastal culture and origins,\u201d says Michael Smith, president of Islands Restaurants. \u201cWe look forward to being a part of this close knit community and offering a spot for visitors to grab great food and drinks with family and friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

It’s right in our neighborhood. Perhaps we’ll see you there.<\/p>\n

\"Islands

Islands Taco and Onion Rings, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Photo

Photo courtesy Islands.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Islands

Islands Cheddar Fries, courtesy photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Islands

Islands Hula Burger with Island Reds, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u2014Leslie Dinaberg<\/a><\/p>\n

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons<\/em><\/a> on March 22, 2018.<\/p>\n

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