While corporate chains dominate fast-food headlines, one sandwich menu favorite in Phoenix has built a loyal following the old-fashioned way.
Islands Restaurant at Desert Ridge Marketplace proves that tropical vibes and serious quality ingredients can outshine flashy marketing campaigns. 🏝️
Locals are bypassing the latest trendy spots and driving across town specifically for these hearty sandwiches that deliver substance over hype.
The secret isn’t complicated—just consistently excellent food served with genuine aloha spirit.
Why Arizona Diners Choose Islands Over Hyped Chains
The landscape of quick-service dining has exploded with new concepts promising revolutionary takes on classic American fare.
Yet this California-inspired spot continues thriving by focusing on what actually matters to hungry customers.
Fresh ingredients hit the grill daily.
Portions arrive generous enough to satisfy without requiring a second mortgage.
The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like future regulars. 🍔
While competitors chase Instagram-worthy presentations and limited-time gimmicks, Islands perfects the fundamentals that keep people returning week after week.
Those fundamentals start with their signature sandwich in Arizona—the classic burger elevated through quality execution and creative island-inspired twists.
The Island-Style Approach to Handhelds
Walking into the Desert Ridge location transports diners straight to a California surf shack.
Tropical decor creates an unexpected beach atmosphere in landlocked Phoenix.
Surfing videos play on HD TVs throughout the dining area, reinforcing that coastal vibe.
The menu brings together Hawaiian and California influences, resulting in flavorful sandwich fillings that range from traditional to adventurous. 🌺
Fresh-cut fries arrive with the skin still on, seasoned with a proprietary spice blend perfected over decades.
Tropical drinks including margaritas and mai tais complement the food perfectly.
The restaurant calls it “aloha spirit,” but it’s really just treating customers right—something many chains seem to have forgotten.
Servers remember faces and orders, creating that neighborhood spot feeling even in a busy shopping center location.
What Makes These Handheld Masterpieces Different
The distinction starts with how Islands approaches each grilled patty.
These aren’t frozen discs pulled from industrial packaging.
The kitchen prepares each premium sandwich choice with attention to detail that shows in every bite.
Buns come in white or whole wheat options—that wheat version adds nutty flavor depth you won’t find at most competitors. 🍞
Some patties get crusted with jalapeño and black pepper before hitting the grill.
Others receive fresh grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce.
The stacked sandwich with toppings philosophy means generous layers of ingredients that create complex flavor profiles.
Fresh vegetables, multiple cheese options, and house-made sauces transform simple concepts into memorable meals.
Those legendary Island Fries deserve equal billing with the main attractions.
Cut fresh daily, they achieve that perfect exterior crispiness while maintaining fluffy potato interiors.
The seasoning blend adds just enough kick without overwhelming the natural potato flavor. 🍟
Service That Separates Winners from Wannabes
Corporate training programs can’t replicate what happens here.
Regulars mention staff members who’ve been working at this location for years—a rarity in today’s restaurant industry.
The management team takes a hands-on approach, regularly checking tables and supporting their crew during rushes.
Bartenders mix strong tropical cocktails while maintaining that same welcoming energy throughout busy shifts. 🍹
Even during peak lunch and dinner hours, the team keeps everything moving smoothly.
Wait times stay reasonable despite the constant flow of hungry shoppers from the surrounding marketplace.
The difference shows in small details—servers who refill drinks without being asked, managers who remember your last visit, kitchen staff who take pride in presentation.
Food Highlights
• Pipeline Burger: House-made chili, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mustard create what devotees call the ultimate chili burger—a locally loved sandwich that’s messy in the best possible way and delivers satisfying comfort food
• Kilauea Burger: Jalapeño and black pepper-crusted patty with pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato and Islands Reds™ brings serious heat while those crispy seasoned onion strings add textural contrast that makes each bite interesting
• Hawaiian Burger: Teriyaki sauce, fresh grilled pineapple, swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo offers perfect sweet-savory balance—the grilled pineapple caramelizes beautifully, converting skeptics who think fruit doesn’t belong on their meal
• Hula Burger: Sautéed mushrooms, swiss, lettuce, tomato and mayo piles on generous portions of perfectly cooked mushrooms that add umami depth, making this the automatic choice for mushroom enthusiasts seeking artisan bread sandwich quality
• Maui Burger: Guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, swiss and mayo features fresh guacamole that elevates this classic hand held sandwich into California-inspired territory where every ingredient matters
• Big Wave Burger: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mustard—the original that started everything, proving simplicity wins when the foundation itself is perfectly executed with quality beef and fresh toppings
Atmosphere
The California surf theme creates an unexpected oasis amid Arizona’s desert landscape.
Tiki-inspired touches and vibrant colors transport diners to an island state of mind before they even order.
The casual, family-friendly environment welcomes solo diners grabbing lunch and large groups celebrating milestones equally. 🌴
Happy hour specials and a full bar make it work for after-work drinks or family dinners.
The Fresh-Cut Fries Philosophy
Island Fries represent everything right about this approach to food.
Cut fresh daily with skins left intact, these come from actual potatoes—not frozen bags from distributors.
The kitchen cooks them to golden perfection, then tosses them in that secret spice blend.
The result complements every grilled sandwich special with fries that actually taste like real vegetables. ✨
Upgrade options include cheddar fries smothered in melted cheese and scallions, or sweet potato fries for those wanting variety.
The onion rings also receive consistent praise for their crispy coating and sweet onion interior.
Location Advantages Matter
Situated in the Desert Ridge Marketplace, Islands benefits from prime north Phoenix real estate.
The shopping center draws crowds looking for retail therapy, and this restaurant provides the ideal refueling station between stores.
Parking is plentiful, unlike some Phoenix dining destinations that require circling blocks.
Photo Credit: Julia S.
The neighborhood offers easy highway access for those making longer drives. đźš—
The location also means you can browse shops before or after your meal, making it a natural destination for full afternoon or evening outings.
What Real Customers Keep Saying
The Yelp reviews paint a remarkably consistent picture.
One customer who’s been patronizing Islands since the 1980s in Southern California continues enjoying the food and atmosphere with those surfing videos on the TVs.
That kind of decades-long loyalty speaks louder than any marketing campaign.
Another diner declared “Islands is my absolute favorite restaurant” while praising the huge nachos and calling the Hula burger “incomparable”.
The portions consistently impress—people mention never leaving hungry and often taking food home. 🎯
Some customers drive considerable distances specifically for these restaurant sandwich options, treating it as a destination rather than just another quick meal.
The fresh deli sandwich experience here works best when you arrive genuinely hungry.
Bottom Line
Visit for hearty sandwiches that justify the drive, fresh-cut fries with real potato flavor, tropical drinks that transport you beachside, generous portions guaranteeing leftovers, and consistently friendly service making you feel welcome.
The fact that people willingly bypass closer alternatives and drive substantial distances proves these aren’t just good—they’re destination-worthy. 🌊
For more details, you can visit their official Facebook page or website.
Address: 21001 N Tatum Blvd Ste 36-1160, Phoenix, AZ 85050
đź“ž (480) 513-7231
🕔 Mon-Thu: 11 AM–9 PM, Fri-Sat: 11 AM–10 PM, Sun: 11 AM–9 PM