Good vibes only
Enjoy The Sandtrap
The Sandtrap is a delightful hidden gem located on Avalon Canyon Road, just a short stroll or breezy golf cart ride from the bustling town center of Avalon, California. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and genuine Mexican cuisine, the spot boasts unforgettable offerings like $2 tacos during happy hour, crispy fish and chips, and refreshing horchata. The welcoming staff and spacious outdoor seating create an inviting environment perfect for relaxing after exploring Catalina Island. Whether you're stopping by post-hike or enjoying a casual meal, The Sandtrap truly delivers a slice of paradise with its delicious fare and charming vibes.
Inside the Experience
The Sandtrap
Welcome to The Sandtrap, a culinary gem nestled along Avalon Cyn Rd, just moments from the vibrant heart of Avalon, California. This unassuming eatery is celebrated as Catalina Island's hidden taco treasure, boasting a relaxed atmosphere that feels both inviting and rejuvenating. Drawing in visitors and locals alike, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this picturesque locale.
One of the standout features of The Sandtrap is its enticing happy hour, where delectable tacos are offered for just $2 each. Guests rave about the flavorful array of options, from juicy carnitas to savory chorizo. Patrons have noted the generous portions, which are a refreshing departure from the mini-tacos found in many typical eateries. The quality is assured; as one customer delightfully shared, “They are good sized, not those real small kind you get at some places.”
The menu extends far beyond tacos, featuring indulgent fish and chips that have garnered cult-like admiration. One satisfied diner humorously contemplated building a shrine to this crispy delight after savoring its satisfying crunch. For those seeking something a bit more adventurous, the ceviche is always a hit, capturing the essence of coastal dining with an added twist of flair.
But it's not just about the food; the vibe at The Sandtrap is truly its own attraction. Imagine strolling in after a long day of hiking or exploring Avalon. The ambiance wraps around you like a warm hug, with an outdoor seating area that invites the gentle breeze and the occasional visit from curious little birds. This place is designed for relaxation; a location where you can unwind with friends, enjoy a refreshing horchata or a top-notch margarita, and reclaim a piece of paradise.
It’s evident that sustainability and community lie at the heart of The Sandtrap. As a long-standing family-owned business, they blend genuine hospitality with top-tier culinary offerings, making each visit feel personalized and welcoming. Many have echoed the sentiment that this hidden gem is well worth the short stroll or leisurely golf cart ride. As one customer suggested, “If you want a real Mexican dining experience, you must try this place.”
In the corner of Catalina Island, The Sandtrap stands proud, dedicated to serving delicious, high-quality meals with a side of charm and community spirit. So the next time you find yourself wandering Avalon, make sure to take a pit stop at this incomparable taco haven; your taste buds will thank you!
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“ 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. ”
“ 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. ”
“ 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! ”
“ 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. ”
“ 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! ”