|
"The Islander is elegantly
kitschy in its design."
"Assembling a whole meal of
pupu's, perhaps accompanied by a fruity and potent Mai Tai or
Zombie is a fun way to explore The Islander's cuisine."
"... the Steamed Halibut with
Asian Pesto is among the best halibut preparations I've tasted
recently. Another winner is the Huli Huli Grilled Salmon
slathered in a mango-curried butter. As is Spicy Caramelized
Lemon Grass Stir Fry with chicken, a solid rendition of the
Vietnamese standard, chock full of green beans and snow peas."
"At lunch, I couldn't be
happier with my Pulled Kalua Pork Sandwich and slaw on a
baguette."
Citysearch - Jill Lightner,
Restaurant Critic, December, 2003
"The most comfortable Tiki lounge
in town serves up exceptional fruity cocktails and surprisingly
sophisticated pupus.""It's a lovely, multileveled
space complete with grass-roof sections: Don't think of the San
Juans when you think of this Islander."
"Appetizers like the
feather-light pot stickers and multi-texture volcano roll have
generous portions and provide charming companions to the lengthy
list of themed cocktails. Made with fresh juices and available
in take-home tiki cups, their list is both kitschy and
top-quality."
Where Magazine Seattle,
Katherine Larsen, November 2004
Offering Polynesian cuisine and
a Tiki Lounge, this downtown restaurant promises summer fun no
matter what the weather. And with dishes like "Luau chicken"
and "wipe out ahi" tuna, owner Thoa Nguyen's take on pan-Pacific
Rim cuisine might leave you longing for the island.
The Seattle Lunch Times, R.F.
Quinton, November 2004
Come early to make sure you get
a good seat on the view patio. The decor is kitsch Polynesian.
It's not tacky, like some restaurants I've seen. It's actually
tastefully done, and the restaurant that it's the most popular
place. It's just simply cool and the food is excellent.
Seattle Weekly, Bree Coven,
March 2005
First stop on the island hop is
"The Islander", where an apres-work crowd drains tiki mugs like
they're a vacation in a glass. This spot has post World War II
tiki style down pat, with enough retro travel posters to
transport you to old time days of island romance. One notable
exception is the chili squid pupu, a downright terrific homage
to Pele, goddess of fire. Extinguish the flames with signature
cocktails like the Head Hunter, sipping passion fruit daiquiris
alongside beautiful views of the water, maybe you'll forget it's
Elliot Bay.
Yelp.com reviews, October
2005 - March 2006
"Solid Polynesian food on the water with a great view - near
Pike's Place. Interesting menu - all of which is
orderable. Lunch portion are relatively affordable and
generous.
Service was good! " Andrew K. 10/17/05
"I absolutely LOVE this place for very important reasons.
The amazing "rooftop" view of the Puget Sound; the refreshingly
wonderful food; and the fact that you can have both at a really
great price. Go during the summer time and sit outside -
its the best way to spend lunch time during those oh-so rare
Sunny days in Seattle." BrnDn N. 2/8/06
"When the rain starts and the wind is blowing, who wouldn't want
to get away to some far off hot and humid island??? Well if you
can't make it to Sea-Tac and catch the flight to Maui, I'd
suggest that you head to 96 Union Street. The Islander is a
great spot to connect with your "inner Tiki" the place is HUGE.
If you have a large group, this is a place for you ... I usually
just goto the Tiki Lounge and enjoy a nice drink: a La La
Pop (Skyy Melon, Benedictine, Lime Juice): Food? Yeah they have
that too. Pu Pus platters are a nice way to start off ...
I like the Lumpia rolls and the Yam Fries. For Dinner I
order the Hawaiian Fried Chicken or the Curry Coconut
Chicken/Shrimp it can be a bit spicy you can ask for more or
less heat on most of the dishes. Make sure that you order
a side of Spam Fried Rice and save room for the Tropical Bread
Pudding." Brian R. 2/28/06
"Went last, what a great place, the food was really good, the
interior is fun. We were on our way to the Moore Theater
for comedy (Jim Gafigan) and it was perfect. The walk to
the theater was nothing. Now I can't wait to go back when
the outside is open!" Shep G. 3/4/06
|