The Sandtrap — Restaurant in Avalon

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...

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...

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...