Anything other than chains in Woodland Hills

I'm going to meet a friend in anywhere from Woodland Hills to Encino. She can eat at places like Chin Chin, but I can't. Any ideas?

There's a restaurant called Islands that I hear is very good.

Islands is a chain. :( It reminds me of a Claim Jumper that serves hamburgers, but with a tropical theme. The food is nothing fancy, but come in very large portions and nothing is more than $10 I think. Mostly hamburgers (large and juicy, with many different toppings), sandwiches and the like. I like their fries and mud pie. Because of the laid-back Tiki atmosphere (waiters wear Hawaiian shirts) and prices, the crowd is mainly teens/collegiate or family.

If you are looking for something a bit more exotic..

*Try Kung Pao Bistro on Ventura just East of the 405
*Brothers Sushi on Ventura just West of Canoga
*Taste of India in the plaza on the corner of Topanga and Ventura (next to VONS)

Kung Pao and Taste of India are cheap and quick. Not terrific, but it will do the trick...

Two suggestions of my own that probably won't appeal to you:

- Fromin's in Encino. So haimish.
- Monty's in Woodland Hills. So rare.

Beyond this, check out this cool review from Mr. Foss below...

Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...