The Missus, Robbie, and I ate at The Isles in Havelock for the first time last night. We will most definitely go back.
The Isles isn't out to impress anybody. It has a classic love-it-or-hate-it atmosphere, complete with plastic plates and the distinct odor of beer, pizza, and cigarettes. That's right, after all this time The Isles still smells like the smoking ban went into effect just a week ago.
The interior is much smaller than I expected, and though there was plenty of seating when we showed up around 5:45, there were several groups standing around waiting for tables when we left. Note to parents: The Isles only has one high chair (which we managed to snag), so you might want to have a backup plan in the event it is taken.
Service was good. It was just as friendly as you would hope from a true neighborhood establishment, and our waitress was plenty attentive. She didn't bring out The Missus' salad until after our pizza arrived, but since The Missus was feeding Robbie, the waitress may have thought she was being helpful. Or maybe that's how they do it at The Isles. Or maybe she just forgot it. In any event, she probably should have asked when The Missus wanted it.
Neighborhood joints usually aren't renowned for the excellence of their side salads, so The Missus wasn't expecting much more than iceberg lettuce in a bowl. Instead, her salad was surprisingly fresh and green. In addition, Robbie gives the accompanying Club crackers two slobbery thumbs up.
We ordered a medium pizza with half green peppers and mushrooms (The Missus), and half pepperoni and cream cheese (me). Both of us really enjoyed our slices. I was feeling hungry so I chomped through all four of my slices; The Missus made it through two of hers. For me, the pizza at The Isles fills a nice void that other local pizza joints leave open. Whether or not that's true for you will depend on what you want out of a pizza. In my case, I like The Isles' tasty and plentiful (but not excessive) sauce; the plentiful toppings; and the soft and floppy (but not doughy) crust.
In short, the only disappointing thing about going to The Isles last night was realizing that I had been missing out on something good for all these years. I've been experiencing that feeling a lot more often lately as I gradually break out of my old ruts and explore the city's dining scene more thoroughly.
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he he
two slobbery thumbs up.
I echo Mr. Wilson’s high praise for the Isles. It’s too bad it’s a bit of a drive, but I still make the trip every couple of months or so.
The Leaning Tower of Pizza is like crack. Just had some Friday night. Mmmm.
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