Dock, Dine & Drink: Avalon and Two Harbors

One of the best things to enjoy at Catalina Island is the fun, relaxing atmosphere of its many bars and restaurants. Surprisingly, you will find more than 40 assorted drinking establishments and eateries on Catalina, with most of them located in Avalon, the center of local commerce and island government.

A stroll along Crescent Avenue at water’s edge in Avalon and up the adjoining streets will reveal nautical-themed restaurants and bars, mostly short order restaurants, but also a few with formal, indoor dining.

El Galleon Restaurant, with red brick walls and quirky décor, is a commanding presence on Crescent, the main business center of Avalon. El Galleon’s menu features fresh fish, pulled bison, aged steaks, prime rib, barbecue ribs, chicken, kielbasa and much more. They also have multiple beers on tap and a full bar menu, all of which are best enjoyed while singing along with friends on karaoke night every Thursday.

Also on Crescent, you will find Catalina Island Brew House, which boasts “the only Catalina beer brewed on the island.” The quaint microbrewery lists Gariblondi Blonde, Rabid Fox Amber Ale, Island Hop IPA and Dancing Goat Harbor on their list of original beers. After a couple of beers, you’ll no doubt have the munchies, which Brew House will satisfy with a robust assortment of sandwiches, salads, artisan pizzas and desserts.

Coyote Joe’s Restaurant & Bar on Catalina Avenue is a popular hangout for couples and families alike, offering Mexican-style short order plates and dinners. If you get to happy hour to sample their fully stocked bar, you’ll feel even happier with the $5 margaritas and free chips and salsa. Start with stuffed jalapeños, ceviche avocado, Coyote Joe’s Irish Nachos or another delectable hors d’oeuvre and choose from a broad menu that includes enchiladas, chile verde, fajitas, fish sandwiches and other meat and seafood plates.

Also on Catalina Avenue, you will find the Marlin Club, established in 1931 as a popular meeting place for prominent business owners and elected officials from the mainland. Today, the club is open to the public with historic memorabilia and a full bar and restaurant menu. The bar itself is shaped like a large, wooden boat, and a whole wall is covered with an underwater seascape, painted in 1946 by local artist Bud Upton to make you feel as if you are in a sunken ship on the sea floor. Specializing in craft beer, cocktails and bar appetizers, the Marlin Club also offers T-shirts and other memorabilia to make this a visit to remember.

If you are in the mood for a meal right on the beach with a clear view of Avalon Harbor, head to Steve’s Steak House and Seafood and enjoy the al fresco, ocean air dining atmosphere. The gourmet menu ranges from filet mignon, chicken piccata and rack of lamb to fresh swordfish, ahi tuna, seafood kabobs and more. Dining with your significant other at a table right on the beach will certainly be a memory to be cherished.

Although most visitors to Catalina Island head straight to Avalon for its nightlife, shops and small-town atmosphere, more island guests are learning about the charms of Two Harbors as well. Located toward the opposite end of the island, this settlement has few permanent buildings, but lots of room for hiking and exploring, including a mile-long trail leading to the rocks on the south side of the isthmus.

At the west end of Catalina Island, you will find plenty on the menu at any of the three restaurants in Two Harbors. In the middle of the day, you probably don’t want to get too filled up on food because you still have a lot of snorkeling and hiking to do, right? To meet your lunch appetite, order from West End Galley’s list of short-order items, such as quiche, a breakfast burrito, a bagel sandwich, chicken tenders, a burger or pizza.

For dinner, you can enjoy the quiet, nautical-themed setting of the Harbor Reef Restaurant, which offers full, traditional meals like fish, steaks and burgers. Start with a cocktail and hors d’ouvres as you peruse the menu, which lists “a hearty selection of appetizers, salads, burgers, steaks, ribs and chicken.” For dessert, remember to order a buffalo milk, Catalina’s signature drink, which is a mix of crème de cocoa, Kahlua, crème de banana and a shot of vodka.

For a romantic meal on the beach, try out Harbor Sands Restaurant, where you can sit in your rented palapa or in the bar area or right on the beach and enjoy a meal of “fish, steaks, signature burgers and more.” And you can still order your cocktails and wine from the Harbor Reef Bar only a few steps away.

With all three restaurants, plus the bar, situated in close proximity, you can enjoy dinner at each one on a different day of a three-day weekend. And if all you need is a candy bar or a quick snack, you will find a surprisingly well-stocked grocery section at the Two Harbors General Store within the same building complex. And don’t forget to pick up a souvenir shirt and a shot glass to remember your experience – and remind you to return!

At either end of Catalina, you will find the meal and list of libations to meet your needs and those of your family and guests. Sail, motor or hop on the ferry to Catalina, and have the time of your life!