Some Phoenix diners are logging serious miles just to sink their teeth into one particular signature beef burger.
Islands Restaurant in the Desert Ridge Marketplace has created such devotion that folks are willingly making 38-mile roundtrips from neighborhoods like Arcadia. 🏝️
The draw isn’t just the gourmet burgers themselves—it’s the entire island-inspired experience that makes you momentarily forget you’re surrounded by desert landscapes.
The Tropical Escape You Didn’t Know Phoenix Needed
Walking into this Phoenix location feels like stepping into a California surf shack that somehow materialized in the Sonoran Desert.
The tropical-themed decor brings beach vibes to landlocked Arizona.
Fresh cut fries and tropical drinks including margaritas and mai tais round out the menu alongside those justifiably famous burgers.
Surfing videos play on HD TVs throughout the dining room, creating that laid-back coastal atmosphere.
The restaurant brings what it calls an “aloha spirit” to every meal, combining friendly service with substantial portions that regularly leave diners unable to finish their plates. 🍔
What Makes These Burgers Worth the Drive
The secret lies in how Islands approaches each grilled burger patty.
These aren’t your typical assembly-line patties slapped on a bun.
The burgers here showcase flavorful toppings and creative combinations that transform a classic American dish into something memorable.
Fresh-cut fries arrive with the skin still on, giving them that perfect crispy crunch.
They’re seasoned with the restaurant’s proprietary spice blend—a recipe that’s been perfected over decades.
Each burger gets served on your choice of white or whole wheat bun, and those wheat buns add an extra layer of nutty flavor that enthusiasts can’t find at most other burger spots.
The specialty sauce burgers here feature unique combinations inspired by Hawaiian and California coastal influences.
Some patties get crusted with jalapeño and black pepper before hitting the grill.
Others get topped with fresh grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce. 🍍
The portion sizes deserve special mention—these aren’t dainty sliders.
We’re talking about substantial, juicy burgers that require both hands and usually result in satisfied diners taking leftovers home.
The Service That Keeps Customers Coming Back
Beyond the food itself, something special happens with the staff here.
According to regulars who’ve been visiting for years, the service remains consistently excellent with friendly and attentive servers who remember faces and orders.
The management team takes a hands-on approach, with managers regularly checking tables and supporting their staff.
Employees seem genuinely happy to be working there—a vibe that translates directly to the dining experience.
The bartenders mix up strong tropical cocktails while maintaining that same welcoming energy. 🍹
Even during busy lunch and dinner rushes, the team keeps things moving smoothly.
Wait times stay reasonable, and the staff handles the constant flow of hungry shoppers from the Desert Ridge Marketplace without losing their cool.
Food Highlights
• Pipeline Burger: House-made chili, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mustard combine for what devotees call the best chili burger around—a messy, satisfying experience that delivers on every level
• Kilauea Burger: Jalapeño and black pepper-crusted burger with pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato and Islands Reds™ brings serious heat with those crispy seasoned onion strings adding textural contrast to the spicy patty
• Hawaiian Burger: Teriyaki sauce, fresh grilled pineapple, swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo offers that perfect sweet-savory balance that converts skeptics who think fruit doesn’t belong on burgers—the grilled pineapple caramelizes beautifully
• Hula Burger: Sautéed mushrooms, swiss, lettuce, tomato and mayo piles on generous portions of perfectly cooked mushrooms that add umami depth to every bite, making it the top choice for mushroom lovers
• Maui Burger: Guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, swiss and mayo features fresh guacamole that elevates this handcrafted burger into California-inspired territory
• Big Wave Burger: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mustard—the original classic that started it all, proving sometimes simplicity wins when the local favorite burger itself is perfectly grilled
Atmosphere
The California surf theme creates an unexpected oasis in the middle of the Arizona desert.
Tiki-inspired touches and colorful accents transport diners to an island state of mind.
The casual, family-friendly environment welcomes everyone from solo diners grabbing lunch to large groups celebrating together. 🌺
Happy hour specials and a full bar make it equally suitable for after-work drinks and family dinners.
The Fresh-Cut Fries Phenomenon
Those Island Fries deserve their own paragraph.
Cut fresh daily with the skins left on, these aren’t frozen bags from a food service distributor.
The kitchen cooks them to golden perfection, then tosses them in that secret spice blend.
The result is a burger with fresh toppings complemented by fries that actually taste like real potatoes—imagine that. 🍟
Upgrade options include cheddar fries smothered in melted cheese and scallions, or sweet potato fries for those wanting something different.
The onion rings also receive consistent praise for their crispy coating and sweet onion interior.
Location Advantages
Situated in the Desert Ridge Marketplace, Islands benefits from prime real estate in north Phoenix.
The shopping center draws crowds looking for retail therapy, and this restaurant provides the perfect refueling station.
Parking is plentiful, unlike some Phoenix dining destinations.
The neighborhood offers easy highway access for those making longer drives.
The location also means you can browse shops before or after your meal, making it a natural destination for a full afternoon or evening out. 🛍️
What Customers Actually Say
The Yelp reviews paint a consistent picture.
One customer who’s been patronizing Islands since the 1980s in Southern California continues enjoying the food and atmosphere with surfing videos on the TVs.
That kind of decades-long loyalty speaks volumes.
Photo Credit: Julia S.
Another diner declared “Islands is my absolute favorite restaurant” 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 burgers, treating it as a destination rather than just another dining option. đźš—
Making the Most of Your Visit
The juicy grilled beef sandwich experience here works best when you come hungry.
Consider sharing an appetizer like the massive nachos or the spinach artichoke dip before tackling your main course.
The happy hour deals make it worth timing your visit accordingly if you’re interested in tropical cocktails.
The restaurant gets busy during peak lunch and dinner hours, but the wait rarely extends beyond a few minutes.
For first-timers uncertain about which restaurant style burger to order, the Hawaiian and Kilauea options offer the most distinctive island-inspired flavors.
But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any selection from the menu. ✨
The whole wheat bun option adds extra character to any burger choice—a small detail that makes a difference.
It’s the kind of place where you go for one burger and end up becoming a regular who plans visits around getting that perfect classic burger in Arizona fix.
The fact that people willingly drive substantial distances proves these aren’t just good burgers—they’re destination-worthy burgers. 🎯
Bottom Line
Visit for gourmet burgers that justify the drive, fresh-cut fries with real potato flavor, tropical drinks that transport you beachside, generous portions that guarantee leftovers, and consistently friendly service that makes you feel welcome.
It is surely worth every mile.
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