The Sand Trap is a must do in Catalina - especially if you're coming from a long hike. The happy hour has $2 tacos which are super good. The carnitas may have been the best I've ever had. There was some spice profile I cannot pinpoint but is definitely the perfect addition. And they have so much more including veggie burgers to satisfy anyone's cravings. read more

The nachos were good. A fun little bar and grill to visit after a round of golf or even just if you're on a walk in Avalon. If it is a nice day, the outside patio is fun to sit on. read more

Yesss. Good breakfast and lunch. Love the bar in the back and the window to order food in the front. Good vibes all around. Yummy drinks read more

The Sand Trap - Omelet - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

This place is mainly for locals. It's not a fancy place but food and drinks were decent enough with much better prices than the restaurants on the strip. We came in for breakfast, full bar was a big plus for me to eat here. I had Modelo michelada and mimosa, hubby had Patron margarita and the drinks were great pours. For breakfast food we all had omelettes. My mushroom and spinach omelette was pretty bland but the salsa made it better. I liked the potatoes though. Hubby's chorizo omelette looked much better than mine. I recommend this place If you don't mind the super casual outdoor seatings. Service was not bad and they have happy hour from 2-7 everyday. Our condo is just up the hills from this place so we will try to come here for drinks and tacos often in the future! read more

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*FOOD* Highly recommend the Al Pastor tacos. The meat is in a nice sauce that makes it very moist. I don't even think the guacamole on top was needed - I scraped most of mine off - even though I love my guac! The meat alone carried enough flavor for me. The tacos were hearty and two filled me up for lunch. *DRINKS* They offer a pretty large drink menu. My friends ordered the buffalo milk - a Catalina classic - and I ordered the Lava Flow. Drinks were typical beach bar drinks - had your same premade fruit mix-ins and flavorings. We all enjoyed our drinks - and they weren't too steep in price. *SERVICE* Food came fast - about five minutes - after we ordered at the window. After ordering at the window, they'll give you a number and bring your food over to your table. There were ample areas for us to sit on a Sunday afternoon. *AMBIANCE* I loved how low-key and quiet this spot was. I was shocked walking in to so many open tables after reading such raving reviews. I'm sure it does help that they're a few minute walk from the main oceanside strip. read more

The Sand Trap - Al Pastor Tacos & Lava Flow | Instagram @megsdishdiaries - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

Okay! We have been coming here for at least 10 years. The tacos actually were 75 ¢, then $1, Now $2. We have seen the family grow up as well; that own the establishment. So here is a real review for you. Tacos are great. You can order chicken, chorizo, ground beef, and carnitas for the $2.00. For those of you used to California SALTY food, you will not find it--add salt. The food is an authentic style. They come with salsa, one, and limes, one each. REMEMBER, you are on an island where things are more expensive to deilver!!! The will charge 50¢ for an extra half of lime or $1 for a whole one. They are not a charity and there pricing is fair. PLUS great drink pricing as the pictures will show. We had chicken tacos, with HOT salsa, but I am used to ghost pepper sauce so it was not hot for me! Children had carnitas. I also had a shrimp taco (not happy hour) it was fabulous. Wife also had a fish taco (and she is a Tapatia; LOVED it. Beer is cold! And lots of variety. FULL bar for those that want more. This time I took pictures of others enjoying--and a CURRENT price menu. BTW they have a great breakfast and lunch menu!!! Service was great, and the owner's daughter friendly...When they are busy of course they have to move faster and may not chat as much. Nice and breezy, with shade and sun. So.....there is a picture of a grandmother and her two granddaughters. They were there for grandpa's birthday. The love the food...see their smiles? I talked to them a lot and they were happy with their choice at the Sand Trap. The other table were just there eating. This guy had a fantastic beard and smile...like out of movie. All of them loved the variety of food they chose. The last is of the bartender. Say HELLO to this guy when you are there. He remembered us from all past times...He has a little more gray hair now, but as friendly as ever...having South American ancestry, we argued over the way to order... I said "pido," he said "quiero." Loved the banter!!! We agreed to disagree--due to age ( I am older, and dialectal usage...bit still fun!). YOU MUST TRY THIS PLACE!!! Leave your conceptions behind and enjoy "comida autentica." read more

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Our favorite place for casual breakfast or lunch. Drinks after golf are pretty good too! The only thing I wouldn't order here is a burger. Everything else is great. The owner and all the family that work here are the best!!! read more

Affordable for the area. It is outside of the Front street buzz by the golf course on the way to Wrigley Botanical Gardens. Good amount of meat but I could have used more seasonings. I had a burrito which surprisingly was served flat. Happy hour includes two dollar tacos. All outside seating with one section more sheltered but felt cave like. read more

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One of our favorite places when we visit Santa Barbara, gets to have a good bit we love the fish and shrimp tacos. We love that the kids have a moment to bat and be active as well. Staff is great the atmosphere is very relaxing and a great outdoor eating area. read more

Tacos from happy hour menu was pretty good for Catalina. Service was definitely questionable, it's quite different from my first trip. Sad to say the rain must have made some folks moody. Ambience was cool, that across the street from the golf course. Seems to be a Poppin spot but not my vibe. read more

The Sand Trap - $2 HH TACOS - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

This place was recommended to us on our first date and we had such a great time that on our year anniversary we came back. Pedro makes some delicious drinks. Roberto the owner is the kindest soul. It's a great place to go chill with locals. Have some great drinks and yummy food. read more

The Sand Trap - Chilaquiles and Chelada - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

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Yess had the soft tacos. Had the crunchy tacos. My parents loved it We loved the margarita jar! Love how the bar tender makes it there infront of your wyes and then we took it to our table and enjoyed it! Amazing and quick service wven tho it was full. Love it read more

This spot was the "Spot" back in the day! Came back with my family and hyped this place up! Memories of yummy food and all the local pride and love made me force the squad to make the walk off the beaten path! But, it's not the same, not the food or the passion and feeling. Ohhh those shredded turkey tacos and salsa! Ohhh how I missed those! And today- I was not going to have any- nor the other 3 people that came with me! Those turkey tacos where chopped up lunch meat with a side or soup beans and tomato rice! I'd keep the mouth watering memories- as just those and skip this little place! read more

The Sand Trap - Order window! But watch out too- prices are different than what's posted - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

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The views are nice from the outside tables Chicken was thin and chewy .. Steak also chewy.. I didn't try the other stuff .. I would come here for a drink or so but food did not cut it read more

I was rolling in a party of 10. We were all a little upside-down from the bumpy ride to the island, so a satisfying meal was in order for the day's events. I called ahead, as it was Sunday at 11am and our party was big. They answered the phone and were very friendly. Said we would have to sit at separate tables, but there was no wait. When we arrived, the menu was at the gate, signs for masks were posted, and a line was formed to place our orders at the walk-up window. There we were greeted by the friendly lady taking our orders. She gave us all recommendations for whatever we inquired, which is greatly appreciated. As 11:30am approached and breakfast was coming to an end, she came out and asked everyone in line who wanted to order breakfast before they switched to lunch. That warmed my heart to see them go above and beyond for their customers. Drinks were given to us at the counter with our table number and while we waited at our tables, we enjoyed the beautiful views and music with a beer, as they have a bar on the patio. Our food came out after a bit of a wait, which I attribute to the breakfast/lunch transition - No biggie! The food was hot and fresh with good flavor. I ordered the huevos rancheros, which came with a side of tortillas and potatoes. So good! The salsa was fresh and good, eggs cooked perfectly, and all the wet goodness was absorbed by the seasoned potatoes, making it an epic first meal to balance my tummy from the motion of the ocean. The portions were huge as well! My partner had machaca nachos and he felt like he could demolish the whole thing, but homie barely made a dent. Everyone in our party was STUFFED and satisfied by the quantity and quality of food. Everything here was served fresh and delicious. When we were finished, we cleaned up after ourselves and were on our way. I would definitely return here for the hospitality and comfort food while visiting. read more

The Sand Trap - Machaca nachos - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

Came with the BF for happy hour on a Tuesday. We loved the low key atmosphere and the cheap eats. The $2 tacos (carnitas, ground beef, and chicken) were tasty and the nachos (not part of the happy hour deal) were enourmous! On an island that caters completely to tourists, The Sand Trap feels like a local hangout, a diamond in the rough. In terms of COVID precautions, all guests must wear a mask when entering or exiting. All servers wear masks and only the outdoor eating areas were open when we went per LA County regulations. read more

The Sand Trap - $2 happy hour tacos - chicken, carnitas, ground beef - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

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Food had great taste! Service was top notch! Place was very clean and awesome! Super recommend it ! read more

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On Veterans Day we ordered food n drinks. When bartender was making my drink there were multiple bee's in the mixer for my buffalo milk which she removed when i menrioned it, drink was good. But when eating our meal we found a used old bandaid in the burrito. When we brought to their attention they offered to make another burrito. They said no one was wearing a bandaid and they dont know how it got there. I had already paid and tipped prior to recieving food as you order at the window but we got up and left un eaten food as we were disgusted. Never again. read more

FALSE advertising. Place is not very clean. This place is next to the golf course and not down in the middle of town by the water. We were staying at the Holiday Inn, so it was close to get some quick grub. Saw their big banner outside for $1 tacos for happy hour and went in to order some, only to be told they are no longer doing that and the same tacos are $2 each. Since we were hungry we ordered a few of those. They came out pretty quick, but were super tiny, I ate 3 and was still hungry. The meat was stringy and of a low quality cut. The kitchen didn't look too clean. The outdoor patio area is nice to sit at overlooking the golf course. Overall, not all that great. read more

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THE BEST tacos in Catalina with some of the friendliest staff. We got the shrimp, tilapia, carne asada and Carnitas tacos and absolutely loved them all. They all come with a hot sauce, pico de gallo and lime wedge. Perfectly spiced. Delicious! Delicious! Delicious! They also have a bar right by the seating area. The place is conveniently located across to the golf course so great views from the restaurant. Outdoor seating is very quaint and charming! read more

The Sand Trap - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

*FOOD* Ate there twice while golfing. Basic mexican fare, and separate owner from golf course. Chips were great, tacos ok, guacamole no good, traditional mexican salsa ok, served hot salsa verde very hot. After ordering a $88 of food for a family with kids 4, the cashier could have mentioned the Happy Hour with $2 tacos, learned after the fact, and wanted $ for soda refills, and only offered tap water. Unfortunately my experience reminded me of a tourist trip because of the people who ran the place, and got soem attitude, which reminded me of a lot of the attitude of the current Catalinians. Sorry Mr. Wrigley *DRINKS* Happy hour, good prices *SERVICE* Food came fast - when asked I questions, the cashiers didnt care, they probably own the place. I almost asked for my tip back just on principal. *AMBIANCE* Great open spot, but bathrooms and wash areas I felt were dirty. As they say, dirty bathrooms, dirty kitchen.... read more

THE BEST tacos in Catalina with some of the friendliest staff. We got the shrimp, tilapia, carne asada and Carnitas tacos and absolutely loved them all. They all come with a hot sauce, pico de gallo and lime wedge. Delicious! Delicious! Delicious! They also have a bar right by the seating area. The place is conveniently located across to the golf course so great views from the restaurant. Outdoor seating is very quaint and charming! read more

The Sand Trap - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

Great Happy Hour that's off the beaten path away from the main street area. Best part is that it's everyday from 2 to 7 pm! A bit of a walk, but worth the trek to see some other highlights up here such as the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens. read more

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Hole in the wall next to the golf course, about a 10 minute walk from the water. Super casual and only patio seating. Order at the window and food is delivered quickly. Nice option to avoid the touristy crowd in town. read more

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After 2 pm, they have a $2 taco special that's fun! Full bar too. The burgers and fries are tasty too. read more

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It was good for the happy hour special it was on.. The chicken and beef tacos is two dollars each. I would want to come back and try to go for breakfast. Next time! read more

The Sand Trap - Carna Asada tacos, Beef taco, chicken taco, guacamole, a pitcher of Margaritas!! - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

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Service, beer and food were amazing! The views of the golf course were cool we saw someone almost get hit in the head!

Cute quiet spot. For breakfast, no vegan options for meals, I ordered the potatoes and beans (the "refried" beans don't have lard). Order and pay up at the front. read more

The Sand Trap - Home fried potatoes and beans - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

Best Al Pastor tacos! Fresh homemade guacamole and tortilla chips - as good as I have ever had! Such friendly and efficient service! Walk up to the window to order and they'll bring the yummy food to your table! The view of the golf course is so relaxing! The chili relleno platter was perfect! Made ready to order! It's worth the walk up from town! Happy hour starts at 2 pm! $5 imported beers and even cheaper domestic beers! Don't miss this hidden treasure of a place! read more

The Sand Trap - Al pastor tacos! Homemade fresh guacamole & chips! Side of beans with cheese! Cold $5 Pacifico beer! - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

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Best food on the island! Casual and not an outstanding atmosphere but the food and prices are 10/10

Stopped by today on our way back from walking up to the Wrigley Memorial. They have a very extensive menu and we figured we would stop for dinner. I ordered the carne asada torta and my husband ordered the turkey and Swiss. Our food was just ok. The meat used for the carne asada was thin and hard to take a bite without pulling the entire piece out of the bread. usually carne asada is cut up but even when it's not, the steak itself is a bit thicker than what was used in the torta. Also, the meat itself was not grilled. The fires that came with it were good. My husband's turkey and Swiss was made with regular sandwich bread and didn't really have much turkey on it. Maybe we just ordered 2 items that were just ok from the menu. The service was quick and friendly, but we would probably not be returning. read more

Good service, ambiance is nice and fresh and food comes fast. However food is not good. Subpar at best 3/5 meals were a bit tasteless the others were okay. Definitely not coming back for lunch however breakfast looks promising! Will be coming back in to try bfast as redemption. read more

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Chorizo omelette was so good! Open at 9am just a 10 min walk from the shops. Walk up to window and order. Michelada was also good. read more

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I brought my mom to the island for her birthday for the first time and I was so happy to have found a place that sells Mexican breakfast. My mom is a señora so this was crucial lol the staff were so friendly and the food was so good. They also recommended us a place to grab dinner which had bomb Mexican food too -- Buffalo Nickel Restaurant. We sat in the outdoor patio and we were able to bring our dogs which was a plus. Would definitely come back again! read more

We had a fantastic breakfast off the cruise ship! Came early so not busy but don't let that scare you away. The chilaquiles with chicken and eggs was the best I've ever had. My husband had machaca scramble with warm tortillas and he was pleased as well. I requested hotter salsa with my chips and it was definitely hotter. Nice view of the golf course and only a 1/2 mile walk from the pier. If I ever make it back to Catalina I'm coming to see Veronica at the Sandrrap! read more

The Sand Trap - Machacca scramble with corn tortillas - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

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I could literally NOT care less that this place has like 47 health violations, if it's a hole in the wall, I want it. After trekking up towards the hills, we took a quick right and crossed right into Mexico. We ordered the crevice tostada and the salsa verde burrito and my god, it was probably the best burrito I've ever had. We also got Adios Mothers from the bar and woo, you definitely get what you pay for. Just go, you won't regret it. read more

The Sand Trap - Adios Mother or as I like to call it liquor with a splash of blue. - Mexican Near Me - Avalon, California

The good: I came during happy hour and got a $5 margarita. It was pretty packed with alcohol. I tried the nachos with cheese, guacamole and salsa. I liked that the guacamole wasn't skimpy on the garlic. The chips were also great and tasted fresh and crunchy. They weren't too thick or heavy. I got tacos with various types of meat and thought that the meat tasted great. It came with onion and cilantro. They have a large outdoor patio area that with many tables. The max a table can seat is 6 due to COVID. The patio is also dog-friendly. The bad: I tried the steak torta and it was alright but got soggy at the bottom and limp. It was difficult to eat without a fork and knife. It had tomato in it but would have tasted better with raw onion as well. They didn't have horchata or jamaica but they did have Jarritos. The interesting; You can order drinks from the main ordering window but they have a separate bar area where you can order more drinks. They have happy hour specials for beers and margaritas. This place is across the street from the golf course so you'll get a lot of golfers here. It's walking distance from the beach but is slightly further than most of the other restaurants. read more

This place is amazing!!! It's a hidden gem just a tiny bit off the beaten path! Great food, nice outdoor patio, and bets of all -happy hour 2-6 pm!!!! $2 Tacos, $2 beers (bud light), $9 for a pitcher of beer, $5 margaritas, $19 for a pitcher of margaritas!! read more

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Tacos were pretty good, had carnitas, ground beef and chicken, the margaritas were basic, super sweet, not much tequila, but overall, it was worth the walk from the main drag. read more

LOVE -Best fish tacos of my SoCal road trip -Grilled fish on the fish tacos (not breaded and fried) LIKE -Order at outdoor window -Shaded outdoor patio seating -Nice, non-touristy feel and location -Easy parking for my rental e-bike -Friendly employee -Plenty of seating, no rush read more