Eating in Avalon, Catalina Island

Catalina Island is right in the “backyard” of California. It’s a mini-getaway vacation for LA-ers and an awesome opportunity to connect with nature. It’s a small rocky island stretching 22 miles and is a great place to camp, hike and enjoy water sports. That being said, Catalina is not really known for it’s food. However, if you happen to find yourself on the island for a visit, there are a few little “gems” that are worth patronizing and remembering. You’ll definitely get the Catalina experience visiting any or all of the following places. Here are some highlights from my recent adventure.

Steve’s Steakhouse

417 Crescent Avenue Avalon · CA 90704 · Neighborhood: Avalon

Utilizing a word that we learned on our Catalina Nature Conservancy Tour, Steve’s Steakhouse is endemic to the Island of Catalina. According to the restaurant’s website, Steve is a “fourth generation islander” and his “family’s heritage traces back to the days before the chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley owned the island.”

Upon arriving, we were welcomed by Steve’s girlfriend Margaret, served by Steve’s son Bryce and greeted by Steve himself. This is a true family-owned restaurant. I got to learn a bit about about the history of this local’s favorite directly from the owner and operating manager himself, Mr. Steve Bray.

The Story:

In 1972, Steve started out working at the Steakhouse when he was 14 years old, back when it was called the Upstairs Place. After apprenticing at numerous restaurants and learning the tricks of the trade, working in every possible restaurant position, Steve came back to the island and outright bought the place. He’s now been the owner of Steve’s Steakhouse for 10 years and was recently awarded the 2011 Humanitarian of the Year “ for his contributions to the community of Avalon.

The Experience:

Known for their corn-fed, midwestern, 28-day aged beef and fresh locally caught seafood, you’ll love the welcoming atmosphere and killer drinks. I ordered Steve’s Tea which was an Arnold Palmer with vodka and a strawberry puree. It was deliciously intoxicating and mildly sweet. Boyfriend had the classic Mai Tai, which he loved and the Catalina Ice Tea (basically a Long Island) which definitely put him over the edge. They don’t mess around with the liquor here!

There was a quick 15 minute wait at 9pm for us on a Saturday night. It’s definitely a good idea to make reservations ahead of time. Be sure to ask for a table by the window so you can bask in the great waterfront views. The sourdough bread is hot, soft and steaming and I had to restrain myself from eating 3 baskets! I ordered the Shrimp Avalon Style, (jumbo shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce sitting atop delicious garlic bread). Be warned about the garlic, it is intense. There will be no make-out sessions after this meal! Boyfriend had the Top Sirloin which was juicy, loaded with sautéed mushrooms and onions and seasoned just right. Our dinners came with a choice of vegetables or rice and a potato option. The Romano Potato is a twice baked mash potato which is nice and cheesy.

For a dinner for two and three drinks, we spent just under $100 which is reasonable for a steakhouse, especially for a island restaurant where the food is helicoptered in each day. On a budget, visit for lunch. Prices range $15-20 for lunch, $18-30 for dinner. A must visit while in Catalina.

C.C. Gallagher, C.C. Deli

523 Crescent Ave. Avalon, CA · 90704 · Neighborhood: Avalon

C.C. Gallagher has got it all covered. At this cute Mediterranean restaurant/shop, you can visit at any time of the day and be satisfied. Try various pastries, espressos and coffees, salads, soups, sake, sweets and even drink a glass of wine from one of the numerous biodynamic, sustainable, and organic wine options from their cellar (bottles are available for purchase). I didn’t see the menu for it, but apparently they also make some decent sushi. C.C. Gallagher is another local’s favorite you’ll want to check out.

Right next door is the C.C. Deli where they feature Boar’s head deli meats and yummy, hit-the-spot gelato. I had the Cappuccino Chip and tried the Mint Chip. Both really good and the portions are huge. Stop in and get some flowers, gifts or some artisan cheeses. You may even spot the busy owner running between shops like we did!

The Sandtrap

501 Avalon Canyon Road · Avalon CA 90704 · Neighborhood: Avalon

Another notable destination which was recommended to us by more than one local. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and couldn’t pay them a visit, but they are worth noting solely for their fantastic 2-7pm $1 taco happy hour special and their $4.99 SandSlam Breakfast combo of 2 eggs, 2 sausage (or bacon), potatoes and toast. Great if you’re on a budget! It’s located off the main drag, about mid-way to the Conservatory/Wrigley Memorial. You can either walk there or rent a golf cart like many tourists and drive through.