Disappointed and Confused by the Service I had heard great things about this place, so I was genuinely looking forward to checking it out. Unfortunately, my experience was anything but positive -- and honestly, I've been stewing over it ever since. I sat at the bar with a friend, who was promptly served a drink. I was still deciding, but oddly, the bartender never once acknowledged me or asked what I'd like. When I finally said I was ready to order, I watched him take care of a few guys who had just sat down before eventually making my drink. But even then, he left it sitting in his well without a word or garnish and walked away to serve others. I was left wondering if I was supposed to grab it myself or wait -- it was just...awkward. After a few minutes, I went ahead and took it to join my party at a table. What really surprised me was what happened next. The bartender came over several times to check on others at the table, offering refills, but each time he completely ignored me. Not a glance, not a "How's your drink?" -- nothing. It felt very intentional, and honestly, uncomfortable. Eventually, I went back to the bar for another drink and, trying to make sense of it, asked him directly if I had done something to upset him. His response? "Whatever you're feeling is on you; I haven't done anything." That was it. No attempt at understanding or accountability -- just dismissal. I don't expect over-the-top service, but I do expect basic respect and some level of awareness from a bartender in a place with a good reputation. I left feeling disrespected and genuinely baffled by the lack of professionalism. I really wanted to like this place. But based on this experience, I'm not sure I'd come back. read more

Nice, casual, newer restaurant. This place could easily become my new favorite eating spot in Avalon! We ordered the lobster ravioli from the tapas menu section, a smash burger and two bloody topsides. I have zero complaints. The food and drinks were amazing! The lobster ravioli in creamy tomato vermouth sauce was superb! Hubby thoroughly enjoyed his smash burger and fries. I wish that I would have taken a photo of our food. I did get a photo of our delicious drinks. Although our service was fine, I can safely say that customer service could very easily be improved. We will definitely be back! read more

Topside by NDMK - Our delicious Bloody Topsides!!! Yummy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Avalon, California

There are two NDMK restaurants in Avalon. One place is the Fish House but I chose this one because it had an outside deck. I prefer to sit outside at most restaurants for my post-Covid dining experiences. When I went to choose a table I saw that they didn't have umbrellas for all of the tables. Too hot outside. I was disappointed, but decided to try the place anyway. The service was good, but the server was doing triple duty as server, hostess, and cashier. The server did great at holding down the fort, but I'd imagine the server would have appreciated one less hat to wear. The food was OK. Started with fried pickles which were crunchy but lifeless. We had swordfish sandwiches which were OK- with lots of arugula which was a nice change up from iceberg lettuce. Served with fries which was the highlight of my meal. . read more

everything on the menu is amazing. family owned restaurant with a beautiful view. service was good everyone's friendly and helpful. read more

Topside by NDMK - blta and shrimp tacos - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Avalon, California

The breakfast burrito was massive. I could have easily split it and still been full. I would come here for the view alone-- one of the best in town! read more

Went there for breakfast and had the Lobster Benedict, it was fantastic! Also had the Topside Bloody Mary, that came loaded with goodies and was very delicious. Service was great and the view was amazing. read more

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I came here with my friends and we were really happy to try the food. The fish tacos with avocado were really good. The service was also great, our waiter made sure to check on us for drinks. The place was nice and clean. read more

So we hit up this spot after a long day on the island, waiting to head back to LB. Didn't want any of the busier spots, just more mellow vibes. For starters, the Bartender was super nice and welcoming. That's where things kinda stop. We asked for water and it tasted funky, kind of like chemicals. Not sure if it's just island water, but didn't notice it anywhere else. We work in restaurants and bars so I thought maybe the lines weren't clean (if the water came from the gun) or the glasses rinsed after cleaning? Either way, couldn't drink it. Got a couple espresso martinis. They were good. Bartender had a nice shake and they had a nice crema on top. Also ordered a side of Broccolini. Something boring & simple. While waiting for the broc, at some point the bartender stepped off (guessing to check on it -- it seemed like it was a while). Some guy at the bar started calling out to me. We didn't know what he was saying. Eventually it escalated to him telling me to step outside. His friends intervened and asked us to ignore him and tried to calm him down, but he continued. We also noticed the staff there seemed to know him. I'm guessing he's friends with the staff or is a regular. Dude was definitely trashed, and I guess I'm glad he had friends there because not sure what would've happened if he was solo, or if it he had done it to someone who would've escalated it. When the bartender came back (with the Broc) we said we wanted to close out and leave before this guy gets worse. No comment was made about the other guy. We closed out but then sat there waiting to get a box because as we said, we wanted to leave. We felt a little unsafe. Keep in mind this spot doesn't give off dive bar vibes where someone gets so sloppy they wanna start a fight, so wtf... ?! Not sure what NDMK is but if TopSide is any indication of the clientele they permit and enable, then it's an easy pass... plenty of spots on the island to visit to try next time. read more

My girlfriend and I were excited to eat lunch and grab some drinks here. There were about three tables currently sat in the entire place. After 20 minutes, I stood up to find the waiter who had never returned to take our order. Twenty minutes later, he brought one of the two drinks. At the one hour mark, having received one of two drinks and never having the ability to order food, we got up to leave. I had to once again track down the waiter who to pay for the drink. I walked to the bar to politely ask the bartender if there was a manager around. His exact response was "nope. Not that I've seen." He didn't ask if something was wrong or how he could help. I've waited tables at six different restaurants and this is a great example of poor customer service. I can't comment on the food, as I'm not sure what it takes to actually obtain any. read more

The view was great and the service was average, they just didn't know much of what they can do or not. It must be a newer restaurant. That being said, the seafood was terrible, frozen wet soggy King Crab legs, worst I've ever had at market pricing! you'd think they would have spectacular food. Stick to Avalon, Steve's, or Lobster Trap for higher end food n dining! RR read more

Service is substandard food is ok, but not many options. Nice view, ambience is casual and quiet.

The service was not good. I came in on a Saturday, and stood in the doorway waiting but no host came. The bartender ignored us. We had to go to the counter to ask what we should do since the sign said wait to be seated and we were just standing there. The bartender sat us at a bar table, and then we had to get up again and go to the counter to order. Really terrible service bc it doesn't look busy at all. Kind of ruined the vibe before we could even taste the food. The truffle fries were just fries with powder parm and dried chive seasoning. read more

Topside by NDMK - Truffle Fries - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Avalon, California

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We stopped on the way to the ferry for expresso martinis as my friend highly recommended them. Our bartender, Omar, did not disappoint! The atmosphere is open and welcoming with fantastic views of Avalon and the bay through floor to ceiling windows. For a real treat, Ask Omar to make you a mini beer and tell him Laurie and Lynda sent you!! read more

-- seating -- inside is spacious and has a balcony area. Good for all types of sized parties imo. -- menu -- American basically, and seafood We got the scallop cold tapas, crudo (yellowfin available), and dark sea pasta The tapas were light and fresh. The pasta was creamy and had shrimp, lobster, and scallops. They did not have red pepper flakes when asked. My friends got the "smash burger" and it was not good, unfortunately. The patty (2) were thick. Not at all like a smash burger, super plump. The first red flag was when they asked us how well they wanted the beef to be lol buns were not toasted. Fries were standard. According to another friend, the summer salad was a disappointment, Sadly. Like it was fine, but they could have actually put fresh cheese in the salad (it didn't seem fresh to them). The beer mug seems like the better choice compared to pint. -- service -- very friendly, nice lady. Adored her warm and chipper personality. They took awhile to get our drinks and take our orders though. -- overall -- maybe a 3.5 but I have to give the 3. I really do wish I could give a 4 especially with how nice our server was. The seafood options are the better items to select. Overall, ok! Like a few good, mostly meh, some sad. read more

Breakfast this morning was made even better today at Topside. The food was simple, yet tasty. Our server, Javier, offered to switch out the meat in my sandwich for avocado. The sandwich was amazing, and the tots were perfect. I opted for the bottomless mimosas, and was not upset they come with a sparkling wine which tastes amazing, in my opinion. My party also got the tiramisu french toast and that was delicious too. You're able to sit outside or inside. The outside was very nice with a few tables with a beautiful view of the bay. read more

Topside by NDMK - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Avalon, California

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As NDMK fans, we were thrilled to try Topside on their opening day. While most new places have a lot of kinks to work out, these guys are doing great. Attentive service by Cristal, a great menu with unique and interesting choices, a gorgeous view of the casino/bay, & the drinks were great (try the Bloody Mary). Breakfast was amazing with huge portions and a beautiful presentation. An added perk; the prices are not as expensive as some other places on the island. It's hard to believe a restaurant can improve on avocado toast; but they did. We can't wait to come back and try the lunch/dinner menu and see what James recommends. Give this place a try and enjoy a lovely atmosphere and support local businesses on the island. James and Cristal are killing it! read more

Topside by NDMK - Avocado Toast; yum! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Avalon, California

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Maybe it was the time we ate, 5:30pm Friday, but both the service and food were poor. There were 6 workers standing around trying to figure out our drink orders. Drinks orders took forever even though there was one other table. Food was poor, chicken parm was watery with no parm. We didn't even bother complaining because it looked like that staff would not even care. read more

This was our first trip to Catalina Island. Decided to get one last drink before going back on the boat at this establishment. Upon ordering a couple drinks and water.. drinks were great. Waters had a chemical taste.. having ordered broccolini as well, it took quite a bit of time and all while waiting the bar patrons next to us were rather intoxicated. Around 6:10-6:25pm. One leaning his head on the bar struggling to eat his burger. One glance at us and he immediately started rambling nonsense and escalated into "taking it outside." What's worse is that the other friends and the staff seemed to know each other and did little to nothing about the situation. The over served man was beyond comprehension. Friends just told us to ignore the over served man. We asked for the food to go as we felt unsafe. Lack of acknowledgment from the staff towards a dangerous situation. read more

Had a great breakfast here this morning. The food was delicious and well plated, and the service was wonderful. Great omelettes and an amazing view of the harbor read more

Seriously the best sushi I've had in a while. My six and seven year old had the salmon bowls and inhaled them! Staff is super down to earth and friendly. Will be back and highly recommend! Incredible read more

This was a nice place to visit. Had nice food and good atmosphere. It wasn't too busy when I went which was nice. Thank you

The food was good. We were a large party so, I understand it would take some time; but our server, Sienna had a scowl the entire time, didn't smile. She didn't check in with us. The place was empty. There was no excuse. The food was good. Service was bad read more

Topside by NDMK - Our group. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Avalon, California

Food was eh. This was one of the only places that could accommodate 20 of us for my sister's birthday lunch and let us make reservations ahead of time, but the food was disappointing. Our server was nice, though! read more

Ate and drank here twice over our weekend trip, both times the staff were exceedingly accommodating and friendly. The food and drink were great as well. And of course the view from the rooftop and the patio make this with a stop! read more

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fab views. amazing happy hour. great menu. added to our catalina rotation. and, if you're into it, the wine list is not boring. at all.

STAY AWAY CRUISE GOERS!!! We made reservations for 10:00 and were met with a closed door and empty restaurant. They had an open sign on the window turned on and a back door open. Some random guy walks through the back door, opens the front door and asks us what we want. We told him of our circumstance, and just told us he didn't even work there. Leaving the front door open as well. Not only does this seem unsafe, but inconsistent with posted hours why allow some to make a reservation when you're not even open!!! read more

Would get 5 if it wasnt for service in the beginning. Stood there for about 5 minutes or so and noone addressed me or asked if i wanted to sit. I had to yell out and ask if i could be seated. Breakfast sandwich was really tasty and good portions. Bloody mary was tasty too. Views are nice read more

Topside by NDMK - Breakfast sandwich - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Avalon, California

Great food and nice view on the Avalon harbor. Seemed a little understaffed but our servers still carried on with a smile. Well done!

No pictures for this review, as this review is based on the service. But I will say that the food was AMAZING! We had a table of 12, but they were able to seat us immediately. That was very nice, as I understand it was a large party. My issue does lay with the service. It seemed like the bartender was doing EVERYTHING. He took our order and then repeated it several times back to us. Then the food slowly started coming out, however, as the food came out, we didn't have any silverware or napkins. Then when the appetizers came out, part of our party got their main dish. The main dishes came out SOOO slow, but like I said, everyone was pleased with their dish. Expect for one of our party members that never received her main order. As we were enjoying our food, we saw that there were young children busing and put the chairs on the tables... while we ate around them. The server did miss a few items and were not able to bring them out, as the kitchen had closed once the mistake had been noticed. At the end of the night, it seemed like whoever was left in the restaurant was able to help us and we did get a birthday dessert. The server mentioned that it was his first day, and I am truly understanding of that, but there is no reason that the staff should give a first day server a table of 12 on his first day. This should be fixed in the future. read more

0/10 Customer Service Me and my friends stopped by this "restaurant" Because we wanted to try a few of their breast items like the " Chilaquiles" since that's something we are very familiar within our culture. Sadly this place was by far the biggest disappointment in the island. Me and my friends waiting by the entrance for a few of the waiters on the floor to walk us to our sit , as they had a sign by the door that said " wait to be seated " so we did . But NONE not of the waiters even acknowledged us that we were their &' I know they saw us.. it was very disappointing to feel like they didn't care that we were there may us feel like they didn't want us there. I would at least expect a " Hello , we will be right with you " but nothing just complete awkward silence ... and then walking by not saying anything ... If you're from a Hispanic background don't come here .. as this seems to be why we might of not been welcomed here read more

Excellent in all categories...food, service and ambiance. We sat on the rooftop deck and were entertained by Top Gull while we waited for our food. Flatbread, salads, and Lobster Ravioli were all excellent. Service was quick and attentive. Excellent early afternoon meal while we watched the Tour de France and awaited our ferry. read more

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We stopped by one afternoon just to have a drink. It was a cool bar with a more modern feel. The bartender was the best bartender we had on the island. He made a good drink and was very conversational. read more

Walking in this place I was very confused. It was empty around 5pm, I thought there would be service on the rooftop but there wasn't. There were only two people working and at times there was a rush so I thought this was an odd choice. Service was very friendly but a little slow at times. Their menu has changed from what I saw on yelp but I attempted to order 5 courses but they all came out at the same time, which was a little weird. I asked the waitress/bartender if I could change my order and she said yes, but the chef had already started cooking my previous order so they both came out. I ordered the steak empanadas, lobster ravioli, dark sea pasta and bread pudding. The salmon also came out. The food was probably the best I had on the island, but the salmon was just ok. The salmon itself was cooked well but the saffron risotto just wasn't the correct vehicle in my opinion. It tasted a little soapy, something about it was off, but everything else was pretty good. Had a spicy margarita, which was good but again service was a little slow, my server remade the drink for some reason, saying the taste was off. Also I ordered an espresso to go with my bread pudding and she completely forgot. She didn't charge me for it but still, I found service in catalina to be perplexing. the bread pudding is served cold and is not what I was expecting. It's not even something I would have thought about asking. There was also a talk about rattle snakes which I thought was pretty cool. All in all, definitely visit this place, the food is good! read more

In Catalina Island this place rocks! We had a server named Fidel and he made us feel very welcomed and special. The food was first class and the location and view was magical. Next time we visit, we will definitely return for sure. Great job!! read more

Right off the Ferry we noticed this restaurant with a nice view! As we walked in they welcomed us in and sat us down right away, with the choice of inside or outside on the balcony... of course we chose the Balcony. We started off with some cocktails and then the food was mouth watering when they brought it to us. Before we knew it we finished our drinks and our meals, realizing how hungry we were. They do not disappoint! Definitely a place to come see and eat! read more

Topside by NDMK - Hangover burrito, ribeye steak - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Avalon, California

Wow. 6 stars here guys. Newest restaurant In Avalon, and I give top stars for Quality of service, food, cleanliness of the restaurant, and service. Our waitress Kate was beyond exceptional! She was handling 9+ tables (over 20 other guests) and still Managed to make us feel like we were the only couple in the place! Views are amazing from the deck, and worth every extra penny. (There is also a "Topside" deck to take cocktails a sun lounge out with the views) We had the Dark Seas Pasta, which was just addictive! We also had a Yellowfish Tartar that the owner caught himself! It doesn't get more special than that! We are huge seafood fanatics and give this place 10/10. Wish we had more nights here to come back again! read more

Topside by NDMK - Complimentary birthday dessert is bread pudding with cinnamon dusted vanilla ice cream(I think) Super good!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Avalon, California

Tasty oysters, tasty beverages, nice rooftop (though they do need more shade) - and great service! Highly recommend!

Best happy hour and view in Avalon. Not on crescent Ave so it's cheaper here but by no means not far at all. Order at the bar during happy hour and take it up stairs to the rooftop for an amazing view. Truffle fries and a mug of beer are a must, both under $10 each. Best happy hour deals on the island. May seem empty as they have been there for over a year but cherish it. read more

Omar was the best bartender ever!! Such good service. He made the best surprise drink! We love him! read more

Topside by NDMK - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Avalon, California

Miguel was the best server so kind and attentive! He helped us with all our food and even got my friend a birthday dessert. Will definitely be back to see him read more