My daughter only gets meat & cheese on her tacos & today there was barely any of either. Employees started cleaning & closing down the dining room at 9 when they don't close until 10. She was throwing chairs around & tipping tables up, it was so loud it was ridiculous. When we arrived we were standing in front of the first "cook" & were not even acknowledged for at least 5min while he was working on DoorDash orders. Not a single word until he was done. read more

I go to this Island Fresh routinely for lunch because it's near my son's place of work; however, I much prefer the location near Ogden off Military Cutoff. At this location, I generally get three soft shell tacos and they prepare them in a sloppy manner and skimp on the ingredients even when they're not busy. First, the lady throws on the black beans that scatter unevenly across the three tortillas with very few beans -- sometimes just a couple ending up on the tortilla. After she adds the ground beef, I have to conjole the next person to add some additional lettuce, cheese and pico de gallo to the measly portion they initially added and even then they're reticent to add more than a morsel -- they're very stingy with their ingredients. Lastly, their salsa is always very soupy. Conversely, at the Ogden location, they take the time to make each taco with an appropriate amount of ingredients without having to ask. And, they're salsa is chucky as it should be. read more

Normally we love Islands but this location was disappointing. The two girls in there were too focused on being fast and there wasn't even a long line. My regular burrito is the size of the kids at moes and the kids burrito the size of a taco but double the price. It wasn't worth the mental energy of asking for more of every single topping when they were giving less than a full scoop. Not worth it. Please do better read more

Islands Fresh Mex Grill - For size comparison - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Wow this place is not good. Don't be lured in by the prices. They put the smallest amount of meat and beans possible. Like... a sprinkle of chicken and a smear of beans. I mean it's ridiculous and laughable. I was going to get guac, but it's an up charge. OK. Then the guy is ringing me up and it's like a couple bucks more than I expected. I heard him say "extra," as he was ringing up. I said, "extra what?" And he was like... what did you get on your tacos? LOL. Nothing. He said, you got something extra. I said no I didn't. He took the charge off. I mean seriously, if I HAD paid 2.00 for guacamole, I can't even imagine how little of it I would have gotten. My wife's tacos were made the exact same way. This place is a legit joke. Avoid. One and done. read more

Good food, fast service, nice employees, clean environment, good music, and overall just a nice experience

Food was good. Service was HORRIBLE! No eye contact made and no effort to correct errors in the order. What happened to this place? read more

Generic "Mex" restaurant - think Chipotle or Moe's. My jerk chicken burrito had a little heat, but the chicken had an odd texture and the serving size was especially skimpy. You order your food on the line, serve yourself beverages and plasticware, then clean up after yourself. And of course, they hit you up for a tip, preferably a generous one, for this. The only reason to dine here is the location as other restaurants of its ilk typically offer equal or better food at similar prices also with non-existent service. read more

Islands in Wilmington, North Carolina should not be trusted because it operates with limited oversight and delivers poor value to customers. The restaurant is way overpriced for the quality of food and service it provides. Customers expect fair pricing and basic cleanliness, especially when paying premium prices. Finding a toenail in a taco is not just disgusting, it is a serious health and safety violation that shows a complete failure to follow proper food-handling standards. A business that charges high prices while neglecting sanitation and customer safety has no business operating in Wilmington or anywhere else in North Carolina. read more

Ordered island salad for delivery . Not fresh at all , ingredients were soggy and the salad was swimming in a disgusting liquid .

My group of 10 walked into the establishment around 12:30. The guy at the register looked at us and mouthed to himself "why are all these people coming in here" as he shook his head in a negative way. The other guy was preparing an order; some words were exchanged between them; another customer walked in to get a to-go order and the register guy made a phone call and walked to the back. He never acknowledged the lady who just walked up to him. I told my bosses my observations and we left. There's never a good feeling to feel unwelcome when you walk into any establishment. 0 (if I could have) We were greeted and very welcomed at our second option. read more

This place always has fresh ingredients and gets you through the line quickly. The food is pretty good. It reminds me of a fresher Moes. However there a few ways it has a leg up on Moes: 1. Their chips are seasoned 2. They have fish and shrimp options 3. Very different queso 4. They have taco salad shells read more

LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!! The food here is so good and the workers are always so sweet and welcoming. The queso is the best part!

I had the worst experience on April 15 2025 I ordered a small queso and guacamole and did not receive it in my order I called to ask for a refund and was told that I could not receive one because they put it in the bag and it was not there.My friend was called a thief by the manager that she stole the sauce out my bag. I emailed the district manager and was lied on again that I had called the store multiple times of and saying things were missing from my order which was a complete lie. I let that manager know and district manager know that his manager is a liar and I will never order from them again. read more

Solid fast casual Mexican food. Not wild about the seasoning on their taco shells but all food is fresh and good.

Meh. It's not bad but it's not great either. The entire place needs a deep cleaning - they probably could have done this while everything was closed down for months. The other turn off is that rather than using the spoon to put the rice in my burrito, the person scooped it up with her hand. Now, she was wearing gloves but she also had just picked up a box of foil with said gloves. It was gross and I wish I had said never mind because every time I think about it, I gag a bit. The burrito shell was over cooked and so uneatable. I ended up with a burrito bowl - which isn't what I wanted. The chips were tasty, but were cold. read more

They have an awesome $1 taco deal after 5pm but you can bet that this location is extra busy with college students! So I've found the best time to go is during off times and get items other then the tacos! Their nachos were tasty and with no line it was fast and fresh! You see them make it and add what you want. We also got a quesadilla which sorta fell apart but was good! They give you plenty of chips and salsa with each meal. Good place for some quick Mexican food and their outdoor patio is nice and big. read more

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We came in for dollar tacos and they were super busy with a line out the door. Definitely a good sign! This is a walk up and order kind of place. You get your food as you order it and you bring it to whatever table you want to sit at. They do have a full bar in the center of the restaurant where you can bring your food and enjoy it while you grab a drink. The tacos were super good considering the price. We also had a burrito which was also delicious. After we ate we sat at the bar for a couple drinks and the bartender was very attentive. We'll definitely be back! read more

This is our first Islands' location that we have been disappointed with. The morning manager on 3/17 did not look enthused to be there at all. He was sitting at a table when we walked in and slowly got up to prepare to get ready to serve us. The food on the island was all crusted over and was obviously prepared yesterday. None of the employees talk to each other. It was a very depressing environment. read more

Terrible service and rude workers! Would not serve us a to go order even though we were there before closing time, which the worker even acknowledged. read more

This Location is definitely the best location if your looking for a fun place for Taco Tuesday! Affordable prices, the service is usually good. They get your tacos done and finished fast. Taco ingredients are always fresh and the taco you make is only as good as you make it with what you ask for on it! Highly recommend! Only issue and this I think is because the prices and food are good is if you get there right around six on Tuesday you'll see the line going out the door sometimes. read more

Islands Fresh Mex Grill - Tacos Chips Modelo - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

THE FOOD WAS SO GOOD AND SO CHEAP!!! Get the tacos! They are the best food for your dollar! Restaurant is nice as well! Service is quick and consistent! read more

Cheap, fun, tasty! This place is a nice stop on the way to Carolina beach! Go here a lot with the family because it's affordable and the service is quick! Plus the after 5 deal on tacos is amazing read more

The food here is pretty good, cheesy and comforting. Relatively affordable as well. I liked the taco deal!

Islands legit hits the spot every time, and never disappoints. The restaurant is always super clean and the quality of food is impressive and really fresh/authentic-especially compared to competitors. I mostly door dash, and when it comes- It is fast and packaged picture perfect. The chips are always warm and seasoned (always give a lot). When I get my favorite (beef burrito) super loaded it's on point every time. Even the Taco salad bowls are never soggy when it's dashed. This place is fire, and I highly recommend. Loyal customer here. read more

I ordered a "chicken quesadilla" . I ordered this and there was barely any chicken. The young lady who made this slopped the cheese and chicken on as she rolled her eyes at me. She seemed racist towards me. I can't believe the treatment I received. I will not be going to this location again. My chips were also stale. read more

Islands Fresh Mex Grill - "chicken quesadilla" - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Meh. Been here 4 times now... It's your typical slide along throw what u want in a tortilla joint. The worst part is they hand it to you wrapped in foil and it somehow always manages to not get above luke warm. I got a burrito tonight and it wasn't even warm enough to melt the cheese while wrapped in foil. Somehow the salsa bar here actually has good salsa. Dollar tacos are good... And worth a dollar. The thing that kicked this up from 2 stars to 3 was the fact they have a bar in there. Some advice - don't be afraid to throw some tortillas on the grill and maybe keep the tortilla chips warm. Black bean and corn salsa is legit. read more

Islands Fresh Mex Grill - Dollar Taco - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Every time I come to Wilmington I have to come here. It's one of my favorite spots especially for late night cravings. The options feel endless and there's nothing my sister and I love more than packing a to go order and sharing a HUGE plate of nachos with every sauce they have to offer. Islands is always clean, fresh, and the service is always great. They never disappoint with the fresh hot seasoned chips and crazy portions. I give this place a 10/10 every time. read more

Islands Fresh Mex Grill - a salad in a plastic container - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Great food for great prices! It's all fresh food. Eat healthy for cheap, we live island tacos!!!!

I wasn't impressed. I ordered a shrimp burrito, pulled pork burrito & a kids shrimp burrito. The workers was kinda unorganized, I had to tell workers like four times I ordered two shrimps and they kept forgetting or something. They didn't even prep the shrimp until after they filled other people's orders. Yea, I won't be going back. read more

Have Some very unique burritos to choose from. The Jerk and Cheeseburger burritos were great. The staff was very friendly, clean and provided great service. Really happy we stopped in on Friday for lunch! read more

Islands Fresh Mex Grill - Jerk burrito - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The family and I decided to try this place as we drive by one of their locations often. When you walk in, it's similar to other restaurants in the genre. The ordering process is very assembly-line simple. We ordered 3 crunchy beef tacos, 3 chicken enchiladas, chicken salad bowl, and a buffalo chicken burrito. The enchiladas themselves were pretty skimpy, but with all the fixins' added, they were rather adequate. I asked for queso to be added and the server thought I was joking. I had to reassure him I was not joking. Not too sure why that was a big deal. The food itself was tasty enough and we left satisfied. Everything came with chips and they have a salsa bar. We will probably try one of their other locations sometime. read more

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don't get the guac! the guacamole is in the display with all the other condiments. they don't tell you it is $2 extra for a little spoonful. what a setup! yes, this is good fresh food and done very well. sometimes you'll see a long line at lunch....because people know where to get good food at a fair price. no more whole wheat tortillas unfortunately. the staff is friendly. you really can't go wrong here- if you just avoid the guac. this is a regular for us. yes, everything really is fresh. read more

I had dinner here last night with my fiance. It use to be down the street and they moved to a bigger location next to Ashley Furniture. We have always loved eating at this place. Their new place is so much bigger and even has a bar! We got 4 tacos, 2 drinks, and 6oz queso for $12. You can't beat that. The food is always good! There chips have this seasoning that reminds me of Doritos cool ranch chips and they are so good! The service was fast and friendly. If you are looking for some good tacos for not a lot of money I highly recommend this place! read more

Very good highly recommend. Good food, portions, and pricing. Really recommend giving them a try while you are in town.

This place is an awesome local taco for University students. It's always for the students because after 5 PM. They do one-dollar tacos. They are very good for the price, and I've always had a good experience here. read more

I have been here before and it seems like a college hangout spot. Today, I watched one of the long term workers use a towel to swat a fly over the food choices. Then she and a male coworker looked to see where it had landed. No thanks to the extra protein. Welp, I'll pass. There were already little flies near the meats. Last check in, last visit. read more

Islands Fresh Mex Grill - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I have gone to islands for almost 10 years.. always been a big fan. But I just got tacos with less ingredients than I have ever seen on it. I got exactly what I usually get and the tacos were about half the usual size. Very disappointed. Please see attached pic for reference! And the amount of chips given has decreased for years now.. please pay more attention to this and provide an adequate amount read more

Islands Fresh Mex Grill - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I love this place so much! We always come here to have a taco tuseday with the kiddos, always amazing service and the kids always have fun! Deffinetly going to come again read more

I was going to give this place 5 stars but then I ate the food. If you've only ever eaten at Taco Bell then this spot might be pretty jaw dropping. Never eaten so much bland Mexican food before. :-( read more

Horrible is an understatement. Tacos cold, chips stale, and queso dip so thick stale chips would break in it! A waste of time and money. Islands Fresh Mex Grill at 310 N. Front St. Wilmington, NC gives Tex Mex a bad rap! read more