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Los Angeles Area

Catalina Island recs?

Planning a weekend trip to Catalina Island and was hoping to get some recommendations for food. We have never been so anything, be it grub or activity, that we ought to check out would be much appreciated.

Thanks a bunch!

9 replies so far

  1. One of my favorite places is Avalon and we take the boat over several times during the summer and my personal fav's are Eric's on the Pier..best burger and beer after snorkeling or hanging out..
    Armstrong's is decent for lunch or dinner..Villa Portofino for Italian, Antonio's for pizza, Landing for drinks and app's..or El Galleon
    Love playing golf at the Country Club and have drinks afterwards..
    Descanso Beach next to the casino for lots of fun drinking buffalo milks..right on the beach.
    Best dive bar in the world is the Marlin Club..Luau Larry's is a lot of fun.
    Buffalo nickel by the heliport for a good happy hour and grub too.
    Rent a golf cart and check out the island...when are you going?
    Seasonal place and things start opening for the summer around Memorial day.
    Have a blast!

    www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/webcam2.php
    www.pubclub.com/losangeles/catalina.htm

    1. re: Beach Chick

      Thanks, Beach Chick :)

      We are actually leaving this Friday and staying until Sunday. We will definitely check out the places you have mentioned.

      1. re: sharkgirl88

        Have a great time sharkgirl and report back!

      2. re: Beach Chick

        Haven't you just listed every single restaurant in Avalon? ;)

        Mr Taster

        1. re: Mr Taster

          LOL..
          Not every restaurant but pretty close.. ; )

        2. re: Beach Chick

          I have been to Catalina at least ten or twelve times, but always to Two Harbors on the West End, which is probably not where OP is going and where one's choices are pretty much limited to one restaurant and the ice cream at the general store....but finally got to Avalon this past year for the first time ever, twice in a year, by happenstance.

          Based on those visits I'd have to agree with Beach Chick: the Marlin Club truly is the best dive bar in the world. strong drinks, good thing one doesn't typically drive home from there (your hotel will probably be walking distance). Be sure to look up when you drink there!

          I actually had a surprisingly good meal last September at Coyote Joe's, a Mexican place right across the street from the Marlin Club. I could have sworn I did a post on it, but can't find it in any searches. Anyway, It looks touristy, but everything in Avalon looks touristy, and the service was excellent. Food wasn't outstanding, but it was tasty, chips and salsa were definitely above average, and the margaritas hit the spot. (though for serious drinking, head back across the street to the Marlin Club).

        3. Another great little place is Coney Island West. It's a walk-up joint that serves mainly burgers, chicken sandwiches, etc. Good for a quick bite!

          1. I can't recall a single good meal in Avalon. Pretty much all of the restaurants are touristy and if there's anywhere remotely chow-worthy I didn't find it.

            1. re: hrhboo

              When I was a kid they served the most amazing abalone burgers on the green pier. One summer my aunt brought me a couple of them when I was going to camp at catalina Islands Boys Camp. Man they were good. They would also fire off the canon when a boat came in with a marlin, I dont think they do that anymore. I'm going to little harbor at the end of this month. Its camping so we will be eating large.

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