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    The Sand Trap

    4.0 (477 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Sand Trap Photos

    Business Info

    THE SAND TRAP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - The Sand Trap

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    Dee J.

    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

    Lu L.

    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

    Mari B.

    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!

    Guac and Chips
    Mr. C.

    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

    Nachos (can't remember what it was called on their menu)
    Pink S.

    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!

    Love when businesses cater to students
    K B.

    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."

    Student specials
    Lianni L.

    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.

    Chicken taco, carnitas taco & ground beef taco
    Symone B.

    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!!

    Alex H.

    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

    The place is real down to earth
    Laura S.

    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

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    6 months ago

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

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    7 months ago

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

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    7 months ago

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

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    10 months ago

    Fun and lively spot for food and libations off the main drag. Family friendly. The view, shade & breeze were nice.

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    11 months ago

    Awesome. $2 tacos were all good. Best place on the island. Had an entire pitcher of beer and a ton of tacos. Amazing place

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    Maggie's Blue Rose

    Maggie's Blue Rose

    3.9
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Excellent Service by (Candy) bartender she was very personable we had great service!…read more I ordered the Mahi Mahi tacos Cilantro Rice w/Beans/ delicious Hubby ordered Carnitas Platter was chunks of perfect marinated pork Great ambiance we'll definitely be back

    So my friends and I were craving some good Mexican cuisine, we decided ided to try Maggies. I was…read moretold the Chicken Taquitos were great. So I ordered them. When they made it to the table they looked luke chicken tacos. I questioned the waiter he insisted, they were taquitos. Didn't look like any taquitos I've ever seen (they specifically described them as CHICKEN TAQUITOS Two Crispy Rolled Tacos, Topped with Lettuce, Pico de Gallo Guacamole, Cotija Cheese. Served with Rice & Beans, if you look at the photo thats not what I received at all). They were tasteless, no flavor, was boiled chicken, no guacamole no cheese little bit of tomato and lettuce, they were tacos! As many times as I questioned it, he said, "those are taquitos". Not happy at all. The tortilla soup tasted like tomato based soup and hardly any chicken. My friends liked their tostada but the one with chicken was bland, the one with carnival had a little flavor but they were big. Ŵe never got any refills.on the ice tea or soda and we were there for an hour and a half, if they were busy id understand but they werent, it was 5pm on. Wednesday. The decor was nice amd atmosphere was pleasant. But when a customer orders a specific thing, they question it. Do the right thing, bring them what they ordered! I know the difference between a TACO and a TAQUITO. I understand some.places make them their own ways but seeing other customers with what looked to be taquitos, asking them and being told thats what they had then looking at my meal, two totally different things. My friends and I left very frustrated and disappointed

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    Interior
    Interior
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    Nachos with steak
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    Sunset Bar & Grill

    Sunset Bar & Grill

    4.6
    (42 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.

    After a long day exploring the island, my husband and I figured we'd try the restaurant inside our…read morehotel. Pretty good reviews, close by, saves us from driving down the hill... sounded perfect. Yeah... wrong decision. Drinks: My husband ordered a margarita and instantly pulled an ant off the rim of the glass. Okay... it happens. He tried to let it go. Then he noticed a dark winged critter sitting at the bottom of his drink... it was a fly. I told him to bring it to the server's attention. When he did, the server looked confused, like he didn't see anything. Then he said, "I can make you a new one or you can just finish drinking this..." Finish drinking a margarita with a fly in it. That should have told us everything. Food: I ordered the carne asada plate. Seasoning was fine... honestly passable... but the cut of meat was the cheapest, chewiest carne asada I've ever been served. My husband ordered the tri tip plate. It was just bad: * Bland meat * Raw broccoli * Bland mash * Thick, chewy slices of bland "tri tip" To be fair: Our server checked on us when he could. He seemed genuinely trying... but it looked like he was playing chef, bartender, and server all at once. Total recipe for disaster. No one can pull that off. I ate what I could because trying to navigate the island late at night for food isn't ideal... but this meal was a letdown from start to finish. Bottom line: Steer clear. Convenience or not... we won't be back. Not for dinner, and definitely not to give breakfast a chance.

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    Interior
    Interior
    Sunset Bar & Grill
    Michelada

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    Michelada
    The Lobster Trap

    The Lobster Trap

    3.8
    (2.6k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    I sat at the bar and Nicolas (apologies in advance for misspelling) was friendly and attentive. I…read morehad asked for his opinion on two dishes and he suggested the lobster roll (as he prefers to order it), and it was PERFECT. Tasty, flavorful, well portioned. Coleslaw was good and French fries were well seasoned (Don't let the presentation fool you) Thank you Nicolas!

    My husband and I spent the day on Catalina and were excited to try this place…read more The Pros The clam chowder was very good and a nice portion. Our server was also very attentive. Her service was spot on. The Cons The side salad was nothing special and I thought a bit over priced at $10. Now on to the lobster "roll." We fully expected to pay more due to the fact that this a touristy place and is on an island. For $34, what we got was a whole lot of disappointment. First of all, the portion you get is nothing close to what a usual lobster roll should look like. The Taragon sauce they sauce they put on it overpowers the lobster. The worst part is the quality of the lobster meat they use. When asked where the lobster comes from, I was promptly told Maine. We live on the east coast and are from the northeast. When I pressed the waitress, she admitted they use knuckle meat not the tail or whole claw. Still not buying it. In both my husband's and my roll there were langostino tails mixed in. When I flat out asked our server, she nodded. That is a huge misrepresentation of the food they're serving and certainly no one would pay $34 for that substitution.

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    The Lobster Trap
    Bread bowl
    Bread bowl
    Oysters Rockafeller $26

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    Oysters Rockafeller $26
    Bluewater Avalon

    Bluewater Avalon

    3.9
    (2.7k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$

    Took a day trip to Catalina and this was our first stop for lunch. Our party of 5 was seated right…read moreaway around 11:30 am on a Monday. The outside seating is absolutely beautiful. We were able to get a table right on the water and overlooked the entire bay as we ate. Note: They only serve bottled water due to a water shortage and I believe it's $1.50 per bottle. For appetizers, we got the Crispy Calamari ($21) and Baked Crab and Artichoke Dip ($20.50). The calamari was fried perfectly and so tender. The dip was really flavorful but the chips were a little too oily. To share, we got the Sautéed Sanddabs ($28), San Francisco Cioppino ($40), Beer-Battered Fish & Chips ($26), and New York Strip ($46). The sanddabs were cooked perfectly and so flavorful. The Cioppino was full of fresh seafood with a good variety. The fish in the fish and chips were pretty small and the steak was standard. Service was amazing the entire time so that's always a plus!

    *On the waterfront with lovely views *Busy not just when we…read morewent there but noticed its a busy place in general *Despite being busy- the server was super friendly and attentive *Indoor and outdoor seating and good for groups * CA chain restaurant (started in Newport Beach) *Good cocktails/ bar *Complimentary warm sour dough bread. *Seafood is locally and externally sourced - appreciated the transparency.

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    Bluewater Avalon
    Picturesque views of the Casino!
    Picturesque views of the Casino!
    Crab Cake perfection!

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    Crab Cake perfection!
    M Restaurant

    M Restaurant

    4.1
    (434 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$

    Truly wish I could give this place a 4.5 as 4 seems too low and 5 too high. Of course this is based…read moreoff what's available in Avalon as I feel options are limited but this is probably my new go to whenever I visit Catalina and looking for a nice dinner. Everything I had here was really good, nothing here wasn't delicious. I tried the chicken parmesan, spinach and artichoke dip, chicken fettuccine Alfredo, Parmesan Crusted Halibut, Caesar salad with chicken substituted, and chocolate cake. The standouts for me personally were the salad which was absolutely delicious even though I'm not the biggest salad guy, but the chicken was perfectly grilled and seasoned and the lettuce had good add ons to make every bite flavorful, and the chocolate cake which was extremely rich. It's also worth mentioning that my party of 8 showed up at 8:40pm and closing time was 9pm (the hostess let us know that this was okay a few hours prior when scheduling our reservation) yet the service never seemed upset, pushy, or any way negative toward us which tbh I would. Definitely need to give some credit there.

    Food was very good and dining inside and outside was nice. Flavors were on point and only thing I…read morewould recommend is some type of complimentary bread. The pasta dishes had lots of extra sauce which would've been perfect with complimentary bread. But overall this was a very solid Italian restaurant and service was excellent!

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    Inside seating
    Inside seating
    Fried ravioli with a view.
    Fried ravioli with a view.
    04.30.23  orange juice

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    04.30.23 orange juice

    The Sand Trap - mexican - Updated July 2026

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