Catalina Cantina Jr.
A laid-back Mexican eatery with stunning bay views, known for its flavorful dishes, potent margaritas, and happy hour specials.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Catalina Cantina Jr.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A laid-back Mexican eatery with stunning bay views, known for its flavorful dishes, potent margaritas, and happy hour specials.
Happy Hour Value
Visit during happy hour for special buffalo milk drinks and value margaritas.
Enjoy the View
Opt for outdoor seating to soak in the beautiful views of the bay while you dine.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Address
313 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, USA
Website
thecatalinacantina.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bay Views and Happy Hour
Dine with a beautiful bay view and enjoy unique buffalo milk drinks during happy hour.
Flavorful Mexican Favorites
Savor delicious nachos, flavorful margaritas, potato taquitos, and carnitas tacos.
Attentive and Friendly Service
Experience attentive and friendly service from staff like Russ, making for a pleasant dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Value
Visit during happy hour for special buffalo milk drinks and value margaritas.
Enjoy the View
Opt for outdoor seating to soak in the beautiful views of the bay while you dine.
Dietary Accommodations
Clearly communicate dietary restrictions; staff can accommodate gluten allergies or vegan preferences.
Patience is a Virtue
If you're not in a rush, this spot is recommended. Service can be slow at times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Value
Visit during happy hour for special buffalo milk drinks and value margaritas.
Enjoy the View
Opt for outdoor seating to soak in the beautiful views of the bay while you dine.
Dietary Accommodations
Clearly communicate dietary restrictions; staff can accommodate gluten allergies or vegan preferences.
Patience is a Virtue
If you're not in a rush, this spot is recommended. Service can be slow at times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Catalina Cantina Jr. is often praised for its fantastic bay views, generous portions, and friendly service, making it a favorite for many island visitors. While the food is generally considered good to above average, some reviewers note that it can be bland, and the restaurant's cleanliness and service speed have been points of contention for others, with a few diners having particularly negative experiences with both.
"The first sandwich you see in the photo was delicious, the mango craft beer was the best I've ever had, everything was fast and very nice, the staff is very friendly. You can see that they put a lot of effort into cooking, the food is really good."
Eunice Colin
"The food was good. It took a while to get my food. Service was friendly. I recommend it if you aren't in a rush."
Dacy Nottingham
"Our family used to go to Catalina a lot, 2 to 3 weekends a month though the summer and at least 1 weekend a month in the winter... "Catalina Cantina" was our go-to for Mexican food. We haven't been for about 6+ years... we moved to St Augustine, Florida... It's nice to know some things don't change, excellent food, friendly staff, fun atmosphere, and did I mention that the food is excellent??? 👍👍"
ECE Floridian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Happy hour (3-5 PM) is popular for discounted drinks. Weekends can be busy, so consider visiting during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter experience.
Yes, they can accommodate vegan preferences with bean and vegetable burritos and offer gluten-free options, such as gluten-free buffalo wings.
The restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere with patio seating and beautiful views of the bay, making it a great spot for casual dining and people-watching.
Reservations are not typically mentioned as required, but during peak times, it can get busy. Be prepared for a potential wait.
Customers often rave about the nachos, carnitas tacos, potato taquitos, and the happy hour margaritas.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Gluten-Free Travel: Catalina Island
I resigned myself to a bunless burger…then I saw Buffalo Wings (boneless and skinless version) on the menu. A bit of back and forth with the kitchen assured me these were gluten-free. These were not the greatest wings I’ve ever had, but they hit the spot.
Vegetarians in Paradise/Avalon/Catalina/Vegan Dining/Food
Toughened vegans that we are, we marched into the Catalina Cantina and asked if they could make us a bean and vegetable burrito without cheese and sour cream.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit