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Came in today for lunch and split a club sandwich ($20) and it was massive and delicious! It came with curly fries. Vibes were awesome here. Would definitely come back.
Great and fun ambience but I would just come here for drinks. No kidding, you can hear the music bumping as soon as you start your descent down the beach street. They have a live musician which is awesome. Service: Terrible - we had to constantly flag down our server. She never checked on us, not once. Drinks: I came here to try the island's famous drink - The Buffalo Milk. Was not a huge fan. I'm not sure how it is supposed to taste so I may be in the wrong but I just did not like it. It tasted very artificial and melted way too quick. I had to try it at least once on the island so at I at least know now. They offer a pretty immense cocktail list. Food: - Raw Oysters 2/5: Not as fresh and a bit, bland, and on the more fishy side. - Fries 2/5: The fries were so bland. Only providing a rating here because it came out piping hot so at least they were fresh. More on the oily side. - Buffalo Wings 3/5: These were decent! Good in size but the buffalo was slightly watery along with the ranch.
If you are on Catalina Island and need a lively place for dinner, then Luau Larry is a good place to go. I got the luau Larry special and ordered the Wiki Wacker as a drink. The sandwich was OK and I was able to sub out the fries for curly fries. I really like the curly fries as they were well seasoned. The drink was a little bit strong. Personally , I would order something else off the menu again, but keep the fries. It was very crowded, but we were able to get sat within 10 minutes on a Saturday night. It was very loud inside with very loud music playing. If you're into the loud bar vibe wanting to get drunk and have fun then this is the place to go. But, if you want a more quiet place to actually talk to the people you're with go somewhere else. I love my hat that came with my Wiki Wacker. Definitely give it a try if you want drinks and a more lively place for dinner and drinks.
Came here to try some oyster shooters which was not good to me but my friend enjoyed them. We got the Mexican lollipop shooter and that was delicious. The service was friendly, there's a bartender who is younger and tall who was really nice and then there's an older gentleman with glasses who helped us out the second time he was okay seems to be annoyed when we asked questions about the menu or what's for special. Seems like they only have the burger special on Wednesdays. The ambiance was lovely it was decorated and someone gave us their whickey hat they didn't want to wear it. The music was good a mix of everything makes you wanna dance and then makes you wanna cry hahaha I got the dragonfruit drink it was yummy. We got the poke bowl and that was so delicious. Pricy but worthy for drinks & some food.
Larry, you know we got the hat. I don't even remember the drink, but the drink came with the hat, therefore that was the order of the night. Excellent service, great food and drinks. Really good vibes and atmosphere. For my besties birthday, Luau Larry's was her go to. Therefore, I was excited to try it. Thank you so much for not only good food, made to order, great seating, with great views, but the memories this trip!
touristy spot on the main strip of shops, a bit expensive for what it is although the food tastes good to fine. The ahi tuna sandwich was a bit strange with thin slices of ahi tuna rather than a patty type of situation. The pina colada virgin was great, no complaints. The clam strips was a bit disappointing for $19 they only gave a handful and mix it in with french fries.
We came here to try the buffalo milk drink. It was delicious, so was the Mexican Lolly pop drink. $18 a drink but they were good. I got the fish and chips. Delicious! The whole experience was a little cramped and rushed but overall we liked it a lot.
Went here to get my wiki wacked and it was pretty enjoyable. They're a very casual tiki bar with food offerings. Staff seemed to give us the side eye while being jovial with others; not sure what prejudice they had against us. Normally I can forgo blank stares, but I expect a little more when I'm in a tourist area. - Wiki Wacker Both tropical fruity and alcoholic at the same time. You get a hat or sticker with it, and we weren't asked which one we preferred. The strength is similar to a long island, due to the mix of rum and brandy. Decent blend that had a pretty light to deep orange gradient, and an extra pineapple slice. We had fun with the straw hat, so it's fine that fate declared we receive this souvenir. - Buffalo Milk I preferred this drink over the Wiki Wacker, but I can see some people not being into it. It tastes like a creamy nothing. I liked it because the flavor was very, very subtle; it was like an icy, subtly creamy, subtly banana, subtly bitter smoothie topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. Nothing about it has buffalo in it. I would get this again. To sum it up, theming is nice and drinks are aesthetic, yummy, and effective. I love the wide open windows for the natural light and breeze drifting in, and if you're seated near the front, you can people watch.
Luau Larry's is a great place to come for lunch or to have some drinks. Today I had the lobster roll a half dozen of oysters and a spicy Mexican cocktail. I can't remember the actual name Services quick ambience is festive. It was super busy because of the FIFA soccer ball game.
Awesome place for watching the sunset and having a cocktail. Great service and friendly people. So much fun!
LuauLarry was recommended for the Buffalo Milk & the Wiki Wack so of course we had to try it. We wanted to sit up front to people watch, they allowed us to wait for the perfect table facing the boardwalk. Our waitresswasted no time offering us drinks which after we order made it to our table within 5 minutes. The Buffalo Milk was great, couldnt taste the alcohol but that makes them dangerous. Whatever my wife had to earn the Wiki Wacker hat is what she had, she seemed to like it as it was gone in minutes. Not sure what the purplish drink was but it was dang good too. We didnt order alot of food, mainly came for the drinks but e erything we saw looked amazing. The atmosphere was full.of energy and fun, everyone seemed to be having a good time, you g and older alike. I can see why this place was recommended, next time we visit Catalina we will be back for the food for sure.
We stopped by Luau Larry's for a quick snack and some drinks. The vibe was great: fun, lively, exactly what you want when you're on vacation and the service was solid too. Foodwise...mixed bag. We ordered half a dozen oysters, fries, and the Mexican shrimp cocktail. The fries were good, no complaints there. The oysters, though, were not good, and the Mexican shrimp cocktail was also a miss. Definitely disappointing and not something I'd order again. Now the drinks? Way better. We had the spicy Mexican lollipop and the dragon lemonade, and both were really good. I'd come back for drinks for sure and maybe try different food items, just not the ones we ordered. We saw people eating pizza and that looked delicious! Will try next time. Great atmosphere, great service just wish the food had matched the drinks.
Customer service was horrible...the kids menu says "chicken tenders with an option of fresh fruit or fries" but they gave us 9 pieces of cucumber that my kid doesn't eat or consider a fruit and one piece of pineapple cut into multiple micro little pieces this place needs serious improvements The attitude on these waitresses is just disgusting and disrespectful I don't appreciate they way they were speaking to me when I asked a simple question on where to sit ( Estephania) very rude and her stairs were very unpleasant to deal with while I am just trying to enjoy my time save ur time and ur mine $22 water down drink
6 months ago
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1 year ago
1 year ago
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
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
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
3 years ago
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
2 years ago
Solid one star. The food was OK however prices are not disclosed on menu. Yes, I overlooked this part but $30 for a lobster roll is insane. All restaurants average the same price range, this place mid at best. read more
1 year ago
I came to Catalina for the first time and I grabbed lunch here with my family. The ambiance was what drew me to walk in. I liked the loud music and being able to look out into the ocean while I ate. I ordered a tuna salad sandwich. I asked for wheat bread, I was given sourdough. The tuna had absolutely no flavor to it. I was about to go leave a note on the tuna club's door after this. And the bread easily came off-- like the sandwich wasn't even put together all too well because the bread just slides off. I ended up just not eating the bread. The grilled chicken burger though was a 5/5. I absolutely loved this burger, and it was a healthy alternative to try instead of typical beef. Service was pretty okay, and the prices aren't anything outrageous compared to the other places on the island. I would only come back for the grilled chicken burger otherwise it's pretty mediocre. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
9 months ago
This place is soooo much funnnn! My friends and I stopped in here because he heard that our first time to Catalina we NEEDED to get our WIKI WACKED basically it's an extremely strong drink! The drink itself was delicious and dangerous. If you are going to get your wiki wacked opt for the full experience.. you won't regret it. Service was fast and super friendly. Never dull moment while we were there! read more
Most restaurants by the sea trade on location not food. This is not that restaurant. The Clam chowder on TOASTED sour dough perfect! - how come no one's thought of this? Next was Mexican shrimp ceviche best I've had, just the right amount of sweet tomato sauce not to kill the taste of the shrimp. Chicken salad with chili sauce- excellent. You don't need dressing. Ahi poke was very Hawaiian- meaning fish marinated in soy sauce nothing else - in a bed of rice - great! You can savor the honesty of the fish. Skip paying for the chips/salsa. You can also pass on the Hawaiian pizza. All the portions were large the 9inch pizza will feed 2 read more
1 year ago
Love Luau Larry's so much!!! Amazing tiki drinks. Try the Caribbean Breeze and Wiki Whacker!!! Great coconut shrimp and curly fries!!! Really fast service, and everyone was really nice. Can't wait to go back to Catalina and DEFINITELY Luau Larry's! read more
We went for lunch with 6 people. We only had to wait a few minutes. Honestly, we went here totally for the campy experience and to "get our wiki wacked". We did not expect a gourmet meal. 4/5 - Wiki Wacker: Cruzan aged light rum, Parrott Brandy, pineapple/orange juice and grenadine. The drink comes with the hat (or a sticker) 4/5 - Clam Chowder: Once I added some salt and pepper, it was really good 3/5 - Lobster Roll: pretty good 2/5 - Nachos: Beans were meh, no meat and a ridiculous amount of cheese only on the top. It's a fun time with pretty good food. read more
I have almost no memory of what this place was actually like. Except that I know it's a tiki bar and I got so wasted I texted my dad. I had the margarita that comes in the giant 45 oz glass. That's like 5 normal-sized margaritas in one! Didn't try the food because right after, my husband and I walked to a restaurant down the road where he said I proceeded to bang on the table with my knife and fork because I was hungry. So if you don't mind making yourself look like an ass because the drinks are so good, you've come to the right place! read more
Good vibes only here!! Ended up here for drinks while visiting Catalina and it exudes classic tiki bar energy. We got a Wiki Wacker (got a straw hat woohoo) and a Pina Colada. The drinks were a bit too strong for my liking but the ambiance and service was great. I'd come back to try the food and other drinks :) The music was decent and everyone was having a great time. Must drop by if you're 21+ :) read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Extremely strong and delightfully chintzy tiki drinks await, with unfairly delicious appetizers: the coconut shrimp was crisp with an excellent sauce, and the crab cake was one of the best I've ever had. Painfully loud jukebox music makes conversation almost impossible and somewhat variable service. Yes you should get the wiki wacker. Yes you should get the ridiculous hat that comes with it. And yes everyone will know what went down as a result. Roll with it. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
10 months ago
Omg I can't believe this place got low ratings. After several disappointing dining experiences on Catalina, I finally had some delicious food at Larry's Luau. We ordered deluxe pizza, burgers, and French dip sandwiches. Everything was delicious. I had a Buffalo burger, it was cooked to perfection. The patty was juicy and the buns were light and crispy. I like their fries, they crunchy and nicely seasoned. They also offered a variety and drinks and cocktails. I had the Buffalo milk. It was good. I would totally go back for more drinks. I also love the inside and decor. It totally gives u the Hawaii vibe! I actually thought I was in Hawaii! A great hang out spot with friends and family. read more
It's your typical tiki dive bar. Good drinks and good bar food. Service was decent and the place wasn't so busy, probably cause it was lunch time. I'd imagine this place being crowded at night time. Overall would reccomend :) read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
This is a very popular tiki bar on the strip in Avalon. There were ppl waiting to get in all the time even during the day. We came in for drinks after our dinner nearby. Glad they had a table for 4 at the very moment so we didn't have to wait at all. The drink menu was excellent with many tiki cocktails. We had punch, Bahama mama, Corona and Patron shots. Also chips & salsa and fresh oysters. The salsa was so good and the raw oysters were super fresh. Sister got a straw hat from ordering a cocktail and it looked good on both of us. The tiki drinks were so strong and yummy! The atmosphere was so lively and we really had a fun time. It just they need to do something about the filthy restroom and backed up toilet. We took one quick look and had to leave immediately. Therefore we couldn't stay longer for more drinks! read more
2 years ago
The Bahamma mamma was terrible, service was mediocre and the lobster roll is absolutely disgusting and overpriced. $30 for imitation lobster served on a plain slice of French toast not even a roll. read more
1 year ago
Beach Service! We came here during the week and most of the restaurants were closed. A few of the restaurants are open but the whole city is very, very quiet because of covid restrictions. That being said I do want to give the benefit of the doubt. The tables on the beach are great and they are separated. However there was a couple sitting at a table with a blanket smoking pot and the breeze continuously blew it over the kids and our table. The restaurant was aware. A little consideration would have been nice We ordered the clam chowder but the regular bread bowl was not available. Maybe it was an off day with the clam chowder. It was not very good and bland. It was a very small cup with mostly undercooked potatoes. *Focusing on the good thjngs: I believe it's a public beach but they are allowed to set up tables. Sitting on the beach looking at the water is an awesome way to have a meal Having waiter service on the beach seals the deal! That I pretty awesome. read more
3 years ago
Great service, fun atmosphere, great food!! The oysters were fresh and delicious and the beer hit the spot! read more
4 years ago
Can't believe it took so long to finally step into Luau Larry's! What a fun place to hang out. Didn't try any food, but their drinks are great. The place to go if you want a blended cocktail (aside from Descansco beach club). The Buffalo milk was yummy. My husband had the pina colada with a touch of amaretto. Both were outstanding drinks. Service was very quick. read more
2 years ago
Visited on a busy day and was greeted & seated immediately. Staff is very friendly and quick. Amazing spot for a quick bite! read more
More info about Luau Larry's
509 Crescent Ave
Avalon, CA 90704
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(310) 510-1919
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https://luaularrys.com
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