FAVORITE PICK: Islands Restaurant Happy Hour

Other than maybe pho, there is no place I go more frequently than Islands Restaurant (fine burgers & drinks) during their happy hours. This is my favorite place, for good reasons and great eating.

Firstly, Islands is located on Bison Ave. in Newport Beach, which is close to the UCI Science Library and very convenient for UCI students. It is walking or skateboarding distance, but by car it's only a one minute drive from campus. So, in terms of convenience, it is perfect for college students.

Next is the happy hour. Most places have happy hours from 4-6 pm. This is not too convenient because it is still relatively too early for dinner hour. It is also bad timing for most game times, if you're a sports lover. But for Islands, their happy hours are from 4-7 pm, which is absolutely perfect for many games that start from 5-6:30 pm. It is also a more appropriate dinner time for most people, and perfect for after work or after class.

The environment is nice too. Happy hour applies only in the bar area; there are several round tables for four people, and a bar with two plasma TVs to watch the games. Just recently a group of friends and I watched the NCAA National Championship game at Islands, but we also watch NBA games and playoff games. The service is great and the people are very nice. I've never had a complaint.

The happy hour price makes me want to stuff myself as much as I can. During happy hours, all appetizers are half off, chips and salsa are free and unlimited (add guacamole for 88 cents), $1 off drinks and wine, and $5 margaritas or mixed drinks if you're in the drinking mood at that time. If you don't buy alcohol, then it's not uncommon to get a great meal for four people for around $6-7 a person.

Things on their appetizers include buffalo wings, sliders, cheddar cheese fries, chicken fingers, quesadillas, nachos, and other appetizer options. It's not a huge selection, but you won't need it. The portions are very good, and the quality is awesome because everything is straight from the kitchen. The beer is also amazing; the beer comes from the tap and the mugs are frozen, so that combination makes the beer so cold and refreshing that there are ice foams at the top of your mug. Nothing is more satisfying than an ice cold mug of beer.

Rating Scale:
Quality: 5
Selection: 3.5
Price: 5
Service: 5
Distance/Convenience: 5
Overall Rating: 5

Final Bite: Islands' happy hour is the most the best place to go to after work or classes, and to watch a game. I don't think there is anywhere else I would go to for those occasions.