After visiting the Wriggly Memorial, we walked by here and split a brisket sandwich While small it was tasty The French fries were excellent I then went snorkeling at Lovers Cove and visited the casino before taking the Catalina flyer back to Newport Beach We saw tons of dolphins read more

Avalon Pop-Up Smokehouse Review (3.5) (Visit Date: February 7, 2025, 12:30 PM, Saturday) 1. What did you order? I've been burned by barbecue before, so I played it safe with ribs and potato salad. 2. How Were the Ribs? The smokiness was spot on, but they weren't as tender as they could be. The sauce was delicious but sparse. 3. Was the Potato Salad Any Good? It hovered between "good" and "meh." Nothing special, but not bad either. 4. Why Skip the Macaroni & cheese? It looked dry and seemed like Velveeta cheese and pasta--not my style. 5. Any Desserts Worth Trying? The Smoked Tallow Pecan Brownie was sold out, which means it's popular. The banana pudding had only four wafers per container, so I passed. 6. Any Issues with Service? No takeout covers or foil, which was frustrating since the ribs were meaty. Also, no basic condiments like salt and pepper--staff seemed confused when I asked. The owner checked in, though, which was nice. 7. Final Thoughts? Not wowed, but not disappointed. A solid spot, probably in my top three on Catalina Island--but ice cream still takes the crown! "Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments." ----Bethenny Frankel #avlaonsmokehouse #CatalinaIsland read more

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This past Tuesday, I ate at Avalon Smokehouse on Catalina. Usually, they're at the Beer Garden in downtown Avalon on weekends, but midweek they're located near Joe Machado Field, about a mile uphill. The food was fantastic--I ended up having both of my lunches there. The smoked brisket was incredibly moist and flavorful, and I honestly enjoyed having that lingering aroma in my mustache for a while after the meal. It was served on great bread with excellent fries, and their barbecue sauce on the side really enhanced the experience. On the first day, Ryan provided great customer service, and on the second day, I met the pitmaster and owner, Santiago. Their location near the field has picnic tables with umbrellas, bathroom facilities, and a lovely outdoor environment. If you're visiting Avalon on a cruise and want to get out of the crowded downtown, it's definitely worth the effort to walk up the hill. You can check their Instagram @avalon_smokehouse - for hours. Plus, you can continue on to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens nearby. It's a great spot to visit. read more

Avalon has a hidden treasure and I am not sure I should share because if over town ever finds this guy, Avalon would loose him for sure. We have tried everything he cooks and without exception, I haven't found anyone better.... I know because I smoke meat on my own but never have achieved the quality, the taste and the sauces that I find from Avalon Smokehouse. A meal from them would cost me twice as much if I tried to get that from an over town restaurant...... and he delivers! Wishing him success but not too much... I want to keep him where I can find him... in Avalon. Enjoy! read more

Fantastic food! We found this just walking by to the botanical garden, and the food is incredible. The brisket sandwich is amazing, very juicy, tender and great portion size. Loved the seasoned fries too. Also offer beer and wine. Awesome spot if you are craving brisket or chicken this way. Must stop by! read more

the BEST food we had on the island!!! in a sea full of generic tasting/mid food at restaurants, avalon smokehouse was soooooo good. the brisket was so tender! santiago was so nice! definitely recommend checking this place out over any of the other restaurants in downtown read more

We ordered food two days in a row, we had the empanadas and the breakfast burritos. One of the best breakfast burritos we have had. Can't wait for our next visit so we can try the bbq. read more

Don't sleep on this!! We were in town for a quick trip and ended up ordering every day! The delivery option is so convenient and so easy to order. We have great BBQ back home, but this did not disappoint! We tried the empanadas, which were awesome and then got the breakfast burritos the next day, which were AMAZING. I'm not sure if they only do burritos on Saturday, but it they have them they are a must!! Already looking forward to our next trip back to try everything else!! read more

Avalon smokehouse delivered an amazing spread for our large family dinner at our hotel in Catalina Avalon! The food was absolutely amazing. The beans, brisket and potato salad were a huge hit for my family. The delivery was right on time and booking was easy via email. We will absolutely order from Avalon smokehouse anytime we head to Catalina. read more

We live in a popular bbq area but visiting Avalon and getting to experience Avalon Smokehouse is ALWAYS a treat. They just do everything better. The most tender ribs you could ever have, as well as tasty! Now they sell their own rub too. Try it all; you can't go wrong, even the desserts. The hard work that goes into this operation is so impressive. It can't be easy but they do it with a smile and such a positive attitude. It's always fun to find out where they are going to pop up next. Don't miss out if you visit the island. Follow them on Instagram to find their current location. read more

Avalon Smokehouse - Pop up over Veterans Day weekend at Flx Biergarten. - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me - Avalon, California

Yo this is not cool. I understand tryna make a bag at catalina considering it's an island/touristy but cummon now. I paid 30.80 cents for this family "shareable" platter after a long day of walking. They made sure NOT to mention it feeds two kids not two adults. I dunno if they were tryna prank but 3 pickles and one bread?!?!?? how come my pineapple slaw got one pineapple and tastes like watery mayo. When we were about done with them anorexic ah ribs and chewy ah pulled pork, we found a hair in the slaw. slaw more like nah. I went up to the foo with the beard knowing it was him and demanded an answer. He gave me a refund of 30 dollars. Where is my 80 cents??? I hope he reads this and feels motivated to do better. read more

Avalon Smokehouse - Family Plate( FEEDS TWO?!?) - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me - Avalon, California

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We had a large group of friends and family visiting Avalon and ordered dinner from Avalon Smokehouse. So delicious! And excellent service! We will definitely be repeat customers. The brisket and chicken were cooked perfectly, Cole slaw was super fresh, beans were delicious. A+ from start to finish! read more

I have traveled across the country and been lucky enough to try some of the best BBQ this country has to offer. Avalon Smokehouse is up there with some of the best. They bring their own unique sauce with just enough kick to make you want more and know that you got more. The brisket was falling apart and so juicy, with great flavor not even needing the sauce. The pulled pork was simply amazing. I wish I plus tell you how the ribs were but my kids ate theirs and then mine before I could get to them. read more

Avalon Smokehouse - Menu of deliciousness - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me - Avalon, California

Brisket was delicious and they make my favorite baked beans. The BBQ Chicken was great, too!

Thank you Avalon Smokehouse for incredible food! I've tried many things and all have been so flavorful. I highly recommend their special pastrami sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, and of course their rib plate. I look forward to continuing to support. read more

We coordinated a large bbq at the park and Avalon Smokehouse catered the amazing food! We had beef brisket, chicken, coleslaw & beans. It was all sooooo good! Everyone loved it. Santiago was on time with hot, yummy food! We plan to do it again next year with our large group. We also love when they are down town with their pop ups. Always grab some good bbq! Delish! read more

Excellent BBQ on the island! Everything we had was good! The Dino Rib was delcious and easily shared. We were fighting over the bone! Their location at FLX is great to grab a beer next door and listen to music while you enjoy your BBQ. Looking forward to going back. read more

The best BBQ(along with so many other options), desserts, and service! They've got all the right flavors and never disappoints with the new things they come up with. Definitely one of my favorites in town! :) read more

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Pationate about what they do and the food and service shows. Excited to have island bbq

Bomb Wings!!Gotta try the Honey Money Flavor!! The Short ribs have a good sauce and cook to it!

Honestly the best pulled pork I have ever had, and we have championship bbq places back home that I would have said were the best before this. The smoke flavor is pronounced and you can tell how much pride went in to making their own rubs and sauces. If you get the opportunity you absolutely will not regret eating here. So much better than many of the tourist traps on the island with their bland food. read more