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    Buffalo Nickel

    3.7 (334 reviews)
    ModeratePizza, American, Mexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Buffalo Nickel Photos

    Business Info

    BUFFALO NICKEL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Buffalo Nickel

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    This is the Carne con Chili, with beans, rice, and a tiny salad. This was absolutely amazing!
    Martin C.

    The portions are ridiculous, so be prepared to get your grub on. The service is superb, and the ambiance will immediately relax you. This is a locals type of place, and you have to get a ride up to the restaurant. There's outdoor dining with heaters also, but we dined inside.

    Tasty BBQ wings
    Steven D.

    Still amazing! Best prices on the island, consistently awesome quality and definitely some of the best service I've experienced on the island so far. Highly recommend especially with the warm weather upon us! What a great spot!

    Fresh chip and Shrimp Ceviche.
    Vince B.

    After exploring Avalon on foot all day, our weary legs clamored for a break and our seafood loving taste buds curious to try what the island has to offer. Something light and fresh since our dinner is in three hours. A local highly recommend Buffalo Nickel. Although a little distance away from the town, their van service picked us up near the golf cart rentals and also took us back to the town proper. Their shrimp ceviche was indeed worth the little drive. It satisfied all four of us with some generous helpings of salsa & chips. The place wasn't packed today - only three tables occupied. The music playing was just the right volume and we can hear our conversations without having to shout even when the speaker was right above the end of our table. More importantly, the price is perfect.

    Overcooked kids corn dog
    Amy M.

    Cute off the beaten path restaurant. Unfortunately, my daughter and I had unpleasant experiences. Her kids corn dog was way overcooked and so were her fries. My nachos, had a hair sitting along my sour cream. I showed my husband. I thought I removed the hair, and he even asked me if I got the whole thing. I didn't see it, so I took a dive in. My first bite I was pulling hair out of my mouth. Gross. I was starving as it was out first night in the island and a long day an I had 't eaten anything that day since breakfast, so I continued on. Thinking back I wish I hadn't. However, luckily I didn't find anymore hairs and the nachos were a'right. The waiter was pleasant and he did take the corn dog off and nachos off our bill. We gave extra cash, because our intention wasn't to get free food, but to bring it to their attention. My husband was totally happy with his chimichanga and had no issues tho so maybe my daughter and I just had a bad night I wouldn't go back here this trip tho, as it was a total turnoff for now. It was also cash only the night we happened to dine in, so not sure what the reality of payment situations are other nights. But not everyone carries cash and I didn't see an atm on site.

    Beef Taquitos
    Alina N.

    It had probably been over 15 years since we had been here so we decided to check it out again. We had a group of 8 and were told to call to get the shuttle when we were by the basketball courts. We waited about 20 min after calling and still no shuttle so we called again and the man who answered was very apologetic and sent the driver right away (not sure what miscommunication happened with the first call). The shuttle arrived less than 5 min later. It is a minivan so the driver had to do two trips since there were 8 of us. Once we arrived we were seated pretty quickly inside. The place was full and had a very fun vibe. Our waiter was the best - very friendly, talkative, and giving us a lot of different recommendations. We all ended up ordering Mexican food and it was all delicious. Housemade salsa and strong tasty margaritas were a bonus! Although we didn't get a pizza, the pizzas smelled and looked amazing. Afterwards we took the shuttle back. Having learned later about the new circuit transportation on the Island I think it would've been faster to just take that over to the restaurant to save some time. Overall we all really enjoyed the energy of this place, loved our waiter, our food, and drinks. We won't let 15 years pass again before returning. We will have to add the Buffalo Nickel to our restaurant rotation on our next trip!

    Sampler

    The sampler was huge! Good way to try the apps. Nice outside patio and service was good. All the drinks looked great

    Camarones a la Diabla with corn tortillas and fajitas
    LeeAnn R.

    Food was delicious! They offer a shuttle from the golf cart rental to the restaurant. Make sure to confirm which stop since there are two. Runs on island time but worth the wait and convenient service. We were seated inside as a group of six. Service was excellent. Favorite dish was ceviche with spicy cucumbers. I'd go back just for it!

    Carnitas plate. Extremely tender and juicy.
    Craig W.

    This is an out of the way spot that feels like a locals' joint. It is definitely not a tourist trap. Is it worth the effort? You bet. If you have ever rented a golf cart on Catalina to our the island, you have driven by this restaurant. I've driven by it 100 times over the years but never bothered to visit. Until now. Now, unless you don't mind a pretty long walk, simply call the restaurant when you are ready to eat, and they will send a free shuttle to pick you up outside the golf cart rental place. The drive to the restaurant, or back, is extremely short, just a couple of minutes. Tip your driver a couple of bucks, ok? The place is very casual so come as you are. Kids are welcome. The menu definitely leans hard toward Mexican food but you can get a steak or a burger or even a pizza, if you wish. We did see some folks who ordered pizzas and they looked terrific but we all went with Mexican dishes. We had chips and guacamole for a starter and it's very good but on the pricier side. I think the guac and salsa were housemade and the chips were nice and thick. If you like carnitas, I recommend the dinner plate. You get a giant portion of them and they are extremely tender and juicy. They come with three freshly-made tortillas (corn or flour, your choice), rice, beans, tomatoes, some guac, and sour cream. The rice and beans were very average. For the flautus entree, we tried them with chicken and you get two absolutely enormous flautus that were as long as a baby's arm. The tostada was huge and we selected that same delicious carnitas for the protein. Service was terrific. Our server could not have been nicer. Drinks were also on point. I tried a mezcal drink (El Palenque) and it was fine. Then I went full blown tourist and had the mai tai and it was sweet and extremely boozy. It kicked my butt and I was happy for it. This was a fun restaurant that is literally off the beaten path. It's a two minute free shuttle drive from the main tourist drag. Definitely give them a chance. I will happily return.

    Gringos tacos plate LOL

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    3 months ago

    Food and service is always good. I like it better than the buffalo bill restaurant. They don't charge you for theatre

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    11 months ago

    They deliver to the dive park! Good was great. Service was super quick. Made for a great surface interval meal.

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    1 year ago

    Really good food - good drinks - best on the island! The Buffalo milk is STRONG. Highly recommend.

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - Buffalo Nickel

    Is the Buffalo Nickel still open?

    The Buffalo Nickel re-opened on Friday November 3rd, 2017. They suffered a kitchen fire and they closed for approximately 9 weeks. During that time, they took their time to do a full restaurant re-model. The outcome was excellent and they are back… Read more

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    Luau Larry's - Ahi Tuna

    Luau Larry's

    3.7(783 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    The beers are 22oz! The burgers all come with crispy fried onions on top of the meat…read more One of the few authentic tiki bars left- the staff is so nice! Don't miss this!

    Went here to get my wiki wacked and it was pretty enjoyable. They're a very casual tiki bar with…read morefood offerings. Staff seemed to give us the side eye while being jovial with others; not sure what prejudice they had against us. Normally I can forgo blank stares, but I expect a little more when I'm in a tourist area. - Wiki Wacker Both tropical fruity and alcoholic at the same time. You get a hat or sticker with it, and we weren't asked which one we preferred. The strength is similar to a long island, due to the mix of rum and brandy. Decent blend that had a pretty light to deep orange gradient, and an extra pineapple slice. We had fun with the straw hat, so it's fine that fate declared we receive this souvenir. - Buffalo Milk I preferred this drink over the Wiki Wacker, but I can see some people not being into it. It tastes like a creamy nothing. I liked it because the flavor was very, very subtle; it was like an icy, subtly creamy, subtly banana, subtly bitter smoothie topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. Nothing about it has buffalo in it. I would get this again. To sum it up, theming is nice and drinks are aesthetic, yummy, and effective. I love the wide open windows for the natural light and breeze drifting in, and if you're seated near the front, you can people watch.

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    Every time I have come to Catalina since 2024 I have made sure to stop by the Flx Biergarten…read more Great beer, seltzer, and hard kombucha choices alone with N/A options like soda (coke products) Sizes are pints, steins, pitchers, and ((drum roll)) DA BOOT (64oz, don't worry you can share) They have yard games like cornhole and Beirut (beer pong). It's cool it being your own card games too. On the weekends I've caught some good live music, too! Hungry? They have all beef hot dogs, pretzel with beer cheese, polish sausages, pickled eggs, etc. Heatlamps and some fire pit tables are lit a night to keep you warm but keep in mind it's outside to check the weather and dress accordingly. I've been to Catalina solo, traveling alone as a woman I'm happy to report: I felt very safe and comfortable in the Biergarten. Bathrooms are in the back, in some of those fancy portable toilets (including a handicap ramped stall), so you don't have the leave the Gartën for anything. The owner Michael is so friendly and will remember the regulars from the main land (thanks for calling me a Legend haha), and shout out to Jack who works there too for his fun and kind energy.

    FLX Beer Garden on Avalon Island is one of those places that perfectly captures the spirit of…read moreCatalina -- sunny, relaxed, and effortlessly welcoming. Whether you've just stepped off the ferry or spent the morning exploring Avalon's streets, this spot is a great place to pause, unwind, and savor the moment. Set just a short stroll from the beach, FLX offers an open-air setting that invites you to take your time, slow down, and soak up that signature island vibe. Grab a seat in the sunshine, order one of their cold craft beers, and treat yourself to a warm, salty pretzel -- it's a simple pairing, but exactly what fits the scene. The menu isn't complicated or overdone, which is part of its charm. Everything here focuses on quality, flavor, and the easy pleasure of enjoying food and drink with friends in the open air. The staff at FLX Beer Garden truly elevate the experience. Service is quick, attentive, and always accompanied by a genuine smile. You get the sense that the team enjoys being there just as much as the guests, creating a friendly atmosphere that makes everyone feel part of the moment. It's that kind of energy -- easygoing and kind -- that makes you want to stay for one more pint. If you're exploring Catalina Island and looking for a laid-back place to enjoy a refreshing beer with great company, FLX Beer Garden is definitely worth a visit. It's not just a place to eat and drink -- it's a little slice of island life that captures the carefree joy of Avalon. Come hungry, bring friends, and let the sunshine do the rest. Enjoy!

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    Buffalo Nickel - pizza - Updated May 2026

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