The whole 6 mile hike back from Little Harbor (we took creative detours...) I was only thinking one thought: Cheeseburger Cheeseburger. Cheeseburger. When we got to Doug's at 3:00PM only the bar was open and they said the kitchen was closed until 5PM. WHAT!!! This was a Monday but it was President's day so everyone was coming back from hiking around the same time to catch the ferries that depart at 4:15 / 4:30. Luckily, the owner found us in the general store and said because of all the hikers coming in he would open the kitchen back up. And because of that, Doug's redeemed itself. Food is the usual American pub fair and a bit pricey, but for the only real food around it's perfect after a long hike. Treat yo'self. read more

We love it here and have lunch every year when we're camping on the island but the live music is quite load and it's very inappropriate that the white dude sings in a Jamaican accent the whole time. He's from Huntington Beach. read more

Amazing atmosphere. great bartenders (Mike!!), and the food is ok. That said ("ok") I had the best fish dinner tonight. Yum. Brought out our own TJ's platinum reserve cab which wasn't the right wine for the fish but we made it work. read more

Cashless establishment.. no thank u Buffalo milks shrunk and went up in price... let's go back to the 80's read more

You know what? This is like one of only two restaurants in Two Harbors so you don't have too much choice in the matter. However, they serve decent food, beer, and have a cocktail bar. Just enough to get you back to the mainland or before you start your backpacking journey. They're known for a drink called buffalo milk which (as far as I can tell) is like a creamy shot with a hint of chocolate/coffee or something. Try it just to say that you did! read more

Doug's Harbor Reef Restaurant - a bottle of model beer - Seafood Near Me

See all

It's the only act in the micro small village of Two Harbors on the isthmus of Catalina. The theme is a South Pacific motif sporadically strewn around the restaurant. There is a full service bar, separate banquet hall, outdoor patios, standard dining hall. Service is by a young & personable crew who do their best to take care of their customers. 1) Food here is competently done. I ordered wild King Salmon which I ordered "medium rare" so that the outer layer is cooked, but the interior is still creamy. Lightly salted to not obscure the subtle sea minerality. Wild rice that is al dente, & steamed bright green broccoli finished the dish. 2) Fried Chicken was not crispy lacking a fried batter but seemed only floured for a light crust. Chicken may have been marinated in buttermilk to keep the meat moist. Huge generous portion of wing, leg, thigh, breast. To vary the flavours, I asked for sriracha & pio pico to apply to the lightly brined chicken. Garlic mashed potato with skin on w/ melted cheese. Rough chopped coleslaw w/ a touch of mayonnaise that retained its freshness. 1-2a) Mumm Napa crémant was sparkling, touch of acid, vanilla, pear, apple was a good compromise in pairing w/ the above. 3+ Yelp stars averaging out the good service & acceptable food when being the sole eatery in isolated Two Harbors. PS Really great buffalo burgers at the Catalina airport diner albeit a rough 30 minute drive out of Two Harbours. read more

See all

This year the food being served from Dougs harbor reef is the worst it's ever been. Been coming here for over twenty years. It's become so expensive for what they offer, from a menu where they have eliminated all the basics you would expect. Where are the all fresh fish dishes gone? Save your money cook on your boat, the bar prices are higher than I remember as well. read more

Did the whale watching that takes us to Catalina Island. Being on the boat for 4 hours, the first food place we saw on Catalina Island was Doug's Harbor Reef. It was a 15 minute wait when we got there.. We finally got seated and ordered our food: -Buffalo Milk (7): My bf decided to try it and it was okay for me, not my kind of drink -Caesar Salad: Wow, the plate was huge! Worth for the price we paid...I think it was $12 or less -Fish & Chips (16.95): It's hard to mess up on fish and chips. It was nothing special. You 6 pieces of fish, but they're small. Other places you get 3 medium size fish. The food was okay, but their portions are pretty good for the price. The service was average and I'd go here again if I ever do the whale watching trip to Catalina Island. read more

See all

Buffalo, buffalo, and more buffalo! Buffalo burger ($11.5) - Buffalo patty wasn't as flavorful as I thought, but it tasted leaner than regular beef patty. Panna cotta buffalo milk slushy ($6.25, order at the bar) - Normally, their buffalo milk drink is actually a milk slushy with little bit of Vodka and panna cotta. I just told the bartender to give me the non-alcoholic version of the drink. Overall, it tasted sorta like orange slushy - a bit too much sugar for me. Not satisfied after the buffalo milk slushy, I decided to order the "virgin" buffalo milk ~ Plain buffalo milk ($2.75) - If you give me a blind fold and just taste the milk, then I can't tell the different between buffalo milk versus skim milk. If you never had buffalo milk (Catalina Island's signature drink) or buffalo burger, definitely give both a try. Just don't expect this to be the best drink or burger that you'll ever have. P.S. - Great ocean view and I spotted bottles of Sriracha sauce in their condiment server section! read more

See all

Doug's is the sole act in Two Harbors. And it delivers well above what you might expect for a sole act. I think they only take reservations for dinner, but you rarely need them unless you have a large group or are there on a very busy weekend and/or not flexible on wait time. There's a snack shop open for breakfast/lunch. Closed for dinner. Order at the counter and get buzzed when it's ready for pickup. There's a bar open (typically from mid-morning until 2 AM in peak season.) There's a couple of small TVs behind the bar. Sometimes there is patio lunch service (full sit-down table service) - usually when Two Harbors is busy. The interior restaurant opens for dinner (it has another big bar and pool table in the back near the restrooms.) Everything I've ever had (many a meal) has been average to very good. A burger or a salad is always a safe bet. (Hot tip: The buffalo burger is not local. The local critters are bison, not buffalo. I have overheard a dozen people ask if the buffalo burger is local and always try to stifle a chuckle.) But if you want the best thing on the menu, order FISH, and ask your waiter what's fresh and/or local. Take their advice. I've had some great pieces of fish over the years - usually grilled with simple seasoning that lets the fish shine! Service has always been very good to excellent, even when Two Harbors is mobbed with the douchiest of tourists. (I have always treated staff nicely, and have gotten nothing but the same in return.) The bartenders here have the patience of saints. I don't know how they do it sometimes. P.S. There are multiple Yelp listings for this restaurant; I'll post this review under "Harbor Reef Restaurant" too. read more

We were coming back from the Islands Race and spent the night at Two Harbors with our race boat. After sleeping thru the night, we awoke yesterday morning and hopped a shoreboat over to the restaurant for breakfast. When we arrived, I have to admit, I was rather dubious. It was all locked up and appeared deserted. However, after opening for business, we ventured inside and ordered fresh, hot coffee and I ordered the "Two Two Two" - which is 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, and 2 slices of bacon. My friends ordered the breakfast burrito (looked delicious) and eggs, potatoes, and toast, which, honestly also looked delicious. Surprise! The pancakes were delicious as were the eggs and bacon. Would definitely eat here again, possibly also because, when it comes to restaurants, this is the only game in town at Two Harbors. read more

Doug's Harbor Reef Restaurant - The "Two-Two-Two" - Two eggs, two pancakes, two slices of bacon. - Seafood Near Me

See all

Had lunch on the beach. Great food and awesome service! Be sure to check it out when at Two Harbors.

It is THE ONLY RESTAURANT at Two Harbors, Catalina. So whether you like it or not, this is all you have!! Overall, I have a good experience. It is a burger joint also serving surf & Turf. Food is reasonably price and reasonably good. Staffs were friendly. read more

Doug's Harbor Reef Restaurant - Bacon Burger and Turkey Burger. Not bad for the ONLY existing restaurant and Two Harbors - Seafood Near Me

When in Two Harbors, you have but one choice for dinner! Lucky for us, it's a damn good option if you don't wanna cook on your boat. We came here for Thanksgiving dinner. Not only was the food just like home cooked dinner, which is exactly what you want on Thanksgiving, but the people who were working were genuinely welcoming and just really nice. It was a super pleasant way to spend the holiday! Props to our turkey carver, he was awesome. read more

With all that is going on in the world today it was great to escape to the island and enjoy a buffalo milk! Always yummy and something you never want to pass up. read more

When you are the only restaurant in a small town, it would be easy to get lazy due to the lack of competition. So I was leery of what to expect from this place. But happily, I liked it a lot. In fact, I liked it better than some of the restaurants I've been to in Avalon. The food is good. It won't blow you away, and it's probably a little more expensive than it needs to be, but it's very tasty, fresh, and somewhat reasonable. (they also have a small cafe and counter on the side of the restaurant that is less expensive if that's what you want) I also hear that they have a nice buffet some days too. Buffets can be hit or miss at places like this though. I tend to stick with what's fresh. Ask for the fresh fish of the day and stick with that. The ambience is 4 stars though. Great setting overlooking the beach, an outdoor patio, and lots of quaint small little rooms to eat in as well, in case the weather doesn't cooperate. They had a live band on the patio that was fantastic. They were playing any song that people requested, and they sounded really close to the originals on almost every song. Not sure which days they are here, but it definitely adds to the experience. Great place to have a drink and a meal, enjoy some music, and unwind in the ocean breeze. read more

Ah the Isthmus...So much debauchery and douchebaggery during the infamous Buccaneer's Day. The good news is that there are two bars to serve your drinking needs, a beautiful view and lots of people watching to amuse you. The bad news is that there's only one real restaurant on this side of the island. But, at least its locally caught fish and happy service to make it all worth while. And gentlemen, when coming to this side of the island please save the lines that Temecula is only 30 minutes away via private jet and quit asking me if my wedding ring is a decoy to detour drunk men like you from hitting on me. Really? read more

Even worse for 2014. This one time great restaurant now sucks. Bland, dry, tasteless food in the restaurant. Indifferent bartenders, tips not appreciated. Reef bar and restaurant employees hate their customers, customers hate the employees,, everyone hates the management. Manager DeWitt has total contempt for customers. So lost in his arrogance and cavalier attitude he hasn't noticed long time good paying customers and entire mainland and local yacht clubs are now avoiding the restaurant and bar. Rancid appetizers, expensive and just not worth it. Prime Rib was like eating a first basemans glove. Other diners around us were complaining too. We cut up our dinners and fed them to the dogs on the beach. Regulars are complaining on deaf ears. Bar food menu is completely changed and very unpopular. It's all turn and burn tourist trap fare. No security or bouncers and the assholes take full advantage of it. Loyal, long time regulars are giving the Reef up. This place sux,, and they know it and they just don't give a damn. People thought your review was: read more

Katie our server was BEYOND helpful, she got us maps of the campground and gave great advise on food and fun. Burger was pretty great after a long hike from Black Jack campground. IPA on tap was just right. I have to say roughing it on a backpack trip should always include a beer and burger stop some place in between destinations. Deb's fish and chips was a good choice too, she thought it was a little too fried for her but I loved the grease!!!! read more

This restaurant is the only place to order food on this part of the island, and it's not the best of the best, certainly. The lunchtime menu is limited and quite expensive. The hours are also slightly inconvenient. The kitchen closes at 2, so you're out of luck if you're any later. The seating area is nice and shady. The service was a tad slow, but very helpful. Our server even managed to get us some dessert after the kitchen had 'officially closed'. Bread pudding was what our party ordered, and I must say, it was the most delicious bread pudding I'd ever had. Apparently, the chef makes everything there, and he has his own creations on the menu during different times of the year, so keep an eye out for them! The food was decent, but as mentioned, there isn't a huge selection to choose from. The chips that come with some dishes are yummy! They are made there and get sliced paper-thin! Take those over the fries for sure! All in all, the restaurant was... just a restaurant. There wasn't anything too special about it and it was alright. It could have been better, but I'm thankful that there's a decent restaurant on that part of the island at all. read more

This is a little gem at Two Harbors. The only place to get a bite to eat and a drink, it is an eclectic mix of yacht club and backpackers. We came here on a Sunday afternoon after a long weekend of hiking the TCT. Dirty, scorched by the sun, and thirsty for a cold beer. Ordered two buds with koozies to keep them cool (and add to our collection) and got some burgers from the restaurant. Food was alright- after a weekend of backpacking grub anything tastes decent. Tried the buffalo milk (signature drink) which was like a banana cream milkshake with nutmeg and booze. Patio has plenty of umbrellas and shady spots to escape the summer heat. This is definitely a spot to waste the day away.... I want to go back! read more

Last Friday, June 21, a miracle happened. I asked about specials and Megan said they had a Vietnamese Soup with fresh caught Seabass. I wavered, and she asked if we'd like a sample (nice idea), so we did and it was nice so we both said okay, with an order of pot stickers. Well, this soup was out of this world good!! Light, very slightly spicy broth with fresh vegetables cooked perfectly, pineapple, and the most delicious seabass cooked to perfection. I can't stop thinking about it! I've eaten at Doug's for 30 years, pretty reliably good, kind of pricey but iconic to the island. As stated, it's the only game in town except for the snack bar so on extended trips we like to eat there at least once. But if they added this and other new items, it would become memorable. We both said to compliment the chef and we've separately brought it up to several people on the island and off! Ask about it!! read more

First time to Two Harbors, was told Doug's was the "Only" restaurant on this side of the island. Too bad for those of us who visit that actually need to eat food elsewhere because we don't have food supplies on a boat or in a cabin. If this over priced, bland and outdated restaurant is the "only" restaurant option at two Harbors I would rather stay away and eat canned goods. Ordered the Fish and Chips off their TINY menu. Took a while to make it to our table. The presentation was nice, three Huge chunks for Cod over a bed of fries garnished with parsley I suppose. Too bad two of my three fillets were frozen in the center. I was with a party and hated to complain so I passed around the fish and let those who wanted to check for themselves. Two from our party did... it was like sticking your finger in a snow ball. I hated to complain as they were treating with the cost so EXPENSIVE but I had no choice. The undercooked fish was the only downfall of the evening. The next morning we went there for breakfast. its Bad enough you have to eat off of paper plates due to the water shortage. Once again you have a TINY menu to choose from. The breakfast potatoes hard and dried out like eating shards of burnt glass. My eggs were cold as our unfriendly waitress who just drops off your food and jets! Food very bland and again OVER PRICED. I LOVED the night life even-though the 4th of July's DJ equipment kept failing and the music would abruptly stop on the dance floor. After about the 5th power surge and then complete silence the crowd began to chant songs to ourselves in frustration and disbelief. Still, I love BOOZE and any island that allows open containers is a friend of mine! We will definitely visit two harbors again...Just NOT Doug's for a decent meal. Drinks...SURE!! But for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner I would pass on Doug's unless you plan to EAT BEER! read more

Limited options and they know it. The hot wolings from the bar where taste & less $s than restaurant. They are anti- dog also and yet pigeons roam freely. At least a dog cleans up better than the staff. I resent when they know they have you and you have no options other than eating on your boat, hey, that nit such a bad idea any ways. read more

Doug's Harbor Reef Restaurant - Doesn't look pretty but it makes up in taste! "A" - Seafood Near Me

Been here now only twice, and only for a limited time in between swimming destinations. I have never eaten, but their drinks are pretty damn stiff, and not overly priced. As we all probably know, Catalina is known for the invention of the Buffalo Milk Shake, and these guys make a good one. Every time I have ordered a drink it has been served in plastic, and this offends me... uhhh, not in the least. Setting is outdoor patio and casual. I give this place 4 stars because both random times I have been here they have had a live band that truly drew me in and filled with true talent; either tapping my feet or singing under my breath a beautiful rendition of an oldies blues or Motown favorite. Nothing beats a day on a boat, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, watching a sail-boat race, topped with oldies-jazz-r&b infused live-band, sunshine rays under a bougainvillea canopy. read more

It's a nice place to eat. The food is tasty and there is plenty of out door seating. Brunch isn't bad either. You go order inside and the staff brings it to the table. read more

Besides the waitress forgetting a fork napkins and hot sauce for my Garden burrito, it was great there was live classic rock performance on sunday. The Garden burrito was delicious served with refried beans healthy options. read more

See all

OK, you're at The Isthmus at Catalina AKA Two Harbors and you don't feel like making dinner aboard because you've been sucking down Buffalo Milks all afternoon at the out door bar. The bad news is that there's only restaurant in town. The good news is that it's pretty good. If you show up early enough, get the fresh local fish hey your on an island for crying out loud. Or the prime rib. It's my favorite. read more

This is the only game in town. I've been coming here for so many years but last night and the times before could have been much better. We arrived to a full house but waited 30 minutes for a table with reservation as they told us they had no staff. Ok those things happen. We ordered our dinner. One cold, one undercooked and one over cooked. We brought this to management action. They comped one dinner but that's not the point. Probably won't be back as the sentiment was echoed in the rest of our party! read more

Definitely a fun place to hang out. The location is very special (basically it`s the only real restaurant on that side of Catalina island, called Two Harbors). The quality of the ingredients is good (fish especially), the preparation is ok, the staff is very friendly and the tap beer selection is fun. Love the free wi-fi! read more

Always great food and great service. I would take the boat over there just to go to dinner it so good. But what the heck spend the a relaxing weekend over there and stay at the Banning House. Go for it you nothing to loose! read more

Once again, captive audience. Awesome for COLD over priced food. They have the menu paired down to two items today and a breakfast burrito bar. And we got here shortly after opening. Never the less it took almost 20 to get our food and it was cold. But at least for a bagel sandwich, pancakes, burrito and coffee it was only $65 read more

This place was old, eerie looking, smelly and kinda awful. This is the only option for food and unfortunately my boyfriend and I were stranded here after a bad decision to purchase a Living Social deal for a day of whale watching and a 3 hour stop on Catalina. I got the fish and chips, they weren't bad but they weren't great and since we didn't want to blow more money on not so great food we went to the general store to pay for overpriced packaged food - but hey at least we knew what that was going to take like. You have NO other option if you are unfortunately stranded in Two Harbors - so therefore it doesn't really matter what the review of the place is. read more

This place is hard to miss. There is nothing else in town. We were there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food is so-so but, considering the options, it is quite okay. The bathroom is a delight in case you are camping. Service was friendly. Pricing is high but this is expected in a remote place like this. The clientele is an interesting diametrical mix of backpackers from the adjacent campground and yacht owners moored at Two Harbors. read more

Enjoyed a fantastic lunch, friendly service from Natalie and Bryan! Excellent fish and chips and the yacht club sandwich was incredible! Great service especially on father's day the deck was packed, and we were served in a timely manner! Good job Two harbors crew read more

This review is for their dinner. We asked the waitress for her favorite dish on the menu and she said "Caesar salad, add shrimp".....ok, that did not inspire much confidence in this restaurant. I got their fish of the day which the waitress said was freshly caught here last night. I was very excited but sorely disappointed. The fish was the driest I have ever had. It had no fish flavor. I'm not really sure it was fish. What a waste to ruin freshly caught fish! The poor thing died for nothing! The garlic mashed potato that came with it was a misnomer. It wasn't mashed. It was large chunks of under cooked potatos that had no taste either. The vegetable tasted like freezer burned veggies. I barely touched my plate even though I was hungry. My husband got the buffalo burger which he said was okay and it's the only thing he always gets there. I think if you want a good dinner, you should bring your own food and BBQ it on the beach. read more

This review covers the restaurant, deck bar and snack bar. They all have the same set of hard working servers and management. The manager has been there for years and he is very good picking excellent had working employees. The place does get busy at times and the service is sometimes slow during peak times. The business is a seasonal business and has peaks during 3 day weekends, Wine Fest and Buck Days. This is the only place to eat in Two Harbors and the prices are a bit high but all things considered are a reasonable value. The shady deck is a great place to people watch where you get a combination of older high net worth boat owners and younger wives with breast augmentation, young campers in in their 20's and 30's and weathered salty beer belly boaters with bird legs. Dress code: No shoes, no shirt, no problem. On most summer weekends they have live bands in the day time. The bands are always good and people dance on the deck overlooking the harbor. As of this posting date reservations were not available at the restaurant. The only time I ever needed reservations was at Wine Fest. Expect to pay about $40-50 pp for meal and drinks including tip. Breakfast is good at the snack bar. The bar service is a bit slow during weekends even though the bar tenders are working at full tilt. You can't get this experience in Avalon. If you want to try Two Harbors, a good weekend to try may be Wine Fest weekend. read more

Great food, excellent service. I had blackened swordfish that was wonderfully done. Went with kids (4,6) and grandparents. Price is reasonable given the location. read more