Drinks are better when they’re half-price. Here’s our list of Avalon’s best happy hours
![taco-grill a plate of food on a table](https://catalinaexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6639/2023/12/taco-grill.jpg?w=1000&h=1000&zoom=2)
Whether you want to wind down after a tough day of beach play, or gear up for a hectic night of partying, don’t pass up an opportunity to raise a toast or two at one of Avalon’s happening happy hours. We’ve done the research — by eating and drinking our way through town — and have come up with a list of our favorite happy hour spots. If you have any faves we should add to the list, please let us know.
Descanso Beach Club
The Deal: One of the most pleasant places to chill in Avalon also has a terrific happy-hour special. Descanso Beach Club, on the sand north of the Casino, offers 50% off all drinks Sunday through Thursday. This patio bar and restaurant, known for its great vibe, always makes us feel like we’re in Hawaii or Vallarta. Half-price drinks make it even better.
When: 5-7p.m., Sunday – Thursday
Where: 1 St. Catherine Way, 310.510.7410
Lobster Trap
The Deal: This no-frills, off-street bar and restaurant doesn’t have much in the way of atmosphere, but if you’re looking for cheap suds, it’s a good starting point. Get $2 draft beer or try shots, which also start at $2. Fans say the seafood is great.
When: 2-4p.m. daily
Where: 128 Catalina Ave., 310.510.8585
Avalon Grille
The Deal: The island’s most attractive restaurant also has a cool Happy Hour special called Tacos & Tequila. Savor two tacos and a frosty margarita for $12 while watching yachts come and go in the bay. The upscale eatery, known for its relaxed atmosphere, overlooks Avalon Bay and the Green Pier.
When: 3-5p.m. daily
Where: 423 Crescent Ave., 310.510.7494
The Sandtrap
The Deal: The good news is that this outdoor patio restaurant offers one of the best happy hour deals in town; the bad news is that it’s a 15-minute uphill walk from the Green Pier. But you’ll find $2 tacos, $2 draft beer, $9 draft pitchers and $5 margaritas.
When: 2-7pm
Where: Located across from the Catalina Island Golf Course at 501 Avalon Canyon Rd., 310.510.2505.
El Galleon
The Deal: Get a 16-ounce margarita for $7 or $7 half-liter draft beer at this lively restaurant facing Avalon Bay. El Galleon, known for eccentric decor and evening karaoke sessions, has plenty of happy-hour specials, including $7 tri-tip nachos and $7 bar burgers.
When: 3-6p.m.
411 Crescent Ave., 310.510.1188
By Rosemary McClure