The Sand Trap

Most Recently: May 30, 2026 | Maggie's Blue Rose has excellent customer service, tasty bites and…read morestrong drinks! Shrimp Enchilada & Mango Salad | Discovered this dish at Taste Around Avalon & it was quite a memorable combo! There was flavor upon flavor in every bite! I highly recommend! Chips & Salsa | Delicious!! Love the salsa and the crisp tortilla chips! Guava Margaritas | I first tried the guava margaritas at Taste Around Avalon, which made quite an impression! Most recently, while taking a break from shopping, one of my friends and I stopped to have a quick drink on a very hot day! We had no idea the glasses would be so huge! Lol! The drink was also strong this time! I'm a lightweight, so I enjoyed a few sips, but definitely couldn't finish all of it, not even half of it! If you like large flavorful drinks, this is the place! Customer Service | Wildly friendly, and accommodating! Once, when several friends surprised me on the island at once, we all dined here! It was our last meal before catching our ferry, so we had very little time! Maggie's Blue Rose was kind enough to accommodate us, a total of about 10, as well as get our meals to us quickly, including excellent customer service! #grateful We had a variety of food! Overall | I'm looking forward to exploring more of the menu, as well as updating my review one day!

We wanted Mexican food as soon as we got off the ferry, and Maggie's looked like one of the better…read moreoptions. First, it was SO hot inside the restaurant. If you decide to eat here, definitely sit outside. Our server was also sweating so much that I was worried sweat was going to drip into our food. I ordered a piña colada, which was okay, and the Lazy Green Enchiladas. Unfortunately, "lazy" was pretty accurate. The enchiladas and beans had basically no flavor at all. The green sauce tasted like jarred salsa, and the chicken was plain, bland boiled chicken. My husband got the fish tacos, he said they were okay. Overall, this was a disappointing first meal on the island. I wouldn't eat here again and unfortunately wouldn't recommend it. Oh, if you want Mexican, the sunset bar and grill was good!! And great service!

Bar Area - No "Auto-Gratuity" signage

Nachos with steak

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Mi Casita

2.8(697 reviews)

We landed in Avalon and were super hungry, this restaurant is just around the corner and can be…read morefound easily. The ambiance is super cute and the decor as well. They have yummy cocktails and would highly recommend the pina colada. We ordered guacamole, burritos and fajitas, the food was fresh, made to order and tasted excellent. We really enjoyed the service and the warm corn tortillas. The rice had a nice flavor too. Overall loved this restaurant and the views too!

My first stop upon arriving on Santa Catalina Island was this Mi Casita. I ordered a pineapple…read moremargarita, pina colada, and chicken fajitas. Everything tasted fresh and the service was prompt, but be aware that the prices are on the higher side, which seems to be the norm on the island. Overall, a delicious and satisfying meal.

Interior

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Coyote Joe's

2.8(649 reviews)

Most Recently: May 30, 2026 | Coyote Joe's is an amazing Mexican restaurant with a variety of…read moreoptions on the menu! It's also a wonderful place to go if you want a late night bite, as it's open late until 2 AM! Fish & Chips | Delicious & flavorful alongside tartar sauce, & filling! Under From the Sea is where you will find this dish! Salmon Plate | Yes, please! Generous portion of salmon! It's a tasty dish, alongside flavorful rice and beans! Chips & Salsa | I really enjoyed the crispy tortillas and flavorful salsa! Chocolate Cake | Decadent! I did share with friends, as to the rest, I enjoyed every chocolatey bite! Haha! Decor | Festive & fun! A coyote sits on top of the frame of the restaurant and a vibrant Marigold entrance welcomes you at the door! Restaurant is very colorful, rich colors all around, as well as photos and artwork! I was also here when it was decorated for the holidays in October of 2025! Seating indoor as well as on the outdoor huge patio! I've enjoyed both! Customer Service | Wildly friendly! Hi, Nancy! I know Nancy from around the island, at another location! As soon as we spotted each other inside of the restaurant, we screamed, but not loud (hahaha!) and hugged each other! I had no idea that she worked here! Always fun to see a friendly face! Late Night Bite | Open late night until 2AM! Many of the restaurants on the island closed before 10 and sometimes before 9 AM! Overall | Yes, Please! An array of flavorful dishes, festive atmosphere, and friendly customer service... Let's go!

Beer was warm and flat. Margarita was weak…read more We finally got our food at least 1/2 hour after serving. My husband's food was barely warm. Mine was hot but it was terrible. I took five bites and I was done. Do not EVER eat here.

Decor during October!

Special burrito they are known for. Shredded beef for Jake. Superb! Size for three people!

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Happy hour Paloma

Sunset Bar & Grill

4.6(45 reviews)

0.2 mi

Loved this place!! I have came here twice and both times the service was excellent…read more Place is clean and the vibe is very chill. Food is great!! I really enjoy it here and hope to come again my next time in Avalon.

Went to Sunset Bar and Grill for lunch. Got chilaquiles (hint spicy) but sooo good! Even the beans…read morewere good! The service was amazing! Would eat here again and recommend it! The restaurant is located inside the Canyon Inn (could be wrong)

Interior

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Michelada

The Lobster Trap

3.8(2.6k reviews)

Our first stop upon landing on Catalina! He started off…read morewith the oysters, which were delectable and Monkey Balls-very unusual, but quite tasty! I had to get the lobster roll, which was actually very yummy! The tacos were just OK. Service was really quick and fast and friendly, and it was very busy atmosphere since the weekend was just beginning! Definitely try the lobster roll... Quite yummy!

Arrived during the rush and it was very hectic. The staff seemed super busy and a little…read moreoverwhelmed. The food tasted good, although the French dip was soggy within 5-10 minutes of receiving it. Ended up not getting charged for our sodas, which bumped the rating up to a 4 stars at the last second. Would recommend, especially during quieter hours.

French toast

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Oysters Rockafeller $26

Pete's Plaza Cafe

3.3(265 reviews)

0.2 mi

•$

outdoor spot with a tent covering with cheap $1.50 chicken tacos at happy hour, great deal!read more

This is a nice place to just sit outside and enjoy a beer during happy hour. There's no building…read morereally to speak of. Just a large outdoor kitchen with a covered patio. They also have tacos which looked good from where I was sitting.

Menu board

Asada nachos

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Dining Area

Buffalo Nickel

3.8(347 reviews)

1.1 mi

We always go to the Buffalo Nickle when we come to Catalina Island…read more They Always remember us and treat us like family. The food is always 5 star

Had a great time at Buffalo Nickel! My 9 year old son and I rented a golf cart and drove to that…read morequiet part of the island to explore and we randomly came across the restaurant. We sat outside on the patio and I had a prickly pear margarita which I LOVED and a delicious enchilada combo. My son had a burrito. It's a very cool spot off the beaten path if you want to escape the tourist spots. Definitely worth checking out!

Buffalo Decor

Ceviche with spicy cucumbers

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Helipad views

Bluewater Avalon

3.9(2.7k reviews)

•$$$

We had a server named John we told him our ferry was leaving soon and made sure he got us what we…read morewanted in time! Shoutout John :)

I've been to the Carlsbad location of Bluewater and decided to eat at their Avalon location during…read morea recent trip to Catalina. It's located right on the water and in the center of all the activity Catalina has to offer. I like Bluewater because it's a safe option for larger groups and has enough variety that everyone can find something to eat. There were a few of us so we ordered beer, virgin coladas, regular coladas, calamari, fish tacos, fish and chips, a Caesar salad, and of course had several servings of their delicious sourdough bread with whipped butter. We were seated right up front on the water and under umbrellas so we didn't burn in the sun. The food came out at a nice pace with our favorite being the calamari. I enjoyed the mix of peppers and calamari. The fish and chips were good, though one of the pieces seemed a little rubbery and I thought it might've been the way it was cut before fried. We hung out for a couple of hours since it wasn't overly busy, were taken well care of by the staff onsite, and enjoyed the views and our meal.

Picturesque views of the Casino!

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Crab Cake perfection!

El Galleon

this place is located right in front of the beach, honestly…read morewas very unassuming and didn't think too much about going in, but glad I did. pretty good crowd in there for Thursday night dinner. tons of fun, decor, and TVs were playing the dodger game so it was set up pretty well. One of my favorite meals on the trip to Catalina was the Caesar salad. I had here with the added shrimp. The shrimp is delicious and pea so well with the salad. I honestly have craved this salad once or twice already since leaving. Also had a great pesto type pasta, and a special shout out to their scallop potato that came with the lamb chop. Overall, food came out quickly, and the staff was very friendly - recommend for a casual dinner when you are on the island. Note that they only do bottled water.

Amazing just delicious food!…read more You will not regret ordering the Prime Rib. I feel like that was the best dish and my fiancé got the steak and lobster. I also got the calamari super super delicious. I feel like this was actually my favorite spot eating in Avalon Catalina. The bartender was very sweet and friendly telling us all about the good places and secrets about Avalon. I had a glass of wine very well priced and very delicious. The bartender let me try it before I ordered so that was very kind of him.

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M Restaurant

4.1(448 reviews)

•$$$

Great little place, right on the water with great views. Basically a breakfast and lunch place…read more Good service, large portions, good presentation, tasty food. Top marks!

This was the last restaurant we ate at during our stay in Catalina to celebrate my birthday…read more Beautiful view if you're seated by the window overlooking the Marina. The clam chowder was pretty good as well as the French Onion soup Garlic Cheese Bread was just as expected, as well as the lobster tail. The Penne Primavera was good for a very basic dish. Service was top-notch.

Inside seating

Fried ravioli with a view.

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04.30.23 orange juice

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18 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Fernando R.

416

2 years ago

I had a fantastic dining experience at sand trap and couldn't be more pleased with the service! From the moment we walked in, the staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home. We decided to try the Chile Verde Burrito, and it definitely didn't disappoint. The asada was tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of heat from the salsa verde. The burrito was stuffed with hearty fillings, all wrapped up in a soft, perfectly grilled tortilla--definitely a standout. To pair with it, we went for their happy hour margaritas, and wow, they were refreshing and just the right balance of tart and sweet. Served with a salted rim, they were the perfect complement to the rich, savory burrito. Overall, the food was delicious, and the attentive service made the experience even better. I'll definitely be coming back for more! read more

Mikey P.

2 years ago

There's this one spot on Catalina Island that holds my heart--it's the only reason I even come to the island. The street tacos there? They're unreal. Bursting with flavor, fresh, and authentic. And don't even get me started on the margaritas. They aren't just drinks; they're an experience, the perfect mix of refreshing and bold, capturing the spirit of Catalina in every sip. To me, these tacos and margaritas are more than just food--they're the cornerstone of the island's identity. Without this place, Catalina just wouldn't be the same. It's as if the essence of the island is wrapped up in that one spot. Without it, the charm, the vibe, the soul of Catalina would be missing. Every trip I make here is for this one spot. It's my slice of paradise. read more

Todd M.

539

5 years ago

Found this gem while driving around trying to waste time before checking in to our AirBnB. Being Mexican, I told my wife, "They're flying a Mexican flag, this is a very good sign." Boy was I right. We came back the next day (today) for breakfast after exploring the botanical gardens just up the road, I had chilaquiles and my wife had the bacon avocado cheddar omelet. Both were the best we ever had. We are both on pins and needles waiting to go back tonight for happy hour ($2 tacos and $19 margarita pitchers, among other specials). The outdoor seating is spacious and well-covered, and the atmosphere is exactly what you'd expect on the island - laid back and care free. Full bar for anything you might need. read more

Emily C.

10 years ago

What a waste of time. If you're like most people that come for the day, don't waste your time getting here. It's a bit of a walk but totally not worth it. When we got there, nobody greeted us even after making eye contact. We waited about ten minutes then got up to go seek help. We go order and they tell us that not all tacos are $1 for happy hour. So if you come here for $1 tacos then know that it does not include the asada tacos. The asada tacos are $3! They deceive you to try and get you to walk there. And once you're there you have to decide if you want to walk back on an empty stomach. We did... read more

Michael M.

2 years ago

No way I'm going to leave my bike outside and have it stolen or messed up by some island drug addict. There was plenty of room for my bike in the back. The area I was going to put my bike was barricaded off with no signs indicating a large group would be there. read more

Tricia M.

9 years ago

Fun place for happy hour. Indoor/outdoor seating, $1 tacos for happy hour, I'd recommend chorizo. Nice view of the golf course. SInce it is only a 10 minute walk to town, the $2 draft beer went down very nicely without having to worry about driving. read more

Cierra R.

10 years ago

Cute little place with a nice view of the golf course and mountains. The breakfast burritos are very delicious. Great prices on drinks and shots! Especially compared to other bars on the island. read more

Foodie P.

135

4 years ago

So so food, nice place to sit.. food is really mediocre, but is in Catalina, not many choices

Joshua C.

2 years ago

Looking for a good spot for happy hour on Catalina,, I would recommend trying this spot.

Theodore G.

14 years ago

I give this one 3 1/2 stars only ate a taco and it wasn't bad. I would go again

Brian G.

14 years ago

Horribly slow. Embarrassingly slow. Don't come here. Not worth the slow.

William F.

12 years ago

This is a great funky place off the beaten path in Avalon.

Catherine S.

13 years ago

Breakfast: Get a hole in one. Best breakfast ever.

Kenny C.

14 years ago

Typical Mexican food. Not great and not horrible.

Devo S.

Elite 19

963

1018

3550

15 years ago

$1 tacos and kickin' margaritas...'nuff said!

Lana M.

11 years ago

Good food for the price! Local fave

Andrew T.

14 years ago

best place ever!! d:

Fanny C.

11 years ago

Great hsppy hour

The Sand Trap - mexican - Updated September 2026

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Great customer service ! Great food! Delicious and came out hot! Best place that we have ate on the…read moreisland !

Stopped in hungry right off the ferry and ended up pleasantly surprised by the food…read more The good Hot chips + really good guac, though a few stale chips snuck into the basket. We split the double smash burger with cheese + BBQ sauce, and they kindly plated each half separately. Fries were the standout: hot, crispy, and extra crunchy outside. The rest Fun, casual atmosphere with sunny sidewalk seating, ocean views, and plenty happening along the waterfront. Service was friendly but surprisingly slow for only a few tables. The upstairs bathrooms were also pretty rough compared with the much nicer restaurant below. Wouldn't call it a must, but I'd happily eat those fries again.

Pier 24

3.7

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We had such a great experience, and a huge part of that was thanks to our server, Avaree! She was…read moreincredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming. Since we're visiting from out of town, she went above and beyond by giving us so many great recommendations for places to visit and things to do while we're here. Her service was outstanding, and she's easily one of the best servers I've had in a long time. Thank you, Avaree!!

Most Recently: May 30, 2026 | Pier 24 is one of my favorite restaurants on Catalina Island!…read moreFlavorful food, tasty drinks, excellent customer service, and an incredible view... It's always a vibe whenever I dine here! Plus, the menu has quite the variety, a little something for everyone!! Fish Tacos | Incredible! Each tasty bite is just full of flavor! Seasoned well, saucy & hearty! A combo of pico de gallo coleslaw, generous bites of fish, on a chili oil dipped tortilla... Yes, please! You get two tacos, which are spilling over with pieces of fish! I can hardly even eat both of them; perhaps, easily shareable! Also, you get warm tortillas and salsa! Beet Salad | One of my absolute favorites on the menu! The salad is large, bright, light and refreshing! It just tastes healthy in the best way! Lol! Also, I love beets! I've specifically come to this restaurant over and over for the beet salad and sometimes with salmon on the side, if I'm super hungry!! The salad is seasonal; not always on the menu! Pomodoro Pizza | Yum! Easily shareable, flavorful, especially with heirloom tomatoes, basil, mozzarella & garlic! Absolutely delicious! Onion Rings | Thick & flavorful! I highly recommend! They also arrive with two sauces! Drinks | Refreshing non-alcoholic drinks here are yummy! I also love the red wine selection! View/Scenery | Gorgeous views, whether you sit outside on the patio, outside over the water or inside! I've dined over the water several times with friends & solo! I've also enjoyed dining on the outside patio! I love it all! The views are just gorgeous of the boats, the island... beautiful! Taste Around Avalon | I was excited once I saw Pier 24 listed on the menu! The tacos and drink were once again delicious! They set up was really pretty as well, including lively music! Customer Service | Top of the line, super friendly, and I've seen several of the servers around the island! Hi, Cienna, Lana, Marcus & Valeria! They're all so nice! The manager is incredibly nice as well & it's always fun chatting with him as well! Overall | Yes, Please! I highly recommend Pier 24, it's one of my favorites! Simply thinking of the fish tacos and beet salad makes me want a bite! Let's go!

Airport In The Sky Restaurant

4.0

(80 reviews)

We were on our Day 1 hike around Catalina and Airport Restaurant was one of our stops. We got there…read morearound 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.

We took off for the Catalina Airport In The Sky to get out of a very crowded Avalon as a 4000 plus…read morepassenger 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.

Bluewater Avalon

3.9

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•$$$

We had a server named John we told him our ferry was leaving soon and made sure he got us what we…read morewanted in time! Shoutout John :)

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