Stopped in here during the off season after spending a day in Catalina, food was extremely sub par, but what earned the one star review had to be the pathetic excuse of a bartender they had at the outside bar. Never have I had such an insulting and downright unprofessional experience. My boyfriend ordered a drink and came to sit down with me, he offered me a sip and before I could respond the bartender yells from across the way that he needed to see my ID (fair enough, I get they probably have to deal with underage drinkers during the season). So I get up and hand my ID to him(I am 24 years old and was visiting from Massachusetts). The bartender immediately starts bending my ID every which way, and after 5 straight minutes of manipulating this piece of plastic, he takes my ID and informs me that he has to call the sheriff on me. At this point, I probably should have just asked for it back and left as this was a pretty clear indication of what kind of establishment this is, however I had ordered food so I sat down to eat it while we waited for the sheriff. After about 25 minutes, this bartender calls me back up and informs me he is unable to get in touch with the sheriff(?) and he will give me my ID back but does not feel comfortable serving me. I informed him that at no point did I ever intend on ordering alcohol, but thanks for the ID back given I will most definitely need it for the airport the next day. This man then spent 5 minutes explaining to me that my ID looks different from "the book" he has, so he had no choice. I cannot even imagine where this place finds the people they employ, however I'd love to know so I can stay far far away from it, as I will be doing from this island from now on. read more

Was here when it was 90% empty. Just wanted to sit and watch the soccer game on tv and enjoy a good meal and drinks. Considering it was empty and the only restaurant on an island known for its seafood it made zero sense that they neither have any healthy/grilled fish options available in the bar nor would they serve any there from the dining hall. I was told the only way to get grilled seafood was to move 5 feet to a different room where I could no longer see a tv. They also refused at 6:30pm (again almost entirely empty) to let me do takeout an an alternative. Whomever manages this place lacks complete common sense and should not work in hospitality. Not sure I can remember a more limiting and clueless dining experience in recent memory for someone who eats out regularly. Having some semblance of a non fried seafood meal in an island bar shouldn't be a hard ask. Then again the menu as a whole in the restaurant section is not much better and a complete disgrace when you factor the setting this place is in. Service was also slow in the bar and it was all frustrating. Rather than spend $150-$200 I ended up walking out and preparing dinner ourselves and watching on a tablet. I really liked Two Harbors and was contemplating organizing a group party there but this restaurant and the experience was a deal breaker for me. Which sucks because it otherwise is a great space with a lot of potential if someone pulled their head out of the sand. read more

We come to Cherry Cove often enough to know that the Harbor Reef restaurant is a place that is special. Very nice view overlooking two harbors Marina and a quick dinghy ride from our mooring ball at Cherry Cove, it is something that we look forward to while there. Often we come for dinner. They close for an hour from lunch to dinner and open back at 5 o'clock. In the case of Covid obviously dining is different. Eating outside is the only option. They have accommodated themselves to keep everyone 6 feet away. Masks are necessary, Staff included. This outdoor restaurant does not have a kitchen so the staff has to hustle between the sand and the restaurant to deliver your order whether it's food or drinks. They do this in such a quick and efficient manner that you don't even realize that any time has passed. We arrived about 10 minutes before 5:00 to wait in line and were seated promptly. We enjoyed 3 virgin lava flows for our girls, Collins' for us , and an appetizer of coconut shrimp, all arrived quickly and were delicious! Keeping with tradition we ordered the two harbors burger. Bacon, Swiss and avocado... Again we look forward to this because they are so dang good! The girls had Pasta Primavera. They must've really enjoyed it because they cleaned their plates. One other thing, the staff is extremely friendly. Almost too good to be true. I would give them five out of five stars for sure. And whoever makes those burgers... If there was a way to give that person 10 stars I would do that! read more

Harbor Reef Restaurant - Cocktail time with a view - American Near Me - Two Harbors, California

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Came with the jetski2catalina crew. Paid to get lounge chair. Had to remind my server twice about my order. A burger. Never came after an hour. Canceled the order. Literally sitting here watching people who ordered after me get their food. Those are groups. I'm a party of one. What a disappointment. The server claims I never ordered. Sorry buddy I ordered twice. Thanks for comping my soda. read more

Harbor Reef Restaurant has a new, fabulous chef - Chef Joe. Arriving January 2022 - he has brought with him a passion that infuses his food with delicious flavor and his staff with excellent service. I highly recommend this spot for dinner every time you venture to Two Harbor!! Recommend calling ahead to verify their hours. read more

Second time with really bad service! First time we waited and hour no food. Had to leave people were holding there heads so sad waiting. This time we made a reservation when we got there they wouldn't set us made us sit in the bar with bar food no service. I'm not happier read more

They advertise a "Pail" of coconut shrimp for $15. When the order came out it was exactly 6 (SIX) shrimp. For $15. And not even served in the tiny "PAIL" that was advertised. The server was very kind and got the manager right away. The manager didn't fight it at all and they took it back off the order right away. I'm mad at the marketing but definitely not mad at the staff. They did a great job with the cards they've been felt. read more

Harbor Reef Restaurant - Coconut Shrimp "Paul" - American Near Me - Two Harbors, California

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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 of the fish. 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

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Unfortunately, I have to do an update. We recently had dinner and drinks with friends. The wife and I both had fish and chips, hers with sweet potato fries. Both our fries were old and chewy. The fish, although fresh, was really bland. We also had two buffalo milks. Nothing like we remembered them. It's with a sad heart that I'm changing my review to two stars, and that is only because the wait staff was nice. Will not go back until we see some really positive reviews. Great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nice outdoor bar when in season. read more

Friendly staff but working under duress of large crowds during paddleboard contest without adequate staff. long service and delivery wait times. Food attempts to be imaginative and well presented but not always successful tastewise. Found the blended salsa horrible. Nothing to rave about that we had. Great ambiance. Note the grocery store is excellent in selection and service. read more

Food was fine, setting was awesome - but Michaela was an incredible waitress. She answered all of our tourist questions with a smile even thought she was busy. She got us our food and drinks asap - thank you for a great experience! read more

Had just finished hiking the Trans Catalina Trail and wanted a hearty meal and went for a big meal, cod fish and chips, which was really good. Definitely not like most typical fish sticks, but big cod fillets. The next night I went again and asked if I could get something else with the fish besides chips, and the waitress offered vegetables and mashed potatoes, which I jumped at. I had actually spoken to the new head chef there, Joe, and was very impressed with his background in several large restaurants in Las Vegas. His background was quite impressive having opened some large restaurants in some big casinos. He had mentioned he wanted his cooks to be more flexible, and creative, when someone wanted a substitute on the menu. Well, when my meal came out, was I impressed! The fish was cooked in mojito lime style, with a huge mound of mash potatoes, and huge broccoli spears. It was absolutely delicious, mouthwatering, and one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Joe actually came out and asked me how I like it, which was an extra bonus for me having the chef come out to ask my opinion. Wow, if Catalina weren't so far for me, I'd come here more often just to eat here. You won't be disappointed, and don't forget to say hi to Joe. As I mentioned, he's the new chef and surely changed it to a great restaurant. read more

Harbor Reef Restaurant - Mojito Lime Cod - American Near Me - Two Harbors, California

Not thrilled with the new menu. We were just there in august of 2021 and really miss some of the older menu items like the calamari appetizer Would also be nice to have fresh island caught fish back on the menu. read more

If you are lucky enough to get Makayla (would have known how to spell her name if she wore a badge ) as a server, you are in for a great time, despite her deathly fear of Yelp reviews. Additionally, if her arch nemesis Tristen is there, the banter is nothing short of entertaining. Be sure to ask for the complimentary neck massage from Tristen, it comes included with your meal. Overall, Harbor Reef Restaurant is hands down the best fine dining establishment in Two Harbors...not that we had a choice! read more

I do not recommend this business for Thanksgiving dinner. We were told that for the price we paid, we would receive a whole turkey and all the fixings. Instead, we ended with a miserable plate dinner. To expensive and not what we paid for. 4 years ago, we had a great Thanksgiving there. So we invited 5 of our friends in hopes to have another great thanksgiving. But it wasn't! It was $50 for a plate of turkey roll,salad, pie, stuffing, and potatoes. the food was good, but very disappointing. what a ripoff! read more

I ate here a year ago and everything was amazing. I spent Friday & Saturday here and the drinks and bartender were so much fun. Food was definitely not so good though. I asked bartender what's going on, he said new Chef. Going back to LA for a real meal. read more

We absolutely love two harbors and the people who make it so special. The server, Ashley, was so nice and attentive; a truly remarkable shining example of customer service especially during the times of Covid. Super relaxing environment and the food is amazing. We were greeted by the restaurant manager, Igor, who is very nice and accommodating. I believe the company should demonstrate their appreciation for these two. I can't say enough good things about the staff here. Make sure you're on time for dinner as they wrap it up around 8. Best sleep I've had all year at the Banning lodge. Go to sleep early and wake up early. There's so much to appreciate about this little town. read more

Harbor Reef Restaurant - Swordfish entree with Ashley the awesome server. - American Near Me - Two Harbors, California

Javier has made our expierience so personable and incredible. What a special human harbor reef has. We look forward to seeing him next time we visit read more

I just got a burger after a backpacking trip but it was a pretty good burger. Not too expensive considering the real estate.

We have been coming here since 2009. The food used to be really good. Yesterday we had a $12 breakfast burrito but the tortilla was old and chewy. That evening we had $20 fish and chips but the fries were cold and chewy and the single piece of fish wS over fried. The Buffalo milk had been brought to our table so late after we ordered it that the whipped cream had melted. Also, it didn't taste like a Buffalo milk. I have made better. When prices have gone so high, quality should not be allowed to slip. The waiter was nice. read more

Great spot for good food. Menu is dtandard american fare. I would recommend the chicken tacos

Ok - I lied. We tried it again but this time for lunch. Sat outside on the patio and just ordered the hamburger and fries. They did it! They ruined what once was a safe staple of the island. Whatever that piece of meat was, it was not 100 percent beef. Our whole party commented on the odd taste and texture - sort of like those pre made burgers you could get at a 7-11. This time last year, I remember commenting about what a great burger Two Harbors had. No more. Oh - and prior to seating us, the male hostess handed his chemical laden rag to my husband and asked him to help clean the table so we could sit down. Who does that? Now the bartenders on the outside patio - someone needs to teach them how to make drinks and clean up the language. For those prices, the drinks should at least have the right ingredients. We opted for the back bar later where the drinks were much better. Move that guy out to the busy area - I think his name is Jake. One positive - they took that nasty hangar steak off the menu. Unfortunately, this time was it for us. Outrageous prices, poor-actually gross quality and poor service. I don't mind cooking on the boat, and actually enjoy it, but we also use to look forward to having meals at the restaurant and often planned our family Thanksgiving there. Sad to say, we'll be making different plans. Seriously though, this place needs new management. It is really that bad. read more

A hospitable staff, but the food is mediocre, lacks variety, and is truly overpriced. I knew to expect more expensive food on an island, but come on... the quality needs improvement! My friends food seemed rather bland and the fried calamari seemed soggy to me. My *Avocado Ahi Poke* was a whole $19 and included boxed ingredients. Wish there were more dressing or some type of sauce because the fish wasn't very fresh and was also somewhat chewy. I wish we knew to sit in the bar next door at Harbor Sands because we actually wanted more bar type of food, like wangz! We were upset when we smelled the strong scent of buffalo chicken wings wafting from the dish that was brought out from the same kitchen that made our food! Can't understand why they wouldn't offer that same menu at the restaurant/ table side! You really have no other choices in the small harbor town of Two Harbors though. On a positive note, the cookie with ice cream I ordered was rather delicious! Maybe it needed more cookie though and I wish the ice cream wasn't already melted on top. Either way, it was still good comfort food after 2 days of hiking on the TCT. read more

Harbor Reef Restaurant - Avocado Ahi Poke, $19 - American Near Me - Two Harbors, California

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I had heard that this restaurant was the only place in Two Harbors and that it used to be run with that attitude. i was pleasantly surprised. The food was excellent, I understand they have a new chef, Joe. Each night there was a new special, the pork chop was excellent. This is my new favorite place for a clam chowder bowl. read more

I recommend taking a peak at the food other customers ordered before ordering. The veggie burger and fries were good. The cesear salad was inedible. The rest of our food was somewhere inbetween. Our server was pleasent but disappeared for long stretches of time. read more

Delicious food, especially after a long hike. The buffalo milk cocktail was really fun, but the Catalina punch was really delicious. Swordfish sandwich tasted great, fantastic fish. Fried chicken banh mi was solid as well. Reasonable portions. Wait staff very knowledgable about the food and the drink options, including wines. No bad seats in the house, outdoor seating for covid. Bring a jacket in the evening. read more

Harbor Reef Restaurant - Buffalo milk, Catalina Punch - American Near Me - Two Harbors, California

Just had dinner here with my wife and a good friend, and the food was absolutely delicious. The ribeye was super tender, and the Poke bowl was amazing. Not sure about some of these bad reviews, but my experience here was great. Highly recommend. Antjuan was our server and he was on point. read more

This place is horrible. It has a weirdly outdated feel to it-- and not the cute kind you'll find in Avalon moreso the old relative you don't like feel. Furthermore, the food isn't good. The rolls were obviously warmed up King's Hawaiian, the Buffalo cauliflower was room-temperature, the fish for the fish n chips was way too salty, and the spaguetti was I swear to god the worst spaguetti I have ever tasted. Service was slow thanks to how understaffed it appears (I only saw like 1-2 waiters) and the only saving grace is the fries and the Oceanside view. read more

Two Harbors has changed...and not for the better. So many rules and way overpriced. $15 for a buffalo milk!? The Galley sells "refillable" sodas, then their machine breaks so the employee has to take your cups somewhere to the back. Today, the Galley unexpectedly closes but the bar wants to charge me for ice water. I know we are in a drought, but really?!! When I asked to speak to the manager, I was kept waiting 10 minutes. I miss the old "Two Harbors" read more

My family and I have been coming to the Reef Bar for 40 years. We were sad to see the Greek Salad go from the menu. With grilled shrimp, it was my grandmas absolute favorite. The menu isn't the same without it. Thank you for bringing back the yacht club sandwich, we missed that for a short while too. We hope to see the Greek salad back again soon as well. So many good memories in the back bar, with more to come with hopefully Greek salad with shrimp in our bellies. P.s. we also miss the huge chairs in the corner. It was the best part about celebrating a birthday at the isthmus read more

If upon hearing "Catalina," images of drunken college kids hopping from bar to bar enter your mind's eye... Then Avalon is your spot, and listen, Chester, Two Harbors probably ain't for you! Two Harbors is less a town and more an outpost; an eclectic array of outbuildings surrounding a central area of interlocking pavers featuring a bar, a dive shop, a small grocery, a welding/boat mechanic, and a relatively impressive pier on the near-waveless beach. Most roads are dirt, and your chances of seeing a drunken sorority girl in Avalon are about equal with your chances of seeing a bison on the hills surrounding Two Harbors. While the commercial Catalina boats from Long Beach provide limited service here, most visitors are private boaters or locals. All that to say, this small restaurant, with a patio deck, self-service soda fountain & condiment trays, and plastic lawn furniture seating and tables is a quaint, if not charming little place to grab a burger and fries. Sure, that burger may bear the "island markup" on the prices, but as dad says in Vegas, "we're not here for a haircut." Try the buffalo cheeseburger with fries, and get a packet of honey for your fries. The Reuben is good, and how can you go wrong with deep fried clam strips and tartar sauce (other than the eventuality of a massive coronary?) A few tips: 1. Keep an eye on your food-- there are some brave island Ravens and pigeons that will swipe your food if given half a chance. 2. No dogs allowed. 3. Summer music on the patio is fun. Winter/off-season is a ghost-town. read more

Such a cute place I highly recommend the food here and the atmosphere all the staff were great and food was on the table in a timely manner.

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

Buffalo milk? Sailors don't drink no buffalo milk -- give me the Captain and a splash of coke.......aye mate! As tempted as I am to write this entire review in pirate speak, I will refrain... Sailed from the LBC to the backside of the isthmus and walked to Harbor Reef Restaurant. Having kept it really simple on the boat for a few days, us sailors were itchin for some rum and meat. We pulled up to the bar -- one buffalo milk for the captain and and captain morgan and coke for the first mate. Buffalo milk -- as other yelpers have described -- must be the flagship drink here. I didn't see how it was prepared, but it's something like milk/ creme de cacao, vodka or rum, and topped w/ whipped cream. Pretty tasty, but this sailor will take the MAN's drink... Menu seemed fairly standard for bar food -- so we ordered up two burgers - the Kobe burger and the Buffalo burger. Food was good -- fairly standard -- 3.5 stars. Being Labor Day, the place was packed with folks. Apparently the locals come out at night and start dancing. We left before that happened, as we were anchored on a sketchy bit of the island and wanted to get back to our ship and our wenches.....LOL. All in all, a great stop over if you're at the isthmus in Catalina for libation and sustenance. read more

Drinking, dining or recovering from the previous night of too much of either, the Harbor Reef and attached West End Galley is perfect. Of course, you don't have much choice. It's the only game in Two Harbors. One restaurant/bar/snack bar and one general store. The bar at Harbor Reef has a huge outdoor deck where you can dance under the stars and try and figure out just what the heck's in a buffalo milk! It's milky, got kaluha and creme de cacao and whipped cream and who know what else, but it's yummy. As is the case everywhere in this tiny town, dress is casual. And by that I mean flip flops, boardshorts, bikinis and cover ups. The attached West End Galley is the isthmus' version of fast-casual dining, you order at the counter, take a seat on the patio overlooking the water and they bring your food out. I've nursed many a Catalina hangover with their Baja grilled breakfast burrito (without the sausage) -- a concoction of egg, potato and cheese, served with a side of refried beans. Add copious amounts of Tapatio -- and maybe a bloody mary from the Harbor Reef -- and you've got yourself the perfect island breakfast! read more

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Let's start with they say they're open but they are not! You call to leave a message for reservation nobody calls you back and it is not on their voicemail that the main restaurant closed. We received an email on Monday that they were open and call for reservations! We came over and planned to eat in the restaurant and the restaurant was closed they were serving lunch and dinner outside but every time we went to get a meal it was minimum two hour wait for the food once we got sat. Food came out cold every time. For a $30.00 plate the least they could do is cover food till they sat it on the table . For Breakfast you wait in a line in the other part that used to serve great breakfast and that too took 1hour to get cold breakfast on a paper plate. No bar to drink, no music, no people If you are coming over plan to do all food on your boat and your own entertainment. Covid or not, not the two harbors we are used to service is bad almost ruined the weekend read more

Located in Two Harbors, this gem is next to our campground. The kids loved getting treats here. We ate lunch and breakfast here. Loved the Sunday breakfast burrito bar! Beautiful grounds- sandy beach dining, snack bar style counter, or sit in lounge and listen to great music while sipping a cocktail and eating good food! read more

Harbor Reef Restaurant - Picture says it all! - American Near Me - Two Harbors, California

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Great buffalo milks and buffalo burgers! I've come her for years for the amazing buffalo milks. For the first time though, we sat down to eat. My husband and son loved their buffalo burgers but mine and my nephews pasta was stale or not cooked all the way. I've never sent any food back but had to this time feeling terrible about it. I wish the waitress would have asked me what was wrong with our pasta or suggested something else but she was just not interested. We will stick with the buffalo milks and burgers next time. read more

Waited 40 min for our food when only 2 other tables The waitress was nice enough. However I feel she could've checked back with us and perhaps offer up some free drinks due to the long wait. Other tables were served before us. This is outside beach food., nothing too complicated to make. Had the fish & chips which clearly doesn't take 40 min. When I asked the server why took so long he ignored me read more

Joseph is a wonderful server, super kind and responsive especially when we had a small issue with something on one of our plates. And Chef D'Alan has done a superb job with the Black Jack Bowl! No joke order it, it's impressive and unexpected from a restaurant on Two Harbors Catalina! read more