Where to Drink on Catalina

Where to Drink

The Marlin Club

The Marlin Club has a Bright turquoise exterior, and has bar that’s shaped like a the bow of a boat. It’s famous, and it has a vibe that has seen some shit.

The Marlin Club is many things; I’ve had an entirely different experience every time I’ve been in there. For example, The first time I entered was in the middle of the day, where a local young woman was having a baby shower. I crashed the party, donated to the diaper bag, and get to eat donated finger food and casseroles. The second time I was at the Marlin Club I was alone because I was spending my birthday on Catalina during the rainy dreary month of January. There was hardly a tourist on the island, and the one’s who were present were from Germany.

I’ve also done Jello shots with college students, and had more tame experiences, where the drinks didn’t seem strong enough and the “vibe” wasn’t popping that day.

Altogether though, the drinks are usually awesome, the bar tenders are chill, and it’s mostly got good and energetic crowd. You can also get wasted at this bar and argue with people while Elton John and Depeche Mode blast on that Digital DJ that you always see in bars.

Descanso Beach Club

Where else can you get sand-side service of drinks, chips and guac, poke bowls, street tacos, and prime rib sandwiches? Stick your toes in the sand! The view is amazing! Or if you are allergic to the sun, as redheads like me are prone to be, you can hide under the shade of the umbrellas while vigorously applying sunscreen.

I must admit that I have not seen Step Brothers, and I have not attended the Catalina Wine Mixer—which is now a thing, because of that movie but Descanso is still cool on a regular day. Please note, that you must have Reservations to drink here, or be here, and they can sell out months in advance. This is something that I so highly recommend that I can’t overstate it. Don’t say, “That’s not me, I don’t need some bougey chaise lounge chairs.” Don’t say, “That’s not me, I’m trying to visit Catalina cheaply.” This is the spot. This is what’s going to make you fall in love.

Descanso opens at 11am and closes at 5pm. You can have a hearty breakfast before you arrive, and then get down with the day drinking. Start with a Bloody Mary, with Chips and Guacamole of course, then progress through lunch, and snacks, and a lot of drinks, and then wobble over to your hotel room or back to the boat when it closes. You might even need a nap if you plan on continuing to eat and drink and dance later.

The Sandtrap

This little bar is Far Away, And I’d like to tell you that less people venture out this way—but that’s not really true. You walk right past it on the way to and from the Wrigley Garden. It’s got a charming (cheap) quality to it. Of course, the first time I stumbled upon this place I was already deep into my day drinking so it has a nostalgic value for me too. The tacos are small but they are super cheap, like 1$ each, and happy hour is always popping off. I have also stumbled up here for breakfast before taking off on a hike.

Buffalo Milk

This is not a place, it’s a drink. It’s the official Libation of Catalina Island. “Think of it as a White Russian Gone Crazy”

Buffalo Milk Recipe

• Half shot of Creme de Cocoa
• Half shote of Kahlua
• Half shot of Creme de Banana
• One shot of vodka
• Half & Half

Blend together with ice and top with whip cream, nutmeg and a slice of banana. Enjoy!