Buffalo Nickel Restaurant

The front desk manager at our hotel recommended this restaurant, and man I'm glad we listened. One of the best burritos I've ever had, and my wife loved her fish tacos. This is going to be our go to spot every time we come to Catalina going forward

Great restaurant. The food is delicious and comes in a big share. They sent a shuttle to pick us up from the city and after the meal brought us back at no cost.

Loved the continent shuttle from the port to their location and very friendly customer service. Not to mention great food!!

Although it only had a few starts we went here because the locals recommend it and we loved it. Good was good and the michelada was really really good!! Service was great and staff was really friendly

I got the half rack of ribs and my wife got the sampler platter. Absolutely delicious, and great service! Plenty of food, did not walk away hungry. Don't let the fact that it's away from the shops for you, it's worth the walk, and they have a free shuttle if that's too hard.

We stopped in on our last night in Catalina. Wished we had come here sooner. Orders potato skins and chicken fajitas. Both items were huge and probably could feed 3 people each. Could not take home leftovers since we were leaving the next morning. Please stop in and sit in the patio! Great food!

Great food, great service, allowed my girl and I to split the bill. Had the Catalina plate with the Steak, cheese enchilada, rice and beans. The food was so mouth watering and delicious. My other had a salmon and loved it. IF YOU COME TO CATALINA GO HERE! The server was so polite, we came just before the closing hour and left around dark. We were offered a courtesy ride back to Avalon, but we decline it because we had brought our bikes. So polite that they would offer.

Omg!!! If I hadn’t taken the helicopter ride, I don’t think I would’ve come here.. it is a little far from the “happening” part of the island. But to everyone who is visiting the island, this is a must visit restaurant!!!! Food is amazingggg!! Really great for brunch! The service was really good. Definitely do try the buffalo milk drink, you only get it in the island... and this is where you should get it! They have birthday specials so which is another plus!

+2

BEST restaurant on the island. Out by Pebbly Beach away from all the tourists. Come here for excellent and huge portions of food. If your waiter is Rafael, he is incredible!

This is a hidden gem. Our daughter found this place a few months ago. We called and they sent a van to pick us up from the marina area. The food was amazing! The ceviche was the best we have ever had. This will be a must stop on future trips to Catalina!!

Order the Buffalo Torta! It's huge and definitely worth the mess. Flavorful and filling. Short walk from all the people, but worth every step.

Someone highly recommended this spot. The ceviche was delicious. Fish tacos we juicy and flavorful. Atmosphere was cozy and inviting.

Almost every time we visit Catalina Island we go to the Buffalo Nickel. If you've been to Catalina, you already know everything is a little pricey, and Buffalo Nickel is no exception, but it's totally worth it, I have never been disappointed with the food, service or atmosphere! If you are in Avalon with no transportation, give them a call and they will give you a ride. Last time we visited, they were closed due to a kitchen fire. That was a disappointment, and there was a rumor that it would not re open. We were thrilled to find out they are back in business! I know years ago they had a pasta bar dinner special one day a week. That was a great deal on a great meal, if they still have it, I recommend it! If not, there should be something on the menu you'd like.

Hands down best food and service in catalina island, called the restaurant and was told to wait for the shuttle by the island conservatory. The van arrived really quick, got to the restaurant a bit hesitant but boy did they prove me wrong. Never judge a book by its cover the food was amazing we had ceviche as an appetizer wow 👏 🤤💯 I also had camarones a la diabla supper tasty really well prepared and served. My wife had chiles rellenos she loved them. Trust me we I say when ever I come back to the island I'm going straight into Buffalo Nickel. The service they provide is amazing 10stars they go out their way to make your night unforgettable.

This is a hidden gem that is fabulous , service is quick, choice of many different dishes such as American and mexcian, etc.

+5

The pizza was EXCELLENT and a great value (2 large with 4 toppings for $33 which is cheap for Catalina!). I will be back. The best pizza on Catalina Island! As good as it looks!

Local gem of Avalon; not commercialized like much of the island, but still outstanding service, food, and drinks! I’ve had the local namesake “Buffalo Milk” at a couple of different restaurants, but this one is my favorite! Also highly recommend the ceviche and calamari!

Holy moly that burrito was off the hook! The Carnitas burrito wet with green sauce absolutely delivered. It's a shame this isn't available on the mainland as I'd be a regular. The service was excellent too, hope to see Ricardo on our next visit.

Best ceviche in a long time. Generous portion, perfectly seasoned with appropriate ratio of fish to Avocado to onion. We had the red snapper ceviche. Served with crispy seasoned homemade tortilla chips. The prickly pear margarita with salt was also generous. To top it off they have a driving service to take you back to the main part of the island. Although the walk to get there is gorgeous. 10/10 recommend must eat here if you come to the island Our server and everyone around is super friendly! Great place

This place is well deserving of its five stars. Food is fantastic, the western style saloon atmosphere is enjoyable, and the staff are not only helpful but friendly. Definitely a must visit if you are on the island. If I was to come back again, I would eat here twice instead of some of the other places I ate. Oh, and the prices are extremely reasonable for the quality of food you get.

A full American dinner with Mexican influence. It's the only spot on the Pebbly Beach side of the island but thankfully it's a good one. You'll find something you'll like for sure.

Perfect day on the island. BN was recommended by the bike rental lady. Fantastic ceviche. Mexican shrimp cocktail with octopus is amazing. Good beer selection. Free shuttle back to the ferry, too!

First stop, Buffalo Nickel. Family owned dinner spot with a nice down home feel. Waiters were very nice and helpful. Food was really good. Simple food done well.

ETA: A tour guide reported that they have a shuttle that will pick you up in Avalon for free! We loved our walk, but for those who can’t do it, just call them! A 30 minute walk from Avalon is so worth it. The ceviche is magical and the service was excellent. We even got to watch a helicopter take off. Seriously, though, GET THE CEVICHE. The potato tacos were also very tasty!

Buffalo Nickel was so yummy! The shrimp ceviche was delicious and the portion was so big! The fish tacos were delicious. They even have a shuttle that can take you and bring you back so you don’t even have to walk!

We had such a great experience at Buffalo Nickel on Catalina Island! The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, and our server, Ricardo, was fantastic - friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. I ordered the Mexican pizza, and it was absolutely delicious… fresh, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area, and ask for Ricardo, he’ll take great care of you!

Buffalo nickel is out at Pebbly beach and offers a free shuttle…great food, full bar, cozy atmosphere.

My visit to Buffalo Nickel was fantastic. The place has great views, making it perfect for a relaxing meal. The selection of food and drink was impressive, and they even offer a free shuttle to pick you up. We tried the ceviche, which was amazing, and the tacos were delicious too. The atmosphere and service were excellent. Highly recommend checking it out!

We stopped here during a day trip to Catalina. I could not say nicer things about the staff or the food. The ceviche was fantastic, and the fish tacos and carnitas burrito were also very tasty. Portions were large and the entire staff was very attentive.

A LOCAL FAVORITE! Try the ceviche! They were so kind and accommodating. This is a perfect, off the beaten path location. They will come grab you from town if you don’t have a ride. Easy golf cart access - took no more than 5 minutes to get there and lots of space for all.

A must try! If you’re visiting Catalina Island do not miss out on this hidden gem. It is a-bit away but good news is if you give them a call they will send someone out to pick you up and drop you off as well. I know a lot of locals love to come eat here that’s how I found out about it by a friend who lives there and now every time I visit it’s a must to come eat here. The ceviche with everything on it change my life they call it el veneno no lie it’s my favorite ceviche here in California I rate it #1 reminds me of Mexico no lie. It has shrimp, octopus, fish, cucumbers, mango and the salsa they use wow! Buffalo Nickel I will forever be a customer.

The best food experience I had on my trip the white sea bass ceviche best I ever had in my life the staff was super awesome I can't wait to go back

We enjoyed the service and food. Ricardo recommended the soft shell Alaskan cod fish tacos. I’m happy I went with his suggestion, they were delicious. Always a great time and experience at Buffalo Nickel.

David Laser

This place is well deserving of its five stars. Food is fantastic, the western style saloon atmosphere is enjoyable, and the staff are not only helpful but friendly. Definitely a must visit if you are on the island. If I was to come back again, I would eat here twice instead of some of the other places I ate. Oh, and the prices are extremely reasonable for the quality of food you get.

Amanda Lott, REALTOR

Perfect day on the island. BN was recommended by the bike rental lady. Fantastic ceviche. Mexican shrimp cocktail with octopus is amazing. Good beer selection. Free shuttle back to the ferry, too!

Arlen Mr Grant Clemons

First stop, Buffalo Nickel. Family owned dinner spot with a nice down home feel. Waiters were very nice and helpful. Food was really good. Simple food done well.

Cindy Page

ETA: A tour guide reported that they have a shuttle that will pick you up in Avalon for free! We loved our walk, but for those who can’t do it, just call them! A 30 minute walk from Avalon is so worth it. The ceviche is magical and the service was excellent. We even got to watch a helicopter take off. Seriously, though, GET THE CEVICHE. The potato tacos were also very tasty!

Caroline Franks

Buffalo Nickel was so yummy! The shrimp ceviche was delicious and the portion was so big! The fish tacos were delicious. They even have a shuttle that can take you and bring you back so you don’t even have to walk!

Cooper Nigut

We had such a great experience at Buffalo Nickel on Catalina Island! The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, and our server, Ricardo, was fantastic - friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. I ordered the Mexican pizza, and it was absolutely delicious… fresh, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area, and ask for Ricardo, he’ll take great care of you!

Andrew McCauley

My visit to Buffalo Nickel was fantastic. The place has great views, making it perfect for a relaxing meal. The selection of food and drink was impressive, and they even offer a free shuttle to pick you up. We tried the ceviche, which was amazing, and the tacos were delicious too. The atmosphere and service were excellent. Highly recommend checking it out!

Brianne McFadden

We stopped here during a day trip to Catalina. I could not say nicer things about the staff or the food. The ceviche was fantastic, and the fish tacos and carnitas burrito were also very tasty. Portions were large and the entire staff was very attentive.

Elan Graffix

The best food experience I had on my trip the white sea bass ceviche best I ever had in my life the staff was super awesome I can't wait to go back

Ad Riet

I got the half rack of ribs and my wife got the sampler platter. Absolutely delicious, and great service! Plenty of food, did not walk away hungry. Don't let the fact that it's away from the shops for you, it's worth the walk, and they have a free shuttle if that's too hard.

Cyndie Roche

A LOCAL FAVORITE! Try the ceviche! They were so kind and accommodating. This is a perfect, off the beaten path location. They will come grab you from town if you don’t have a ride. Easy golf cart access - took no more than 5 minutes to get there and lots of space for all.

Edisson Romero

A must try! If you’re visiting Catalina Island do not miss out on this hidden gem. It is a-bit away but good news is if you give them a call they will send someone out to pick you up and drop you off as well. I know a lot of locals love to come eat here that’s how I found out about it by a friend who lives there and now every time I visit it’s a must to come eat here. The ceviche with everything on it change my life they call it el veneno no lie it’s my favorite ceviche here in California I rate it #1 reminds me of Mexico no lie. It has shrimp, octopus, fish, cucumbers, mango and the salsa they use wow! Buffalo Nickel I will forever be a customer.

Rich Costantino

We enjoyed the service and food. Ricardo recommended the soft shell Alaskan cod fish tacos. I’m happy I went with his suggestion, they were delicious. Always a great time and experience at Buffalo Nickel.

Stanford Wall (Tec Noir)

Great food, great service, allowed my girl and I to split the bill. Had the Catalina plate with the Steak, cheese enchilada, rice and beans. The food was so mouth watering and delicious. My other had a salmon and loved it. IF YOU COME TO CATALINA GO HERE! The server was so polite, we came just before the closing hour and left around dark. We were offered a courtesy ride back to Avalon, but we decline it because we had brought our bikes. So polite that they would offer.

Yuva Natya

Omg!!! If I hadn’t taken the helicopter ride, I don’t think I would’ve come here.. it is a little far from the “happening” part of the island. But to everyone who is visiting the island, this is a must visit restaurant!!!! Food is amazingggg!! Really great for brunch! The service was really good. Definitely do try the buffalo milk drink, you only get it in the island... and this is where you should get it! They have birthday specials so which is another plus!

Anita Clark

We stopped in on our last night in Catalina. Wished we had come here sooner. Orders potato skins and chicken fajitas. Both items were huge and probably could feed 3 people each. Could not take home leftovers since we were leaving the next morning. Please stop in and sit in the patio! Great food!

It took a bit too long to get our food ordered, but it was good.

Food was very good. I ordered a whole fried tilapia fish and a michalada which was very good!!!! Service was great from our server however the eldest server there was rude. I would definitely return however if your on the island for just a few hours I recommend to go the the main part of the island to eat instead because this really took up more than half of our time on the island.

We biked here from Avalon to have lunch during our stay in Catalina. If you are arriving by the helicopter, the restaurant is located right next to the helipad. The portions here were very generous, so our quesadillas and Ceviche were more than enough for two with leftovers to go. The prices were very reasonable too, given it was located outside of Avalon downtown. So why not the 5-stars? Well, the service was extremely slow. And the servers all seemed to be slightly tunnel vision and not able to multi task. It could also be that we were there right after a large group has cleared out, so the server chose to spend time cleaning the table versus giving us the menu. Lastly, the quesadillas were on the greasy side. I would recommend budget extra time when dining here.

Great food and nice service! We had a burrito, nachos and buffalo milk and they were all really good. It was pretty busy. They do not provide free tap water only water bottles. They have a free shuttle you can call that will pick you up and drop you off, there just might be a bit of a wait for it. I would definitely come back here!

Cindy W

We biked here from Avalon to have lunch during our stay in Catalina. If you are arriving by the helicopter, the restaurant is located right next to the helipad. The portions here were very generous, so our quesadillas and Ceviche were more than enough for two with leftovers to go. The prices were very reasonable too, given it was located outside of Avalon downtown. So why not the 5-stars? Well, the service was extremely slow. And the servers all seemed to be slightly tunnel vision and not able to multi task. It could also be that we were there right after a large group has cleared out, so the server chose to spend time cleaning the table versus giving us the menu. Lastly, the quesadillas were on the greasy side. I would recommend budget extra time when dining here.

Grace Margaret

Great food and nice service! We had a burrito, nachos and buffalo milk and they were all really good. It was pretty busy. They do not provide free tap water only water bottles. They have a free shuttle you can call that will pick you up and drop you off, there just might be a bit of a wait for it. I would definitely come back here!

Definitely a hidden away from it all, has potential space for improvement, especially the outdoor area. Came across this place from our Hotel shuttle driver. Not ever seen the Island before, Well I didn’t expect this spot to be so far away from it all, no view to anything. We told our shuttle driver that we wanted Ceviche, and fish. To my surprise my ceviche came with no tostadas nor tortillas chips. We had to order Chips and salsa to use those chips. My Ceviche wasn’t what I had expected nor craved. But it wasn’t terrible. My husband wanted fish & chips and it just wasn’t what expected. The atmosphere wasn’t what I hoped for. This spot wasn’t for me. It also appears that the locals enjoy and like gathering here.

Small intimate, quiet place you have to shuttle in to visit. I ordered the Mexican pizza with chile verde and carnitas and one tostada de ceviche. Both food items were good and on point. The drinks on the other hand were both of poor quality, did not drink either and got charged $25 for two drinks we did not consume. The Buffalo milk tasted like a lot of cheap vodka with little to no flavor so the colada tasted like it had no alcohol in it. So we didn't drink them. Didn't even bother taking a pic for the train we didn't like the drinks.

Wrap Starz

Small intimate, quiet place you have to shuttle in to visit. I ordered the Mexican pizza with chile verde and carnitas and one tostada de ceviche. Both food items were good and on point. The drinks on the other hand were both of poor quality, did not drink either and got charged $25 for two drinks we did not consume. The Buffalo milk tasted like a lot of cheap vodka with little to no flavor so the colada tasted like it had no alcohol in it. So we didn't drink them. Didn't even bother taking a pic for the train we didn't like the drinks.

One star or less for the food. I gave two stars overall because the service was pretty good and the prices were reasonable. We ordered the calamari strips and onion rings for appetizers. They both were clearly what you would buy from the frozen food aisle at the grocery store and then overcooked before serving. The onion rings survived the overcooking and were edible with a good amount of ranch dressing. The calamari was the worst any of the four of us had ever had, we did not finish it, and we were all starving. The four of us ordered the following for dinner: Chile rellenos - soggy and salty Carne Asada Chile Verde - the tomatillo salsa was almost black and the carne was overcooked. Nothing on the dish seemed fresh Half rack BBQ ribs - the flavor was good, but most of the ribs were burnt on one side. Half pound hamburger - no complaints about the burger. I don’t know if we came at a bad time or what, but nothing we had looked fresh like all the posted pictures. We arrived at 5:30 pm for dinner, and the place filled up by 6:00, so it’s not like we got there near closing where you might expect to be served things that had been in the warmer all evening. Maybe it was an off night, but we will never go back.

Jay Miller

One star or less for the food. I gave two stars overall because the service was pretty good and the prices were reasonable. We ordered the calamari strips and onion rings for appetizers. They both were clearly what you would buy from the frozen food aisle at the grocery store and then overcooked before serving. The onion rings survived the overcooking and were edible with a good amount of ranch dressing. The calamari was the worst any of the four of us had ever had, we did not finish it, and we were all starving. The four of us ordered the following for dinner: Chile rellenos - soggy and salty Carne Asada Chile Verde - the tomatillo salsa was almost black and the carne was overcooked. Nothing on the dish seemed fresh Half rack BBQ ribs - the flavor was good, but most of the ribs were burnt on one side. Half pound hamburger - no complaints about the burger. I don’t know if we came at a bad time or what, but nothing we had looked fresh like all the posted pictures. We arrived at 5:30 pm for dinner, and the place filled up by 6:00, so it’s not like we got there near closing where you might expect to be served things that had been in the warmer all evening. Maybe it was an off night, but we will never go back.