# Burgers and Beers at Islands in Palm Desert California *By James Hills — Updated August 2017* Islands is one of my favorite restaurants to take my friends and that's because the food is always good and while the classics never change, they always have new offerings to switch stuff up too. On our recent guys weekend to Palm Desert, California they invited us to stop by and fuel up as well as taste their new Islands Golden Ale brewed in collaboration with Karl Strauss Brewing. [Islands Restaurants](https://www.islandsrestaurants.com) started in San Diego, 35 years ago but has no spread to other areas throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii. At this point, I've been fortunate to have been taken care of very well by the folks here and I love going back. This time, we visited their location in Palm Desert, California and it was the perfect spot to get last-minute supplies from Target (across the parking lot) and then enjoy a great dinner while planning our activities for the next few days. ### GrillBox 2.0 Review: Solid Build, Assembly Frustrations, and Why I Still Recommend It The GrillBox 2.0 keeps grilling gear organized and protected year-round. 18-gauge steel construction, adjustable storage, and 360-degree wheels. Honest take on assembly and pricing considerations. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/IBaNERq0lXOOxJ8AWU6zTQ.38) ### Long Term Review Z Grills 7002C2E WiFi Pellet Grill The Z Grills 7002C2E WiFi Pellet Grill delivers premium BBQ results with minimal effort. Perfect for busy men who want authentic wood-fired flavor without babysitting a fire. Plus, get a free grill ev ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/IBaNERq0lXOOxJ8AWU6zTQ.47) ### Kabob Rack Set for Kabob Skewers, Stainless Steel, Stablizer Bar Amazon (affiliate) [Check Price on Amazon](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/IBaNERq0lXOOxJ8AWU6zTQ.2346) Promoted by FlowAds While I love their burgers, Islands is almost as good to simply visit for Happy Hour. While not a "Sports Bar" they always have a bunch of TV's with surfing and extreme sports videos but at game time, the mood shifts to football. Our meal started out with wings and a big mug of their new Golden Ale. Islands Golden Ale is a medium-bodied beer with roasted malt flavors, floral hop aromas, and a crisp, clean finish that is handcrafted exclusively for Islands by [Karl Strauss Brewing Company](https://karlstrauss.com/). While I typically prefer a more hoppy and bold beer, it works perfectly to quench your thirst and cool your mouth down after enjoying their wings! ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/zpwd4dQ0b63beczsBxzxzQ.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,393.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/zpwd4dQ0b63beczsBxzxzQ.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $42.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/zpwd4dQ0b63beczsBxzxzQ.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $7.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/zpwd4dQ0b63beczsBxzxzQ.2396) Promoted by FlowAds Another of my favorites here is the cheese fries. They area always simply delicious and smothered with plenty of gooey melted cheese! Of course, the star at [Islands](https://www.islandsrestaurants.com) is always their burgers. While they have tons of variety here, including the Waimea Burger (summer menu) that's topped with Kalua pork, grilled pineapple rings, swiss cheese, and carmelized onions before being smothered in tangy teriyaki sauce, I typically go classic.  My favorite (above) is the Malibu burger and I add an egg on top. It's your classic American-style bacon cheese burger but it tastes great! I typically don't order desert here because I'm always so stuffed from the appetizers and burgers but our server insisted that we try something. So, not to disapoint our host, we split this Chocolate Lava desert featuring a Fudge Brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, roasted almonds, anda cherry on top.  Islands never fails to disapoint and while they have some amazing food that's not always the most healthy, some fans of ours on social media asked if we had ever tried the other items such as salads and their chicken sandwiches. Despite the fact that I've been to Islands dozens of times, I'm almost embarrased that I haven't. In particular, this one person said that the Sandpiper was fantastic. That sandwhich features a Grilled Chicken Breast, sauteed mushrooms, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. I guess we'll have to [go back to Islands](https://www.islandsrestaurants.com) and try it since that does sound darn good!  Details Written by: James Hills Published: 27 August 2017 Last Updated: 27 August 2017 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### Nocs Zero Tube Monocular Review - The 7.2 Ounce Optic That Packs Easily and For EDC Oct 04, 2026 [Nocs Zero Tube Monocular Review - The 7.2 Ounce Optic That Packs Easily and For EDC](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/nocs-zero-tube-monocular-review.html) #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### 12 Ways Guys Sabotage Their Mancations Apr 01, 2024 [12 Ways Guys Sabotage Their Mancations](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/ways-guys-unintentionally-sabotage-their-mancations.html) #### Florida's Paradise Coast Is A Perfect Guys Getaway Destination Jan 10, 2022 [Florida's Paradise Coast Is A Perfect Guys Getaway Destination](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/paradise-coast-florida-guys-getaway.html) #### How to Plan a Birthday Weekend That Doesn't Fall Apart by Saturday Afternoon Feb 21, 2026 [How to Plan a Birthday Weekend That Doesn't Fall Apart by Saturday Afternoon](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/how-to-plan-a-birthday-weekend-that-doesnt-fall-apart-by-saturday-afternoon.html) ### Related Articles #### '15 Olives' Oils & Balsamics: Four Pairings For My Chef's Garden We'll Be Making This Summer ['15 Olives' Oils & Balsamics: Four Pairings For My Chef's Garden We'll Be Making This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/15-olives-olive-oil-balsamic-pairings-review.html) #### Summer Squash Sauce: The Light Alternative To Tomato And Cream Sauces [Summer Squash Sauce: The Light Alternative To Tomato And Cream Sauces](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/summer-squash-sauce-recipe.html) #### FRESKO New V8 Advanced Vacuum Sealer Review [FRESKO New V8 Advanced Vacuum Sealer Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-new-v8-advanced-vacuum-sealer-review.html) #### What It Really Takes to Bring Fresh Produce From the Farm to Table [What It Really Takes to Bring Fresh Produce From the Farm to Table](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/fresh-produce-field-to-family-table.html) #### 10 Boston Food Tours Every Guy Needs to Take [10 Boston Food Tours Every Guy Needs to Take](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/food-tours-boston-guys-trip.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Burgers and Beers at Islands in Palm Desert California](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/burgers-and-beers-at-islands-in-palm-desert-california.html)* **Tags:** Beer, Restaurant Review, Food, featured