We were on our Day 1 hike around Catalina and Airport Restaurant was one of our stops. We got there around 3:10 PM and they closed at 4 PM. I think if we had missed this experience, I would've cried. This is one of the most fun airports I've ever seen. The café has a very nice menu of unique items. I grabbed the buffalo cheeseburger with bacon and avocado. My friends Wanted the buffalo chile but they were sold out so they tried the BLT sandwich. The Killer cookies looked so tempting! There was a lot of merchandise to look around. There was really nice indoor space and a scenic outdoor seating space. I also got to see some small private planes land and takeoff as i was eating. Very unique experience. The food was delicious. Highly recommended. Above all else the staff were so nice. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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We took off for the Catalina Airport In The Sky to get out of a very crowded Avalon as a 4000 plus passenger cruise ship was in for the day. Best decision we made. The drive up to the airport was beautiful. We got to see the nature and back country of Catalina Island. Plus we got to check off the Airport in the Sky restaurant off of our small airport diners list. Once we got to the airport, we took a look around and decided to take off on a hike. The weather was perfect and the hike was beautiful. As we rounded a corner we looked up and off on a nearby hill was a buffalo just grazing. After the hike we went back to the restaurant and ordered our lunch. Mr. B had a nice cold beer and I chose an iced tea. He ordered a burger and I was in the mood for diner food, so a grilled cheese and fries for me. The burger was great. Stuffed with onion, crispy bacon, a juicy burger and topped with avocado. The fries were like steak fries and were hot and yummy. My grilled cheese was delicious. The bread was nicely toasted and the cheese was melted and gooey, just the way a grilled cheese should be. We sat on the patio, and watched pilots come and go, hiker's come and go. Small tour vans bring guests for a short time to grab a cold drink come and go. It was sunny and beautiful on the patio. We chose a Killer Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookie to go. We walked over and watched planes take off and land while eating our cookie before our shuttle van was back to take us down to Avalon. We booked the shuttle through Catalina Conservancy which was a better option than a tour van or taxi. Just note, it can be pricey to get up and back and then add a meal on top of it, so be prepared. But it was well worth the trip, and the hike was fabulous. read more

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The Airport in the Sky is an absolute institution. Sure, you're paying stadium beer prices and the food takes a minute, but there is no better stop on the Trans-Catalina Trail. It was the literal and spiritual peak of our day- the AC inside is heavenly and you can watch TV or opt sit outside for the views. I got the Bonanza Burger (opted for bison) with fries and a large beer, and it hit the spot. If you're hiking the TCT, this is a mandatory stop. read more

Great little stop on the Trans-Catalina Trail between Blackjack and Little Harbor. After miles of hiking, the hot food and cold drinks hit the spot, and the desserts are a nice bonus. Service is quick, and it's the perfect place to relax and recharge before heading back on the trail. read more

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Took a tour up to the airport and wish we had time to actually try the food, because it looked good, although buying cookies the service was ridiculously slow. Cute little store inside and some beautiful views outside. Didn't see any red foxes on this trip just a friendly black cat. read more

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Being the 3rd day trekking the Trans Catalina Trail and only having dehydrated food and trail mix for those days; The Airport in the Sky was a sight for sore eyes. Stop by here for a good burger and a generous severing of fries and for dessert don't for get to grab one of their delicious cookies! The staff is friendly and the views from here are serene. Take your time to look around the area and sit down on the couch where the buffalo is looking back at you over the fireplace. read more

Good food. Great friendly service. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Nice restrooms.

My family and I (party of 4) went on 4/1/26 shortly after they opened. There were a few other parties there. We had a couple of questions about the menu and the employee member became extremely irritated with us. She rolled her eyes many times during our 1-2 minutes interaction (younger female with long red hair). We spent over $120 for breakfast and cookies to go. Honestly, I would have spent more on snacks to go but was so off put by her behavior I choose not to. Customer service was nonexistent on 4/1/26. The interaction time is minimal, you order at the counter and they bring it out to you. It's disappointing they can't be helpful and have a good attitude for a couple minutes. Our order was also incorrect. read more

DC3 Gift & Grills. They're a bit overpriced than most of the restaurants you'll ever eat in the mainly since everything they serve has to be shipped over to the island either by plane or boat. The food is absolutely delicious though prepared homemade style by the most family friendly staff there is. We all love eating there indefinitely. I think by far the most delicious burgers and tacos I ever had in most restaurants in Orange County were from this restaurant. Buffalo burgers are on everyone's favorite list. It's a MUST TRY when you're at The DC3 Gift & Grills restaurant. :) When you're already here you can either take a bus shuttle to the main city Avalon or to Two Harbors the other side of Catalina Island. read more

When trekking the Trans Catalina Trail, save yourself some weight in the pack by planning to stop at the Airport in the Sky's restaurant/ gift shop. I ordered a turkey avocado sandwich which was HUGE and full of freshly shaved turkey and creamy avocado. I ended up saving the 2nd half for later in the day which was good, but the bread got a little soggy by the end of the day. My friend got the breakfast burrito which would be my pick next time - it was huge and held up to be eaten as leftovers later. Don't forget to grab a can of beer or wine to celebrate your victory of making it to the next campground! read more

Airport In The Sky Restaurant - Turkey Avo Sandie - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Avalon, California

After backpacking through Catalina the bison burger was definitely a good decision. Definitely could use a sauce to elevate the flavor but it's a solid choice. Definitely overpriced, but since there is nowhere else to eat in the middle of the island it's be expected. Service is average with indifference to your presence. The airport is a great spot to stop on your tour, bike ride or back packing trip. The view off the back patio are goregous or you can sneak up to the north side and see the planes land and take off. read more

Airport In The Sky Restaurant - Bison Burger - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Avalon, California

Took a primary student on a cross country and had a few extra moments. We noshed on grilled cheese and fries. Excellent crispy sourdough with gooey cheese. Fries were nicely done and seasoned. This place is one of my favorite airport restaurants mainly due to the vistas. Great decor and laid back folks. Stop by for a $300 sandwich! read more

Took me a two-day/one-night hike to get here, and every time, Airpory-In-The -Sky is worth the trek! I usually go with a Buffalo Burger, unlimited refills on Root Beer, and their famous "Airport Killer Cookie" for lunch, making up for the calorie deficiency all that hiking took away from me. A place where the journey is as important as the result, I can honestly say that this is one of my favorite places on Earth... read more

Airport In The Sky Restaurant - Buffalo Burger - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Avalon, California

Five star dining? No, but it is the only food place between Avalon and Two Harbors so try not to insult the chef. Also, the sandwich was really good. The real surprise here is that up on this literal "middle of nowhere" there's a place with surprisingly good baked items and fresh produce in their sandwiches. Most airport dining is a guarantee of wilted lettuce but everything in my BLT tasted crisp and fresh. Wow. Unexpected. read more

About a week and a half ago I dined at DC3 Gifts & Grill for the second time in my life. The first time was about four years ago when I hiked the Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT). Most recently, I had the opportunity to fly to Catalina with my great Yelp friend, go for a bit of a trail run, and then get some food at DC3. Both times this restaurant located near Catalina Island's Airport in the Sky totally hit the spot! It's truly an oasis, especially when hiking the TCT. I ordered the Bonanza Burger (with a Buffalo burger) this time around. The burger was accompanied by avocado, bacon, caramelized onion, and cheese for those who prefer it (I opted for no cheese). The burger also comes with fries or a salad. I actually selected the salad, it was very much welcomed after a morning running in the sun. The food is a little pricier than I'd like but I quickly gave myself a reality check when I remembered where I was - on an island. For anyone stopping by DC3 and particularly for those hiking the TCT, there is running water here and flush toilets. Plus, the "gifts" part refers to all kinds of trinkets and other useful items such as over-the-counter medications, etc. If you have the opportunity to visit DC3 Gifts & Grill, I would recommend stopping by. Do take note - the hours are somewhat limited as they close around 4pm. Enjoy! read more

Airport In The Sky Restaurant - Bonanza Burger at DC3 Gifts & Grill/Airport in the Sky Restaurant - Catalina Island - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Avalon, California

First off, I want to say the burger was delicious and the service was great! The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because the price of the food was high and charging 50 cents for dipping sauces. The staff was absolutely wonderful. They have fun by giving you nicknames or saying my "order up for my pal..." Makes you feel special after a long hike to the airport. I went with a group my friends on my way through the TCT. The portions of food are generous and the flavor makes you salivate. I paid roughly $23 for my bonanza burger with two dipping sauce that added an extra $1. The vibes are very positive and there's beautiful views of the hills. Definitely come here and eat. Just remember it will be a little pricey! read more

Great place to stop relax and to catch a bite to eat before our hike to Little Harbor. read more

Airport In The Sky Restaurant - Buffalo burger and breakfast burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Avalon, California

This is a must stop if you are hiking the transcatalina trail. We came here after hiking about 6 miles from little harbour campground on our way to BlackJack campground. When you've been hiking that much in the sun burgers taste amazing, almost as amazing as ice cream! The place is delightful. The airport itself is super retro like something you'd see at California Adventure. There are tables for eating in the shade with a view of the surrounding countryside. Prices are high as to be expected when there's no competition but worth every penny. I got a cold beer for $6, a Big Blue Bison Cheeseburger for $20 and afterward a ice cream sandwich for $2. On our way there we had to divert off the trail to avoid bison and so eating them was kind of cool and kind of sad too. You line up to order and for fun you can give them a funny name to call out since they announce everyone over the speaker system. The gift shop is great. Lots of fun things to buy like some cards which we forgot to pack. There's also some interesting history panels. read more

Airport In The Sky Restaurant - Food window - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Avalon, California

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Probably the best burger (bison or otherwise) on the island. My next go to - bison brisket tacos. And if you're lucky enough to be on the island during one of their genuine Tri-Tip BBQ Events, you should make a point to go. It takes some coordination to get there (private pilot fly in or shuttle bus from Trailhead or Bike Catalina adventure or on day two of your Trans Catalina backpacking trip or a private tour with Taxi Co or Catalina Conservancy Eco Tour). It's an adventure to get there. The most unique location for a quality restaurant on the island with stunning views of Catalina's wild interior. Staff are great and if you call at least 30 min ahead while you're on one of the mummer or eco tours, you might be able to pound one of their sandwiches during the 15 min break those tours will have at the airport. But check w/your driver first. But there's always time for one of their oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies in four varieties. So good! read more

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Awesome place to grab lunch and a great airport to fly into. Kids had a blast flying around the island and doing some short easy hikes after lunch. Buffalo tacos and blue cheese burger were great! read more

LOVED this little stop during our trans Catalina trip. We had the veggie breakfast burrito, breakfast burrito, BLT and the burger. All were a lot better than expected! The people working there are super friendly and the place is kept very clean. They also have a little souvenir shop with some really great Catalina finds! read more

Flight and food what better than to land in Catalina for a quick lunch. Easy airport to fly into and great comfortable lunch spot. I got the Big Blue Burger it was very tasty and the flier were perfect (crunchy exterior fluffy interior). read more

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How enjoyable your experience will be depends on what you ordered, and who's preparing it. It didn't help that the clerk who took our order and assisted with the preparations of the food was holding a grudge against his place of employment, telling one customer that he's had it and can't wait to move back to the bay. Whatever. I approached after the customer walked off to inquire if our EcoTour's lunch included dessert and got a snippy response from the clerk. Now, to the meal, which was their Bonanza Burger made with buffalo, substituting provolone cheese for American cheese, and a side of French fries. Well, the burger came with American, not provolone. The patty was overcooked to the firmness of a hockey puck. Flavors muted from the overcooking (patty was hard, dry and charred on the outside). The fries were heavily overseasoned with salt that I couldn't finish more than a third of my fries. My dining mates echoed similar complaints with the fries and the buffalo burger patty (with one wondering where was the sauce for his burger, and one wondering where were the Bleu cheese crumbles for her burger). One indicated that their Buffalo Chili tasted like canned chili. I tried it and concur. Granted, we were part of a group of 14, but they should be used to all these group eco/jeep tours coming by on a daily basis a few times a day during weekends. read more

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Great waypoint on the Trans-Catalina for tired, thirsty backpackers. Good food, beer, and shade.

The staff rocks! So pleasant and supportive especially when your flight is delayed and they make it bareable!

This is an oasis on the top of Catalina island. If you had hiked from Avalon, this place would a be an absolute god send for something cold to drink, hot food to eat and a place to rest for a bit. There was a cute little gift store there too. I had the Buffalo burger which was over cooked and dry but who is complaining, I was hungry and grateful for what I received. My friend had the chilli and thought it was from a can. Tried it and sheez, personally, I would eat it and not be so picky in this desolate place and count my blessings. Overall fun place to visit. read more

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Stop here every year during my bike camping trips. Food is very good. Usually get burger and fries. Always get a big cookie. Sometimes ice cream. Nice Indoor and outdoor tables. Restroom is nice after days camping. A must stop on your way through the island. read more

We hiked in from Blackjack campgroud but had mistakenly took the road to airport (extra 2 miles) instead of the TCT trail which goes more directly to the airport. It was middle of June and the thick mist slowly turned to rain so we were soaked wet and cold by the time we arrived to DC 3. We left our packs outside in the covered patio, stood in line to buy food then sat at a table to wait for food delivery. I ordered the buffalo taco and a cookie. This was a better meal than the one we had in Avalon 2 days previous, and it wasn't just because of our worn out physical conditions, I felt the food was genuinely better. Buffalo Taco $13 - Two tacos with corn tortilla, cheese, chopped tomatoes and onion, steak cuts (not ground) served with chips and salsa. I enjoyed the taste and texture of the meat (toothpick at the end was a lifesaver), corn tortilla was warm and soft, the other side ingredients complimented the taco well. Chocolate Chip, Walnut, and Oatmeal Cookie $3 - It was large and flat and good. read more

The Service is * * * * * AWESOME The Food is * * * A-OKAY! I had the bison/buffalo hamburger. It was good 'tho I can't tell much difference between that an a standard beef Cow hamburger. The service was good, friendly and fast. The food was prepared cooked to order fresh, and didn't take long at all, pretty efficient. It's a great place at the Catalina Island Airport, since it's the only local place around without having to ride out a half hour into the local town. It's a pilot's paradise, a perfect pit-stop. read more

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Amazing bison tacos and service!!!! Tina is an absolute doll. After a long hike to Little Harbor the tacos here just really hit the spot. They come with chips and homemade salsa! We got our food so quickly and they also have a variety of beers/other drinks. Sitting outside was so beautiful on the cute patio and we even saw a bison down on the trail while we ate our bison tacos (oh the irony). Their menu looked really good so it was hard to decide what we wanted. They also have tri-tip sandwiches that looked yummy and a variety of other bison dishes. Perfect spot after a long hike, 10/10 would recommend. read more

Good Food and good service! Worth a stop for anyone hiking across Catalina. Try the Buffalo burger!

Mike and the owners are some of the coolest, most hospitable people I've met. They don't hesitate to accommodate your needs or have good conversation. Definitely stop by if you're in town! read more

Stopped by on my second day of the TCT. It's 2 miles from Blackjack campground and is located at the Catalina Airport. I ordered a bison burger (~$17) and honestly, I couldn't really taste the difference between a beef burger vs a bison burger. Just me? Ok. Anyways... why 5 stars? Because the lady running the shop was the sweetest! I told her about my ankle injury and she quickly grabbed a zip loc bag and filed it with ice. I hope she knows how grateful I am for her kindness. xx read more

This stop is located just beyond the Airport in the Sky. A sign on the TCT directs you here with a 'Hikers Welcome' notice, so you know you have to go! From the Blackjack Campground, we followed the TCT signs and trekked about 2 miles before coming upon this place. It was somewhat desolate on a Friday late morning. It's located rather deep into Catalina Island, but the shuttles do stop here on occasion (if you aren't hiking in that is). Plenty of seating outside and inside. They are known for bison jerky and killer cookies. Said cookies were in a display case at the cash register, but looked rather thin and dry albeit rather large. My eye was on the prize though with that *Bonanza Buffalo Burger*. It was a whopping $16.95, but I knew I wanted this version versus the Traditional since in addition to the tomatoes, lettuce, mayo & 1,000 Island it also included American cheese, bacon, avocado & grilled onions as extra. You also have a choice of a side and in my case I chose a salad. My gahhhd, this thing was massive! And dripping with juices too! I felt the raw power of the very lean puck of bison meat patty within my veins! The salad on the side wasn't anything special but the stomach needed it much. You must absolutely stop here while trekking on the TCT. You'll want to save carrying weight in food anyways, so plan your breakfast/ brunch here. If you get something massive, you won't really need lunch and could wait for dinner later in Two Harbors. read more

Airport In The Sky Restaurant - Bonanza Buffalo Burger, $16.95 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Avalon, California

This was an amazing stop during our 4 day backpacking trip! Can't get much better than breakfast burritos & a beer to start off a 14 mile day. A little pricey but that's expected on an island. Make this a stop during your hike! read more

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Stopped here while backpacking on the trans Catalina trail. A little pricey but that was expected being on Catalina and not near Avalon either. What I didn't expect was how big and good the burger was and how nice the service was. I thought it was going to be a place where they know they can charge a lot because of the location and served subpar food but that wasn't the case at all. Also got some Gatorade and a paleta to enjoy before heading back on the trail. The inside was pretty nice and had a lodge vibe to it. There's also a patio with a nice view and you might even get to see some buffalo if you're lucky. There's a water fill station outside to fill up your bladders and bottles. Overall 10/10 would definitely recommend if you're doing the trans catalina trail. read more

Great food & atmosphere. Historic landmark & a nice getaway from the crowds. Highly recommend!

Great stop for lunch. Especially after a 7 mile hike straight up from the beach. Buffalo burger super good Tri tip tacos so good. Chips and salsa great as well Fast and friendly service and don't forget the monster cookies to finish read more

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Charming little diner built around 1946 if it were constructed at the same time as the airport. The little annex is built in a faux Spanish Colonial style with baked red clay singles, white "adobe" walls, windows trimmed in dark rustic wood framing. The inside has the obligatory horizontal wooden beams supporting the roof, narrow wooden paneling with framed pictures on every part of the walls. The wooden chairs look like the hand crafted "ranchero" style painted in red, green, & white like that of the Mexican flag which this part of the US was until the U.S. took it in the Mexican War of 1848. Each table has a different oil cloth table cloth which gives the place a homey down home feel. We took the "Inland Tour" of Catalina Island & there was a 30 minute break since this was midway in tour. I knew that Runway Cafe was supposed to have a great Buffalo Burger when I visited the Catalina Airport previously on another trip when I rode in a single engine Cesna with a friend. However, the air turbulence & the steep approach to the runway got me air sick so I thought this was the rare opportunity to sink my teeth into their infamous Buffalo Burger. There was a catch. Another friend & I rushed into the Cafe to hurry up & order before the other passengers in the Inland Tour could beat us to it. The waitress told me that she wasn't supposed to serve any of the Inland Tour passengers since the break had to end 30 minutes sharp. Since no other passengers entered the Cafe, I assured the waitress that we could finish in the allotted time. I'm glad that the waitress took pity on us since we really were starving having skipped breakfast to make it to the Inland tour. The Buffalo Burger seemed to take only about 5 minutes to make. Their buffalo meat is full of a straight on meaty Umami that was more robust than regular beef, but somehow leaner with more rugged texture. The fixings for the hamburger were pre-assembled so all they had to do was put the hot, sizzling buffalo patty in & it was served instantly to us. The contrast of the heat, meaty Umami, beefy texture, meaty steam coming off the patty, the cool crispness of the lettuce & light acidity of the thinly sliced tomato still makes me want to wend my way to that small, homey airstrip. This burger may have been the best I have ever eaten. I still remember it to this day. Unfortunately, it is one of the more inaccessible burgers to obtain. Maybe part of the mystique of this Buffalo Burger is that you have to really work for it to get it. As in most things in life, the things that are worth the most are the things you have to strive & earn. PS Open daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Outdoor/indoor/counter seating available. read more

It is not often that I wake up in Altadena go visit friends in San Gabriel, hop in their plane and shoot out to Catalina, eat breakfast, enjoy the morning and come back home before noon followed by work on a Sunday morning, however that pretty much sums up my morning yesterday. The experience was a definite 5 star!!! But the food not so much, some of it was 1 star (see pancakes...bread thing) and some was 3 star (Buffalo chili omelet although cold and I make better chili at home but still palatable) but the atmosphere being in the top of the world in Catalina is definitely a 5 star location. Would I go back? In an instant, for the food alone? No, but for the whole experience you betcha! read more

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