Quick & Good, no fuss. Conveniently located by the Golf course, they have a bar. Good food & drinks, great prices. And they have a HH!! read more

My wife and I came to Catalina Island with our kids while they were attending a lifeguard camp. While the kids were busy with camp, we decided to venture out and grab some food and drinks, and we ended up at the Sand Trap because it had some decent reviews. Overall, it was just okay. The food was fine, but we felt the prices were a little high for the quality and the location. The service also wasn't anything special, and unfortunately, our bartender came across as a bit rude, which definitely took away from the experience. One thing that really surprised me -- and this seems to be common at a lot of places on Catalina -- is that they don't provide complimentary water. If you want water, you have to purchase bottled water, which seems particularly strange to me and arguably worse from an environmental standpoint. I've never really understood that practice, but I guess that's just how things are done on the island. The Sand Trap is probably a convenient option if you're playing golf and happen to be nearby. But if you're staying in the main part of Avalon and looking for a place to eat, I'd probably explore some other options. Nothing terrible about our experience, but nothing that would make us rush back either. Next time we're on Catalina, we'll probably try somewhere different. read more

The Sand Trap - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

See all

No frills & not beachside but worth the walk for a great value especially for happy hour after 2:00pm daily. $2 street tacos had a lot of meat & decent sized. $22 pitcher of margaritas that actually had alcohol & not just mixer in them. Good size patio & I would go again! read more

See all

The pricing was kinda all over the place here and it's a huuugeee walk uphill from the main action down the way. We all had tacos.. I thought the tortillas were soggy. The tables were also kinda gross. I would describe this place more as a local spot. I will probably find a taco place down in the main area next time. read more

Food is good. Prices are good. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. Ambiance is fun. read more

See all

Tacos nasty as hell. Soft drinks are ALL water down. Lady got tried of me asking for a different drink she refunded me but she should've refunded me for everything. Not authentic at all. No flavor seems store bought ceviche is disgustingly warm. read more

The Sand Trap - tacos were nasty!!! - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

I love the location and its environment but, their quality isn't the best. I think the meat is prepared and frozen. Try them out read more

The Sand Trap - order window - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

If you're in Avalon, Catalina Island, The Sand Trap is an absolute must! This place has such a fun, laid-back island vibe and is perfectly located, perfect for relaxing, people-watching, and soaking in all the Catalina charm. The food and drinks were delicious, and let's talk about HAPPY HOUR, hands down one of the best happy hours on the island The deals are amazing, especially their carnitas tacos... they are BOMB and only $2 during happy hour!! You seriously can't beat that. The atmosphere is lively yet casual, the staff is friendly and welcoming, and it's the kind of spot where everyone is clearly having a good time. Whether you're stopping by after exploring the island or kicking off your evening, The Sand Trap delivers every time. Highly recommend for great vibes, beautiful View of golf course (horse back riding) unbeatable happy hour deals, and delicious food in Avalon! read more

See all

Great off the beaten path Mexican restaurant in Catalina. Very chill outdoor seating...Yoy feel like you're in Mexico with the festive decor. Full bar. Chilly cold beers. Order at the counter & they bring to your table. We all enjoyed our dishes. Not real spicy Seemed like a mix of tourists and many locals. Across the street from a public golf course up a few blocks from the thick of things. Fun spot that we would definitely go back to when in Avalon read more

See all

Stopped by here for some guac and chips on Catalina Island. It came with salsa as well. The salsa was all watered down and had weak spice, like it came out of a bag. The chips were pretty generic, nothing stood out. The guac was bland with not much flavor, you had to add your own salt. Overall disappointing appetizer. Guac and Chips: 5.8 read more

The Sand Trap - Guac and Chips - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

Amazing! It's a hole on a wall kind of place, but everything was delicious! Happy hour menu was great, but i would not care if there was no happy hour! I would go back for sure whenever we go back to the island! read more

The Sand Trap - Nachos (can't remember what it was called on their menu) - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

See all

The Sand Trap is great. It's off the beaten path (unless you are playing a round of golf) and always seemed like more of a local's spot, but it's been getting noticed by a lot more visitors the past few years. It's not fancy and if you are eating there the patio area is where you want to be. I haven't tried too many things from the menu, but they've got really good burgers & fries and the happy hour tacos can't be beat. read more

Great spot for a quick breakfast or lunch . The have large portions and the food is tasty. There are lots of tables so this place is good for large groups . The seating is al outside . There are no waiters you just order at the window and they deliver it to your table. They have a kids and senior menu. I feel like this is a locals hangout since the Mexican food is authentic and the prices fairly reasonable. read more

The Sandtrap - Catalina's Hidden Taco Treasure (No Sand in Your Chips, Promise) *Background* I visit Catalina Island at least twice a year & The Sandtrap is always on the must do list. Eat, watch t.v. (only one), relax, & chill. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THERE? No cars on the island. Your transportation is walk, bike, rented golf cart or the Catalina Coast ride circuit. Located a scenic 15-30 minute walk from the bustling town center (or a breezy 7-minute joyride by golf cart--don't forget: sip, don't drive!), this spot is a legit hidden gem for tourists and cruisers but not locals, students, & return folk. ARE THERE SPECIALS? Specials for cruise-goers? Check. Student deals for the nearby school crowd? Double check. Happy hour? Triple taco check. If you're reading this review today, everything is an upcharge and prices are similar to non-island eateries WHAT DID YOU ORDER? Let's taco 'bout the food. I am a creature of habit. There is a blended menu, primarily Mexican. I live in San Diego. I know where to buy the right carne asada, al pastor, chicken etc. because other spots it can be hit or miss. Plus, I didn't smell the aroma of a fire grill. As a creature of habit, I ordered the fish taco and chips & salsa, and bueno--The fish taco had that freshly-grilled flavor you chase all the way down the Baja coast. The chips? Fresh-made daily, a rare flex. They were thicker than I usually like, but still hit the spot when dunked in that zesty, made-from-scratch salsa. I chatted with friendly customers and they too delighted in their meal choices with accolades. Lots of meal plates on the table. THE VIBE? Come on. It's an island. Open-air beauty. Shaded by trees or sheltered by actual structures, it's a spot where your margarita gets a little extra glow from the Catalina sun. Seating choices abound: bar, table, or those high-top seats that let you sip and spy on passing golf carts. NEED TO KNOW Full bar, clean restrooms arrived at 11 AM), mobile-accessible, and full of the kind of warm service that makes you feel like you've been coming here for years--even if it's your first time. INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: Catalina's got a couple other Mexican joints near the center, I'd steer you away from them with a firm flick of my tortilla. Whether you're a curious tourist, hungry hiker, golf cart adventurer, or just someone who knows a good taco when they see one--The Sandtrap is your Catalina calling. "If you're negative on an island, you got issues." read more

See all

We came for breakfast and maybe need to give another try for lunch / happy hour as that's what the reviews seem to be for. I don't doubt that this place is good, I think we just came at the wrong time (breakfast). We walked here from the marina which was about a 10-15 min walk. There is lots of seating and a lot to choose from on the menu, the staff was very nice and did say the place gets crowded for lunch / after school. When we were leaving the place was packed so be prepared if you're coming around after school hours / late lunch. We also thought it was a little pricey as one side of egg cost $3.95! Almost $4 for one egg seems excessive but you are on an island so I'm sure they account for import costs. read more

See all

Oh my gosh, this place was AWESOME! After my husband I hiked up the Botanical Gardens, on our way back to town, we decided to stop here for lunch. I'm so happy we did! The food is sooo good and the dinning area is so casual and nice. I got 2 chicken tacos and one Asada taco. Personally, the chicken was my favorite, especially with the spicy sauce they bring out with it. The chips were super good too. My husband got a sandwich and the tostada ceviche, which he loved. Said it tasted so fresh. The outside patio is so nice, even on sunny days, there's plenty of shade with the tent and the trees around. We got to watch little birds and squirrels in the area. It really was a great time 10/10 read more

went here for happy hour to grab some tacos and drinks. the price was great with $2 tacos and $6 margaritas. the tacos weren't the best tacos ever but they were good and definitely worth the price. it's just a short 10 minute was from the beach front so it wasn't too far. they do charge for limes and wouldn't even give us a cup of water or ice without charging ¢50 which seems a little ridiculous as we are all dining and ordering multiple tacos and drinks but i believe that is a rule in catalina not specifically towards the restaurant (?) otherwise the service was still nice and the ambiance is decent just divey sort of vibes. i definitely would still check it out during happy hour for a quick cheap bite! read more

The BEST $2 tacos around!! The staff were so friendly and helpful when I called to ask a question before visiting their restaurant and even recognized my voice when I came and ordered in person. The chicken and carnitas were soo flavorful and the atmosphere was so welcoming and felt like you were eating a home cooked meal at a relatives house. A must try for anyone visiting the island!! read more

The Sand Trap - Chicken taco, carnitas taco & ground beef taco - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

Nice hide away from the tourists....good food and nice location..I ordered chicken tacos and I was not disappointed...

My hubby had the Menudo and it was excellent. I had Chile Relleno plate and I was pleasantly surprised.

Karting around Catalina and we ran across this place next to a golf course hence its name the sand trap We hopped off and in and got some beer and margaritas and some got tacos and fries and everything was great the drinks well served and food fresh and good and service was great! Has as Mexican themed feel to it and the crowd is all ages Nice little spot to stop by and fill up and head on out with your adventure around Avalon read more

See all

Great happy hour with two dollar tacos. Had the Carnitas with onion and cilantro. And a $12 picture of bud lite. You do need to watch out for inbound golf balls though. read more

Like the Buffalo Nickel, the Sand Trap is another restaurant I have passed (driving a golf cart) about a hundred times but had never been there. Also, like the Buffalo Nickel, the Sand Trap's menu leans hard toward Mexican food. I didn't realize it was only a very easy 10 minute walk from the main drag in Avalon. They have a large outdoor patio with a bar in the back. You order at a little window at the front entrance. The breakfast menu is extremely long and they stop serving breakfast at 11:30 a.m. We went with four different types of tacos: shrimp, carnitas, chicken, and al pastor. Believe it or not, I think the chicken taco was the best. The tortillas appeared to be freshly-made, which is a plus. I thought the tacos were fine but not spectacular. Two tacos per person is probably the right amount. I did see some other folks eating tortas and a massive Mexican shrimp cocktail. I probably ordered wrong. They seemed to know what they were doing. They probably offer 15 different different beers but I don't think any of them are on draft. The Sand Trap is a nice, extremely casual place to sit in the sun and have a decent taco and a beer. Keep your expectations in check. read more

See all

This is a sweet little restaurant with a walk up order window, nice patio, and full outside bar. Excellent happy hour, incl $2 tacos and $3 bud light bottles. The place has an awesome, low key vibe and good prices. It's worth the little stroll from downtown Avalon. read more

My mom picked this place on Catalina since we were on a cruise and the beers were cheap and my family and I got what was on tap which was blue moon. My mom ordered just chips and salsa. It took them 30 minutes and nothing. I went to the kitchen door and told them that all we ordered was chips and salsa and they finally brought it out. The salsa bowl was one of those mini bowls you get at the grocery store, with a big pile of chips. I was expecting more salsa than that, so I would maybe recommend it if you're not in a hurry to eat. The ambiance is casual read more

The Sand Trap - The place is real down to earth - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

It was mediocre! Someone in my family ordered something. It took forever to get the order! We finally went up and had to remind them of the order! read more

We walked all the way up the hill from Avalon and it was closed? Thursday evening... Website said it was open. People were in the kitchen. Staff said not enough customers so they closed. It was a nice walk and we needed the steps but it made certain members of our party particularly hangry. We didn't actually consume their food. Lesson: call first! read more

Stumbled upon this place after returning from our hike. My dad has a huge craving for tacos so we decided to give this a try. We came during Happy Hour so it was $2 per taco. There was a lot of seating available, indoor and outdoor. They also have discounts for if you're a student at Avalon High School. We got the fish and carne asada tacos, which were both very delicious. Service was quick and the vibes were calm and relaxing. read more

The food tastes great here! I had a few different kinds of tacos, but they have so many different items which look amazing, which I wish I had a chance to try! The service is excellent - very polite and friendly service at the Sand Trap - compared to other places on Catalina. The outdoor seating was perfect for the middle of June weather while I was there. read more

Great happy hour to stop at and relax!! We got some chicken and beef tacos along with chips and salsa and a couple margs and beers after riding around the island all day on our bikes. This place was quick and had nice customer service. Thank you! read more

The Sand Trap - Happy hour tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

Good bloody Mary's and view of the course. A must-stop before teeing off. The breakfast burrito is delicious and pretty big.

Went hiking up Hermits gulch and Wrigley memorial then stopped here for lunch on the way back. There's covered open seating outside with a view of the golf course and indoor area. You order at the window then they bring it to you. Got the ceviche tostada and fish taco. Both were cooked well and delicious. My friend got a turkey sandwich which he liked. Another got the chicken verde burrito which my friend said the chicken was dry and overcooked. He couldn't eat it. We returned for HH $2 tacos. The carnitas were good but the chorizo tasted weird and the chicken was dry and overcooked as well. The food was a mixed bag. I would not order any of the chicken in the future. read more

See all

Perfect vibe, great food, huge portions, off the beaten track. Semi-well kept local secret.

We decided to try sand trap because it showed familiar Mexican American dishes and they had good reviews. We opted for the GROUND BEEF tacos because they didn't have asada tacos (not sure if they don't sell asada or if ground beef is the only option for happy hour tacos) overall; good service and good experience. We're still going to eat after this! read more

The Sand Trap - Happy hour tacos $2 plus tax and French fries. It was decent! - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

The happy hour here is fantastic the people who work here are super sweet and the carne asada fries are literally to die for I've been here 2 weeks and this is the first review I'm writing if that says anything read more

Best Mexican food in Avalon. It's an outdoor covered place across from the golf course. Great service & very friendly people.

We stumbled upon The Sand Trap while biking around Catalina and were so glad we did! It's a cute little Mexican restaurant tucked near the golf course with charming outdoor seating. The vibe was super laid-back and inviting--even the birds and squirrels were trying to get a bite! Great stop for tasty food, a casual atmosphere, and a perfect island break. read more

The Sand Trap - Cheese quesadilla, chicken rolled tacos and 3 different kinds of tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

The Sand Trap is located right next to the golf course. It has mostly outdoor seating with a handful of indoor seats. There is a lot of sun coverage so that the tables are in the shade. We ordered the kids French toast, basic breakfast burrito, and hole in one breakfast sandwich. The items are very reasonably priced. The arrived quickly to our table. The food was piping hot and freshly made. Each item we ordered was great! The breakfast burrito is huge and definitely shareable between 2 people. The breakfast sandwich was simple but so good! This place was great for a large group. There's also a bar outside near the tables for a variety of alcoholic beverages. I enjoyed my first visit here and liked all of the food we had! read more

See all

This moment started off with Pedro and let me tell you, this guy is amazing. Come here for here for happy hour. It is from 2pm to 5pm. I would suggest a pitcher of Margaritas for $30 made with Hornito's Resposado (or you.can get one with well liquor for $22.00!) Then I had the pleasure of meeting Luz when I ordered tacos. Happy hour tacos are only $2.00. The ground beef, carnitas, and chorizo were amazing. Add cheese if you're ordering the ground beef for only 50 cents more! The seating is great. The bathrooms are clean and every staff memeber I met had a smile on their face. This place rocks! read more

Delicious spot for breakfast! Big portions made fresh to order, nice relaxed patio off the touristy area but easily walkable. read more

The Sand Trap - Breakfast burrito. Chilaquiles verde. - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California