This was one of the first places I went with my roommates during my third year of college. We wanted something that wasn't necessarily Asian (here's looking at you, Sawtelle), so we decided on the safest option ever: BURGERS! I mean, you just can't go wrong. My friend and local LA native suggested Islands because it would be uncontroversial and good, so we all went with it.

We hopped into his jalopy (sorry, I just wanted to use that word. It's really just a Saturn) and took the short drive to Islands. We parked in a nearby neighborhood and walked over, and I took a picture of the sign, which you can see handily included below. The atmosphere of the place is pretty cool: lots of surfing stuff and other island-related paraphernalia. A bar sits in the middle and is a good place to watch sporting events such as UCLA improbably making March Madness and angering sports fans across the nation as it somehow wins its way to the Sweet 16. I didn't have them advancing in my bracket either, and I'm from UCLA...Well then...

Anyways, our server was quite attentive and helpful. I eventually decided upon the Kilauea, which is this insanely pepper-crusted burger with pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato, and island reds. I'm famous for not liking tomato, so I took mine out--not that you needed to know that or anything, but I pride myself on accurate reviews...Or boring ones.

The burger was actually really good, but if I had to nitpick, it was way too peppery. After a few bites, the pepper completely overwhelmed the burger to a point where it was overshadowing the entire meal. It was still dang good, but I had to un-crust some of the pepper to finish it. In any case, I would simply order a different burger next time since the amount of pepper (and I really, really love pepper) was a bit much.

Aside from that, the bottomless fries were pretty awesome and--yes--uncontroversial. Overall, a really safe place to eat without any major gripes, and that's exactly what you should expect.

Originally posted here:

Islands Restaurant - Rancho Park - Los Angeles, CA - Yelp