Fun! Fun! Fun! On our last night on the island, we HAD to get drinks from Luau Larry's! We already had dinner, so we weren't interested in the food. When we looked in, it was booming with positive energy! There was live music with a guy playing an electric guitar. It was loud, but not loud enough to turn us away. We took a seat at the bar so we could see the bartender in action. It was exciting to watch him mix a variety of concoctions. We HAD to order the famous Wicki Wacker so we could wear the silly straw hats! You can get a sticker instead, but that's boring! Take note: YOU MUST CHOOSE THE STRAW HAT! It's a MUST-DO when you're in Avalon. The Wicki Wacker was delicious and fruity! It has pineapple and orange juice that make it sweet! We also had the Buffalo Milk - very yummy! It has Kahlua, milk, and bananas. I'm sure it had a lot of other things, and it was like a dessert! My man and I enjoyed our visit here on the island, and especially at Luau Larry's! read more

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We heard so many good things about Larry's so we wanted to check it out. We wanted to try the coconut shrimp. At least THAT was good. Even the ambience for a weekday was good. What ruined everything for our first experience was the very unprofessional service! Our server "Jose" (that's what he said his name was) was not very attentive. We ordered 2 entrees and only got one. When I asked for a 2nd slice of lemon he brought it out WITH HIS HANDS!! He kept going outside probably out of boredom from all his yawning. Then he was congregating with a couple other servers and didn't have time to notice us flagging him down for our bill. As the customer we shouldn't have to ask for a bag for our leftover container! Gonna be a while before we go back unless we see him then we'll keep walking! read more

We were super excited to try Luau Larry's because of its rave reviews and the straw hat but tbh it was nothing special imo. We came here during the off season/feb which was great. Theres not a lot of people, etc. The restaurant is pretty small and service is good. But the food is pretty average. The stand outs were the fried scallops and coconut shrimp. But the portions are small for the price you're paying. The clam chowder was a little under seasoned and thick. The drinks were rather in the strong - not enjoyable side. Good to experience, but I wouldn't return. read more

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Luau Larry's is such a fun and upbeat spot on Catalina Island! The service was amazing, and the lively atmosphere made it a great place to kick back and enjoy the evening. We had a few drinks--while I wouldn't recommend the Gorilla Milk, the Mexican Candy Drink was hands down the best drink I've ever had in my life! The live entertainment really added to the vibe, and the staff made the experience even better. Definitely recommending this place to friends, and we'll absolutely be coming back! read more

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To quote a Harry Potter expression: Exceeded Expectations! We were debating between here and Buffalo Nickel and decided to come here since it is closer and has more variety on their menu. We had to wait about 5 minutes to get a table at around 7 pm, which is not bad at all. The ambiance is an indoor tiki bar, with shack-like straw decor, some booths and some tables. I liked it! The menu is a mix of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and salads, with a long list of their signature cocktails. We ordered the clam chowder, the crab cakes, the sausage pizza and the Estrella (a pilsner) and a Spicy Mexican Lollipop to drink. If you order their Wiki Whacker, you get a straw hat or a sticker, which is a cool incentive to order this fairly deadly looking drink by my standards! The clam chowder was excellent! It was thick, not very salty and full of clams, which didn't seem to come out of a can, likely we see with typical clam chowders. The only negative was the potatoes, which could've done with 1 more minute of boiling. This is definitely one of the top clam chowders I have had on the West Coast. The sausage pizza was delicious - cheesy, good bread crust (not too thick, not too thin, not too crunchy, not too gooey), and absolutely delicious sausage pieces. The menu said it is a management favorite and I see why! We got the 9 inch size and we still had 2 pieces left between the two of us. The crab cakes came last on our list and are a reason for giving this place 4 stars instead of 4.5 stars. There was too much breading and the crab meat itself needs more seasoning and a nice spice mix. The coleslaw, the tartar sauce and the oyster sauce accompanying the crab cakes were all great! The drinks were excellent too. I definitely recommend getting the Spicy Mexican Lollipop - it is a primary mango flavored drink with spicy Tabasco and tahini mixed in. It tastes like a mangonada but so much better. The Pilsner was great too. Given its location on the main boardwalk, we expected the pricing to be higher, but it was actually quite reasonable. Service was good and we had fun. We definitely recommend coming here for an evening of food and drinks if in Catalina! read more

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From the outside, Luau Larry's looks like it has a fun tiki bar vibe. We stopped by and had the sausage pizza. I wondered if it was a a frozen pizza that they heated up. My impression was that the place was more of a drinking establishment and the food was an afterthought. Like other reviewers, I noticed that there were a lot of items on the menu that didn't have prices and the server acted annoyed when I asked questions. Service was slow. read more

Luau Larry's - New American Near Me - Avalon, California

Ozzy was so friendly and made the best drinks! We loved our chicken burger with bbq and pineapple and tuna salad was bomb.com. Definitely coming back! read more

Ramon was a solid help here and delivered on our drinks through a fast food aced order. Solid food. Solid drinks. The man delivered on a great customer experience As far as the establishment, great music, great vibe and really established a great customer experience with the drinks and food. Stop by here and drop some money as they have a great staff. read more

Stopped here for one drink each. I can appreciate the place for what it is, but I just don't think it's my kind of vibe anymore. Super loud and hectic. Place is small and was packed full of drunk people. The drinks were very sweet and that's just not to my liking anymore. The flavor was as expected for tiki style drinks. This place is definitely for the younger crowd. Service was fine, we were helped right away, but we didn't stay long at all. read more

When i first ate here, it was right after covid, there were limited supplies, different rules to figure out, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt. That was about 4 years ago when I had their bison burger that tasted like a bison that had been grazing on trash. But again, it was as different world. And as enamored as I am with the idea of a burger named "haole," as a haole from Maui, i figure i can properly address my latest visit to this quaint spot. My wife and I went in to grab a beer and some chicken wings. Mind you, the menu spespecifically says "CHICKEN WINGS!!" When I ordered i asked the waitress if I could get more flats if possible (I'll explain what flats are later). She said she would try to make sure we got mostly flats. Now, on a different note, ya know when you order chicken wings? Yall Haoles generally expect to get a dozen. Unless you order a half dozen. Wellll...we got 10. Ok, not a huge deal, just kind of random...but they were NINE drum sticks and ONE!! ONE FLAT!! To those who like drumsticks and don't realize that chickens only have two wings and drumsticks are just a corporate way to sell chicken wings to people at a cheaper price despite the fact that drumsticks are LEGS!! Flats are the actual wings. They cost more than drumsticks...which i am willing to pay for. Orrrrr at least just say, nah we can't give you more flats. That still should mean that out of 10 "wings" 5 should be flats. We got one flat hidden underneath 9 drumsticks (again, preference aside, drumsticks are not wings they are an industry gimmick to sell sh!tty meat). This is what I would call a "spite flat." I have never gotten less than half flats in any order at anywhere when ordering wings...in particular when I asked specifically for more flats. When the waitress came back she was clearly already prepping for the conversation and told us that the "cooks" don't ever pick apart which they give out...OK...well that is nonsense having experience in the service industry, and leaving just ONE flat was a blatant "get lost haole" type of move. She offered to give us a new order...of apparently all drumsticks againpror take it off our bill, which she already knew we would choose. I give it one star because yelp won't let me give less, and honestly, the taste of the ONE FLAT, was pretty damn good. But I will stress this; a place that will "spite feed" you, will also do other things to their food. You wanna feel like a "haole" on Maui...or even a "barney?" Then try this place out. But seriously, they need to learn the damn anatomy of a chicken. 4 drumsticks equals 2 chickens. Chickens don't have 4 wings or 4 legs. And don't tell me the cooks don't pick them out...if you had that conversation with them...they probably could've picked them out...and they probably did...and picked out all but ONE. Lucky Larry's has a great spot on the strip. read more

Was looking for a lively spot while in Catalina and couldn't ignore the lively atmosphere of Luau Larry's. There was live music when we joined and that was really fun to experience, but incredibly loud since we were at one of the closest tables. We were seated immediately in a corner of the restaurant, and ordered the clam chowder and a dirty martini. The drink and soup did not take long to drop off, which was nice, and they both tasted great! The service was the one thing lacking. Our server did not check on us after the food and drinks were dropped off. We were interested in getting some hot sauce and ordering another drink, but we just decided to leave for somewhere else once we had to go get the server. Overall a fun spot but lacking in attentive service! read more

Luau Larry's - Clam chowder - New American Near Me - Avalon, California

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We had a fantastic time, we had appetizers and a couple of libations, the weight staff was remarkable, this is a great little place to get a few snacks and some cocktails, cheers read more

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Oysters gave me food poisoning. Was throwing up all night. Not fresh at all stay away from the oysters. read more

Luau Larry's - New American Near Me - Avalon, California

MICHELADAS ARE FIRE This is the spot for a hangover recovery Micheleada. The type that will recover you from 0 to 100 real quick.

First time at Catalina Island came with friends boyfriend surprise me first time at Catalina Island. A little chilly rather than that, the weather was beautiful. We came to get dreams and visited. A couple of friends started at luau Larry. Had lunch there pizza was amazing and we ordered a platter. The workers are amazing. Let me tell you about the Mexican lollipop shots were amazing. Good service definitely will be back. read more

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Service was good Sausage pizza was good size with plenty of cheese but the ahi tuna salad I wouldn't get again as a salad. The tuna was great but the greens were a disappointment for over $23 read more

Luau Larry's - Menu - New American Near Me - Avalon, California

Every restaurant I went to on Avalon, I ordered the Buffalo Milk to disprove that Luau Larry's Buffalo Milk was the "best" on the island... I could not. Luau Larry's set the bar too high for Buffalo Milk and from now on I cannot enjoy it from any other place. Additionally, we had a great time with the wiki whacker drink and the hat that comes with it. Brings tiki to a whole new level. Most cliche but also most fun bar/grille on the island. read more

My wife and I stopped by Luau Larry's as part of her surprise Catalina vacation. After finishing dinner at Bluewater Grill, we decided to do a little bar crawl, and Luau Larry's was our first stop. The place definitely has a fun vibe. There's a super cool table in the back that's shaped like a cave, and that alone made it worth checking out--we chose that table right away. The ambience is great and exactly what you'd expect from a laid-back island bar. We only came for drinks, so I can't speak on the food. We ordered two drinks: a strawberry margarita and a bong water shooter. Unfortunately, both were pretty bad. The drinks were way too sweet, and whatever they use in the margarita ended up giving both of us stomach aches, which obviously cut our visit short. The service was okay--our waiter was decent and we had no issues there. Overall, it's a cool spot with great atmosphere, and maybe the food is better than the drinks, but based on our experience, the cocktails were not it. Because of that, we finished our drinks and moved on to the next stop. read more

Server was surprisingly disrespectful and unaccommodating today. It was especially disappointing considering it was a birthday lunch.

Fun environment fun staff and food was great nothing fancy or special but just great meals with a view of the water! Definitely would go back! read more

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Cool vibe. Always loved the Hawaiian theme. The buffalo milk is an interesting drink, with vodka, not too bad. The spice sprinkled on top smelled like the five spice seasoning, maybe an acquired taste for some people. For food we ordered a clam chowder and seared ahi tuna. They taste good but I won't say they're the best. And the seared ahi seems like a small portion for $22 as an appetizer. They looked bigger in the older photos on Yelp. The clam chowder has the typical taste you'd expect, but mostly just potatoes. Lastly the service was ok. First time to this island I didn't know restaurants don't usually offer free tap water. They only have bottled water for $2. And we weren't informed beforehand. Until I verified with them, they didn't tell me. read more

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Ahí Poke was absolutely atrocious. It contains little vegetable and the rice was hot. Who eats hot rice with cold fish? Then the hot rice made the raw tuna warm. Absolutely awful. Then, they put fried thing around the rice like it would mask the horrible flavor. The tuna was also "marinated" with horrible seaweed. Taste bitter like soap. 0/10 read more

The food & drinks were meh. We ordered nachos & Paloma's to drink. However, the ambiance was great! Went on a Saturday & they had live blues music. The crowds were fun & it was loud in there. I heard you can get a straw hat there but didn't know until I left. I would definitely recommend! read more

Luau Larry's - New American Near Me - Avalon, California

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When in Avalon this is a must stop!!! I always get the tasty Buffalo Milk. There are other great topical drinks there too. read more

Love this place. Omar Jonny& gonul are the bestt always come back for them!! definitely the best place on the island I've visited for a fun time! Super friendly and great hospitality from all of the workers Def get the wiki wacker on the menu for a fun experience ! read more

Luau Larry's undoubtedly has a great, divey vibe! My husband and I came here during the day in off season so it was completely empty inside but I'd imagine that during busy season, this place is popping! The drinks are very sugary and strong, which is what you'd expect from a tiki bar but if you're ok with that, this is a great spot! read more

These oysters was were the best on the island I don't drink but the Mocktail Pina Colada option was on point. The bartender was a very friendly person I can't remember his number but I owe him one for a great experience read more

Prices were pretty up there but their drinks are so so good. I loved the Yonis Colada and the spicy Mexican lollipop! Phew just two of those and you're done! I loved how tasty the drinks were. Again price was up there but it's a fun spot to visit especially if you get the wiki Wacker and get the funky hat that comes with it! All our servers were wonderful and the bartenders know how to make those drinks! I loved it here and will definitely always pay a visit when I'm back in Avalon read more

Fun vibe, good music. The food was pretty decent for the type of spot. The curly fries were a nice touch. The drinks are fun. Service was okay. read more

We had a little time before catching the ferry back to home port so we decided to stop by Luau Larry's. The atmosphere is fun and the service was quick. The bartender welcomed us in and said to sit anywhere we would like. We sat in a booth with a view of the water and some people watching. We aren't really into the sweet sugary drinks so we ordered a beer and I wanted to try their swordfish taco. The beer was cold and the swordfish taco was really good !! Great for a light snack! My overall rating is a 3 1/2 but based on the fun tiki bar atmosphere and good service I upgraded it to a 4. Fun place to stop for a cold drink. read more

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The staff were friendly and attentive. The service was quick, and the drinks were okay. read more

Luau Larry's - New American Near Me - Avalon, California

I like tiki bars. This is Avalon's only tiki bar. Right there, I'm giving it 5/5 and don't think I need to offer any further explanation. Also, there were dozens of different kinds of fruity booze drinks. There's a cool little alcove room in the back that I love to sit in every time I come here. It's fun to sit in there, but the downside is later that night my hotel room is almost always on the opposite side of that common wall so.... It's more fun to be the drunk guest than to listen to them. The drinks were good, the food was surprisingly good too, and the staff are friendly. Also, booze. There was booze. I'm not clear if I've made that point or not yet. Lots of fancy drinks with tropical flavors and then my tongue goes numb. I woke up in the Pavilion's court yard. A deer was standing over me. Don't judge me. read more

We had our Wicki Wacked! That should tell you everything. It was a great time. We didn't try the food but the drinks were good. We tried the buffalo milk. The service was cool. The ambiance was definitely good vibes read more

Luau Larry's has been a popular open store-front where the "bar meets the beach" for decades. You can find them, just south of the Green Pier, and where there is a group of happy islanders on the boardwalk talking with restaurant guests through the open windows - it's an incredibly friendly place. They are known for their Wiki Wacker drink and their famous Wiki Wacker straw hats. This is a very small bar with 3 bar seats facing the window, an open door, and a booth facing another open window. We go for their window seating - best on the island, see my pic. We are traditional drinkers, and the drinks have always been just right for us. As we stroll the boardwalk, when their window seats open up, we'll take them. The vibe, the people watching, and the new friends that are made here can't be beat. read more

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If you want a fun touristy place, Luau Larry's is for you. There are murals of tropical birds drinking. There is lots of frozen tropical style drinks. The one that's infamous is the Wiki Wacker which has run, brandy, OJ, pineapple juice and grenadine. If you order it you get a free thatched hat or bumper sticker. I got a gummy bear cocktail which was slightly sour and tasty. Either drink will put you back about $14-16. The fried clam strips were tasty and fairly generous for $15. Service is friendly and I'm sure you'll meet some other friendly tourists which is nice. read more

Luau Larry's - Clam strips - New American Near Me - Avalon, California

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Great food, drinks and ambiance. It was great to listen to live music while we dined. The service was excellent!

Horrible Server. The server, Yadira, didn't know her menu. We were asking about the mock tail menu, and told us a drink was 4.50. However, when it came to paying the bill the price was double! So, we pointed attention to this with our server, she said at the beginning "I THINK it was 4.50". She then didn't take any accountability and refused for us to talk a manager. She gave the excuse "that nothings free". Since the beginning of the evening, it was clear she did not know the prices of the drinks (even though there are no prices listed so servers should be well aware). She lacks empathy and any constructive criticism with her job. Whoever the manager/lead/owner is should re-train her. read more

Who wouldn't like this place??? Small hometown feel w ice cold beers. Snacks were great! Great staff

After kayaking way too much, we walked by Luau Larry's and decided we would definitely have to check it out before we made the ferry trip back to the mainland at the end of the day. Though it's not really a tiki bar, loved the island/Margaritaville vibe. It was packed when we walked by -- very popular with locals and tourists alike. We had lunch at Bluewater (great!) then decided to wander back to Luau Larry's. It was still pretty busy but the Cave (you'll know what I'm talking about if you go) was available so we took over. Our friendly server stopped by to take our drink orders (mai tais) and we also ordered chips, guacamole, and salsa. The mai tais were very good and very potent -- well worth the price of admission. The chips, guac, and salsa were all fresh and tasty. We'll definitely be back next time we head to Catalina. read more

Luau Larry's - New American Near Me - Avalon, California

We went here because we didn't want to walk to another location. It was a busy race weekend and this place looked promising. We are super pleased with our meals as hungry athletes. Portion sizes were fantastic. And we knew it would be a wait since it is race weekend. During our meal, on Friday evening, we got some live music played. What a nice way to end our evening. read more

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