The Sandtrap

Mexican restaurant · Avalon

The Sandtrap

Mexican restaurant · Avalon
Avalon Cyn Rd, Avalon, CA 90704

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Highlights

Nestled by the Catalina golf course, this lively spot serves up mouthwatering Mexican and American dishes, including unbeatable $2 tacos during happy hour on a pet-friendly patio.  

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Avalon Cyn Rd, Avalon, CA 90704 Get directions

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$10–20

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Avalon Cyn Rd, Avalon, CA 90704 Get directions

+1 310 510 2505
google.com
thesandtraprest

$10–20

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Last updated

Mar 14, 2025

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Jon Hudson

Google
$2 Happy hour tacos 2-6 daily !! Right across the street from the Catalina golf course. Great service, fun open environment. Hit the botanical gardens then come back for victory beers & tacos. Everything I love 💕

Robert Dryden

Google
The happy hour $2 tacos are legit! I had the carnitas and they were tasty and good sized. Not those real small kind you get at some places. They even have a full bar and outdoor seating. I highly recommend stopping here, especially if you're starting the Trans Catalina Trail the next day!

Yazmine58

Google
AMAZING SERVICE! Happy hour they offer House margaritas which were good. They offer Gin & Juice by Snoop and Dr. Dre in 4 flavors. Pricing of drinks was reasonable for the portions. The breakfast burrito was TERRIFIC!!!!! The size, flavor, and portions were perfect. Adding sausage and bacon to the burrito with the potatoes and eggs was everything. The French toast had a nice flavor to it as well.

Teal Bradley

Google
Exactly what I needed after a long swim and another great recommendation from the staff at Catalina Divers Supply, the $2 taco happy hour with $6 margaritas can’t be beat. From the happy hour menu, I got the Carnitas & Chorizo tacos, which were both good. I also ordered the asada and fish tacos off the regular menu. The asada was tough, but had a generous helping of guacamole. The fish taco, while it was very shredded meat, I really liked the flavor and it wasn’t dry. The pico de gallo was very fresh and great on everything, the tortillas were soft and held their shape. I should’ve asked for hot sauce, but I just ate everything so quickly! Next time I would go all in on the $2 carnitas taco happy hour, but I would get the fish taco again too. The margarita is strong for $6 and it felt like if I drank anymore than two, I would get denied boarding the ferry.

Andrew McCauley

Google
I recently visited The Sandtrap, and it was an amazing experience. The location is great, right on the golf course, which provides a beautiful view. The atmosphere is good, making it a relaxing place to hang out. We especially loved the outdoor dining area. The food was fantastic; we enjoyed Happy Hour and the carnitas tacos, which are the bomb! Overall, it was a wonderful visit, and I highly recommend it.

Sheetal Palle

Google
wow. i came here on the last day of my catalina trip, and i found this treasure. the other places in town are top rated when their food is greasy and has no flavor, but this place is da BOMB. they have a happy hour $2/per taco, and i walked out happy.

Kevin Johnson

Google
I was impressed with the asada tacos 🌮. This place was recommended to me by a frequent Avalon traveler and I’m glad they recommended it.

Lanky

Google
$2 taco happy hour, and the chorizo is delicious. The guac is expensive but they load you up, definitely enough for 3 to share. My friends enjoyed the margaritas from the bar as well. This place is pretty awesome.

M U.

Yelp
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

Craig W.

Yelp
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.

Laurie D.

Yelp
My husband and I recently stopped in Avalon while on a cruise. He wanted to check out the golf course and had heard about a restaurant across the street. We decided to have lunch there. We shared a chile verde burrito. It was HUGE! We almost ate the whole thing between the two of us. It was very good. The salsa was fantastic! One of my best friends told me that she loves their margaritas. Will definitely try a margarita next time!

Kevin B.

Yelp
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.

Tiffany H.

Yelp
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.

Karen T.

Yelp
Large portions but definitely island pricing. It's almost a shack with outdoor seating. The food was tasty and it came out quick. We were 5 mins until breakfast ended, so super excited to still fit in breakfast food.

Megan B.

Yelp
*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.

Lisa T.

Yelp
We just missed the breakfast hours and could not get the breakfast burrito so we settled for the Chile Verde burritos with carnitas. I didn't realize it was a wet burrito, but it was pretty good. The complimentary chips and salsa were great. This place is definitely worth stopping by for some Mexican food.

Tina M.

Yelp
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.

Junior C.

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

Apoorva B.

Yelp
On our hunt for lunch, we found this beautiful local place which serves amazing food. We had tacos, fish fry and fried tacos whose original name I forgot but is served with rice and beans. Though the rice and beans were not to my taste, the fried was my absolute favourite. It was deeply fried and fresh. We had couple of margaritas. The place is extremely affordable and the service is great and friendly. The owner got us this spicy sauce which was not on the menu because we were craving for real spice.

Sibling S.

Yelp
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."

Grace K.

Yelp
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

Monty D.

Yelp
The Sandtrap, as you'd expect, is across from the golf course. They are a super easy walk from the "hustle and bustle" of the town. They are known for their 2 pm to 7 pm Happy Hour, see pic, taco and beer specials. You'll place your order through the order window and they'll bring it to you. On this morning, the service was prompt. This is an outdoor dining, patio, only restaurant. There was plenty of shade. It was nice that in the afternoons, the sun sets behind you as you face the golf course. While the views are limited, it still has a great outdoor feeling.

Joshua C.

Yelp
Looking for a good spot for happy hour on Catalina,, I would recommend trying this spot.

Russell M.

Yelp
*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....

Monica A.

Yelp
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.

Jeany K.

Yelp
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.

Ben G.

Yelp
Low key, much less crowded than all of the restaurants on the waterfront. Cool and affordable local spot with great service. Also amazing tacos

Margo C.

Yelp
This is an island gem. Reasonable and delicious. A great happy hour too.the outdoor patio is simple and perfect

Parvaty N.

Yelp
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!

Sahil R.

Yelp
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!

Darci M.

Yelp
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!

S S.

Yelp
I usually have breakfast here while camping. Good portions. Sometimes I stop for their happy hour tacos and beer. Relaxing outdoor seating. This is the place if you want casual and away from the sit down restaurants and crowds in town.

Rachel M.

Yelp
Still amazing! Still our favorite! I honestly could sit on the patio all day, ordering food and margaritas until they made me leave, but they're so nice I don't know if they would Go here. Do yourself a favor, and just go, order anything, and relax.

Agustin R.

Yelp
This place is huge but very poor service. This place has a lot of potential but the menu is not great. We had the chilaquiles and I think I just ate it because I was hungry.

Mimi L.

Yelp
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!

Mandy G.

Yelp
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.

John H.

Yelp
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.

Benjamin C.

Yelp
Great local spot to get some Mexican food away from the tourists. Would definitely come back again

Margaret J.

Yelp
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.

Tanyna S.

Yelp
Love their food and service. Family owned restaurant on island and they share the love with everyone that comes.

Jennifer M.

Yelp
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!

Angelica G.

Yelp
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.

ANNA L.

Yelp
My husband and myself agreed that this place is the best hidden gem to eat! We have been coming back here and the food is delicious! Everything we have tried is amazing!! The people that work here are so friendly and we will always come here for breakfast and lunch!! Highly recommended!!!

Sky T.

Yelp
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.

Melody L.

Yelp
Really amazing Mexican food! I'm glad I stopped by. The workers are super friendly. I ordered pastor tacos. They were delicious! The meat was super flavorful. I'm always a little scared to order pastor because it's a hit or a miss! But this place had great flavor! My only regret is not ordering more. I also saw they had plenty of drink options! Even Mexican coke and jarritos! I was in heaven. If you see the jarritos brand, get the mandarin soda flavor! You won't be disappointed! I will definitely come back to the sand trap if I'm in the area :)

Pete F.

Yelp
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.

Roberto N.

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

Nadine A.

Yelp
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.

Ellen H.

Yelp
The Mexican food smelled amazing. The chips and salsa were very good. The outdoor patio dining is fun. Food is great, drinks are strong and it's great sitting outside in the sun, they do have umbrellas.

Deondre J.

Yelp
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!

Wesley W.

Yelp
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.

Farimah F.

Yelp
The food is absolutely disgusting and going with group of nonpicky eaters, everyone hated the food. The food feels old and I'm anticipating to be absolutely sick for the next two days from the food. The only good thing was the chips and salsa, which they didn't even have to make. My mom said that's she'd rather die than take another bite of the food.

Cecilia D.

Yelp
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.

Teresa M.

Yelp
I love the food. The prices are good. You must try the carne asada it is delicious. I like the indoor/outdoor seating space as well. Not far from the beach.

Christine I.

Yelp
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.

Arlene F.

Yelp
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!

Emz P.

Yelp
Five minutes walk from town center. Less touristy. Saw some local firemen eating lunch there. Pleasant outdoor tables. You order at cashier and they bring the food when ready. The food and bar are separate with their own cashiers. The burrito I had was ok. During the happy hour, can have $6 descent lime margaritas!

Dani S.

Yelp
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.