Great little place to stop for a beer and great natchos! Very friendly people 😄 running it.

We stopped here during their happy hour for tacos and margaritas and it was the best $30 I have spent all year. Tacos are 2 bucks at happy hour and we had one of each and they are all amazing. Margaritas are well made, although I wish they served them in glassware. Small gripe, but food was fast and amazing, drinks tastes great. 5/5, would eat any and every day.

I've only had breakfast here but the experiences have all been great . Generous portions of food, good bloody Mary and great prices. So grateful a Catalina local clued us into this spot.

Happy hour is great! $2 tacos (tasty, and come with salsa) and $3 bud lights and other drink specials.

Nice family run restaurant a short walk from the main area of Avalon. The portions are huge! We got the Tostada and Burritos. Both were good quality. Really enjoyed the lunch sitting outside

Could not stop coming here for breakfast - so good - and large portions. Conchita and Maria are great bartenders out on the patio at Pedro’s Bar. Friendly environment and great vies of the golf course.

It's a cool little spot near the golf course. It feels more relaxed than some of the restaurants down in Avalon by the harbor. The happy hour tacos were pretty good for $2. The chorizo was the best

Sand thap was good recommendations by locals and for sure carnitas tacos were good micheladas were aight.i fix them up a bit but I would definitely go again any time there!!

This is the best food bargain on the island by far! And a nice little order at the window “family feel” business to boot. Window ordering. Some stuff may be simple or basic - but go with the Mexican entrees and they’re going to be good (the salsa is great btw). But hands down you won’t get better value unless you’re cooking yourself. And the venue across from the golf course under outdoor shade makes it all that much better.

Best food on Catalina. The tacos were savory and hearty. My daughter ordered some beans. They were Soo good after a day of kayaking and hiking. Thanks a lot for a great meal at a super affordable price. And you are all so sweet!

Great value for drinks, plenty of space for the family.

Worth the walk to get away from the crowd. Food was excellent especially the carnita tacos. Staff was friendly.

Great place for lunch. From 2pm to 7pm $2 bud lights $1 tacos. Enough said. A nice hidden jem off the hustle on Crescent Ave.

Lovely place to stop for Mexican, and from the options, the best place for a burrito on the island. The tacos on taco Tuesday were a good deal (2 dollars) but humble little fellas and nothing to celebrate intensely. The basic margaritas were 6 bucks which were tasty. Not a bad deal. The patio is nice and open air, relaxing. The fish tacos were solid, maybe could have been slightly crispier but good flavor. Carne asada burrito was hefty and good.

This moment started off with Pedro and let me tell you, this guy is amazing. Come here for happy hour. It is from 2pm to 5pm. I would suggest a pitcher of Margaritas for $30 made with Hornito's Resposado (or you.can get one with well liquor for $22.00!) Then I had the pleasure of meeting Luz when I ordered tacos. Happy hour tacos are only $2.00. The ground beef, carnitas, and chorizo were amazing. Add cheese if you're ordering the ground beef for only 50 cents more! The seating is great. The bathrooms are clean and every staff memeber I met had a smile on their face. This place rocks

I've been to Catalina twice now and this is definitely the best restaurant we went to. We've probably tried 7 different places and this one so far has been the only actually good place. Food was delicious, the people were really nice and friendly, and the atmosphere was pretty cool, with outdoor seating among some plants and right across from a golf park.

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.

What a neat little restaurant/ bar, it's right across from the golf course and just a stone's throw from Catalina horseback adventures. A great stop before or after a horse ride or a game of golf. It's a short walk from downtown Avalon and wellworth seeing the scenery along the way.

THE BEST tacos I’ve had 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!

Finally found the cool spot to eat and drink in Avalon. Local hangout for happy hour(2-6pm) every day. Decent drink prices. $5 margarita. $2 Taco's. $2. Bud lights. Came back the next morning for breakfast. Breakfast burrito $9. Very reasonable for Catalina. Filled me up. I didn't have to eat lunch. After spending 2 months on the island (and eating at almost every restaurant), this is the BEST spot to eat. Reasonably priced and great food.

Oh MAN!!!!! I had the most terrific machaca and eggs I've ever eaten!! This place is awesome outdoor patio with a cool view of the driving range! Easy access from the community bus or a pretty short easy hike from the city. A great history surrounds this quaint local restaurant. A local gem and worth the visit. Take the time to enjoy the ambience.

Outstanding outdoor pub/restaurant next to golf course. You can enjoy great food and drink specials while watching golfers and wild deer. The staff are very friendly and offer the best Happy Hour in town!! Go where the locals go.

We got some sort of beef quesadilla with avocado; it was delicious. The best part was the drinks. We got there after our garden to sky hike about 1:30, so before happy hour. However, the drinks are a nice price whether happy hour or not. Pablo the bartender can be fun to banter with. We got two 19th hole margaritas - ie. Cadillac margaritas. This was the 2nd best place to eat in the island, but the #1 for drinks. Enjoy it as much as we did.

Best street tacos ever. And staff was great. The patio where you sit and eat is beautiful. I highly recommend this place.

We loved The Sandtrap. Will certainly be back. Great food - "best carne asada tacos ever." Veggie tacos are also excellent. Great portion sizes. Pricing is reasonable as well. Service was helpful and friendly.

This is a perfect outdoor taco stand serving drinks. Very casual, outdoor island food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Chill place. Went during happy hour. Tacos are soooo good. It's also away from the tourist area but walking distance. More local spot and chill.

This is my go to place when visiting Catalina! The bartender is the best bartender in the world, and the tacos are absolutely amazing!

We took the rental card around the island and this is one of the stops. 1 dollar tacos, 5 dollar margaritas, 4 dollar beers. Really kick back fun patio area I would recommend to anyone in the area.

When I visited the island, a local told me about this place. I went to go visit, omg, she was correct. This place is affordable and has a good happy hour, has great atmosphere and the staff is friendly. The food and drinks are really good, for the price you pay, you get a good amount.

This was the first stop for my wife and I when we came to visit Catalina island, we both got breakfast burritos and must say they were amazing.

Great spot. Fabulous menu. Great service. Casual ambiance. Nice bar. Food 5/5. We enjoyed guac and chips while we waited for our lunch. Tacos. Outstanding. 5/5. Tuna melt. 5/5 Perfection. Perfectly toasted. Great tuna salad. Yum. Super popular place. We can see why.

+2

Amazing food - vegetarian options are fantastic! Enjoyed after a long hike :)

$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.

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 THID PLACE!!! Leave you conceptions behind and enjoy "comida autentica."

+1

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.

The carnitas nachos were delicious! We had a former restaurant owner with us and she even raved about them :-)

The portions here are huge and the food is delicious! Plus the service is really friendly and fast. The happy hour is a great deal and it lasts from 3-7 every day.

A kitschy little place off the main area with yummy food and drinks. We had breakfast, scrambled eggs with cheesy corn tortillas and fresh, home made salsa! Soooo good

I love this place! It's a local favorite for sure, but for those visitors wanting some great food, great drinks, outside in the beautiful Island air with salt of the earth people, find this hidden secret! Their Breakfast Tortilla Melt is my all-time FAVORITE breakfast taco ever! No joke! You'll love everything you get from this family resturaunt!

Right across from the golf course, grab a menu with your guest and they'll seat you inside or outside on the patio. Very relaxing. It's a bit off the path from the rest of the restaurants on the Island but definitely worth the visit.

+1

Great food. Nice people. Popular with locals.

Legitimately the best margarita I've ever had in my life, bar none. We just stumbled upon this place at random and didn't expect much but it was so good we immediately ordered a second round. The food was great too! We got quesadillas and tacos and I'd recommend all of it.

Really nice taco spot in Avalon. $1 tacos and $20 pitcher of margarita during happe. Happy hour starts at 2pm and ends at 5(I think). Fish tacos are delicious!

Went for breakfast around 9:30 from the Catalina Canyon Inn. It was great!! There were 14 of us, from 5 to 70. Beef machaca was soooo good. I really didn’t have to eat the rest of the day. The omelets and chacaquillis, can’t spell it, were great. The kids loved the waffles and bacon. Lots of room inside and on the patio. And the Bloody Mary’s, so yum. Highly recommend.

The Sand Trap was an authentic Mexican respite on an unseasonably hot weekend in Catalina. The colorful awnings complemented the cheap drinks and tacos they offer for happy hour every day. We stumbled into this place for happy hour and had to come back the next day, it’s that good. The servers treat you like family and the fare was worth 3x the price they charge. Magnificent

Nice outside patio setup to enjoy a good homemade style meal!! Friendly service and atmosphere! We will definitely be back!

Great lunch time happy hour. Had some house happy hour margaritas and tacos that hit the spot for a reasonable price!

Best bartender, ever need to come here.First time in the catalina will not be the last.Ask for pedro, hugh and has special significant drinks.

This is definitely more of a locals spot because of where it's located on the island, plus, it just has that casual, non-tourist-y vibe which is great. The food is really yummy and if you feel like hanging out for a while to chat with friends and have some bevvies, this is the place to be! Right across from the golf course and a short walk to the Botanical Gardens (which has a GREAT short hike)!

Matt Houtsma

Great for happy hour which started at 11am on day our cruise ship was in town. $3 bud light and $6 margarita! Nice outdoor space.

Mari Nguyen

Ceviche and menudo were perfect for post-hike refuel

Mason Bentley

Food was great! We stopped here after golfing next door. Make sure you go early enough or late enough to not get caught in the school kid rush as it is a popular place for students to go to lunch at a nearby school.

Susan

Optional covered or umbrella patio seating outside. Can be chilly in evening hours. Beautiful view of golf course, mountains, school, hospital, street and horse stables. Always great food, fast and friendly service, best prices in town. I highly recommend. They have many items to choose from menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner. Give the Sandtrap 10 stars

trevor morris

Really tasty. If we had come here earlier in our trip I know we would have visited more than once. We were there at an odd time and it was empty. I imagine this is quite a lively place when it's busy.

Mike Moore

This place is a vibe. You stroll in post hike or after wandering around Avalon and it somehow welcomes you like it’s been waiting there just for you. Portions are generous, your wallet doesn’t collapse when you pay, and that fish and chips basket was so crispy and satisfying I briefly considered building a shrine to it. We split a bacon cheeseburger, fries, and fish and chips basket and still debated which was the real MVP. Full confession: I’m a die hard burger guy, and yet that fish had me second guessing life choices. Staff were super nice, making you feel like you weren’t just buying food, you were feeding your soul. The setting is great too. You’ve got that indoor outdoor dining deal going, birds and squirrels eyeing your table like they’re ready for a snack heist, and you can’t help but feel like you stumbled into some secret Puerto inspired breakfast nook but with tacos and margaritas replacing churros. Honestly, if you wander in here and don’t walk out thinking “this was well worth the detour,” check your taste buds. Sand Trap is the kind of hidden spot that makes Catalina Island feel like more than just a postcard scene, it makes it feel delicious too. You owe it to your stomach to give it a go.

liz street

One of the best places to eat & / drink in town. Good to see a long term family business still in Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California. Tacos are yummy.

Carolina Lima

If you want a real Mexican dining and food experience, you must try this place! The staff were incredibly welcoming and provided the best hospitality. The environment was lovely. Very spacious, relaxing, and scenic. This is a hidden gem away from the tourist spots. Worth the walk to here. Thank you to the staff and cooks for serving my daughter the mojarra she has been craving ❤️

Jeffrey Murphy

Great spot for tacos — carne asada, pollo, carnitas, & chorizo were all delicious. They were $2 each during happy hour from 2-7 PM. Their horchata rice milk and cinnamon drink is refreshing and freshly made. Margaritas are also top notch. Easily within walking distance from the beach. Supremely chill atmosphere with little birds cleaning up crumbs on the ground.

k b

The Sandtrap – Catalina’s Hidden Taco Treasure (No Sand in Your Chips, Promise) 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. Tucked 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 locals, students, and cruisers alike. And guess what? They get you. Specials for cruise-goers? Check. Student deals for the nearby school crowd? Double check. Happy hour? Triple taco check. Let’s taco ‘bout the food. I only sampled the fish taco and chips & salsa, but wow—¡qué auténtico! The fish taco had a good flavor within the Baja expected. 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. The aroma of grilled carne asada was absent so I didn't try the tacos. I'm from San Diego so it's hard to try meat tacos from other places unless I know for certain. I chatted with friendly customers and they too delighted in their meal choices with accolades. The vibe? 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. Full bar, clean restrooms, 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. The Sandtrap? This eatery is solid—no gimmicks and no regrets, generally. 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.

+2

Rachel Kazmier

What a lovely and delicious stop on our golf cart toodle! I had the skinny ghost pepper margarita, the others had beer and buffalo milk! The ceviche was spot on and fresh as were the tacos! If I didn’t know better it felt like a cool beach bar in Mexico! Be sure to hit up this spot on your golf cart scenic drive!

+1

Jon Hudson

$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

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!

Teal Bradley

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.

+1

Melanated Misanthrope

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.

Andrew McCauley

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.

+10

Environment, drinks, and staff are great. Beans could use a little TLC.

The food. Great. The service. Great. But the womens restroom needs much attention. The toilet was broken and it needs some serious upgrades.

Good food at fair prices. Probably one of the most affordable places to eat in Avalon.

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.

It has a great Happy Hour from 2-7. Happy Hour include $1 tacos, $3 beers, and $19 pitcher of margarita's. The food was good I would recommend.

We hear all the locals come here so we had to try it. Carnitas are special and delicious. Decent happy hour if you like tacos.

Good food and great happy hour deals. Nice spot that’s kinda tucked away behind the business of the front streets of Avalon. Great staff.

While riding around on our electric bikes, we decided to stop in for a drink & snack. Across the street from the golf course & plenty of outside covered dining. Come in and you are greeted by the bartender willing & eager to make you a drink. Food was opposite the bar & had to order from the walk up window. Reasonably priced & will visit again.

No one can beat $2 taco!!!!! 2-6pm happy hour everyday!!! Went for a long hike at Helmich Gulch, lone tree trail, and then back down at the Botanic Garden, then walked down the road to eat cheap, delicious tacos!!! Carnita taco was the best. Then chicken taco came second. I wouldn't recommend ground beef, and I didn't try the chorizo. They also had fresh menudo soup. Soooooo yummy. If you like menudo, you should get a small bowl here! Best deal in town. Everything in Catalina Island is extra expensive, and I'm so glad there's some quality, affordable tacos in this small island.

By the golf course out of the way, large portions good prices great views. Full bar, add a happy hour. Don't miss it!

+1

Used to be the cheapest place on the island to get a good meal. Especially if traveling on a budget or with family, but a breakfast burrito and two fountain drinks cost us $37. They up charge for every little thing.

The location was very nice with great shaded outdoor seating, food was made to order so it was hot fresh and tasty, they had a beer option which I found great, staff was friendly and attentive, food came out relatively fast with a smile and prices were good.

+1

Scott Eaton

Quirky old school snack-bar style restaurant with a full bar next to a golf course. Food ordered at the counter is brought to your table once prepared, but no other real service. 2 small covered patio areas with some additional patio seating with umbrellas or in the sun. There is also some counter seating on the patio that faces the golf course across the street. Pretty rustic and looks like it has evolved over the years, but the food is good, the atmosphere is comfortable, and the prices are reasonable -- especially for being on the island.

+3

ForOurDog

Sandtrap is our second choice for a good gluten-free meal. In order, we recommend Pescado, Vegan, and Asada as a distant third. Both the tilapia and veggies were excellent, somehow the steak was overcooked and under seasoned. Make the walk, bike, or Coaster ride out here, it is worth the trip.

Sarah Yee

Decent stop on our e-bike tour. $2 happy hour tacos starting at 2pm but be forewarned: there's only one order taker, and the line gets LONG.

Beans tasted expired, love to support Mexican establishments especially on Islands. Still recommend for to go for happy hour!

We arrived before the $2 Taco happy hour went into effect so paid almost $6. They were quite good. Bought another another round at the happy hour price of $2. Asked if they were the same and were told yes. Guess what, they were NOT even close.

We can't for thier menudo but it wasn't the best. Juice was a little fatty, needed more oregano and the skin was to thin like it was over cooked. The pieces were to big. The bar is great!!

We ate lunch outside on the patio. Breakfast was recommended but we only made for lunch. I really didn’t enjoy my meal and neither did my family. We had Turkey tacos, some Turkey sandwiches both made with lunch meat. The spicy beef burrito was plain not much flavor. The bartender was not welcoming he kept saying he only drinks water. Best thing we had was fries. I’m giving 3 stars to be nice

+2

If you are looking for a strong drink and good happy hour, this is your place. If you are looking for Mexican food and like lots of onion, beans and hardly any meat, this is your place. This was not my place. Food was not good. Salsa and chips are about all that was edible.

Ordered our lunch at 1:30, did not receive them until a hour later. Food tasted ok, but you can tell cheap cut meat is used. This is supposedly a place where locals get together. We saw many customers/tourists who drank way too much.

I just had the worst experience at a restaurant ever. Over charged us for tacos and because we parked our golf cart in front??. I still tipped them before realizing this. Once I realized she charged extra for fish tacos, she then pointed to a small almost confusing menu about what’s included. It went on. They Messed up our tacos 3 times. Unbelievable! Unapologetic too. Makes me wonder if they are racist or don’t like their job. An apology for messing up orders is the minimum, then when asked about the extra charges she pointed out to a 3.9% for using debit and credit cards. Are they racist or just not willing to work in low season?? This is my last time I come here.

This was genuinely the worst restaurant I have ever been to. The food reminded me of somebody who tries to cook at home and is incapable. The products they used seemed to be from the local Vons. The inside of the restaurant was swarmed with flies, dim lighting, and dirty chairs/tables. The sandwich my bf purchased was the smallest most crappy thing I’ve ever seen for an outrageous price. You’re better off just cooking yourself

Good samaritan

The worst tacos I’ve ever had. I ordered a shrimp taco and specifically asked for grilled shrimp. What I got was a tiny bay shrimp taco instead—completely different and incredibly disappointing. The fish taco was even worse. The fish came in tiny, shredded pieces, like it had already been chewed up, with some salsa slapped on top. No flavor. No seasoning. Nothing. I paid $17 for two tacos. When you’re charging $6 per taco, customers deserve decent, quality food—not misleading orders and skimpy portions. This felt like a total scam. Do better.