Great food, beautiful view. Our waiter Rafael was great. I would recommend you go there if you visit Catalina Island
(5)
Drew G.
Nice place to have a drink but definitely would not eat here again. Service was good. Food was so so at best. I will sum up my party's experience. Steak was mediocre but a good size. Sides were good. The chicken under a brick was decent. The burgers were atrocious. All we could taste was char. We couldn't even taste the burger. It was pretty horrible. The clam chowder was great. The fish was ok. The shrimp and scallops were good. The chips were stale and hard. You know it's bad when the best part of the meal was the complimentary bread.
(2)
Mr V.
review is based only on the bar experience. for me, i aways like to eat at the bar. better experience overall wherever u go and its more real to interact with a bartender than a waiter. anyway.. Friendliest bar tenders on the island! great oysters!!!! awesome location and atmosphere. suprisingly reasonable prices! try the michelada: beer, oyster, worcestershire, tobasco, lime. supposedly its for a hangover but it is smooth, tangy and Awesome!!!! crab/artichoke dip was Ok. Chips themselves were amazing. dip was more like tunafish and mayo.
(4)
Hly N.
I visited Bluewater Grill with a friend for her birthday. We had a couple of glasses of wine, appetizers and dinner. The service was great. I think our server's name was Leslie and she was so attentive and friendly. I ordered an Ahi tuna salad and my friend had blackened mahi mahi. The fish was fresh and yummy. The location is fantastic and the restaurant is located right on the water. We were outside but with the heaters, we stayed nice and toasty. I would probably go back for happy hour, but dinner was out of my normal price range.
(4)
Cathy P.
I came here with my family today and we ordered four plates and shared them: fish tacos, shrimp salad, clam chowder, and fish and chips. The food was good, and I left with a very pleased stomach. However, the ambience and the quality of service were what impressed me the most. All the workers were super on top of things and not one of them had even a slightly negative attitude. The food came out in 5-10 minutes, and our waitress checked on us periodically. Whenever we asked for something, it was brought to us right away with no hesitation. The food isn't inexpensive, but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of the taste of the food and the quality of service.
(5)
Heather T.
We ate here for an early dinner around 4, and we were seated right away. We had an early boat to catch so we we're worried about having dinner and earlier in the day we tried to make a reservation but they hostess said they do not do reservations. I ordered the prawn linguine which was AMAZING! Slightly spicy, but I like spicy. I also tried some of the buffalo wings, which were delicious as well. There was a line out the door towards the end of our meal, so come early if you're in a time crunch! If not, it's definitely worth the wait. The food is great!
(5)
Carrie B.
Came here the weekend after Christmas, this was the first place we visited after we arrived. We got to sit out on the deck by the water which was great. We ordered the fish and chips and split them, which was a generous portion large enough for us to split. The french friends were super overdone and the fish was overly battered that it broke away from the fish. Bread was ordinary. We also go the crab cakes as an appetizer, which were good but not great. Our server had NO personality, and not very friendly. The restaurant wasn't that busy but it seemed like we were forgotten about merely because we were outside, so needless to say the getting the check took some time.
(2)
C M.
The foods was good. I ordered the fish and chips which came with a very small portion of tarter sauce, ketchup, and coleslaw. The clam chowder was pretty good too.
(4)
Nicole D.
Loved this spot! Right on the water, great selection of seafood. My halibut was cooked perfectly, and although they were busy, their service was impeccable. Manager came around to ask how everything was. My margarita was also really delicious, would highly recommend over Avalon grill if you're torn between the two.
(4)
Elizabeth V.
Food was bland with no flavor. We got the fish tacos off happy hour and they were bland. The wings off happy hour were overly tangy and there was only 4. The poke wrap was ok, tasted frozen. The bartender was training but gossiping the whole time, so not very attentive to guest. We were going to stay for dinner but decided to leave and try somewhere else for dinner since our experience was not up to par.
(1)
Kate K.
LOVED THIS PLACE! In our three day visit to beautiful catalina island, we ate here twice. The view is stellar, and the seating is limited but it is worth the wait. The tuna tartare was so delicious and without a doubt the best thing we ate, and the fish tacos were pretty awesome. Since we ate here a few times, all I can say is we were not disappointed once, and were treated very nicely. You MUST come to the bluewater grill! The bartenders were awesome, and definitely know their stuff. I had a margarita and it was perfect, and I watched her squeeze the lemon into my drink:) We were seated next to some picky guests and it was pretty awesome how she had them try a few different concoctions until they were happy. Most bartenders would have been annoyed, but she took it as a fun challenge and left the girls satisfied. Nice customer service !
(4)
Jenny W.
Delicious food :) satisfying and good service. Thai chili wings were appetizing and serving size is perfect.
(4)
Ruthie A.
We walked in here at 930 at night, a half hour before closing but the staff was more than happy to accommodate us. No reservations were needed as the restaurant was half empty, we were even able to snag a corner window table overlooking the water! The food we tried was delicious, grilled artichoke with a creamy dip that was reminiscent of pesto and a chicken under the brick dish which we shared. We were not even charged a split plate fee which I don't mind paying as most restaurants give you too much food. The scalloped potatoes that came with the chicken were just as I make them, rich with cream, butter, and a hint of cheese that gave it amazing flavor. I highly recommend them! The vegetables were perfectly done and the chicken was marinated in rosemary and garlic and cooked very well to give it the characteristic crispy skin. Our waitress was very friendly and did not make us feel rushed despite the fact that they were already closed when we ordered our entree. They also have excellent outdoor seating that's great for lunch but we wanted to experience all of the restaurants here so we didn't return for lunch. I would highly recommend this place for a great meal and wonderful service!
(5)
Linda P.
I visited Catalina, during a recent trip to celebrate my birthday. I was researching which restaurant to eat at for dinner. We walked pass this restaurant a few times and what caught my eye was they had seats right by the water. I thought why not eat here and enjoy the view of the water. The sun was setting and it was so perfect just to relax and enjoy a good meal. After spending the entire day at Catalina, it was nice to order a beer to have with our meal. We ordered half dozen oyster which was so good that we had to order another. We also ordered the crab artichoke dip, which I highly recommend because it had so much crab! Every bite there was crab, there was even more crab than artichoke! It was amazing. I highly recommend eating here for dinner, if you want to enjoy the nice view seated by the water.
(5)
Dana B.
Been on the Island 48 hours and ate here 3 times! Epic bread, clam chowder, classic martinis with green olive stuffed with blue cheese , Mahi mahi with lemon pepper, scalloped potatoes! Don't miss it! Best food on the island
(5)
David H.
Can't beat the view, the food and service were decent. Like most waterfront restaurants they don't have to be the best, you're paying for the real estate. I'd come back, no complaints overall, it's exactly what you'd expect from such an establishment. Certainly they'd have an opportunity to knock it out if the park if they chose to.
(4)
Jeffrey D.
Just a quick update.... immediately after yesterday's post I received an apology from Jim (one of the owners) asking for a chance to make up for the event. When i returned management greeted us warmly and Mary our waitress was amazing. She again apologized for the event and made incredible suggestions off the menu. Again what a difference a good wait person can make in restaurant. The food was amazing and my girlfriend and I had an incredible eveniìng. Thank u to all for turning around what started as a tough experience. I am actually sitting here again as I write this and have even brought a few more friends with me. can't say enough great things ;)
(5)
Gerald C.
We stepped in here at later dinner hours, and they were one of the few still open on a Tuesday night. The food was not stellar though... pasta was overly oily and... whatever I had, I forget, it had potatoes... it was also oily. The waitress must have sensed my displeasure, when she offered a free birthday dessert, a big vanilla ice cream sundae. I guess it salvaged the visit. This probably has nice views during the day, but at night, there's not much to see... the harbor is pretty dark.
(3)
Gladys F.
5 stars for the view, location, and awesome server, Leanne (sp ?). Bf and I had our last dinner on the outside patio overlooking the beautiful bay. We like variety when it comes to our meals so we ordered half dz oysters, calamari fritti, crab artichoke dip and the cioppino. Oysters were fresh and delicious. The calamari fritti were crispy and light. Crab and artichoke dip had large chunks of crab. And the cioppino was tasty and large enough to share. The food was fresh and tasty. The chips on the other hand were on the hard side. But having an awesome server, she brought out house potato chips and bread to see which paired best with the dip. None of the options did it for me as the potato chips and tortilla chips were both hard and the bread took away much of the dips flavor. All in all, food was good and acceptable but none was memorable. We still left full and happy so I guess thats what counts. Catalina doesn't seem to have too many options when it comes to dining, but I consider Bluewater Grill as one of the better options.
(3)
S D.
We had a wonderful dining experience here last night! It is one of our favorite spots on the island. The hostess did explain the tall tables were open seating and we sat and enjoyed happy hour and a fabulous sand dab dinner! Your explanation of the open tables and wait list made sense and when explained to my group all understood the situation! Look forward to our next visit for my chilled glass of rose and fresh fish dinner overlooking the bay!
(5)
Luis H.
I came here for a special date night. The linguini pasta was pretty good! It had a spice to it and was good. The salad looked really good and had a nice dressing to it. The only bad part it was a 16 dollar salad. But the quality was right so they get 3 stars. The bread was good as well. The food was pretty good but overpriced! It was good if you come to Catalina excepting to spend a lot of money
(3)
Heather W.
My husband and I visited Catalina island for our tenth anniversary this past week. The first restaurant we tried was the Blue Water Grill based on yelp reviews. This place was fantastic! I had the lemon pepper mahi mahi and my husband had the scallop and shrimp skewers. Both were delicious! The scallops were cooked better than I have ever had them before. Very tender. We went back again the last night we were on the island and enjoyed eating on the patio by the water. This time we tried the grilled artichoke as an appetizer and were blown away by how good it was! By far my favorite place to eat on Catalina island. And we tried many places.
(5)
Cindi W.
Ok, its pretty, the wait staff is nice, the food is ok. We had crab cakes and a crab and avocado salad. It was ok. I wanted to love this place alot, but I didn't. I mean it is lovely and I would hang here for the bar, which is cool, but....well, its just ok.
Loved this place! Went for July 4th with a group of 4 people and had a beautiful experience. This was clearly the best location in Catalina. We sat at a table on the water with a view of the bay....the breeze from the ocean keeping us cool. Food was incredible. Drinks (had the White Sangria) were also incredible. If that wasn't enough, I ended up forgetting my wallet there, but only realized after I returned to LA. When I called the restaurant, they reassured me that they had my wallet and the next day they called to tell me they had shipped it back to me priority and registered mail. Talk about going above and beyond. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Jean-Claude Y.
I'm gonna give 4 stars for the incredible service that Matt gave us, so far the best I've ever experienced in the US. He anticipated all our needs, was friendly and advised us really well. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is that the scallops were slightly too cooked for my taste, and the lack of vegetarian options. Overall, the service quality really made a difference, 'bravo' Matt !
(4)
T. F.
Horrible service!! The waiter almost never came by to check on us, when he did we asked for more bread and water...it never came. Wings were undercooked & cold, found a red hair in our Poke. The only thing we enjoyed was the view. Would not recommend!!
We came in around 2pm and we were told that it's still lunch time. We were seated in no time but by the time we were seated no one was attending to us. We were already seated for more than ten minutes until one server finally came to us. I liked what I had which was the lobster roll, fresh tasting roll I have ever eaten. My husband ordered the seafood platter and we had the best fish sticks. It's really fish and not just batter. We were told because we waited a while until someone got our orders they decided to have our sodas for free.
(3)
Brandon G.
The ambience of this place was really nice and laid back. Sat outside on the patio with beautiful views. Customer Service was really nice and friendly. Seared ahi was excellent, hella fresh. Recommend the MAHI SLIDERS, mouthwatering.
(3)
Nina S.
Love this place all the food that I've ordered was to perfection. My favorite was the halibut. But one thing that they fail on was customers services. They really need to retrain their staff. It took forever for our food and staff never came to ask us if we ok.
(5)
Eric L.
I have eaten here before but will not again! Tonight's lack of service and caring for customers came to the service. We were told the wait was 30-45" which was fine with us. As we waited outside in the rain they allowed locals/friends to start at the bar and them seated them ahead of us, this happened multiple times. After waiting 45" the self important hostess told me, with a smug look on her face, that there were still six people ahead of me. She continued to smile smugly when I called her on pushing people ahead of us and we left. Having lived in a culinary paradise, they are ok at best but after the treatment tonight I will never eat there again. I know it was raining and the deck was closed outside so you tell the good ol boy club it's not happening tonight! You have lost a customer and perhaps more once I talk about my trip! I am a customer that buys good wines etc, not the daily special with water
(1)
Esther L.
Their happy hour is great and its location is fantastic. What made my experience dining here not so fantastic was the service. Our server was inattentive and the food was served sloppily. Yes.. I just love it when my food is carelessly flung on the table (sarcasm very much added).They served us our dishes without any utensils or small plates. We waited a bit expecting them to bring them by. After about 10 min, I got up and asked someone at the bar about getting some plates and utensils which he then just handed to me. So basically... I paid money to serve myself. -.- I brought this issue up with our server and her reply was that they usually don't lay out plates or utensils for the high tables. Since it was happy hour and the high tables were reserved for the overflow customers waiting to sit at the bar, I blindly accepted her response as she walked away rolling her eyes. BUT a few minutes after she told me, what do I see... Someone setting out small plates and utensils at the high tables right next to us! The happy hour is pretty great but not worth the horrible customer service. Oh, they didn't give us any water and took about 15 - 20 min to give us our check. The place wasn't even packed! Seriously... Not sure if this is how restaurants on Catalina usually do things but pretty much ruined my dining experience and would rather make the 1hr drive back up to LA to eat somewhere fantastic. FYI our serve was Brittany. Avoid her. She topped off our experience here by overcharging us. Thanks... MADE MY DAY. Little tip, try to get Adam as a server. He quickly stopped to help us with the overcharge and get us going with the rest of our day. One star for the awesome location and another for the decent hh. Get the artichoke dip and fish tacos.Avoid the oyster shooters and the sliders were meh but filling.
(2)
Michael S.
Had lunch with the guys. Having been to the Tustin and NP locations, I expected the usual BW Grill experience. I was not disappointed. Usually not a burger person, except may be IN&OUT once in awhile, I took the plunge and ordered the Bluewater burger. OMG. It was probably the best burger, ever. Rather than describing the details, just take my word and try it, even if you're not a burger person like me. Only downside with sitting out on the patio was when the food comes so did the flies. No amount of waving our free hands made any difference. It's just part of the dining al fresco experience. Guys ordered sword fish, salmon and sandwich. All good. Server was very good too.
(4)
Maria G.
Perfect location for a relaxing lunch after zip lining. We didn't have to wait to be seated on the patio. The view was amazing! Once we were seated, our waiter greeted us and brought us waters and warm, delicious sourdough bread. It was perfect! I ordered a cucumber mojito, very refreshing. The shrimp tacos were tasty. I ate everything on my plate! Overall, this is a wonderful place to relax and have a great meal. I will definitely come back when I return to the island.
(5)
Britty F.
Best crab & artichoke dip ever! Also the view on the ocean was amazing! Great drink menu as well! Coming back for sure for the view & menu!
(5)
Dori G.
This restaurant is absolutely amazing. Be sure to put your name in and request the outdoor patio, it's literally right on the water. It's possible to even drop your fork in the ocean... That's how close you are. Beautiful view!! Aside from that the food is really great, especially the mahi mahi. The grilled artichoke was great too but a tad bit overpriced. I also recommend getting the cucumber mojito! Very refreshing and strong too!
(5)
Steven M.
I'm comparing cost to quality. Order pacific snapper with potatoes and spinach. Fish was burnt. They made new plate and was better but plate was just mediocre. Friends ordered crab sandwich. They said sandwich tastes fishy. Not impressed.
(2)
Debi W.
Such a nice spot on the island. Great view from the patio. Sand dabs, delicate texture prepared here so nicely. Nice service from a native! Would love to come back for happy hour sometime soon.
(4)
Chlirby B.
This place was really awesome. I love the food and we were seated in the patio, so that was really nice. They had a very beautiful scenic view of the Island. I love the food we ordered. Love the fact that it was only a minute away from our Hotel, it was really close. And very nice restaurant Friendly Staff, but service was a bit slow, wish it could be better.
(4)
Michael D.
Came here on Mother's day with my mom. Ordered her the Lobster Tail which was insanely delicious! The lobster was cooked perfectly, seared on the top for a little added flavor. I ordered the Fish & chips which she actually preferred more and a half dozen oysters which were fantastic. This is a good place for quality seafood in a nice upscale setting. We choose to sit inside the bar which had nice open windows and large TV screens. There are also a few tables located outside the patio that overlooks the ocean. Highly recommend to check out if you're looking for a slightly fancier dinning choice. Price was also reasonable for what we ordered. Service was very good; our server was very attentive and friendly.
(4)
Steve L.
Update 7/5/14- Happy to pass along that the owner of the Bluewater Grill responded with an appropriate and professional reply apologizing for the follow up problem. We will try them again next time.
(3)
Ken D.
Stayed in Avalon three days last week. We ate three meals at the Bluewater Grill..Two lunches and one dinner. The location especially during good weather (which it was last week) is impossible to beat. Open air eating right on the water is fantastic...Often places like this take advantage of their location with sub par quality, small portions or extra high prices. Fortunately the Bluewater Grill is not like this. Yeah you may pay a buck or two more for some items compared to places on a side street , but what you get in return...fresh, well prepared and presented food, with bay side seating IMO is worth it. Fresh Sand dabs, fish and shrimp tacos, fresh salads....all were excellent...again well prepared and with great presentations...and the BEST Clam Chowder I have ever had! Service was OK overall. It seemed a new batch of servers were just starting (we had one excellent server) Not serving water..except in bottles at extra cost? OK the drought, but you serve ice tea...(which was very good) is a negative as was not serving your excellent fresh bread the last day we ate there for lunch because you were saving it for the dinner service (delivery screw up). When I inquired about the bread and was told the story, I was offered bread...but I figured I would start a riot if bread was brought to our table.. so I declined. Overall a good place to eat. Diverse menu. Fresh, appealing food and again, the location. Lunch menu has some better priced items then dinner as is often the case..so if you want to save a few bucks, lunch it is. We don't drink, but the bar area seemed busy with people having a great time. Cannot comment on prices or the Happy Hour Menu.
(4)
Kristen H.
Great place with beautiful views! They had a good bar with super attentive bartenders, too. Ordered the crab cakes, mahi mahi and fish and chips. I'm not a huge fish person and the mahi was awesome! Crab cakes are definitely worth it as well. Would recommend this place for sure.
(4)
Ericson H.
Attentive service, big portions, delicious fish menu, nice view and reasonable prices = 5 stars. Our dishes: (1) Bluewater Burger Aussie Classic with fried egg inside - a very large and satisfying burger; (2) Combo Bucket of Mussels & Clams - you can really taste the white wine, butter and garlic on this dish; (3) Fish Tacos with Grilled Mahi Mahi - flavorful and great for sharing between my parents; (4) New England Clam Chowder bowl - thick and creamy soup, maybe a tad salty and I wish there's more clams in the soup. I brought my parents here for lunch. It's their first time and my 3rd time. Each of my visits were positive and I'd highly recommend this restaurant. Nice place to entertain guests from out of town. My minor complaint is the bar area - it was a crowded Sunday afternoon and the only place we found a table was the bar room. The bartender was high in testosterone-levels and was a bit loud and showy. Of course, this was expected considering the nature of his job and patrons. Next time, I'll sit in the dining section or outside for better conversations. I'm not going to deduct a star because, as I said, it comes with the territory - you sit near the sports bar and expect a louder experience, and it's also part of the ambiance as they try to accommodate all types of visitors - I wouldn't change a thing. Great restaurant overall. Highly recommended.
(5)
Shirley B.
The service sucks. Takes forever to get drinks, no supervision for newbie bartenders. If I'm gunna pay that kind of money for a drink I expect it to be full and right! However, the food was pretty good. Went a couple times on our stay, the first night out server was apparently too busy to help us... There were 4 tables in the entire place... So someone else FINALLY decided to help us. Guy seemed pleasant enough, but obviously no teamwork. I can't tell you how many times he walked right past us without even offering to start with drinks. 3 or 4 other servers wandering around looking lost... Where was ours??? Wandering with them. We finally got our food and the chef does an amazing job. Bf had one of the fish dinners that was re commended to us, as it was in season, and it was prepared very well and the taste was amazing. I'm not so much of a seafood person, but they did let me order off the lunch menu so I could have a burger. Was a typical tasting burger nothing to write home about. The next day, we wanted to have some drinks before we got on the boat, took us another extended period of time before we got drinks, here is where the bartender in training came into play. Our martini was only half full and poorly made. We ordered the crab and artichoke dip, the dip was delicious! But the chips that came with it were very greasy and almost to the point of being overcooked. Change the fryer oil once in awhile people! Ok, so this was probably more of a rant than a review! So all in all, if you've got the time and patients, the seafood is worth the trip. Just don't expect good service!
(2)
Benny A.
.........
(5)
Anna C.
Food took forever. Completely mediocre for top price. Nothing special...and waste of money.
(1)
Irina V.
Great place to go in catalina. Had the oysters and sanddabs. Nice view, bit of a wait to get food, and waiter couldn't really answer all our questions about the dishes but he tried.
(4)
Angel J.
Perfect seared scallops with fish and chips and a Bloody Mary, what more do you want.
(5)
Yasy R.
The food was not very good for the price they charge. The fish tacos had no taste, the ahi tuna was very bland. For the portion size, taste, price and service, this place was not very good at all. Only reason it got 3 stars is because of the beautiful view and ambiance.
(3)
Christa L.
We stopped in for lunch on a visit off our cruise ship. We weren't starving, but were looking for a little something so we decided on some clam chowder and crab cakes. Both were delicious! In addition, the staff was friendly and the view overlooking the marina was beautiful. I'd definitely stop in again when in town.
(4)
Stephanie A.
My sister and I hung out here for 4 hours, eating and drinking away. We ordered the Serrano margarita, a bloody mary, beer, chocolate cake shots, mussels, and calamari. They serve you delicious bread, fresh out of the oven when you're seated. Try to resist! It is so delicious and you will spoil your appetite. We sat right on the water with a beautiful view of the ocean and Casino building. This was the highlight of our experience. The drinks and calamari were pretty good. The mussels and the delicious soup it was sitting in was mouth-watering. The ONLY complaint I have with the mussels is that we kept feeling random bits of shell in our mouths. How strange! A bit expensive, but you're paying for the view!
We had dinner here for our one year anniversary and everything about it was just perfect. We originally had reservations a few restaurants down but the staff was so snobby we left and ended up here. The vibe was great, the food was just delicious and our server, Megan, was probably the best server I've ever had! She went above and beyond to make sure that everything was just fabulous. Appetizers, main course and dessert- all just delicious! Can't wait to go back =-)))
(5)
Shannon B.
The view on the patio is the best! We shared the mahi mahi sliders and fish tacos with the cod, both dishes were delicious. The fish was fresh tasting and neither dish left us feeling 'heavy' or sluggish. We opted for fries over chips on the sliders and the fries were perfectly cooked. The fish tacos came with tortilla chips that had a bean dip/side dish which had great flavor. Drinks were awesome and the service was outstanding. This spot hit on all bases!
(5)
Diana C.
Food: Great. My boyfriend and I ordered crab cakes, shrimp and chicken gumbo, and salmon. I didn't think much of the gumbo, but the crab cakes were amazing. View: Great view, right by the ocean. Nice relaxing ambiance. Service: Considering that this is a fairly expensive restaurant, I expected the service to be exceptional. The service was not on par with everything else. The waiters gave us some attitude when we asked to be seated on the deck and when we ordered our food. They also hardly checked up on our table.
(3)
Gina M.
we came in to catch a football game, however, they don't have NFL ticket or a cable sports package. despite that, we stuck around for lunch. the restaurant sits on the water and has a beautiful view of the ocean and harbor. there's also plenty of outdoor seating perfect for those beautiful sunny days. we ordered the ahi tuna salad and grilled mahi mahi tacos and washed it all down with a carafe of white sangria. everything tasted so fresh and crisp. the fish tacos were so good... not dry. salsa added a fresh tomato-ey zesty flavor. the chips were thick and crunchy... paired well with the pinto beans and salsa. the ahi tuna eaten alone was divine, paired with a salad was refreshing. the white sangria was a lil too tart for me, but the bf enjoyed it. the bartender had made a lil too much buffalo milk for another patron and put the rest in a glass and offered to us... i gratefully accepted! my first buffalo milk and i enjoyed it! it's like a white russian, but blended! the bar staff was very friendly and readily available with a smile when we asked for assistance even when i asked the bartender to take multiple pics of us! haha
(4)
Dorothy K.
This place was excellent. Sitting with a great view of the water, delicious food (chopped salad w shrimp/chicken - would get again) and great service. Don't remember my server's name but she was always helpful and offered some nice tips about the island. Apparently she moonlights as a real estate agent as well? Anyhoo, highly recommend this place - kinda fancy but don't be afraid to bring young children or even small dogs - I saw both outside on the patio with us! Bf got the Mediterranean ahi salad and he liked his too. He tried both and he said he liked my chopped salad better. :-)
(5)
Brittany S.
I came here with the man just for happy hour so that's all I'm reviewing. We got there right as happy hour was starting and the outdoor patio (high tables only), and indoor pub tables and bar are the only areas included. Only the bar was open and within 10 minutes of us sitting down they were sending people away because happy hour was only in the restricted area. In my opinion they should open it up, business is business right? Anyways, we ordered some drinks. $5 well drinks, beer and wine specials, as well as appetizer specials. The $5 margarita wasn't great but the michelada my man had he liked. I wasn't too impressed by the female bartender we had either, and too be brutally honest - she looked and acted like she was doing coke in the bathroom prior to her shift. We ordered a few happy hour special appetizers which were discounted, but the portions appeared to be severely discounted as well. To the point where it was not even worth it. It was great to try it out, and it wasn't horrible but expect for the view...we'll go somewhere else next time.
(3)
Britt R.
The restaurant is right on the harbor so we had to move from the outside patio area because the smell of fuel was so strong. The decor was really nice and beachy. Food was good, but there were a milion flies everywhere so we had to get our food to go. My steak was not seasoned and was not cooked properly. The shrimp and scallops were really good. The crab and avocado salad was really good. Also, the kitchen did not look clean...ew.
(3)
Nadia F.
This place is embarrassing. I'm embarrassed by its existence. They are trying so hard to come across as a high end, gourmet establishment, but their true colors are hard to masque. We were seated at a small table inside despite wanting to sit outside. When we asked whether we could please be seated outside, the hostess made a stink about it and kept saying that everything is reserved, blah blah blah... We sat inside and watched 5 empty tables outside. We eventually insisted to sit outside and they put 5 people at a 4 person table. The entire time we ate and drank there (2.5 hours) NEITHER of the 5 "Reserved" tables filled up. Care to explain this, restaurant? Service was below unacceptable. Why would you hire a bitch of a hostess when trying to accommodate high end individuals with higher end expectations? Unbelievable. You're a damn hostess, your job is to smile and show me to my seat, not try to outargue me about laws that have not yet been passed. In the middle of the restaurant. In elevated voice. Hostess vs. Lawyer. Do me a solid and refresh my drink. Do me a bigger solid, and stop arguing with me about something that I do for a living. I don't teach you how to fold napkins, don't teach me how to do law. I was so excited to try out the new place, and by about half way through, I was ready to jump off the balcony and swim to the nearest shore just to get out of there. This ignorant state of false superiority will drive them to closure. I will be the first one with balloons, to see it go. I know a few islanders will come to the party too. I give this place 3 years max.
(1)
Anth D.
This review is hopelessly late to post, but fresh in our memory because the experience was fabulous. What an AMAZING experience and refreshing hospitality we received at the Bluewater Grill. Devon was the star of our show that evening. It was my wife-and-I's 15th year anniversary, and we came back to Catalina Island where we visited on our honeymoon. I'm not normally much of a "fish guy", so I was hesitant, but the place was inviting and my server explored my limited "fish preferences" and advised on a great piece of fish. What a great server. He knew the menu, explained the portions and was on his game all evening with bread, drinks, appetizers, and dinner. He was happy to share a little about life on the Island (we asked!), and it was both engaging and appropriate. People often make or break the restaurant experience, and Devon hit it out of the park. The guy is the Tony Gwynn of servers; Bam! Bam! Bam! The outside restaurant was impressively clean, lacking the bird residue and other imperfections often found in beach-side restaurants. Also deserving of mention was manager Adam, who was everywhere keeping the place smooth, and Marissa, who seated us at a prime location outside by the water at Sunset, where we had an awesome view of the boats, and fish swimming below us. My wife kept telling me that she couldn't think of anything that could have possibly made the dinner experience better. I wish I could give this place - and Devon - 6 stars for making it an amazing experience, because I may never have that good of an experience again. Ever. We'll be back next year to visit, and Bluewater Grill is on our agenda. We'll see if they can out-do their last performance. This crew busted their butts for that 5-star, and they earned ever tip of each star. Thank you for the memorable night, even almost a month later when we finally get around to our reviews.
(5)
AC C.
My family stopped at the Bluewater Grill while visiting Catalina Island this past Wednesday. I searched Yelp for fresh oysters and this place came up first. Upon entering, there is a lovely ocean view patio...and the most angry, unpleasant and hostile hostess you will ever meet. I'm sorry you hate your job lady but you're a hostess. Part of the job is greeting patrons and welcoming them. She ignored us and actually turned her back to us, then barked at my elderly mother to get up from her chair when 80% of the place was empty and we were looking forward to enjoying some food and rest after lots of walking. The food was fine. The oysters were fresh and shucked cleanly. But the overall experience was ruined by this "hostess" who kept walking by the table glaring at the patrons. I won't be returning to this restaurant nor will I recommend it.
(2)
Victoria R.
Really nice-looking restaurant, and great food. My boyfriend & I went for dinner around 5p on a Saturday night and we got to sit on the water. They served us freshly baked sour dough bread and brought us our drinks a minute later. We ordered the scallop appetizer, bacon cheeseburger, and jumbo fried shrimp and everything was amazing. Everyone was really nice and staff members who weren't even waiting on us came and asked us how we were doing and made small talk with us. Definitely eating here again :)
(5)
Tomaso F.
Where do I start, well how about with a 5-star rating. From the time we walked in the door, the service at this restaurant was as top notch as it can get. We were greeted by the hostess Katie who seated us right on the water overlooking the bay. If you get a seat inside, it's an open air type set up so it'll be the next best thing and you'll still be taking in the bay view. Sue the server was a pleasure to meet. On her recommendations, we had the Clam Chowder $5.95 with the Crab Artichoke Dip appetizer $9.95 for starters. The wife also had a dinner salad with the house dressing that was unique and I'd recommend it. We split the Prawn & Scallop skewer $21 and were stuffed when we left the place....but that wasn't before the manager came by and visited our table. All around this restaurant was the best spot we visited our entire stay and I'd recommend it. Not often I make a point to get people's names to give 'em a shoutout when I'm writing reviews on Yelp, that speaks volumes in itself.... ....and apologies to the manager for not getting her name, we were enjoying the convo with her so much, we forgot to ask. I say check it out.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Location, location, location. Sister to the Newport/Redondo/Tustin Bluewater Grills, they have the same menu and probably one of the best views of the restaurants. FOOD & DRINKS: I can't speak to all of the food because we just stopped in for an app and drinks. Full bar w/tasty drinks and a good beer and wine selection. The dip and crab cakes were both awesome. SERVICE: Since we were there between lunch and dinner, we just opted to sit on the patio and the hostess allowed us to choose our own table. We had a very nice server and seemed knowledgeable enough about places to go on the island. (She even talked about other spots to visit, which I think is important when you work in a touristy area.) LOCATION: On the water, again I repeat they have the best view of the Bluewater Grills that we've been to. The view is awesome. Bottom Line - Great spot to go for a bite and we'd definitely return when back on the island. Perhaps this time for a full meal since we know that its good food.
(4)
Jason K.
Summary: Great food. Excellent gumbo, seafood, crab dip, etc. All food was fresh, high quality, tasty, and excellently prepared. Service was good, but we sat in two of the high top long tables near the far corner of the patio and were often neglected. Portions were good but prices were a bit on the high side. My wife and I were in Catalina for the weekend with her parents and a bunch of other people doing some scuba diving and hanging out when we opted to check this place out for dinner on Saturday evening at about 5:30pm. It was already busy inside and had a good amount of people dining in the patio when we arrived and asked for help with a party of 12. The hostess recommended taking two tables for 6 in the patio area since they were open and didn't require a reservation. We grabbed them and soon were ordering drinks in phases as our party arrived. I got a glass of Bogle Chardonnay for $8.50 (retail price of the bottle is $7) and my wife got a Bluewater Martini (which was a nice tropical drink). It took a while for the drinks to arrive because of how busy the bar and main restaurant were. Clearly, there was a shortage of staff or an overabundance of customers because of the Jazz Festival going on this weekend. After a while, we were revisited to place our orders and were left to hang out until the food arrived. The food arrived about 15 minutes later in phases, but we realized we had no silverware. We started asking the people that brought the food to us for some (they weren't our server), and they said they would get on it, but none came. Meanwhile, our hot fresh food is getting cold. Ultimately, the food got cold. It was strange because when we asked some people for silverware or water, they didn't get it themselves, so it seemed like there was a delegation of tasks that prevented people from doing what was needed in a timely fashion. Pretty frustrating. Despite the food getting cold, it was all excellent. We got the crab and spinach dip appetizer, which was piping hot because of the layer of cheese keeping the heat in. I got the gumbo, which was big, delicious, and filling. My wife got the shrimp and scallop skewers with scalloped potatoes and veggies. Another person got the crab Louie salad, another the sanddabs, etc. All seemed very happy with the food, minus the temperature. The prices were a big high, but not unreasonable given the quality and freshness of the seafood. Ultimately, we'd definitely eat here again, but just be sure that you have silverware on your table before you order your food and be prepared for delays for your requests if the place is busy.
(4)
Nicole S.
His place is average. The service was not that great but I assume it is because they were very busy. The food is good but the view makes up for it.
(4)
Tiana V.
This place was great! Nice outside seating next to the water. Service was good enough. The food was pretty damn amazing. It was worth the price. However, it took a while for it to come out (reason for the 4 stars). We had a two party table. One table got their food way ahead of ours, although we ordered the food at the same time with the same waiter. We ordered prawn linguine, a child's sized chicken tenders, clam chowder, and creme brulee at my table. Must try the oysters (it's the first thing on the menu). They're really big and juicy. My brother ordered two orders of it. The prawn cocktail was good also. THE CREME BRULEE WAS AWESOME.
(4)
Diana F.
Gorgeous setting and the food (Crab / Avocado Salad) was delicious! Husband had the linguini (yummy) and I loved the kids menu (super healthy)!!!
(5)
Allen L.
This was quite a nice spot to eat. I wanted some fresh local fish, and they had it. The staff was wonderful, and very quick service. The fish was delicious and just as described in the menu. I had Sanddabs, which is a local California fish much like Sole or even Tilapia . They did have the best clam chowder I have ever had. That was a victory! All in all a great experience. The only problem was the receptionist, she was a bit crabby, and I wasn't sure why. She was not dealing well with the gentleman in front of us, but since she was busy with him the actual server sat us. This made me happy, since the server was a cut above. I would go back if I ever went back to Catalina.
(4)
Rebecca F.
Stopped in for a quick bite to eat and a quick drink before getting back on the cruise ship - and it was delicious! Drinks were perfectly made, and the appetizers were absolutely mouth watering. We had the crab and artichoke dip, calamari, and clam chowder. Definitely a place we will return to when visiting Catalina in the future. Let's not forget the great service - friendly, quick, and efficient!
(5)
Elaine P.
Food was pretty good except I found a piece of plastic in my salad and a strand of hair in the crab artichoke dip (all in the same night).... They apologized and removed the salad and appetizer from my bill but it makes you wonder what other sanitary issues they have... Imagine eating a piece of plastic!!!! I'm giving 2 stars as the food had good flavor. The clam chowder was also good. I'm really torn as I would totally return if not for all the gross stuff I found embedded in the food... To the staff of this place, if you are reading this, please do something about it so future customers won't have to deal with what we went through!!!
(2)
Katie B.
Amazing seafood and great atmosphere and island views! Enjoy dinner right on the dock!
(4)
Christie H.
I was very impressed with how quickly the food was expedited. And it was delicious as well. Little too much 1000 Island dressing on Seafood Louie Salad but it was still yummy. I really like this place and will definitely be back.
(5)
Julie Ann U.
Who knew I'd find the best French fries ever in Avalon! Actually, everything is pretty darn good. It's nice to find a seaside destination restaurant that has food as good as the view.
(5)
Antonio Walter R.
Awesome restaurant... Our waiter Matthew was the best server I've ever had. He was so knowledgable of the menu and was simply just awesome! Def will be coming back to this place whenever I'm in Catalina! The michelada oyster shooters..... BOMB!!! Make sure you ask Matthew for these he makes sure you get the best drinks and that they are correct!
(5)
G R.
Food was not good, mushy mahi mahi, artichoke dip was too greasy, crab cocktail was socked in way too much sauce. And what's up with serving iced tea in tiny plastic disposal cup?! The feel of the place is old and tired.
(2)
M M.
I had not been to this new restaurant yet in Catalina. Today I was there diving with some friends, and I finished early and went to find a place to relax with my dog in tow. I was going to rule this place out because it looked so nice, but THEN I saw a big dog bowl on the outside deck. I asked if they allowed dogs on the patio and they said yes! Woo hoo. Sooo happy as there are VERY few dog-friendly places on the island and even some of the slummier places won't allow dogs on outside patios (which I find ridiculous). Anyway, I was seated at a lovely table near the water, overlooking the marina, and the beautiful beach and hills of Avalon. The menu looked fantastic. I ordered a Dark and Stormy, a drink I am super particular about since first having it back in the 80s. It's a drink created in Barbados and it HAS to have Gosling's Black Rum from Barbados, or it doesn't taste right at all. It also requires ginger beer that is not too sweet, and just the right amount of lime. The menu said it had Gosling's in the drink so I decided to give it a try. It was excellent!! So I had two. ;-) No, truly, my kudos to the bartender, because that is not an easy drink to make well, and he or she has gotten it perfect. My server was very attentive and efficient, even though I was sitting alone, I never felt ignored. He brought water for my dog, and checked on me frequently. He recommended the seared scallops as an appetizer, and he was right, they were fantastic. I didn't have a full meal here, but I will be back. The menu looks great, they use sustainable seafood, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of food. And the setting is the nicest in Catalina. Many thanks to the Bluewater Avalon for getting it all right! Catalina needed this!
(5)
Lorri D.
By BF and I had dinner here last night - The island is super congested right now with multiple events taking place this weekend, but we were still seated fairly quickly. 15 min wait for the patio or we could have sat inside with no wait. We started with the mussel/clam bucket - it didn't come in a bucket, but didn't disappoint! The butter wine sauce was delicious and I even found myself dipping the bread into it, which I don not normally do. I had the New York Strip and my BF had the Cedar Plank Salmon and we split it between us-The steak came with Scallop Potatoes which my BF said were the best he had ever had - His Salmon came with Arugula and it was delicious. I also tried the Cucumber Mojito and it was good, I've had better Mojito's, but it taste fresh and the trick! **UPDATE** We went back for appetizers the next evening and had the Oysters and Crab/Artichoke dip - Both were super good, the dip was a sludge for sure and the Oysters were tasted very fresh!
(4)
Jessica B.
The food is great although it's a little pricey but the view makes up for it all as it sits above the Catalina shore. The service is very good the waitresses and waiters make sure satisfaction is reached by keeping your glass full and bread on the table as desired. I recommend calimari fritti as an appetizer as well as the scallops for me this was a very satisfying experience best in CATALINA
(5)
Michelle S.
Fabulous view and the food was delicious. I have to say the service on the patio was great as well. A plus !!
(5)
Sal E.
Jerry. Jerry Jerry Jerry. I hope I have his name right. He was the manager there when our party of 11 arrived for an early lunch. I usually rate a restaurant for their food as I believe everyone's experience with customer service can vary so I don't want to dissuade my fellow Yelpers from a possible gastronimcal experience just because one dick messed up my experience. In short, the food here is definitely droolworthy! We had two different pasta plates - GOOD. Calamari - LOVED it. Mussels - pretty good. Avocado/Crab salad - a MUST for hot days! It was so refreshing. Baja tacos - ginormous! Clam chowder - YUM! Very happy with the food. And to eat all this while overlooking the harbor - AMAZING! Now back to the manager. He checked up on us several times throughout our meal (very rare to see a manager do that nowadays) considering how busy it was he was on top of his game! We had ordered a scallop appetizer that wasn't available, he came to inform us and was so kind/professional about it, I didn't mind at all (even though that was the #1 item I wanted LOL). He just delivered the news in such a sympathetic manner and showed that he was really sorry and actually cared that it wasn't available! When a manager shows such professionalism and courtesy it really speaks volumes for the restaurant and leaves a little something more in addition to the great food. Who knows, maybe it was just that positive interaction that made the meal that much more tastier and bumped it from a 4-star to a full FIVE! :) Thank you for caring about customer service Bluewater Grill. All over Yelp I read all these negative comments about poor customer services - lets try to highlight the positive customer service experiences too! YAY! :)
(5)
Eric R.
My wife and I came here on a Friday evening for a nice romantic dinner to kick off our weekend. We didn't have a reservation but we were still able to get a table outside at about 7:45pm. I was hyped to see the sunset with my baby while having drinks, with the sound of the ocean as a soundtrack, and then the waiter reminded me that the sun sets on the other side of the island (duh!). The drinks were good, and so was the sound of the ocean. We started with a half dozen oysters, that came with 7, perhaps because most of them were small. My wife ordered the clam chowder which was ok, nothing special. She then had the burger, and I had the New York strip with fries instead of potatoes. Her burger was okay, and my NYS was a little dry. I was hoping for a ribeye and maybe some surf and turf as soon as I stepped foot on the island, but neither was available. My wife and I had a good time. The waiter was nice, the drinks were nice, and the food was nice. If you're looking for a place to have a nice romantic meal, or even a meal with 2-6 people I'd recommend this place. There are options on the menu reasonably price, and the drink prices are also decent.
(3)
Cliff H.
My daughter and I went to Catalina Island for her birthday. Did the tourist thing the whole time and ended it by eating here at Bluewater Grill. I ordered the Swordfish with cole slaw and dill rice. That dish was the bomb and recommend it to anybody else.
(5)
Rob H.
Enjoyed a day in Avalon, and lunch at the fantastic Bluewater Grill, the latest addition to a wonderful SoCal chain boasting delicious (and sustainable) seafood at reasonable prices in beautiful locations. The Bluewater Avalon strongly carries on that tradition. Two things up front: 1) As has been noted in other reviews, some map apps show the location of this restaurant as being back off the beach. It is not. In fact, it is directly on the water. Check my photo to see a shot of the restaurant from across the bay. 2) If you have been reluctant to visit this fantastically cute and fun little town because of reports of restaurants that took advantage of visitors and offered only mediocre food at highly jacked-up prices, fear no more. The Bluewater chain, including this location, presents menus packed with a wide variety of delicious dishes at very reasonable prices. I really believe the impact of restaurants like the Bluewater Grill, that treats customers fairly and serves up one yummy meal after another, is a "game-changer" for Avalon. Now, we don't feel like we're going to be taken advantage of and overcharged and underserved. Now, we can't wait until we go back. (We're already planning our next visit.) Today, we enjoyed the steamed clams and tacos. My partner had the grilled shrimp tacos while I had the grilled Mahi tacos. We also enjoyed the wonderful fresh sourdough bread that Bluewater serves up. Food service times were a little inconsistent. The bread and clams were brought out surprisingly fast. The tacos, on the other hand, took about 45 minutes. However, we had been very specifically warned that the kitchen was running behind when we came in, so we were aware and it was not a big deal. Plus, the fact that we had the bread and clams so quickly meant we weren't waiting around hungry. If I could have rated this experience 4.5 stars I would have because of this inconsistency, but that wasn't an option, and I'd rather show the love with this wonderful new addition to the Avalon culinary world. Will we return? To Bluewater Grill restaurants - of course! I love these places. But more importantly, will we return to Avalon? In this case, the answer is also yes. We had a great day, including doing lots of shopping, and we had a great lunch at a fair price in an absolutely fantastic location. We'll be back - and we'll be dining at the Bluewater Grill!
(5)
James M.
We stopped for dinner before we hit the ferry home. Excellent seafood, great service. The panko calamari was exceptional. A great stop when you're in downtown Avalon, and beautiful patio views right on the harbor. Don't forget to check out the silverware that's fallen off the patio, there's a whole collection there.
(5)
Elisha C.
Their mussel appetizer was surprisingly good! I think this is the only restaurant that made it exactly how I like mussels and made the broth to its perfection! It's an appetizer but the portion was more than I expected. The broth that they made for the mussels was amazing. I would definitely return for their seafood. Their clam chowder was delicious as well. But then again, you really can't go wrong with clam chowder.
(4)
Doug P.
i had a really great meal here last week. The place is clean, cozy, and right on the water. It is a first come first serve place, so don't worry about reservations. We got there about 6 O'clock on a Friday and it was about half full. By the time we left the place was full with a small line already. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive the whole meal. They really worked as a team which was refreshing. If a customer looked like they needed something, any staff member would come over to check on them and make sure they are not waiting. I thought the meal was excellent. Everything I had below was delicious: - Half Dozen Oysters on the Half Shell - Steamed Muscles - Cajun Cooked Swordfish (mild spicy too, so don;t let the name deter those of you who are timid with spices) I would definitely recommend this place if you are in Avalon!
(4)
Jordyn L.
Very classy joint with a fantastic fish menu. Crab cakes were great! Served Moscow Mule in a true copper mug, which adds major points! The patio overlooks the ocean- which leaves for a stunning view while dining!
(5)
Peggy M.
Service was so slow and they weren't even busy. It took over an hour for our food to come...and the staff wasn't nice... Wouldn't come back here.
(1)
Kaye S.
We had a great lunch! We dined outside on the water overlooking the beautiful cove. We ordered the grilled artichoke. It was delicious! The crab cakes were outstanding! They also serve a nice sourdough bread to go along with lunch. Our servers were very friendly.
(5)
Linda M.
We had a lovely meal here. The mussels were very good and the crab avocado salad was not was I was expecting but still very good. Service was friendly and relaxed which is great for me because I hate to feel rushed when I am dining, especially when there is such a beautiful view.
(4)
Rick B.
About as good a location a you can get in Avalon - a deck bar that's actually out over the water. Prices reasonable, service friendly.
(4)
Jennifer G.
Great location, a new renovated bar and outside seating area. This is one of my favorite places to come eat. The drinks are actually cheaper here than at Descanso beach, great view and the football games were on Sunday which was great. The prices of the food have gone up a few dollars but other than that, it was fun talking to the bar tender and watching the games. I love the seared Ahi and the Buffalo milk is a must try! also the fresh bread is always a plus!
(4)
Miz.Jackie A.
I visited Catalina island this weekend and this was by far the best spot to get some good drinks and Great food. Fresh seafood amazing staff and the new bar Tender "Colbys" (yes it's plural) was the best ever! We came back today because if him! Thanks for Great time!
(5)
Josh J.
I came here three months ago but finally has chance to write a review. We made reservation at 7:30pm outside right underneath the heath lamp. We were afraid it might be cold since during time of the year, it was around 40-50 degrees at night, but there were several heat lamps just a few feet apart along the patio keeping us nice and warm. Our waiter was very friendly and prompt. The salmon was cooked perfectly...not too dry. The cioppino was delicious as well with many seafood; It was good size. We ordered the mocha mud pie which was delicious. I could not resist since the waiter had recommended it. :) 2 wines, 1 salad appetizer, 2 entrees, and a dessert totaling $130 without tip was not too bad. In all, I enjoyed the scenery. Service was great. Food was good. I have no complaints.
(5)
Harald L.
What a great place. Chowder is awesome. Drinks are cold, food is fantastic and the views are incredible. Server Megan is very helpful, polite and on it. That's all there is to say about this place.
(5)
Vanny B.
Went for lunch. Enjoyed the great view and the food was spectacular. Got the salmon with coleslaw and Mashed potatoes. Best potatoes I've tried really fresh.
(5)
M T.
Interior is very beautiful, clean, and classy with a great view outside of the harbor and middle beach. However... I ordered the San Francisco style cioppono (probably spelled that wrong) & the mahi mahi fish of the day. Sucks! The cioppano had so many items, but it was so bland! The mahi mahi was a rip off. Little piece of fish with dill rice and I forgot my other side, but it was gross. I dipped it in so much tartar sauce to overcome the blandness of it all. Complimentary bread was also too crusty, butter was hard. I hate that. Service was good, but also bad. Server didn't check on us enough. When we were done with our food, we wanted our check and since no one was around we asked other staff. Homegirl (wished I remember her name) gave my bf this disgusted disbelief look and said, "I don't do checks." Then smiled and said, "I'lll go find your waiter." Never ever coming back here again!! Price was expensive, portion was small and bland! Tourist trap! Avoid if possible :( also get a water bottle for 50 cents, tap tasted horrible.
(2)
Dooney G.
Oh dear...well as the two star rating says, meh, I've had better. I've eaten here many times. I waited until it got really bad to write. On this visit to catalina we ate here twice. Last year we had a good experience and there are I limited choices on the island. So, the first visit I had sand dabs. They were soggy with butter, not light and flaky. The next visit was the killer, I had the pappardelle with shrimp and scallops. Ugh. The bowl it came in was FULL of sauce. So essentially it was like a soup. The sauce was splashing everywhere, the scallops were overlooked, and it was barely edible. My kids ordered pasta with butter and cheese but it was just plain pasta. You could not tell there was was butter on it and they had no Parmesan cheese at the restaurant. The nice thing is the bread and butter and there is no corkage fee on the first bottle which is very nice. The service was friendly and the setting is great. They let you call a half hour before arriving to put your name on the list if there's a wait. That's very cool. Just wanted the food to be better, not drenched.
(2)
Catie F.
I had such an enjoyable experience at this restaurant. The location is perfect, and the patio is ideal. I came here for lunch on a beautiful day and enjoyed the ambiance along with the delicious food. I ordered the blackened mahi mahi tacos and they were done to perfection. Very fresh! My friend ordered a salad and thought it was good, but nothing special. The service was efficient and friendly, and considering island prices, the price was right. Great experience!
(4)
Steve E.
Fun place with a great happy hour. Steamers were amazing. Even better were the awesome bartenders "Sean & Jerry". They made the whole experience a 10!
(5)
SF P.
Daytime meals with a view or night time dining with cocktails; this place has it all. If you are local or have a kitchen you can buy a slice of fish by the pound too.
(4)
Alice N.
Just had lunch here around noon. Not too busy at all, really great location by the water. Greeted by a friendly host then quickly seated outside. Fresh, warm bread & butter given in seconds. My bf and I had the clam chowder which is our favorite, although I wish this came in a bread bowl. Tasted fresh & hot when it arrived; not too watery, but perfect texture for the clam chowder. Clams were great, only ran into one clam with sand in it, but that happens :P Service was great, I would definitely recommend others to come here. :)
(5)
Van V.
Our last meal after our first magical trip to Catalina. Fantastic! Fun cocktails, amazing fresh sandab with lemon caper sauce for flounder lovers out there. We had a lovely server who started us out with the hot sour dough. Yum. Others in my party had fresh fish too. We loved the sides, spinach, scalloped potatoes. We feel fortunate to have been there in mid May before heavy summer crowds. Too full for dessert but stopped off at Lloyd's candy store for a small bag of chocolates and fresh salt water taffy for later. We stayed two nights at a pretty inn in town and definitely recommend this scenic restaurant.
(5)
Mio L.
I give Bluewater Grill a 5 for their location and the view, however the food and service ruined the entire experience.I ordered the Seafood Louie Salad which was nothing special, definitely overpriced. My boyfriend ordered their chicken sandwhich and he did not like it at all. Our waiter had a very bad attitude throughout our dining experience which made me feel unwanted and wanted to get out of the restaruant asap! There are better places to eat on the island and that is all I need to say.
(2)
Erin V.
I so wanted to give a better review! So much so, that we went for lunch & back at dinner in hopes that it would redeem itself. I feel sorry for the servers as it appears the issues were with the kitchen & the bar. It took us almost an hour to get our 2nd drink and that took 1/2 hour to get. Both times. They lost $$$ there. The meals were "ok". The server offered us a free dessert but we didn't want dessert. Comping the a drink would have been better, but it was a good attempt! With a view like theirs and the potential for better food & faster drink service-- they could do so much better!
(2)
Jeff S.
We ate there last Friday evening on the recommendation of our island hosts. It was early evening and we were seated right away, out on the rear deck area. It was a beautiful evening and the view was amazing. Then came the warm sourdough bread and our lovely server Leeann. She was very pleasant and eager to assist us, which she did in the best possible ways. We passed on cocktails due to the fact we had just finished from a session at the cantina across the street. My sweetie ordered the Mahi Mahi and I had the Cioppino. Both came hot and in sufficient portions. My Cioppino was loaded with seafood and the flavors were awesome. The Mahi Mahi came in a large lightly breaded steak form and it was delicious as well. Now back to our service. Leeann was great and really added to our dining experience. A young lady, but wise beyond her years. It was obvious to us that she enjoys her job and is grateful for it. I would definitely give the Bluewater my business again.
(5)
Chelsea M.
Wonderful fish of the day selections. We enjoyed the blackend salmon and halibut. Great service and waterfront atmosphere. We enjoyed the strawberry cocktail made virgin. I would definitely recommend this place for dinner.
(5)
Kenny H.
Happy hour 3-6pm -Good veiw over looking pier -$4.$5.$6 plates -fish tacos to dry do not get them -Thai spice chicken wings sweet and tangy -clams steamers good -fries were undercooked On draft I had the Guinness which was great!
(2)
Corrinne R.
My husband and I celebrated my 50th birthday here on the back deck area with 33 of our closest friends. Let me just start by saying how unbelievably awesome the GM, Shawneen is and her staff. She created the most amazing setting by decorating all of our tables so beautifully and elegant. From beautifully lit candles with floral centerpieces to an amazing display table for all of our wines, Her attention to detail is impeccable! The food was to die for and the service just couln't have been any better or gone any smoothere. She was truly enjoyable to work with and exceeded my every expectation making my celebration everything I could have asked for and more (and that's not easy to do lol). Thank you again Shawneen! You gave me a 50th celebration I will cherish forever. Love, Corrinne
(5)
Michele S.
The best fresh seafood I've ever had! Also, if you get outdoor seating you sit right above the beach. Beautiful view, delicious food... the only drawback is the price. But I think it's worth it. You definitely get a plate full of food here. PS The swordfish steak is AMAZING
(5)
Danielle S.
Went there for dinner and truly had a great meal and experience. We had their clam chowder soup, grilled artichoke for an appetizer, clams (which we phenomenal) mussles, and crab legs (huge portions) with butter sauce!!!!!!! Best seafood feast
(5)
Gordon M.
Wait was long even with aparent open tables. The view and ambience is spectacular. The seafood is fresh. The dishes are overpriced and mediocre as is the service. Overall, a disappointing experience.
(2)
Antoine D.
The best place to eat in Catalina hands down. Far superior to the Avalon Grille. It's right on the water, they have a solid menu with fancy pricier dishes, as well as more affordable fare like fish & chips. Theis drinks are good, the ambiance and decor are even better. Go.
(5)
Natalie B.
This place was excellent! Be sure to request patio seating for a table literally on top of the water. The food was great, service was amazing, and drinks were strong. This is one of two restaurants actually on the water in Avalon, and of the two, this one is definitely the better one; the reviews alone prove it. I ordered the Mai tai, hated it, and our waiter replaced it with a cucumber mojito without hesitation. The lemon crusted Mahi Mahi was to die for - I highly recommend it. The artichoke appetizer was just okay, and if I went again, I'd def try the Ahi appetizer.
(5)
Anand S.
I so want to give this place a better rating, but only for the location and the staff. The quality of food and portion size (for the price charged) left much to be desired. There are so many more better seafood places on the mainland.
(2)
Greg W.
I had lunch here and thought it was a pretty decent place. The prices are a bit high but hey higher end food on a captive island. Anyways the scallop appetizer was quite good (but small). The seafood papaya was nice and filling. They could refill your drink a bit more often. The view is really nice so I would say go sit outside. Overall the staff was pleasant as well.
(4)
Jennifer M.
This place was delicious! We loved the food, the ambiance, and the service. My husband and I both got the mahi mahi, which was absolutely delicious. I also got a great cup of clam chowder. All the food was great, and good portions. I had a glass of merlot, my husband had a moscow mule, both were good. The waitress was very friendly and the restaurant was beautiful. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Robert K.
Went to the restaurant with a large group. We were seated at separate tables which was understandable and quite acceptable. The other 3 tables were served in a timely manner. Our server took our drink order and never returned to our table. We requested a check and left.
(2)
Mari C.
This is one of my favorite spots on Catalina. Our server, Matt, was amazing and informative. It a one of the more pricey places, but worth it as the quality and service are great. I had their burger and my boyfriend got a steak. Both were great! Great deserts as well.
(5)
B N.
I just wanted to complain about one of the busboys that works here. He was a male, Hispanic adult (approx. 35 years old), stocky/chubby, tattoos on the forearms and with a beard (lined up). He was driving one of the golf carts outside the restaurant, it appeared he was doing errands for the restaurant. He was in the alleyway adjacent to the golf cart rentals. This moron ran the stop sign in the alleyway and nearly ran over my gf and I. He had the nerves to cuss us out and yell at us. We told him to watch out. My gf and I would've dropped the situation, but he yelled, cussed and didn't even apologize. He then parked in front of the restaurant, and was hesitant to go inside ( I guess he didn't want us to see where he worked). Instead, he gave us an angry look and kept staring at us as we were walking away. I wanted to see if he either worked at Antonio's or this restaurant, but he wouldn't go inside, until I walked further away and saw him go into this restaurant. I called right away to this restaurant to complain. The young lady I spoke to was very understanding and apologized right away. She told me that she would take this to the manager. I really hope this busboy or whatever he is gets some sort of repercussion. My gf and I tourist, and a guest of the City of Avalon. This behavior by the busboy is one good way to lose tourist and revenue.
(1)
Sue F.
Our server was scarce; it was a good 10 minutes before the server greeted us after we were seated, our water glasses stayed empty, and he was nowhere to be found when we needed attention. More of the food was lukewarm (potatoes, crab cakes, mahi mahi) than hot, except for the strawberries, which were warm (from being under a heat lamp). The food was bland, and did not arrive at the same time for our group of five. One of our group ordered a salad and asked for balsamic dressing. The salad arrived with no dressing. When asked again for dressing, unbelievably, he set an entire large bottle of balsamic vinegar from the kitchen in front of her. We had to ask for olive oil. It was a long wait for lousy food. What a disappointment.
(1)
Kimberly T.
Bluewater restaurant is one of the best restaurants in the island !!! We were seated on the outside patio , beautiful view to the harbor/beach..very romantic !!!! The food was very very good I ordered a salad with shrimp ,avocado it was delicious .my husband ordered fish and chips ... Our server was very friendly /helpful ,her name is Natalie very sweet girl ....we will definitely come back here next time we visit the catalina island ...
(5)
Cori J.
Best meal we had on the island. Fresh food, good service. The only complaint was whomever is shucking the oysters destroys the ends of the shells making them flaky and lots of shell matter in what would have been perfect oysters. Overall good food and we would definitely return.
(4)
Russ D.
We went to Avalon fully expecting to get the free lunch at the Mexican restaurant, but after reading all the negative Yelp reviews, we opted to get something nice instead. We ended up at Bluewater and we are so glad we did! The food was delicious. My wife and I got a clam chowder bowl and seafood platter to split between us. Super fresh and delicious. They also gave my wife a special bowl of ice cream for her birthday. Really appreciated the great service and chill atmosphere.
(5)
Liz G.
We had heard good things about this place. Honestly, the best thing was the view. Drinks were weak & watery. Sand dabs were mushy & lemon seeds were all over the heap of fish. Sent it back & they recommended the Rockcod, it was burnt tasted badly. Sent it back. Mediterranean salad w ahi BORING! Bland, boring. They say they have healthy kids menu, my daughter got the grilled cheese & couldn't eat it because it had a ton of plastic cheese. Ugh! So mad! We were so looking forward to a great meal.
(1)
Jerry B.
For a corporate restaurant to move into Catalina you have to be on your game and impress the right ppl. Serving tourist? I guess impressions are not needed. Well I'm being a little harsh though. The food was incredible, the hostess was friendly, but our server...DEPLORABLE. Sad really, because this place has the best location and has the potential to be the best dinning experience on the harbor. Bluefin do you want to be the best? Hire servers that or prompt, attentive, and can smile.
(4)
Jacqueline M.
Distinguishes itself by the ocean view, classy ambiance while welcoming to all and with food that wet my palate for next time. I yearn to give this restaurant a five but since I did not have a full meal l, I feel it would be remiss of me considering I am basing this review on an appetizer (calamari was amazing) and clam chowder (fresh with lots of clams). Those two dishes were suburb and we had a lovely ocean view. To reiterate; perfect view, spot on service with a sincere gift for hospitality, and delicious. This was the best clam chowder since San Francisco. The prices are a little high but for lunch definitely affordable. If you are looking for a casual but classy place for your date in Catalina look no further.
(4)
Mitos G.
Great view! Service by waitress was above average. Service by hostess was below average. Food was good, but slightly bland and slightly over priced for the quality. Saw one of the kitchen staff use restroom and not wash her hands...hopefully washed them in kitchen. Bathroom was below average for cleanliness.
(2)
Tony P.
Awesome location, good food, little expensive, poor service! I would go back except the service needs to be improved!
Really good bacon and jalapeño scallops !!!! Service is great! Ask for Megan!!!! It's a bit pricey for what it is ...but you are getting an amazing view. They have stepped their game up since first opening.
(3)
Diane C.
Not really a review of the Bluewater, per se, just wanted to comment about those who were put off by the tap water / bottle water situation on Catalina Island. Yes, all of California is in a drought, but Catalina is unique in that they rely on rain water and an antiquated desal plant and the situation on the island has become dire. As of the middle of August, water rationing was implemented by Edison, and every user was required to reduce usage by 25%. Offering bottled water for a nominal fee (50 cents would most likely be at cost) instead of tap water may seem petty to some, but every drop counts. Personally I think the tap water tastes awful anyway. Just wanted to offer some perspective.
(4)
Shawn H.
The food was amazing... We had the grilled artichoke, calamari and blackened Alaskan halibut. What was even more amazing was our server. Her name was Sue and she was on top of everything. We had our 2 yr old grandson with us and wow, she was that good, drinks, more butter, can grandma get a much needed extra drink. Sue was on it!!! Thank you for an amazing dining experience and Sue? You rock !!!
(5)
Michelle F.
Bluewater has locations in the San Diego area and they never disappoint. The prices and food seemed to be of comparable quality/price and service was fair. I did find a hair in my butter (which looked to be from a dog) but other than that the food was good and it was an overall good time.
(4)
Steven S.
We just hosted our reception dinner at the Bluewater in Avalon and can't say enough good things at the staff and our experience! After a little confusion making the reservation everything went smoothly! General Manager Shawnene Hill and her team did a great job setting up and serving 24 people in a timely and efficient manner. We had our own server, Matt, assigned just to us and he did a great job of keeping food and drinks flowing smoothly! Food was presented well and tasted as good as it looked! Manager Adam came by at least three times to make sure everything was going well. I have done business dinners for groups like this before and do not remember ever being as well treated. Kudos to the team and especially to Matt for taking care of us!
(5)
Irene L.
5 stars for the view. 2 stars for the food and service! We ordered 2 burgers, and they taste really plain. Not sure the waitress is being racist or just too busy. On the menu, it says ur choice of the cheese for burgers, but she didn't ask us. We heard she asked other table, so we asked her to see if we can choose it, but she told us they only hve one kind. WTF!! Later, we asked her for sugar packs, but she never gave it to us. We asked another waiter, and he gave it to us right away. Those 2 stars are for him!
(2)
Heather H.
Best place to eat in Avalon! great food, kid menu options were decent and the view was beautiful.
(5)
Mike H.
This place was really good, decently priced too. My girlfriend and I got a really nice table by the water, had a great view of the harbor. I got the Snapper, it was delicious! If I am ever down here again, I would definitely be a repeat customer!
(4)
Ella F.
Highly recommend the Pappardelle pasta. It has the freshest scallops and shrimp I've ever had. Sauce was so creamy. Try to get a table by the water to enjoy the view.
(5)
Lester J.
Great view from the balcony, food was delicious. I had the swordfish, hands down, best meal I had while I was on the island. One of the few places in Avalon where the price was worth the food served. Only complaint I can say was our server. Seemed annoyed and unapproachable, never checked back in on us, a bus boy had to come by and asked if we wanted refills on our drinks or if we wanted anything else even though we could see our server waiting other tables. Maybe they gave her more tables then she could handle? I would still eat there if we visited again, but if I saw this waitress again, I'd ask for a different section.
(4)
Leah S.
Loved the chippino here and scallops! Great service. Wonderful spot right on the water.
(5)
Jim H.
The food and service do not do this restaurant's location justice. Clearly the best place on the pier to enjoy the sunset, this grill did not impress us with their menu. While not bad it did seen overpriced for what we got and the service here is definitely not on par with some of the other nice dining options in town. But due to their location, it's worth at least a stop.
(3)
Valerie N.
Great location looking over the water. Refills took a little long. I didn't order anything special (chicken sandwich), but my family ordered: oysters, calamari, clam chowder, mahi mahi sliders, fish tacos, fish. Everyone was pretty happy with their lunch. I would recommend it.
(3)
C T.
Decor and ambiance is very nice. Not that many selections to choose from in the area to dine in the evening. The view was pretty. Food was acceptable, nothing spectacular. Drinks were good! Will eat again as a convenient place near the main street. Service was good.
(4)
Kristi K.
Another great dinner! Thanks for the consistent good food, atmosphere and service. We had 6 adults, 2 kids and everyone HAPPY!
(5)
Rachael C.
Delicious lunch with a view! My Mom and I ate here for lunch on a Monday afternoon after visting the Casino. We requested to sit outside, and they seated us at a table closer to the building. We asked if we could move, so we can be right on the water, and they had no problem accomodating us. We both ordered the paperdelle pasta with shrimp and scallops in a cream sauce. It was good, however the pasta seemed overcooked (not al dente), and my tummy was upset for a few minutes after my meal...too much garlic maybe? Who knows...but overall it was a good experience!
(4)
Silia J. H.
Good enough for our group of four to eat twice here on our weekend trip to Catalina. I tried and liked the "Fisherman's Platter" and their Angus burgers ( both the cheeseburger and the "Aussie" one with the fried egg). Seafood was very good, fresh, perfectly cooked, good ratio of breadcrumbs to seafood. Burgers were good too, very very tender but we ordered ours medium and they were well done; still delicious, though. Best view of any restaurant on the island, right over the water.
(4)
Richard H.
Absolutely by far the most friendly staff ever. Attention to every detail. Food was perfect! I had the Fish & Chips. Moist, fresh! They made Ginger Ale for us. What a nice touch. I was truly swept away by the ambiance, character, food and service.
(5)
Sheila N.
Worse meal I've had in a long time! I really don't understand all the positive reviews except that this restaurant is in a beautiful location. We had a group of 11 people so we experienced many different entrees. Only 1 out of 11 thought there meal was prepared well and that was the Cioppino. Though this is a seafood restaurant, I was in the mood for a steak. There is only one on the menu-a New York, so I ordered it. The cost was about 35$. Not cheap but not overly priced. One would expect to get a somewhat good steak for that price but it was probably the worse steak I have ever been served. My steak was 75% fat and gristle. I could not eat it. I cut off a piece and gave it to my neighbor, he could not eat it either. There is not a choice of potato- it is served with cheesy, greasy scalloped potatoes that tasted like they were out of a box. Some of us had taste tested each other's entrees. I had a taste of the crusted mahi mahi which was buried in grease/butter and did not taste fresh. One bite of that was enough for me. The servers were pleasant but service was extremely slow from taking our drink orders to bringing us our check. From start to finish, we spent over 2 hours there and we did not have dessert. It was not a busy night. It was getting late and we all wanted to go back to our boats. I felt horrible as I was the one who convinced our group to give this place a try. The only positive thing to say is about the location as they do have an outdoor area on the water but it is not enough to make me ever want to go back. The restaurant that was here previously (Armstrongs?) wasn't great either, but it was considerably better than Bluewater Grill.
(1)
Bryan P.
Can't get any better than fresh swordfish caught right off the coast of Catalina Island!
(4)
T R.
After having some bad shrimp and chips elsewhere, I tried them here. They were cooked perfectly and delicious. Great waterfront seating. Our server Frank was great-- very attentive. We had a large party and at the END of our meal, he gave us the option of splitting up the check which made more work for him, but made it easier for us. Great service and great food. Would definitely go back if ever on the island again.
(4)
Michelle F.
Just had the clam chowder and crab cakes and they were both amazing. My husband had the ahi and loved it as well. The kids meals are great portions with healthy sides for a good price. We will definitely come back.
(5)
Cari O.
I was not impressed by the food or the service. We went there for lunch and I had a chicken sandwich with pesto that was not good. It did not taste fresh and my bf/'s burger was very average. We sat outside and the view was amazing, but it took over 30 minutes to get our food. The waiter came by once and did not check to see if we needed more water. I had to ask the bus boy to bring us more water. One of the other waiters noticed we were getting kind of cold and turned on the heater above us. They said to be careful because it gets very hot. I barely felt the heater at all! lol It was just a bad experience. They need to hire more staff and make sure the food is fresh. I swear my chicken had been frozen and thawed. Ew
(2)
Jesse L.
Came here for a late dinner after the Ferry crowds disappeared. has a very relaxing ambiance at night. they dim the lights and even the bar patrons don't make this place noisy. I was craving Seared ahi before I even got off the boat in Catalina so I had high expectations for this place. They don't give you too many slices but it is fresh, it just isn't seasoned enough for my taste. And I don't think the bartenders were really any experts, they didn't know what a bahama mama is so I ordered their special bloody mary that comes with a shrimp, well they forgot the shrimp and the mary wasn't that special. My dinner also tasted on the bland side. Their cooks need to work on their seasoning. I'll give it a second chance just to see if they took my advice
(3)
V M.
Ambience was great. Food was good. Server was friendly when we saw her, unfortunately we didn't see her much and she was very slow in attending to us. Other than the service, we really enjoyed our dinner. Giving 4 stars because we enjoy ourselves however service does need to improve.
(4)
MJ S.
Great place to sit on the water and have appetizers and drinks. We weren't really hungry but wanted to sit outside and enjoy the scenery. We had the white sangria and the mussels. Delish. Definitely a place to stop by sit on the patio and soak up the atmosphere.
(4)
Adnan k.
I did not find Blue water to be all what it should be. Slow service. Food was ok. Nothing special.
(1)
L L.
We didn't encounter any service issues when we went for dinner the other day, and this place was a great way to end our day. Yes, it's a bit pricy, but it's worth it based on the occasion. The clam chowder was exactly what a chowder should be, creamy, thick, filled with tons of clams and potatoes (and no bacon!). The steamed clams were in a delicious garlic, butter, white wine sauce meant to be dipped in with the complimentary bread. Also got to try the cheesy scalloped potatoes, which went well with the spinach and lightly fried fish. Sitting by the water outside and eating delicious food, what could be better?
(5)
H y.
I can't believe people are raving about the food at this restaurant !!!! The view and location is extremely awesome with a patio just overlooking the water and when you lean over... You can be delightfully entertained by various fish in the water. HOWEVER.... THE FOOD SUCKS! I can't believe I paid good money for pathetic looking mahi mahi sliders... Way too salty and sandy mussels and clams in white wine sauce....and probably the worst most generic tasting cioppino ever! Oh yeah can't forget the oysters that looks really "tired ". Drinks were on the weak side. On the plus side their complimentary bread was really good... Warm soft and perfect chewiness. If you think the food here is delish then you definitely have not had amazing tasting food to compare to. Oh and the service? Waiter never came to check on us and food took so long to come out we spent half our day trip sitting at the stupid restaurant waiting for our food to come out. What a waste of time, money and and worst if all my poor taste buds. I was soooo disappointed! Go for the view to sit on the patio and have iced tea! HOWEVER DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY OR RUIN YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH MEDIOCRE FOOD! There are better stuff on the island!
(1)
Michael C.
Good food and a great view! We stopped here when we arrived on the island for lunch. The staff was friendly, courteous, and prompt. The kids meals were great, large portions served in Bento type boxes. The Mahi sliders were delicious, and my wife enjoyed the grilled artichoke appetizer. A little pricy, but a very good dining experience.
(4)
Sarah L.
Expensive, but right off the beach which was nice. It was a romantic dinner, especially with the outdoor seating. I felt the service was good and overheard the server giving suggestions of things to see or do to other diners. For me, the price was worth the atmosphere though the food was not amazing.
(4)
Ganymed S.
Excellent bread, excellent clam chowder! Great view on top! one wouldnt expect this at such a popular spot.
(5)
Cesar C.
Place was amazing!!!!!!!! Our server was great and very helpful, he let us know what was not on the menu and I would came back here in a heart beat
(5)
Corry C.
We had cocktails in the bar while we waited for a table. My margarita was delicious I could have had several! We sat outside on the water side which had to be the best table in all of Avalon. You are right over the water overlooking the harbor. It really is a fantastic location for afternoon cocktails and dinner. The food was average by mainland standards but really good by Avalon standards since we've yet to find a decent restaurant on the island. Fried calamari and artichoke apps were really great. The sauce on the seafood pappardelle was watery. Would have been perfect if they simmered the sauce down to intensify the flavor, or maybe drained the pasta more. Service was great, friendly accommodating staff. We actually went 2 days in a row.
(4)
Diane D.
Clam chowder is great; it's not too salty and not too rich. The sanab was really good, and just the right amount. Service is great. They set up a birthday thing for my friend. Only thing is they forgot to give my boyfriend a glass of water. Other than that, everything is great.
(4)
Deafayden B.
Service was great! And they have a great happy hour menu and awesome view. I wish there were more beers on tap and also the fish tacos were a little on the uninspired side but good nonetheless. Food is overall just so-so.
(3)
Jenn L.
This restaurant operates on island time. My friends and I were in Catalina for the day, and decided to stop somewhere with a great view for lunch. We spotted this restaurant that looked like it would fit the bill perfectly. We waited for approximately five minutes at the hostess stand for someone to acknowledge us. We were finally seated on their lovely outdoor patio, overlooking the bay. We waited yet another 15 to 20 minutes before they came to take our drink order. And another 10 minutes or so for our food order. Our cocktails were good (I got the mule). And the food was satisfactory. I got clam chowder. Unfortunately, my soup came out with a dirty spoon. I had to ask three different times (& 3 different people) for a new spoon, as I sat there and watched my soup get cold. I did ask for bread or crackers, as none were provided with my chowder, and they brought me both! The crusty bread is delicious. In the end, we were there for approximately two hours, and as we were only in Catalina on a short day trip, it significantly ate into our time of rambling around the island. Sum up: Excellent view, decent food, slow service.
(2)
Marie W.
amazing food, great bar staff. Very attentive. Great location with water views with seating on outdoor patio. Bathrooms seem to be dirty each time, otherwise would be a definite 5 star experience.
Came here to Catalina Island Saturday afternoon and went to Bluewater for a Birthday lunch. The restaurant was 1/4 full., so there should be no excuses. As for the food, it was fresh and delicious (4 Starts) However, the service was unfortunately terrible. Our server Lindsey was inattentive. I had to wait and wait and wait for a simple refill of my small soda cup. My date had to ask twice for extra lemons for his oysters. By the time he finished same, the lemons were brought to our table. Overall score, 1.
(1)
Kelly M.
It is nice to see that the space on the island has a new restaurant in it...and a good restaurant too! We got to sit outside on the deck overlooking the water this past weekend and it was absolutely beautiful! The menu had a lot to choose from and everyone in my group got something different and each person really enjoyed their meal. They've got a great bar and the staff is fantastic as well.
(4)
B C.
This place was quite impressive. All the seafood they serve is sustainable. When we ordered water, the server kindly explained that we are in a terrible drought (A-hem! ALL OF SO CAL!!) and that water is sold by the bottle for 50 cents per bottle. GREAT! I love a restaurant that is eco conscious. Another bright shining moment was when I looked at the Kids Menu. Unlike most restaurants where the kids menu is filled with NOTHING nutritious (chicken nuggets, mac and cheese...blech), Bluewater's Kids Menu offers grilled fish sticks! Basically fish skewers grilled. Can get fish, shrimp, chicken or salmon. Served in a bento box with veggies and fruit! I totally dig that. I ordered the mussels and my friend ordered their seared Ahi Tuna salad. Both were delicious.
(4)
Orville C.
Originally the review started out quite negative as the first time around the experience was quite negative. As the experience was quite underwhelming. But the second time around they were on it service was top notch, food was delicious, and the cocktails hit the spot. I'd defiantly recommend the grilled scallops, local fish, and a pacific classic.
(4)
Brittaney P.
The best part about this restaurant is the view. I've been here twice and I have never been overly impressed. Expensive food for the quality and service received. Dined here over the weekend and the service was horrendous as all of the waiters/waitresses were sitting at a back table talking and on their cell phones. I really liked the Mexican restaurant across the way. Great service and solid beverage choices.
(3)
Paul N.
We ordered the grilled mahi mahi sliders, calamari appetizer, and 2 drinks. Both were great. Sliders were nice and seared with just the right amount of aioli.
(4)
Jason L.
Update: I was mildly upset by the price and water, but the food was decent and I didn't consider the shipping to the island. Food was 4 stars, I overall still 3 stars. Good food, bad price. When we landed in Avalon we were excited for seafood. As college students who sailed in, we wanted something that would fill out hunger from a long day of sailing but also would be tasty. The entrees were $15+, with only a few around 15 and most at $20-25. A slightly disappointing price range for students. Also, they charged $0.50 for water due to the drought, something no other restaurants in California does. Lastly, they tacked on a 18% gratuity. Bleh. My Sandabs Today's fish combo, $16.95, was pretty good. Three fillets, very light smooth texture. The scalloped potatoes on the side were also very good. My friends both ordered a bowl of clam chowder and split a Thai chile wings appetizer, an economical combination which they loved. Long story short, good food but priceyness and the water business tactic was kinda a turnoff.
(3)
Lysa T.
Never again. We have been there three times and every time lousy service. Floyd Maywether Jr was there and everyone was more interested in him. It took twenty minutes for r two drinks, and the waiter had to come back and reask for our drink order. Another time the food was way under cooked. Avalon needs more dinning options I wish Armstrong's was still there!!!!!!!
(1)
Jaqui R.
This is my favorite place to eat on the island! We have gone several times now and have a wonderful experience every time. You really can't beat the view. The free bread is great and the service is phenomenal. Our waiter was so nice, make sure to get to know us and was very passionate about Catalina and sharing his tips and favorite things about the island. He gave us several great recommendations for activities while we were there and have us great service as well. His recommendations for food were spot on too. I got the fish tacos and since I'm from San Diego and have had a few fish tacos in my day, I didn't expect to be so pleasantly surprised--they were delicious! (So much so that I made my husband go back the next day so I could get it again). My husband got the oysters and clam chowder, both he enjoyed a lot. Were were there for much on Sunday so they had a Bloody Mary bar which he took part in and was so excited about all of the garnished and add-ins he got to choose from! I got a cucumber mojito--soo good! They also have house made potato and tortilla chips which are great! We love to eat here whenever we are in Avalon and would highly recommend it! Also, I saw some bad bathroom reviews but fear not! They just remodeled the bathrooms and they are beautiful!!
(5)
Matt B.
We were seated quickly, the service staff was very attentive, and the drinks were delicious (and heavy-handed...no complaints!) I got the swordfish with the "bronze" glaze and it was amazing! Cooked perfectly and the scalloped potatoes went wonderfully with it.
(4)
Calvin H.
Great location in the harbor right on top of the water. Probably the best location of any restaurant in Avalon. If you are eating during the daylight hours, definitely try sitting outside. Just watch out for seagulls every once in a while. They started us off with a complimentary loaf of sourdough bread which was fresh out of the oven and warm and soft. The pitcher of white sangria was disappointing. It consisted of way too much grapefruit and was more bitter than sweet. For the entree I wanted to get the local halibut but they only had the Alaskan halibut that day. It was a little bit dry. The winner of the day was the chicken and shrimp jambalaya. It has the perfect thick consistency and the seasoning was great. Plenty of chicken and shrimp to complete it.
(4)
Jocelyn M.
While my first time being in Catalina Island, I had to have some seafood so I yelped this place thinking it was gonna be the best restaurant on the coast. Well, it wasn't. Our server was Natalie and boy does she love her job--? I had asked for water and since they are in a drought they charge 50 cents which I though it was okay. She comes in with a room temperature water bottle and I thought to myself maybe she'll bring a cup of ice. Nope, she didn't so I asked for it. Then I ordered a clam chowder and she brings me a small clam chowder from the appetizers. Whatever I just ignored it. What really got to me was her attitude, every time I asked for something she had this attitude like "really what else do you want." Then this other server comes asking me if everything is ok. Did she really have to send another waiter to do her job? Well in the end I didn't leave her a tip and was hoping she wouldn't chase me down like another review had mentioned. She didn't deserve a tip for the horrible customer service. I assumed since this place was pricey they would offer delicious plates and a wonderful service but they didn't. Oh and I forgot about the restrooms! Not only they are unisex 2 stalls and 2 urinals but filthy! When I went in there was pee and dirty paper towels all over the floor. Overall enter at this restaurant at your own risk!
(1)
R D.
Amazing view, great ambience, outstandingly friendly service!!! We had Ahi poke for appetizer and it was sinfully delicious! The home-made potato chips were addicting!! My spouse loved the crab BLTA. I'm giving only 4 stars because my fish tacos were disappointing..=(
(4)
Brian U.
Always had the best seafood on the island and with the expansion now the best bar and cocktails as well. Awesome pier side location, delicious fresh seafood, friendly staff and amazing hand crafted cocktails!
(5)
Jason W.
Mallory, our server was awesome! Great service and the food and atmosphere is amazing. We had a group outing and everything was perfect!
(5)
Paulina P.
My boyfriend and I came here for my birthday dinner a few days ago and it was probably my favorite restaurant/meal on the island. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed the spectacular view of the ocean while enjoying our dinner. We had the calamari as an appetizer and both had the halibut and it was so so SO delicious! I'd definitely recommend the calamari! The price is definitely a little steep (about $90 for 2 people without tip) but it's to be expected when dining over the ocean in Catalina. Regardless of price, I'd definitely recommend this restaurant if you want to have a nice dinner with a gorgeous view!
(5)
Vatisha S.
We got seated and no one came to our table. We eventually had to flag someone down and that person seemingly took over for whoever dropped the ball. We still got ignored after that though while a few workers were sitting around talking to each other all night across the restaurant. So that was cool. We finally got our drinks and they were good & strong. Fish & chips are better at a bar down the street from my house & half the price of the ones here. I got 4 fried scallops in my meal so I was still hungry at the end of it. It was my birthday and my bf told me after we left that he had specifically asked them to bring me out something for my birthday (he told them he would pay for it) and they never did. So that was cool. Order seafood in the more casual restaurants. Food will be better and you won't waste 2 hours of your life or your money.
(2)
Donna Z.
The atmosphere here is great. The wedge salad was really good as was the crab and avocado salad. The mahi sliders lacked some taste. A bit pricey, but overall good.
(4)
Nei T.
I loved my well balanced dish. the service was good. My friend was not impressed. He ordered the snapper. I loved the ambiance but would probably only order the mussel/clam combo because it was delish. I give it 4 stars...he said three so 3.5 stars.
(4)
Eric D.
Food is quite good - not super interesting - but well seasoned, well executed and competitively priced considering the location. No complaints. The wait staff is world class. Super friendly, no mistakes.
(5)
Jason R.
The food is awesome, the drinks are great and the prices are just right! The place is right on the water and you can't beat the views. We can't wait to go back and will make sure our friends all stop by!
(5)
Dave G.
Best restaurant in town, period! We stayed in Avalon for three days and have dined at some six different restaurants. This is by far the best quality of food and service for the money. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Jackie D.
As if Catalina Island isn't magical enough, this restaurant really tops it all off! I ordered the clam chowder, wedge salad no bacon, cilantro lime steamed 1/2 mussels half clam, and the lemon pepper mahi-mahi. I was expecting "so-so seafood restaurant on the water" food and was SO impressed by what came out of that kitchen. Clam chowder was one of the best; you really taste all of the clams which is delicious. The salad was on point. Mussels and clams were to die for in that cilantro/lime/tomato/butter sauce. And mahi-mahi was delicious too! 5 stars and prices are very reasonable. Will be back here every time I am on the island!
(5)
Simon M.
This is a place to top off the Catalina experience. I highly recommend the clam chowder and mussel basket. The outside seating provides great views of the harbor.
(5)
Katharine J.
Nice local eatery if that's what you're looking for. Only issue is that they don't take reservations, but if you call fifteen minutes ahead and ask for a table (let them know you're coming) you should be able to get one without much wait... which to me is kind of the same thing as reservations? I dunno, I was a bit confused by that policy when I talked to the wait staff. But, regardless... Pretty good food, (especially their seafood) and great service.
Although they do not take reservations we called half an hour ahead to request a waterside table for four. On arrival a very pleasant young lady took us to a perfect waterside table so we were off to a great start. We were immediately brought a basket of warm delicious sourdough bread. We ordered a nice merlot that was even reasonably marked up. Our waiter, Daniel, was very patient in explaining the specials and how various things were prepared. Our friends had a seafood salad and a seafood pasta, my sister had the tuna special and I had Mahi Mahi. All our meals were delicious and generous portions. Sitting looking over the harbor and all the anchored boats as the sun set was a real bonus. Everything about our dinner here was great and we will definitely come back next time we go to Catalina Island. ,
(4)
Patricia N.
Just had to review over the view. It's incredibly picturesque, it continues to floor me whenever I look back on my visit there. I got the clam chowder there and it was pretty solid! Had a great creaminess as well as good clam flavor too. Service was pretty good here. Overall, I think this place is definitely pretty solid compared to other places around the area.
(5)
Fiona X.
This was not what I expected from all the yelp reviews and ratings! Their Seafood Paella was absolutely NOT RECOMMENDED! Way too fishy...and their rice was tasteless... IF you come here make sure to order their daily fishes (fried or grilled) or the cedar plank salmon. NOT the paella~
(2)
Melinna F.
This place definitely deserves the 5 stars! Our server was extremely friendly and so helpful with menu choices and was right on the money with his recommendations! We loved the drinks. The food, and who can forget the beautiful ocean view. If your in Catalina definitely stop by to eat here! No ands, ifs, or buts!
(5)
Katy C.
Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. Loved the location! Gorgeous view of the harbor and all the moored up boats. The cioppino and sand dabs are two of the best we've ever tasted. Came back twice in two days for more.
(5)
Lauren O.
Have the right expectations: When I saw Paella on the menu, I changed our plans to make sure we could have dinner here. Based on reviews and the menu, I thought this place would be like the Avalon Grille (high quality food expertly prepared). When the seafood paella arrived, I was immediately disappointed. It was a bowl of rice, topped with veggies, sliced chorizo, and seafood. If it had been called "rice bowl" on the menu, that would have been what I expected. The whole point of paella is that everything is cooked together and the flavors mingle and compliment each other. This was clearly a precooked rice, with some other ingredients cooked separately and thrown on top. I really doubt the presence of saffron too, the rice looked like a rice a roni mix. We actually came back to the restaurant later for a cocktail. The bar is fantastic, great bartenders, fresh ingredients. We were chatting with the manager and I asked about the paella. He admitted that yes, the rice is precooked and other ingredients are added when ordered. He told us a little about the kitchen structure (we also work in restaurants and were curious) and I totally understand that with the volume of diners coming through and the limited kitchen size, that's really the chef's only option. My suggestion to Bluewater is this: if you don't have the resources to do a dish right, just don't put it on the menu! There are plenty of options that look good, but you don't want to get your customers excited just to let them down. That being said, there was really nothing WRONG with the restaurant. My husband's salmon was great, our scallop appetizer was perfectly prepared. The service was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance was lovely. I was only disappointed because I had high expectations. It's not Avalon Grille, it's a good spot to have a good meal and look at the ocean. Just don't order the paella and you're in for a good time!!
(4)
Vida K.
My date and I went to the Bluewater Grill for lunch and were delighted to have a beautiful oceanfront table. Our waitress, Megan was very personable and recommended the lobster roll. We ordered the Fannie Bay oysters on the half shell. The oysters came with a mignonette and also a cocktail sauce. They were delicious. The lobster roll was equally delicious! The bread was a very tasty toasted brioch which had been buttered. The lobster was plump and juicy and served with the homemade potato chips, which were so good and crisp. I liked that they weren't too salty and that they had a wonderful crunch. We actually loved this restaurant and went back for dinner and lunch the next day!!
(5)
Mo H.
I am giving this restaurant a star rating largely due to the amazing location. It's sits right on the Avalon harbor overlooking water so clear you see the fish swim by. The food is 3-4 star fresh fish good drinks and great service .
(5)
Elizabeth W.
A laid back lunch at Bluewater Grill is guaranteed to seal your delightful day out on Santa Catalina Island. I avoided the main rush, came around 2 pm and secured my ideal spot on the balcony overlooking the water. The service was good, the Seafood Louie Salad tasty and satisfying, the wine list more than adequate.
(4)
Arthur H.
The view is simply awesome. Port side with beautiful sunset. Bravo! Food is tasty but on the high price side, also the portion is not enough. Catalina is short of water and therefore we had to buy our water instead of getting free ones. That's okay. What's not okay is that the food is a tad too salty and we need to keep drinking water.
(3)
Daniel L.
We had lunch: - Chicken under a Brick (moist and flavorful) - Lemon Pepper Mahi MahI (wow! Perfect) Glad we found the spot. Dining right on the beach. Food was really impressive, delicious and service was good.
(4)
Kyla A.
Best clam chowder and steamed clams ever. No grit at all. Super great service, dogs welcomed on the patio
(5)
Nini H.
Horrible service! Do not come to this place. If I could give this place ZERO stars I would. First of all our waitress, Natalie, had the worst attitude serving us. Not only did she completely ignored the question I asked her, but she got my meal wrong. Then she had the nerve to chase us down after we left no tip because of the bad service. She came with an attitude and wasn't even apologetic about the service. She argued with us and thought we didn't know how to calculate the tip. If she had even apologized once for her rudeness I would have gladly left a tip. We always tip at least 20%, but this service was just crap. Plus it wasn't just us that had bad service at the restaurant. The table next to us waited so long to be helped that they just left. Then the table in front of us got something they didn't ordered and she just told them to try it and maybe they would like it. Who does that?!? To top it off another waiter ran into the chair of my younger sister who was at the end of the table. Seriously, if you're a waiter you should know the place well enough to not run into your customers while they are eating (especially if it's half empty). Don't come here because you will get the following: 1) Horrible service 2) Disgusting bathrooms 3) Mediocre food that was definitely not worth the price 4) A wrong order Will never come here ever again and I will definitely spread the word that this place is not worth the time. Sad cause the other restaurants on the island had great customer service.
(1)
Felicia G.
Came to Catalina for a day and lunched here. Was seated right by the water. Very nice seats and were accommodated for slight substitutions from the menu. For a lunch for two it was $80 without tip. I found that a bit steep but that's what you can expect while on the island. Other than that I really enjoyed the service most of all. Our waiter was attentive and non-intrusive. The food was ok. The quality of the food seemed up to par but lacked a little in the flavor department. I will bring my own hot sauce next time. Besides that, I had an extremely relaxing lunch and would go back just to have an appetizer and drink for the outside deck experience again.
(4)
B E.
Omg. People, I am not a prude (seriously) but the BATHROOM?! Wow. I have had better experiences in a roadside bathroom in nowhere Texas. First, it was unisex: 2 stalls, 2 urinals. And it was FILTHY. Not sure if the moisture on the ground was water or urine but I can say with utter certainty that the toilet seat was saturated in urine. A urine tsunami. Fortunately, there was a lock on the door and I made a two men wait for me to do my business. But then! My boyfriend used the bathroom and had an even worse experience -- a weirdo woman was in there and insisted he pissed while she leisurely washed her hands, adjusted her makeup. He sat there with performance anxiety for a good 2 minutes. That's a long ass awkward silence. Anyway, the New Zealand Pinot is delicious. So is the warm bread. But the bathroom? Unreal. #vomit
(1)
Kate R.
Yummy food, fun atmosphere & fantastic view! Can someone please tell me if this mural is still there? It's me & a gf 20 years ago today! :)
(4)
Morgan H.
During my two day stay in Avalon last weekend, I ate here twice. The restaurant is beautiful and you can't get any better view than sitting outside right by the water. The decor is very bright and clean. You are started with a basket of fresh Sourdough bread and butter. Most entrees are in the $20-25 dollar range. The two meals that I ordered were both pretty much flawless and cost around $12-13. Crab and Avocado Salad: I was expecting a small amount of crab but there was a huge pile of super fresh delectable crab meat. I was able to get a large bite of crab with every forkful. 3 large avocado slices and some cherry tomatoes atop arugula and mixed greens made this salad light and fresh, perfect for the setting. Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Two flour (or corn) tortillas stuffed with shrimp, cabbage, cotija cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and tomatillo salsa on the side. I loved the shrimp and that they didn't skimp on any ingredients. It is served with black beans and chips on the side. Both sides were enjoyable, and the beans had a little spice. Service was a bit slow and we ended up looking for refills a few times. But just come expecting a leisurely meal and you should be fine. The setting and well-cooked food make it worth it.
Great ambiance, great food and great service! Right on the water and beautiful view. My party had the fish and chips, beef short rib, the burger and the chicken. Everyone loved their food! We started with the wedge salad and the dressing was amazing!! Also the bread that comes with the meal was amazing we ate two baskets!! Lol! Great experience thank you :)
(5)
Daniel R.
One word 5 star rating Cioppino!!!!! any Questions? I love Avalon and this place is awesome
(5)
Marie M.
Our hotel Vista Del Mar recommended dinner at the Bluewater Grill. Although our stay at the Vista Del Mar hotel was wonderful however the experience at Bluewater Grill was absolutely horrible as follows: 1. It was a very hot day and we asked for bottled water. We received "warm" bottled water with a plastic cup of ice. We asked if cold bottle water was on hand but we were told the restaurant had no cold water. 2. My husband and I ordered alcoholic drinks and I assumed the type of drink I ordered would not require a straw but I received my drink with a straw. I asked the waiter if the straw was a paper wrapped straw and he said no it was not. I recognize this is a quirky thing but I do not want someone to put unwrapped straws into my drinks. Unwrapped straws typically are not clean, flies land on them and Catalina Island has a fly issue so I have seen flies land on unwrapped straws and I don't like the idea of someone picking up an unwrapped straw and putting it into my drink. I told the waiter that I don't like unwrapped straws placed in my drink but the waiter was upset by this and he stated, "do you want me to change the drink", "we cannot just change drinks like this", "is there anything else you are going to complain about?". I asked the waiter, did you actually say to me, "is there anything else you are going to complain about"? The waiter stated, "well I just want to know". I stated, "I just don't like unwrapped straws" and the waiter stated, "well you should have told me that". 3. We were so taken a back by the unprofessionalism of the waiter that I asked to speak to the manager. A manager came to the table stating that he was one of 3 managers on staff. I told him what happened and he apologized for the waiter's behavior and the manager stated that from this point forward he would make sure the waiter would provide us with excellent service however, I informed the manager that I do not wish to have the same waiter. The manager actually told my husband and I that if we wanted a different waiter that we had to move to another table. Needless to say we got up and left the restaurant to never return again.
(1)
B T.
Sorta gross actually. Pass on the calamari too-- its overly battered yet still manages to be soggy and it's very chewy. And the seasoning is overkill. But there aren't too many decent choices for food on the island so I guess I'd go there again unless someone offered me something better, like hard-boiled eggs on the street. Oh and rude service and steep prices for quality. Except for the ahi tuna. It was fresh but they didn't know what to do with it. Whatever.
(2)
Lindsey W.
Great views and nice decor. Hostess was friendly and waiter was attentive, however the food was not impressive. My husband had a light meal starting with the red crab salad and he was not a fan...there were shells in it. Then he had clam chowder which was way too watery and just didn't have much flavor. I had the mahi and the fish was great, but the scalloped potatoes and veggies were just thrown on the plate in a lazy messy pile on top of each other. It didn't look very appetizing to say the least. You would think they would try a little harder when charging such prices. You're better off going to Steve's or The Lobster Trap.
(3)
Vanna N.
We were on vacation and decided to come here for happy hour. The steamed clams was a must and boy am I glad we did. The clams were succulent and the sauce was to die for. Our bartender/server was on point and he even gave us samples of the legendary buffalo milk that is popular in Avalon. We also got oyster shooters, thai chicken wings and the heavenly calamari fritte. Everything including the service was great. Just thinking about it makes me wanna go back to Catalina again ;)
(5)
Emily J.
Everything from the view, the food, the drinks and the overall ambience was amazing. I love this place!
(5)
John J.
Last night in town after a busy weekend on the island we decided to save Bluewater for a quiet evening. We were greeted with a very happy welcome and were sat outside along the rails. Our waitress was extremely attentive and had a pleasant personality. she gave us her recommendations and we took them. First we ordered the Seared Scallops they were excellent just the right amount of jalepano. It was an excellent choice. We both decided on the mahi mahi blackened and potatoes. Excellent choice excellent recommendation. The food was prepared perfectly we are still trying to figured out the cheese in the potatoes. Don't pass this place up on your visit.
(5)
Sylvia H.
Yum! We had dinner on the patio overlooking the beautiful bay. They had strong heaters hanging from the top of the patio cover, so it was very warm and cozy. Food: We had the clam chowder, two pasta dishes, fish and chips, and a seafood Louis. Everything tasted wonderful. Prices ranged from $17.50- 23.50. Service: Excellent. Our waitress was very friendly and highly professional. Atmosphere: Can't beat the view, the smell of the ocean breeze, and the toasty heaters that allow you to enjoy it all in 50 degree weather. Thank you, Bluewater Grill. You certainly made up for the lack of customer service we experienced at Island Golf Cart Rentals. And for that, we will gladly come back.
(4)
Allyson J.
Amazing! Shared an exquisite bottle of Sauvignon blanc recommended by our server with my sis and we had the artichoke appetizer, brick chicken and lobster for our entrees and everything was fantastic. The service was wonderful, my sis is not into seafood but our guide from long beach to Catalina recommended them regardless. Our server was very attentive, and the manager came by to check on us as well. I wish I could remember the servers name but I know the managers name was Lato and he was very kind and informative about everything from the menu to island attractions, thank you! Excellent view and killer menu.
(5)
Chris Z.
A little pricey but very good food. View was amazing if you sit outside. Crab cakes and crab dip both great appetizers.
(4)
Annemarie K.
Excellent place for seafood! The food and drinks here were superb. I tried the fresh tilapia. It was grilled perfectly and came with the most delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes. I also tried the "sand dab" fresh fish and it was excellent, I liked this even more than the tilapia. The strawberry margarita had quality tequila and plenty of it! The "Avalon iced tea" is delicious but a very strong drink. The waitress was an excellent server, very attentive even though it was busy. I would recommend this place for a great seafood dinner!
I enjoy coming to the Bluewater Grill for the oyster shooters, large selection of signature mixed drinks and great service. This place is right on the water overlooking all of Avalon, beautiful boats and clear water beaches. Five stars!
(5)
Ines D.
Location was great, right on the water. The outdoor area was a little cold (about 6:30) but they had heaters to keep customers warm and offered blankets to put on your shoulders. No waiting. Food was delicious -- seared scallops ($15) appetite and halibut ($33) glass of reisling wine $8. Rate $$$.
(5)
Evelyn S.
We came to Calalina many times but never here! Loved it !!! Taste of food is delicious trust me our plates are mouth watering!
(5)
Ceci Z.
Must have an outdoor lunch here while visiting the island. Amazing view and food! The Bluewater Burger was super delicious and I was stuffed!. One complain is the slow service, always had to wave for more than 10 minutes before flagging down someone. Also not enough restrooms...
(4)
Amy Y.
Came here for dinner before getting ready to go on the ferry. The service was really good, they were nice and attentive so that was good. Unfortunately, the food was only sub-par. They did have a great view on the pier even though it was pretty drafty this evening that we went but that's no fault of the restaurant. I ordered the sandabs special and sadly to say, I think i've found my first fish that I did not enjoy in a restaurant. It was flat, almost like I wash't eating anything except the fried outside. Luckily I had the spinach and scalloped potatoes to hold me over, otherwise I would've been a bit like the hungry snickers person in the commercials. I thought that the place was a bit overpriced as well for the food, maybe it was just because of my dislike of the food though that made it seem over the top, but I'm sticking with it. I think I would try a different restaurant if I were to come back to catalina for dinner.
(3)
Dave L.
A solid 4 stars. We all enjoyed the seafood offerings here. I liked the Seafood Louie and found the crab and shrimp to be fresh, bright and perfectly seasoned. In my experience, the crab is oftentimes too salty. The fresh produce and neat presentation highlighted the tasty seafood and the thousand dressing was top notch. I heard from my fellow diners that the chowder was super as well. A perfect mix of clams and potatoes, creamy base (that was not too watery or thick) and served at just the right temp. A great value: beautiful venue, fresh seafood and expert preparation. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Debrah M.
Had drinks and appetizers at the Bluewater on August 10th 2015. We had a wonderful waiter named Jackson. Offered us blankets if we got cold. The heaters were turned on so we didn't need them...nice gesture. I had the house chardoney....very good. The clam chowder was fantastic.....so was the scallop buffalo wings starters. We sat on the patio nearest the water and enjoyed the view. Definitely a great place to have a nice relaxing meal. Ask for Jackson ....he is a great waiter!
(5)
Steve I.
Dropped in for a late afternoon cocktail and appetizers and wound up staying for dinner. Great food, really great drinks and great service also. Add to that an awesome location with views out over the harbor and personally I think this is one of the best places to eat and drink in Avalon. Couple of days later now ... been to several other places to eat and drink, but still think this place is the best. When 5pm comes around we always seem to gravitate back here for cocktails!
(4)
Eugene C.
Terrible service. Waiter didn't greet us for 20 minutes. When he did come he asked if someone helped us, we said no and he responded "perfect". Perfect for who you idiot. Hostess girls are really uptight for what they look like. I'm not trying to be mean, just saying. Food and drinks were good!
(2)
Byron S.
Delicious food! All of the dishes has a lot of seafood, which is great. But service isn't great. Took forever for the waitress to get us plates and drinks. Appetizers: Crab and avocado salad was delicious! Tons of fresh crab meat. Seared scallops weren't as good as usual. Scallops were smaller than the last time I was here and it was slightly too burnt. Still a great appetizer though. Main dishes: Cioppino was great! Asked for slightly spicy and they delivered. Pappardelle with shrimp and scallops in white wine mushroom sauce was good. Tons of shrimp and scallops. Pasta and sauce were good but there was a piece of sand in one of the mushrooms!! Seafood paella was tasty but too watery. Overall, food is tasty. However, service is subpar for the price.
(4)
Rita D.
We had lunch at Bluewater and enjoyed it so much we were back in 5 hours for dinner. At lunch we had the tacos and they were very tasty. I had the blackened shrimp and my friend had the Mahi. We both loved the flavor. At dinner I had the cioppino and the amount of fish and clans and mussels was great. My girl friend had the shrimp linguini which was actually better than mine. We loved the atmosphere. The fact that the restaurant was updated and the Service. We will be back!
(4)
Mindy N.
What a great spot right on the water in Avalon! The food was delicious and our server was great. We enjoyed the Mahi tacos and Crab BLT sandwich - both sensational! Also enjoyed the traditional Catalina drink Buffalo Milk - can't go wrong all around!
(5)
Louise K.
We had appetizers & cocktails on the deck I highly recommend the crab cakes Best I've had in a while Great view of the harbor
(5)
Renee P.
clam chowder was ok
(3)
Anna I.
3rd time here! Definitely recommend. Great steak, great chicken, great scalloped potatoes, great burger. Well presented. Friendly service, delicious bread. Left my card there, went back the next day, they asked for my ID to verify. I felt they kept my card safe and secure and have been professional in all my dealings. Also, compared to Descanso beach club food, this is wayyyyy better for the $. They serve fresh warm bread and butter also that's quite marvy. Sits right on the beautiful water front. :-)
(5)
Leah N.
Great food, great location and wonderful view of the harbor. The meals were delicious. I ordered muscles in garlic and wine sauce. They were perfect and I'm very picky about my muscles. My friend ordered prawn linguini and she said it was superb. Our server was Robert and he was always on top of it. I mentioned we were on the island celebrating my big 40 and he brought out a little sundae. It was very sweet. Overall great experience. Will definitely be back on the next visit.
(5)
Halie E.
Came here to have a nice family dinner and was greatly disappointed. It took an hour just to get our waters and then another hour to get the food. Food came out cold but was decent. Enjoyed this place for the view than anything else.
(2)
Chris L.
While the location can't be beat, the food and service sure could be. Where to start? How about the slow service starting from the severe lag time from being seated to being waited upon to the hour-long wait for the food to be served. The party at the adjacent table walked after growing so tired of the wait. Starved kids scurrying about.... It's a nice spot, and who's in a hurry in Avalon, but the chairs are too low for the table and rather uncomfortable otherwise. The food was subpar as well with dry and sloppily shucked oysters as the starter. The swordfish steak was perfectly cooked, and the spinach side was perhaps the most perfectly cooked spinach i have ever experienced - barely cooked leaves that could be individually distinguished! The homemade chips though were horrible - cold, soggy, and tough rather than light and crispy. My partner's scallops were small and unremarkable. I won't go back.
(2)
Jerry M.
Came here during our weekend stay at Catalina Island. The seafood was excellent. I had the sea bass with scalloped potatoes and dill rice. Fish was cooked well. The scalloped potatoes were tasty. The only downside was the portions are small. Prices weren't that bad considering the typical island costs which are higher than Southern California.
(4)
Jake B.
My girlfriend and I go here every time we visit the island. The food is always great, I highly recommend the surf n turf and crab cakes. Perfect date spot and for the atmosphere/ quality the prices are pretty reasonable. Cheers
(4)
Kenzie L.
Amazing food, amazing service. My boyfriend and I went last night and our waitress was just the sweetest. We devoured the poke and surf and turf. Thanks for putting up with our drunk asses.
(5)
Karen R.
Amazing food! Started with grilled artichoke and crab artichoke dip...so so good.. For entree my husband and I shared shrimp and scallop Papardelle in cream sauce...now ending with a mud pie...let's just say I would be broke if I lived here...
(5)
Jackie D.
Loved my Crab BLT! I frequent the Bluewater here in Newport and have never seen that dish on their menu. It ran $17.50, which sounds pricey but we are discussing crab and Catalina. Sandwich was on Sour Dough, crab salad, topped with avocado & tomato, oh and perfectly cooked bacon. The fries that came with it, were cooked perfectly. Place is cute, with a lot of outdoor seating.
(4)
Esteban F.
Wife and I both had their crab cakes and lobster rolls. They were amazing. They come with a pickle spear and their homemade chips. We came in 5 minutes before happy hour at 3 pm so our beers took a little bit too come out bur the server let us know, so that was nice. The crab cakes were the best we've ever had.! The lobster rolls were stuffed, buttery, and delicious. The chips were crisp, warm, and paired nicely with the pickle. 10/10, would come back!
(5)
Olivia L.
We decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner our first night on the Island, and was lucky enough to have an outdoor table with a view of the bay and all the little cute boats. Sadly, I had the stomach flu of some sort, so I couldn't spoil myself with food, but we still got enough to try. Service was not too bad! We were greeted and seated immediately in the shade and given time to look over food and drinks. I got a hot tea and the waitress brought over this box full of various teas for me to choose from, all from Numi organic teas. The tea was served in its own hot water pot, but the cup was kind of dirty, with what looked like coffee spots all over it.... We ordered an appetizer of grilled artichoke (~10$) and it came as 1 artichoke, but in half. The grill had a GREAT seasoning of garlic and salt, mMmm so good! Not too salty, and not too oily. My boyfriend got the normal Mahi Mahi with spinach and scallop potatoes. I tried a little of his fish and it was pretty goOd! Just a little dry for my taste, but it was a simple fillet. The scallop potatoes were delicious, nice creamy sauce with perfect thin cut potatoes. I got the clam chowder soup bowl (8$) and it was definitely really tasty. I got another bowl of soup somewhere else on the island earlier that day, so compared to that one, this bowl was less potato-y and not as creamy as the other one. I felt like this soup had a lot more texture and clams and all together very well! We went early during Labor day weekend, so if you go on a prime time during the night, I recommend getting a reservation because I heard the wait time can be up to two hours or more.
(4)
Barb M.
So- I have to say that after eating at Lobster Trap- food here is more expensive and not as tasty. But, the view is amazing. And servers terrific. Great bar as well. I would do appetizers for the view and drinks and dine at Lobster Trap. Raw Oysters we terrific and fresh Fannie Maes from B.C. Clam chowder is thin with a ton of clams but not much potato or seasoning. Sand Dab is the local fish - very tasty and fresh. Salmon was fresh but so very bland that they took it off the bill. That said- if you want to dress up a tad at night and watch the sunset - this is the spot. Now, as for the health hazard noted on a period review - I checked it out with the Chamber of commerce. It was their neighbor's disposal/ trash process that caused them to both have to shut their doors a bit the their neighbors to remediate it. It is a shame - this is a newer restaurant getting off the ground - they don't need any setbacks.
(3)
Lan N.
Wonderful service and delicious food! The first day I arrived we found this place. We got seated at a lovely outside covered table. Ordered a cucumber mojito got a great buzz and had the grilled shrimp chopped salad, so delicious! Great place to start off my vacation. Came back a few days later for lunch and had the fish and chips, again, delicious once again!
(5)
Darlene Ariane N.
We went there on Saturday and the food was incredible. I had a crab, bacon and avocado sandwich and my friend had the salmon sandwich. Both were really tasty. The drinks are strong and very good. The only thing I didn't like was not having any water. They gave you bottles that you had to pay for because of the drought. People at the beach could wash their feet off but we couldn't have drinking water with our meal.
(4)
Christel L.
Eta note: Upping the review to 3 stars because Jim, the owner reached out to me regarding my 2 star experience. I appreciate that unlike others, he acknowledged the mistakes and politely asked for another chance to prove the business can be better. --------------- My family and I decided to make this the last stop for dinner on our Catalina day trip earlier this summer. Every time we walked back and forth across the harbor, this place was packed with people. By the time we made it in for dinner, the sun was going down as well as the temperature, so the flies started disappearing too. Since we wanted to be seated on the patio, it was a minimum wait of 15 minutes before we got to a table. We were greeted by the server with a spiel about the current drought and the restaurant's efforts to curb water use by electing not to serve tap water and charging for water bottles and ice. For a moment, it seemed impressive that the business was thinking environmentally, until I went to the restrooms to wash my hands and noticed that some tables had tap water served to them anyway. And after all that talk about how they wanted to limit even their ice distribution, the cocktail I ordered (mule) was filled to the brim with ice cubes and barely any alcohol. Okay... It was already cool outside at that point and the need for the bartender to serve a cold one was a bit excessive. Hopefully they had sustainable means of recycling the bottles. As for the dining and service, sub par for the price. With all the rave reviews, we expected the best possible food on the island served to us, but it took a long time to get to our table. We noticed that the complimentary bread wasn't offered to us, so after putting in a request with our server, we watched table after table of people seated after us receive bread until we finally asked again. The burger I ordered was okay; it looked better than it tasted. The sentiment was shared by my dining companions for their dishes too. Bluewater Grill may look like the given place to have a meal because it's in a prime location that sits right on the water, but even with a beautiful ocean side view (I would bump up the rating 0.5 just for that), the level of service and quality of food dampened the closing hours of our experience in Avalon that day.
(3)
Scott H.
My girlfriend and I sat at one of the tables on the hack deck over the water at 5:00pm for dinner and the weather was calm and perfect. This place is practically 4 stars on view and atmosphere alone. Our starter was the bacon seared scallops with Jalapeno aioli and some type of oil. The scallops were well cooked and did not shrink to bay scallop size. The bacon was sprinkled on top which ended up being solid although I prefer bacon wrapped. For entrees we had the grilled Tilapia and the grilled swordfish. The swordfish was well cooked although the char added a little too much to the flavor balance. The Tilapia was well cooked. Overall a great experience.
(4)
Jennifer L.
Good oysters, great view. A bit overpriced but not surprising for the location right on the harbor. Nice spot to sit and enjoy the view with a friend.
(4)
Stacey L.
After a long hike, all my my boyfriend and I wanted was to sit down and have a nice lunch on the water. This was our best pick for that statement. Bluewater Grill is located on the shore of Avalon and if seated outside you are greeted with the sea breeze an a great view of the marina. On first impression this place seems very classy and prices are decently affordable. Although, after being seated and having to wait quite a while to get our drink orders, I instantly found myself wanting to give this place a 1 star review. Service is very slow. I don't know if it's because my boyfriend and I were dressed in our hiking clothes, and they are snooty or something, but it took them forever to get our drink orders, then after giving us our drinks, instead of taking our food orders, the server walked away and took another tables order. I had to flag down the server 20 mins after being seated for us to finally get our food orders in. I was farily pissed off at this time and the server knew, but he had a snooty attitude like he didn't care. I was about to walk out the door because I never felt so insulted by a servers attitude but my boyfriend told me to relax and just wait for the food. Once the food came out everything changed, NOT THE SERVERS ATTITUDE, but my overall feeling towards the restaurant. The food here is delicious! We ordered the calamari friti and it's by far the best fried calamari that i've eaten. Get it and you won't regret it. I tried the louie shrimp salad and that was pretty amazing also. It comes with real crab pieces (lots of it) and tiny bay shrimp with this delicious sauce. I've never been happier with a meal. Although, the snooty server really killed my experience here.
(2)
Nekandra S.
We ate dinner here Thursday night May 14th. When we arrived the hostess told us they were at capacity but she did have two booths that were located off to the side of the restaurant leading to the restrooms.Once seated we was quickly helped by our server. I order the grilled artichoke for my appetizer and it wasn't what I expected. So she returned it and I got the clam chowder soup which was very tasty. My main dish was something with shrimps and scallops with a white creamy sauce which was also good. The first glass of wine was great but the second one wasn't so much. Tasted as if they switched wines. Will visit again.
(5)
Karim K.
Amazing place with a great view. Love visiting the island and coming here for dinner. Great view from the outdoor patio and food is delicious. Have a few drinks and enjoy the view!
(5)
Megan C.
After walking through Catalina we settled on this restaurant for the view and menu. After a 45min wait we were seated on the patio and served fresh, hot bread and butter. I ordered a Pinot Noir, which was good, and my husband ordered a martini. Unfortunately they were out of martini glasses (?) so his was served in a small, slightly warm glass. For food we ordered to split the oysters, the crab and avocado side salad and the ahi tuna. The oysters were good, but a few were wimpy in size. The side salad was excellent as far as the freshness of the lettuce, crab and avocado but the dressing was almost flavorless. Next time I would skip the dressing and just do a squeeze of lemon and some fresh pepper. Our ahi came out promptly and was absolutely amazing. It really made the meal. And the kitchen was nice enough to split the plate without us even asking, which was a nice touch. We'll be back!
(4)
Joanne B.
Five stars for the view and being right on the water, but two sad stars for the lackluster food at this restaurant. They weren't too busy for lunch when we arrived and was seated quickly for us to enjoy our first meal on the island. We shared an arugula salad with crab and avocado and they were nice to split it in two plates without us asking them to do so. Due to the water shortage, all the restaurants on the island only served bottled water at $0.50 each. No bad, I'm all for drinking bottled water anyway, but our server forgot to bring it out until we flagged her down for it. Anyway, the shrimp linguine I ordered was bland and lacked any flavor. I don't like salting my dishes other than when I'm actually cooking a meal at home, but I had to reach for the salt shaker a few times to give it some flavor (which still didn't help). I only ate the five small pieces of shrimp from this $19 dish and left the pasta alone. My hubby said his mahi-mahi fish tacos were okay, but compared the salsa like those that you buy in the chips aisle at the grocery store. I picked at the chips and beans from his plate since it tasted better than my pasta dish and to fill my hungry appetite. Our meal came out to seventy-five bucks for our shared salad, two entrees, two cocktails and two bottled waters. If we return back to the island, I'll probably skip dining here, but would hang out at the bar since my strawberry vodka drink did have a heavy pour, lol!
(2)
Joy W.
It was very busy on Saturday night when we went in, 45 minute wait for a table. So, 7 of us sat in the bar. I enjoyed the artichoke & ahi poke appetizer. I liked the artichoke choice more. The Mahi Mahi entree was tasty. Great martini from the bar. All in all I'd give it another shot on my next visit and sit in the restaurant and enjoy the view. The menu looked good, so I'll explore it with my honey again. Great location.
(4)
Brian M.
Recently ate here on a weekend trip. We were seated quickly with a nice view of the bay. My wife ordered there version of the BLT and I got the burger and requested it cooked medium. When our food came my burger was well done and clearly not handmade. Bummer. It also had a pickle spear with all of the "fixins" which I thought to be odd. Why not include pickle chips that I can put in my burger. My overall dissatisfaction was with the service. Our server was slow. Never checked in with us and we had to go get him to get our check. Things we asked for came 5-6 minutes later and when I've got a hot plate of food in front of me I don't want to wait that long for a condiment. Great view, priced too high for not hand made food and poor service.
(2)
Robert M.
Saw several empty tables along waterfront. Stopped with wife for drinks & appetizers. Was told these tables were for dinners only; had to sit at other tables for appetizers. Ended up spending $80 for drinks & appetizers at El Galleon across the street. Go figure
(2)
Brandy S.
Too pricey for what we received. I had the sandabs and they were okay, the spinach had no flavor and was not steamed entirely, leaving parts raw like salad. In addition, the squash was also cold. My husband had the Cioppino which could have used some linguini or some substance. It was more like a soup and the scallops were overdone. The scallops were clean though, no sand..That was good! Calamari was good too.
(3)
Judy Y.
This is a beautiful restaurant with a beautiful view of the ocean. As expected for a fine dining, the food was expensive but it's good quality and you will not be disappointed. Plus, with an ambiance like this, you really wouldn't mind the price you pay. I also love the heaters they have outside. You'll definitely be able to enjoy the view without freezing at night! We ordered an appetizer, Seared Ahi Tuna ($13.75), one of their specialties, Lemon Pepper Mahi Mahi ($25.00), and their fish of the day, Grilled Pacific Swordfish ($28.95). We loved the Seared Ahi Tuna and the Mahi Mahi. However, the Swordfish was just okay. Perhaps it would have been better cooked differently instead of grilled. Overall, I would have given this restaurant 4 stars. However, the service we received was EXTREMELY poor, so I'm only giving the review a 3 star. Although our waitress greeted us immediately after we sat down, it took her forever to get anything for us. We asked for a glass of ice water and a cup of hot water. She told us due to drought, they will provide water bottles instead of water in a glass cup (totally fine with us). The hot water I asked for took forever to come, and when it did, it was in a dirty cup. We didn't think much of it because it could have been an honest mistake. However, the water bottle story confirmed it was not an accident. The water bottle took forever to come. We saw other tables receiving their drinks/water bottles (with ice in the cups and straws) way before us. Then, when she finally came with the bottle, she didn't bother bringing us a cup or straw. We had to ask her for it and when she finally brought the cup. She basically dropped a wet cup on our table with no ice or straw in it. The cup looked clean. However, it looked like it came straight from the sink. We kindly asked her for ice and a straw, and of course, she rolled her eyes and left. She eventually came back with ice in the cup (still no straw), and then a straw on another trip. Took her a while, but she finally got it. It wouldn't have bothered us so much if it was busy. However, we went in on a Wednesday night. Several tables were still open. AND she was going around to other tables, greeting and chatting with other customers with a smile on her face... :( We didn't understand the reason to the poor service because we were so happy on vacation and smiled and said hi to her the moment we met. We don't think we were rude or anything. However, we were the only Asians in our section. So, it really felt like the poor service was due to the color of our skin.. :( We would still come back and enjoy ourselves here because the ambiance is just too beautiful. However, if the service is consistent to our first visit, then I'm not so sure...
(3)
Cynthia B.
Best Location in Avalon Although this is a Southern California chain, it has the feel of a chef owned restaurant located in an historic building right on the water. Sit out on the patio (heaters provided) to listen to the waves, birds, and see the seals. Order fresh fish and drinks, all wonderful. The view and the ambiance can't be beat. Great for late night drinks too!
(4)
Jarrett C.
Extremely clean, great outdoor dining atmosphere (but watch out for sudden rainshowers!), and excellent food. It carries a slight premium compared to the rest of the town, but it's certainly worth it.
(5)
Judy V.
Where do I start, the food was just full of taste and freshness. We ordered out of the catch of the day menu. The fish was delicious as so where our appetizers. Loved this place.
(5)
Jim H.
We sat on the deck overlooking the mooring field. Beautiful location. We even saw a real mermaid and a couple of rays swimming by. Ok so the mermaid was a little girl wearing a mermaid costume but she really was swimming by with a floatie. We still saw a mermaid! The food was excellent. I enjoyed the lemon-pepper mahi mahi with potatoes au gratin. Everyone in our group loved their food. The service was excellent as well.
(5)
Karisa P.
Visited Catalina for a day trip and of coursed used yelp to find something for lunch. This place had the highest rating and was closest to where I was. Very disappointed. For having 4 stars I would think it would be better than it was. To start with the waitress was not friendly. She attended to all the other tables, but seemed to never come around ours. And once we finished our food she handed us the check 20 minutes after and didn't even ask if we wanted dessert... Which I planned on ordered. I clearly heard her ask the table next to us if they wanted dessert... And the restaurant was not very busy. On to the food. The complementary bread was cold. Presentation was pretty, but the food was bland. As an appetizer we ordered oysters-- they were okay. Not that great and they did not shuck it very well, there were pieces of shell mixed in. For the main course, we ordered a salmon plate and a shrimp and scallop skewer plate. Salmon and scallops were way over cooked. I also got my dessert, ordered the mud pie... It was frost bitten and tasted like it had been on the freezer for a long time. Could barely eat it because it was rock hard. Place was over priced for the quality of their food. The view was nice though.
(2)
Luis M.
Great restaurant! Menu was really solid, kids menu was one of the best I have seen and the food was great. There is a need for better and more proactive waiters and waitresses. I definitely recommend this place highly.
(4)
Kent V.
Best restaurant hands down in cataleeeens! Came here over the weekend for a friends birthday celebration from the mainland, and although i can not voucher for their seafood, (everyone else in my party of 5 got a seafood dish and said it was delicious), I got their Angus New York Steak with Blue Cheese Compound Butter, w/ wilted spinach and creamy cheese scalloped potatoes ($32). It was delicious! My steak was cooked perfectly and their scalloped potatoes although very cheesy and heavy were very good! Very nice bar area, great service and our waitress even brought out a complimentary ice cream sundae for the birthday guest. Definitely recommend to anyone in Catalina who wants a nice dinner with an ocean view. On an island that is not necessarily known for having the best food, this restaurant is top notch.
(5)
Katerina Y. Y.
Service is slow, slow, slow. Big case of island fever at this joint. And because of the drought, you are charged 50 cents, but that's everyone. I don't like charred food and that's what one of my party received. But if that's what you are looking for, then I suppose you would like this place. It is busy, because its right on the water. Beautiful scenario.
(2)
Richard M.
Our usual spot, the Portofino, was closed tonight. Upon recommendation, we dined here. Great Catalina seaside ambiance. Friendly, attentive staff. Tonight our group of twelve choose various items from the seafood menu. First, we were presented with fresh hot, crusty bread and butter. Always nice. A rather decent selection of wines from which we chose several different bottles. Clam chowder had great flavor just the right amount of tender clams however, lacking in potatoes and far too runny. Grilled artichoke appetizer was perfectly grilled and we'll seasoned. Bouillabaisse was somewhat flavorful with tender clams , mussels, shrimp. Problem was, the really tough fish pieces and overcooked scallops. I couldn't cut through the fish with my spoon. My check, less drinks, about $92 after tip. I'd love to love this place but if I'm being perfectly honest, I have to say, not worth the price I paid tonight. Four of us returned days later for drinks and appetizers. The buffalo milk is definitely one of the best on the Island! Calamari was tender and complemented with the usual dipping sauces. The artichoke dip came with tortilla chips for dipping. The dip itself was full of flavor with large chunks of artichoke hearts. Melted cheese over the top quickly became sticky and hard to get through. We just pushed it aside. Again, I don't think the food is worth the price. Especially where it really lags in simple preparation. Although the restaurant is nice and the location is prime, it feels like I'm in Newport Beach. I left the mainland to get away from that feel! We may not be back.
(3)
Mindeezy K.
My boyfriend and I visited the restaurant last week for his birthday. The staff was very friendly and caring. Our waiter overheard my boyfriend and I talking about birthday activities, so he brought out complimentary ice cream with a candle at the end of dinner even though I never mentioned/requested anything! The clam chowder, crab artichoke dip, calamari, and bouillabaisse were all amazing! The crab artichoke dip was basically all crab, which I loved. Ordered a bottle of prosecco and cheesecake for the perfect birthday dinner. FYI - It is a casual restaurant right on the beach. Great view of the water, would highly recommend families & lovers visiting the island!!
(5)
Regina R.
This was the best meal on the island, the meals were amazing. The service was impressive of I ever come back to Catalina Island this will be the place I eat. There is an amazing view, outdoor heaters and great music.
Cozy seafood restaurant on the bay in Avalon. The bartender poured generous drinks while we waited for our table. It was cold out so no one was sitting on the patio, makes the sitting space tight, so we had to wait for our table. Hostesses and wait staff were courteous and timely. Food is solid and a nice selection on the menu. Good, predictable options prepared well. The views are the real attraction. Worth a visit when you are in Avalon. Lunch or dinner.
(4)
Rabeyia A.
Food's great, service is better on weekdays than on weekends. Moscow mule could use less mint.
(3)
Reiko N.
We've tried this place 10 months ago... All menu (3 entrees) weren't seasoned well, the seafood was over cooked... desserts were "Ok" ~ a week ago we tried, and again it wasn't great.. Scallops are just not done properly. Not disappointed but pretty bummed because I really like the location.
(3)
Daniel T.
Visits: 1st Rating: 3.5* Dishes: Pappardelle; Scallops The seafood was fresh & done right. Service was attentive & excellent. Can't beat the view. A water front seat. -Pappardelle w/Shrimps & Scallops (3*). Served in a porcini mushroom sauce. Not bad. Might be too buttery for my taste but I'm sure there are those out there that would love it. The sauce has an earthy mushroom flavor. -Seared Scallops (4*) w/Roasted Jalapeno Aioli. Great dish. Scallops perfectly seared to get that crispy top layer and yet still has a slightly rare soft center. Mmm good. Love that aioli sauce, pairs perfectly with the scallops.
(3)
S W.
We had the mahi mahi and scallops. They were superb! BUT!... Colbys, Tim, and the amazing hostess Chris were the best part of the restaurant. These three people really know how to make a customer feel special. Colbys is the hardest working employee I've seen. Chris is the best hostess- Whomever found her did a great job. She has the best personality! Tim is an amazing bar tender and really makes you feel at home. Just sayin, we are here 4 times in 2 days. Couldn't get enough of this place with the best view!!
(5)
Tiana T.
The view is nice but .... Had to ask for bread, everyone else was served it with their menus. Ordered the burger, didn't ask how we wanted it cooked. Most restaurants cook medium if they don't ask. They cooked it WELL WELL WELL DONE. Tire done. Roadkill burnt in the sun done. Inedible. We were starving after a long day at sea and couldn't flag the waiter down and ended up getting cold and he wasn't too happy at our comments. Didn't offer to remake it either. Like some tourist restaurants they do not focus on customer service or good food because most likely you will not be back. Waste of $45.
(1)
Carol B.
Service I a little slow but fish is fresh and delicious! Loved mussels, fish and chips, and crab salad!
(4)
Peijean T.
Simply the best dining experience we had out of all the restaurants we tried on our Catalina trip. Many of the restaurants in coastal Avalon don't have great customer service, but our waitress at Bluewater was spot-on attentive without being intrusive. Also, this restaurant has the best waterfront view in Avalon, as the outdoor patio deck seating wraps around the restaurant right on the water. Lots of restos in the area don't even have a distant view of the water and keep diners inside. The food was absolutely exquisite and exceptionally priced. I would expect to pay a lot more for this back on the mainland, and they could have charged more and we still would have loved what we ordered. My dining companion and I got: --Crab and avocado salad ($12. Seriously twelve bucks) -- probably the best value on the menu. I was expecting an appetizer size, but it was a full, albeit light, meal with tons of fresh arugula, perfectly ripe avocado slices, and a BIG scoop of fresh crab. The crab wasn't drowned in a sauce but was still moist. --Ponzu Sashimi Sea Scallops ($14) -- served on the half shell with wasabi aioli and wakame salad. I didn't even know you could eat scallops raw. This was like something I would've loved getting at a good sushi place and wouldn't have blinked to pay $20 for. Wow, flavors were delicious and fresh, and can't believe the price! --Mahi mahi sliders ($12?) -- Disappointing. They were two little sandwiches on Hawaiian bread rolls and a handful of super hard housemade potato chips. Compared to the other entrees, this felt like a ripoff. Wish we had ordered fish and chips, which looked big and delicious at the table next to us.
(5)
Erin P.
I ate at this delightful restaurant for lunch on a sunny day. The mahi sliders were fabulous. Everything on the sliders was very complementary. The portion was smaller than I expected (2 sliders), but it was just the perfect size, really. The view is fabulous - right on the water with great views. My only complaint was that I was kicked out of my table before I was able to order a second (after-lunch) drink. I wanted to stay and read for a while, considering how nice the ambiance was. The waiter explained that they wanted to seat another party there and wanted me to sit at the bar (without the good view) if I wanted anything else. Mind you, I had been there less than an hour. From my experience in the service industry, moving customers to other tables a cardinal no-no. However, the manager was very polite and explained it was a misunderstanding on the server's part - they only wanted to know which tables appeared to be getting close to leaving so that the next party could be sat. He was very apologetic, and I believed him. He even asked me to call him if I visit any of their other restaurants so that he could make it up to me. I'll definitely come back here if I'm ever in Catalina again.
(4)
Louis L.
So I'm giving this place 5 stars simply because I made a ridiculous mistake. The below rating is for the Casino Dock Cafe but it was formerly known as the Blue Water Cafe and has a few signs that say as such. So I found myself coming across the Blue Water Grill and understood the mistake that I made. Sorry Blue Water Grill, my bad. picture that people have been posting about this restaurant or false. The burgers I seen people eating or not the same burgers that I've seen in these reviews. My fish and chips were so so and not the same as I've seen from others post. Someone said that they've changed management but whatever the issue they don't deserve the 4 stars
(5)
Martin B.
Excellent service, spectacular location, and good food. Everyone was friendly from the time we arrived to the time we left, and we took a very long time.
(4)
Jonathan C.
The Cajun Mahi as super flavorful! just wish the portions (including the sides) were more plentiful.
(4)
Sophia N.
We came here about 3 times over the weekend because we enjoyed it so much. The bon bon scallops were hands down the best scallops we've had! (We had about 4 plates). Amazing view, service, and food! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jamie D.
My first time in this restaurant with my husband.. Great experience, everybody is nice and friendly... We had grilled artichoke, the best, veggie salad, and salmon... Fast service, i even get to bring home their plastic cup as a souvinir.. Hehe
(5)
J C.
Ate here on a Monday night at 6:30 and my husband and I were seated right away at a table overlooking the water. That was a pleasant surprise during the dinner rush! I ordered the scallop and prawn skewer and my husband had the snapper. The skewer was great, but the snapper didn't have much flavor besides the blackened char taste from the grill. The service was so-so. We finished our drinks halfway through dinner and were never checked on or offered a refill. Then we spent about 15 minutes sitting there waiting for our check to be dropped off. We would have stayed for another drink if our waiter had attended to us. Overall, great view and ambiance. Food was good. Service could use improvement.
(4)
Mari H.
Great view at this place. It was raining out, so we had to sit inside. We got the fish and chips and a bowl of clam chowder. The bread they put on the table was hot and had a fabulous crust. The fish and chips were crispy and well cooked. The clam chowder was fresh tasting and really about the clams. They give you these weird plastic cups for soda or water, bottled beers come with a glass. Strange. The restaurant seems too nice for that.
(4)
Violet G.
We had lunch here, and were pleasantly surprised by the quality and price. I had the Mahi Tacos ($14.75), which came with two tacos, a side of chips, and a side of beans. Everything was house-made and fresh. The complimentary bread was great, as well. They do not provide water (tap or otherwise) unless you pay for it, which seemed a bit cheap. I understand the drought, but I think that the way other restaurants handle the water issue (not automatically bringing water for the table, but asking if anyone would like some first, and then providing tap water for free) is much more gracious. We had a fantastic view overlooking the sea, and service was good. I will definitely return next time I visit Avalon.
(4)
Paul C.
Catalina was port of call number one on my four-day Carnival cruise. This being my second time to Catalina Island, I remember seeing this restaurant and made note to return when I visited again. Glad I did! The food was fresh, delicious and well-presented. The Grilled Artichoke appetizer w/aioli was tasty. I absolutely loved my Tagliatelle pasta w/prawns and scallops! The prawns and scallops were fresh and well-seasoned. The cream sauce bringing the dish together was delicious! My brother enjoyed his fresh Barramundi dish. The light sauce w/lemon and capers was sooo good! My sisters shrimp pasta dish was also a hit. The only gripe with my meal was the Clam Chowder. It had great flavors but was more soupy than chowder. I'm a fan of Clam Chowders on the creamy side. Best part of the meal was my Long Island Iced Tea! Super potent and fully leaded!!! Great views of the water and cruise ship on port days! Being located in a vacation destination, as expected, prices a little bit on the higher side. Our server was very friendly and attentive. Overall, great seafood spot on the island! Check it out!
(4)
MK P.
My bf and I went on a Sunday. We arrived at 700. It was packed. We left our phone and name and the two young girls said they would call us back as soon as something opens us. So we went around town and hung out. Waited an hour and never got a call. We went back to find a 3 empty tables inside and asked the young lady how long for my table. She promptly seated us. As we arrived she even looked shocked we weren't seated yet. So unorganized. By the way. When we came back. None of the people that came after us was outside anymore. They were all seated. When we got seated, we quickly ordered our food. After 50 minutes of waiting, we finally got our calamari. The waiter kept asking the kitchen where was our food! He was such a nice guy. He's the only reason why I gave this establishment a one star. After an hour of waiting. We got our meals. Which was just so disappointing after being so hungry! I should have just gone somewhere else! The chicken was so dry I had to sip water with every bite. My bf ordered some shrimp pasta and it taste like they put cream of mushroom and wala called it something! I'm not a good cook and I can barely perfect cooking rice but I could go home and cook that mushroom pasta! It would probably taste the same. It was just a horrible way to end a good trip. Ugh!
(1)
Shannon J.
Food: 4, Ambience: 2. We only had drinks and appetizers, but the seared scallops are really great. We also had the grilled artichoke. It was too oily, but still really good. You can tell by the food we had and the presentation that they do food nicely. The place is on the water with an amazing location, but it's pretty outdated and run down. If you're in town for a few days, it's a good place to go, but if you can only pick one nicer meal, Avalon Grille is way better.
I had a beautiful dinner here with my better half. The food was very good. I had the Mediterranean Seared Ahi Salad, and she had the Brick Pressed Chicken. Both were flavorful and fresh. We also tried oyster shooters - mixed cocktails with an oyster in it! They were good too...once we got the nerve up to try them. We ate outside on water and it was amazing. Service was good, atmosphere was great. I would definitely dine here again.
(4)
Kurt K.
Ahhh...the joys of tourism. I think the defining moment was when our waitress asked us to pay .50 cents for a bottle of water to help Catalina Island with their drought conditions in October.. Reminded me of something all of us Southern California residents know all too well: There is always a drought. For years... and years... But this review isn't a scathing rebuke of our corrupt, wasteful state government, is it? That must wait for another review.. back to Catalina and the Bluewater grill! We were seated immediately, and given some really good sourdough bread and butter at the outset. It was a beautiful setting eating out doors, complete with a single seagull bobbing in the water below looking up at us most likely thinking "mine? mine? mine?" as we ate.. :) The food was a Cobb salad with crab, and an outstanding seafood pasta dish with scallops and shrimp. Service was excellent and quick, and we finished just as the sun started to set. A bit pricey, but when you get on that ferry, if you don't already accept the fact that you are a captive audience and your job is to allow the cash to slowly dribble out of your wallet to support the Avalon community, you're sort of setting yourself up for failure. So plan on some expense, go enjoy the place, and I reccomend the Bluewater Grill because of the location, service and the food. Great experience!
(3)
Alex B.
Quite small portions for quite a bit of $$$.. Food is good though. But I won't go there anymore.
(4)
Danielle D.
This was the best meal we had in Catalina. My husband had a drink and appetizer at the bar while I finished up some shopping, then we had dinner on the outside deck. It overlooked the Avalon marina and was lovely (though it had a strong tar odor). The food was really, really good. I loved the lemon pepper mahi mahi (which was pan-fried with panko crumbs on the outside) served with garlic spinach and cheesy mashed potatoes. When my husband asked for clam chowder in a bread bowl, it wasn't on the menu but they were happy to accommodate it. Even the crusty sourdough bread at the table impressed us. My wine was good, the margaritas were good, the view was pretty and the staff was attentive. Next time I'm in Catalina, this place is at the top of my list to visit again.
(4)
Mrs.Yelp C.
Awesome atmosphere, friendly staff, beautoful views! My husband and I sat outside for dinner as it got cold outside by the water they had large heaters that worked magic! We ordered and our food came out before my husband got his soup and they took it off our bill for the inconvience. As for the food, beyond delicious! This place is a must!!!
(5)
Eli U.
Had a great dinner here for my husband's birthday. Everything was delicious. You must try the michelada with the oyster (oyster chaser).
(5)
Dina C.
This place is just ok... Me and my friend ate there today I order a salmon and she as well and the fish wasn't good at all and the waitress (Lorelei) wasn't nice or wellcaming- it's feels more like we bother her!
(2)
Tina J.
We loved the Blue Water grill. My sister and I ate here almost every night. Best location, great service and excellent food. The menu had so many yummy choices! We had the artichoke appetizer, lobster sandwich and the crab and avocado sandwich. We shared everything's so we could order more off their menu. Every meal tastes so good! The next night we had the bowl of clam chowder and the crab and avocado salad. The portions are big so we were able to split again. We loved the arugula in their salad and the crab was so fresh. We looked at every menu on the main strip and noticed every other restaurant served iceberg lettuce. Thank goodness for the Blue Water Grill. They had the best food, best service and best location on the island by far! If you looked at every restaurant and can't decide GO TO BLUE WATER GRILL!!!
(5)
Gdubb G.
Best New England clam chowder on the island. Skip the bread bowl: You get more chowder in the regular bowl; and, the sourdough bread that is set on the table is so amazing (rivaling the best San Francisco has to offer) that you would do better just using that bread while enjoying the chowder. Servers are polite, atmosphere is terrific. Greg W. San Gabriel
(4)
Meghan B.
Came back for my final meal and knew exactly what I wanted...... Lobster!!!!! Went with surf and turf with a bottle of wine. Again my service was amazing, everyone have you the time to get to know each other and management was especially helpful to the servers on a busy busy Saturday night.
(5)
Andrea B.
With the help of my Yelp app, found this restaurant in Catalina. There was already a line outside the door before their opening at 11:00 am. Once open they seated us all in a timely manner. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. We started out with their complimentary bread - very good, then we enjoyed their crab and artichoke dip - yum, the crab BLT - okay, and their mahi sliders - a bit on the dry side. They don't serve water because of the drought so they will charge you 50 cents for a bottle of water - not so environmentally friendly. Overall the food was okay, a bit pricey, but look where you are at.
(3)
Amy K.
Sometimes you have to make up for a bad dish you had somewhere else. We had scrawny grilled artichokes elsewhere, and looking forward to Bluewater Grill to save us... And they did. Awesome grilled artichokes, great flavor and meaty. For my entree, I had the San Francisco Style Cioppino. It was a big meal. Delicious though. By the end of the evening, I had to decide what I would leave behind. The cod (it was a white fish) was left behind, since it was probably the one ingredient that really didn't get infused with the flavor of the broth.
(4)
Daphne L.
Best experience on the island by far! The service was great and the food was nothing less than yummy! We really love the Bluewater Grill restaurants and our favorite dish is the scallop appetizer. We order it at every Bluewater we go to and we are never disappointed! I highly recommend if you are on the island and want a nice restaurant overlooking the ocean. The service was so good that we were in and out in 40 minutes! Wow! I mean, we could have sat there and hung out but we chose not to because we wanted to explore. I highly recommend Bluewater Grill here on Catalina Island or at their other locations!
(5)
Anne W.
Really lovely dining area.. I can see why it's a favorite. We sat inside where you could see the water. I am not sure if I think it's the best seafood restaurant.. I have been to places that are amazing in Maine for lobster that amaze you. Everything is cooked just right.. and DELICIOUS! I wouldn't expect that here. It's good.. but there aren't that many restaurants in the area. We ordered oysters (my favorite), grilled artichoke (done pretty well), and cioppino. Although the cioppino looked good.. it was a marina sauce versus a tomato broth which is just weird. Plus.. it seemed like everything was boiled making some of the seafood more rubbery than cooked just right. There is a fine art in making cioppino. I didn't mind it based on the limited selection in Avalon... and the prices were reasonable considering the places in Avalon.
(3)
Erik B.
There's not many things better than sitting in a comfortable chair next to the ocean with a drink in your hand. Now add a couple of Blackened Mahi fish tacos and you've turned a trip to Catalina Island into a full blown vacation. Thanks to Oliva for her attentive service and Mother Nature for a beautiful sunny day.
(5)
Harlan M.
It is really hard to go wrong at Bluewater. The location is phenomenal right on the water, and the outdoor seating is great. I made it one of my missions while in Catalina to try poke at each restaurant. I can say truly Bluewater had the best! Clearly when you serve the poke with house-made chips you know you're going to have a good experience! One tip that had our table laughing even hours later is that there is one shared men's and women's bathroom. i.e. men and women are free to use it at the same time--there are urinals and stalls and a wait out the door if everyone goes one by one. Well, when in Rome! Not a bad place at all for an appetizer and drink and a beautiful view of the water!
(4)
Champagne C.
Came here directly off the boat GREAT speedy service and food -LOBSTER ROLL was honestly kinda meh there wasn't much on it I wasn't impressed so I just ate the lobster and picked at the bread both were good separately but eaten otherwise the bread overpowers the flavors from the lobster the chips were really good tasted homemade -CUCUMBER MOJITO was soooo refreshing not too much to say about it but you could taste how fresh all the ingredients were and I was really happy they muddled cucumber instead using a syrup :)) SERVICE: our servers name was Malory and she was super sweet and really attentive :))
(4)
Samantha G.
Seafood! And with a view! This is a great spot, and probably one of the best restaurants on Catalina. It can get quite crowded. They don't take reservations. And they will only seat you at a table for a full meal - no just drinks and apps. The service was less than stellar. Very beach town, no care. But the dishes were quite tasty. We had the oysters, king crab legs, and a bottle of wine. Cheers for the bottles of wine being very affordable! Several options under $40. And it's fun to sit outside and take in the marina and pier. And anywhere that has Alaska king crab legs is great in my book. They even split our order for us without asking. At under $50, the king crab portion, which included two sides, felt like a bargain. And the oysters were fresh and came with red wine vinegar sauce and cocktail sauce with horseradish, as well as lemon. I even got a free sundae for it being my birthday. With so many seafood options and a good view, this is a wonderful spot for a meal on Catalina Island.
I had checked out Yelp prior to visiting Avalon and decided on Bluewater Grill for our lunch. It's location is perfect to take in the breathtaking beauty of Catalina. They have a great selection of seafood and fish. We shared a crab/artichoke dip with homemade chips. My snapper was grilled perfectly and the scalloped potatoes were excellent. Bluewater has the food, location and ambiance.
(4)
Andrew B.
Wife and I went and had a Lobster Roll and Linguine with prawns. Meal came with free bread. Bread was actually quite tasty. Liked it a lot. The lobster roll was so-so. Not as good as what you can get on the east coast obviously but the "warm" version was actually kind of cold. Large chunks of lobster though. The pasta was okay but it was a little too wet. It was supposed to be an olive oil based pasta but the bottom of the bowl was filled after I finished the pasta. Prawns were okay. Service was so-so, overall, just not a great place to eat. But I've noticed that's the trend on the island.
(2)
Jennifer C.
Amazing view with great service but mediocre food. I was excited that the chips are made in house, but the chips weren't that spectacular. The chips were crispy in some areas but there were some not crispy areas that were hard to chew and not fresh. Additionally the chips could use more seasoning. For the poke, I think the fish was fresh but there was not much flavor. As to the sliders, it was good as a whole but I feel the mahi mahi had so much potential and it's true flavors weren't highlighted.
(4)
Christina S.
Stopped by Bluewater Grill for a late lunch on a weekday after hiking. When we came here, we were led to a table outside right next to the water. The view was fantastic! The hostess even showed us to a table that was shaded without us requesting it (there were a lot directly in the sun which we were afraid of being seated at). This is definitely a great place to eat if you enjoy nice views and being right on the water. We ordered a bowl of clam chowder and the fisherman's platter. Both were delicious. I especially liked how the clam chowder had a generous amount of large chunks of clams. The fisherman's platter contained 2 pieces of fish, 2 pieces of shrimp, a handful of small scallops, and some fries. It came with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and ketchup. It was enjoyable but I liked the clam chowder more. Originally we wanted to share a plate of food but saw that there is a splitting charge so it made more sense to just get 2 dishes. The main reason why this place gets a 3 stars instead of 4 stars from me is because the service was entirely lacking. After placing our order and receiving our food, we saw our waiter only once toward the end of our meal. We thought he would be back soon with the check since we were basically done with our food. Nope. Five minutes later another individual cleared our table. Alright, our check should definitely come soon since our table was completely empty at this point. Nope. Another five minutes pass and still nobody was around to flag down for the check. Finally after another three minutes our waiter shows up and asks if we would like our check. YES, PLEASE. After giving us our check, he disappeared again for another 5-7 minutes. From us finishing our meal to when we were able to sign the check and leave took about 15-20 minutes. Ridiculous! Since the wait staff here doesn't need to refill waters (no restaurants provide free tap water on the island), all they need to do is take the order, bring the food, check in with the table mid-meal, and bring the check in a timely manner. It's not difficult especially when the restaurant isn't even busy (it was 3 PM!). This subpar service is how you get a subpar tip. Bluewater Grill, good thing you have delicious food to somewhat offset the lack of service. Please get your act together and train your wait staff better. Thanks.
(3)
Shawn H.
We had an amazing dinner here, we had the wonderful calamari and the swordfish was to die for. The bartender Dan was not only the bartender but also our server and he was incredible he took such phenomenal care of us. if we owned a restaurant instead of a manufacturing company we would totally try and steal him away and bring him into our business. He's a superstar... And he's easy on the eyes too :-)
(5)
Joy L.
We came to the island on Labor Day so we were pleasantly surprised to get seated smack in the middle of the lunch hour. They seated us on the patio and the view was great. We ordered the Fried Calamari and the Crab and Artichoke Dip as appetizers because our server stated that they didn't have any oysters. Halfway through our Dip, we found a red hair! Neither me or my husband have red hair so we were grossed out. We asked for our check, they took off the dip, and we left. Not the server's fault, but wow! Also, I get the state is in a drought, but kinda tacky to ask customers to pay for water when the menu prices are above average.
(2)
Connie H.
Like LIKE like! I came here with a friend during our spring break getaway. We came just in the nick of happy hour. The bar was all filled, but there was a table in the bar area that the host seated us at right next to the door right away. Though busy, there was no disruptions to us. Everything on the happy hour menu looked so good that I ordered just about half of the happy hour menu...except for our drinks. Here's a breakdown of our order: Grilled Fish Tacos - it was fish tacos. There was nothing extraordinary about it. Matter of fact, while there was a mixture of ingredients, there was no flavor, and I wonder how so many ingredients could form so little flavor. I could live without. Calamari Fritti - I love calamari! I especially love when my Calamari Fritti actually has calamari! This one was a little bit of a search trying to find the calamari in the sea of pepper. The flavor was really good though! Thai Chili Chicken Wings: So good! Albeit, a tad pricey. For 6 bucks, each wing is coming in at 1.50 a piece. Steamer Clams: Order this if you are a fan of clams that are not overpowered with other flavors. I like to taste the flavors of the ingredients that I'm eating and this dish really did that. Baked Crab Artichoke Dip: The dip was phenomenal, but that's after I scraped off the thick layer of goo they had on top called cheese. The cheese overpowered everything, so I took the liberty of removing it. A bit more artichoke would really bring it to the next level as well. Poke Wrap: I love poke and had some really legit poke, and as a result, this was okay. My friend who never had poke before, lovvveed it. She was ready to fight me for the last piece (it came with 3), but I just gave it up. Strawberry Smash (drink): I didn't have any of it, but my friend ordered it and loved it. She said she couldn't taste the alcohol but got a good buzz from it. Cucumber Mojito (drink): nicely done! I had crummy mojitos before, but this was definitely one of the better ones I've tasted. Service: For such a busy place, they're truly attentive to the needs of their customers. It never took them more than a few minutes to tend to our needs. When delivering our food, they kept us posted on the whereabouts of our remaining dishes. I appreciated that. Summary: Good service, delicious food that could be easily fixed with a few tweaking, great drinks!
(3)
Moira B.
Incredible food, service and ambiance. Discovered it in the Catalina food tour and of the 6 restaurants we ate at, this was the gem of the island! Sit dockside for a view of the ocean and sea gulls. Inside, peruse the vintage photographs of socialites and stars with fishing trophies. You will be whisked away to a delightful place when you order their crab cakes and their clam chowder. Delicious cocktails and a variety of beers on tap! Downside: long wait for men and women's shared bathroom...
(5)
Jessica T.
I came here my first time in Catalina. We were only 2 so they seated us quickly. We sat in the patio which gave us a gorgeous view of the pier and ocean. It was a a little cold in the shade so I moved so the sun could warm me up a bit. I was surprised to find that they had Micheladas , not only the oyster shot but the actual drink. I loved the michelada here ! And I'm pretty picky about them. The oyster shot was good too but I'm Not a fan of them. I ordered the taco plate and the shrimp taco was really good! But the mahi mahi was not good at all ... Their fish and chips were really good too. Overall the service was great ! Our waitress was always attentive and friendly. I just wouldn't get the mahi mahi ever again
(5)
Ryan S.
If you're looking for a solid meal on the island, you should make time for a meal here. My wife and I did not have a lunch reservation, so we had a drink at the bar for about 30 minutes until seated. Try the Buffalo Milk here--it's like a creamy blended Vodka and Kahlua. If you give them your cell phone number, they'll give you a ring when your table's ready. We were seated under an awning of shade on the deck, overlooking the water. We listened to the crash of the waves during lulls in our conversation. Nothing can beat that natural ambiance! We both agreed that their complementary sourdough bread was the best of the island. Also, their clam chowder is pretty amazing. I wouldn't recommend either of our lunch entrees, though. I ordered the sea bass, but unfortunately, it was cooked a little too long, which dried it out and made it tough. My wife ordered the fish tacos, and both were totally overpowered by a salty Cajun seasoning. Afterward, our lips were puckered by the salt. In terms of hospitality, our waitress gave us excellent service and attention throughout our entire meal. This felt like a definite step up in terms of class when compared to Steve's Steakhouse! If visiting Avalon again on a future trip, I would definitely eat here again, but I would not recommend either of our main entrees! Go with something else. Paired with their sourdough bread and clam chowder, you have the beginning of an excellent meal. Enjoy!
(3)
Toby K.
Very busy restaurant. Best arrive before 6pm for dinner on a Saturday. Beautiful view of the water from nearly every part of the restaurant. They do not charge a corking fee for the first bottle you bring! That was very nice! I ordered the half dozen oysters, the cab cakes and the tuna pokie. This oysters were fresh and delicious! The cab cakes were probably the best I've ever had. Not oily and full of delicious crab. I highly recommend them as an appetizer. My husband ordered a clam chowder and the seared Ahi. They were both very tasty. The Ahi steak was perfectly seared. We enjoyed our dining experience at Bluewater Grill. It's one of the nicer restaurants on the island.
(4)
Julia Z.
We were there for a birthday dinner and got a seat by the sea. They have heaters, so it's pretty nice to dine outside on the patio in a chilly evening with sunset :D For food, we ordered swoardfish as fish of the day. The fish is a bit chewy and cooked just right, the skin part is also nice. Their house made chips are pretty good! My hubby ordered the seafood linguini, which has jumbo shrimp in it, pretty good with sauces. And dessert we went for the creme brulee, it's good and they had a little candle on it for his bday. They also put strawberry and whipped cream on it, we removed the cream tho, a bit too much, but nice to have a strawberry, tastes good. In short, nice place to have a dinner before you board your ship. :D
(4)
Michelle T.
I've been here once with girlfriends two years ago and don't remember complaining about my food (had fish for lunch). This time around I went to Catalina with my mom and sister, and I was excited to bring them here because of the gorgeous view. So I did. We were seated right away..staff was friendly..the view was beautiful as expected.. but our food was disappointingly salty (clam chowder and steamed clams). To be fair, we only had appetizers and I've yet to see another restaurant, conveniently located on the strip, that can provide a similar by-the-sea-dining experience (minus the salty food). On a side note, I'd really like to try their Lobster Roll but I'll have some convincing to do...
Would have loved to enjoy this meal as other folks have talked about. Our experience was just a bad one. I'm not sure when I'm going to learn to just step away when a dining experience begins poorly. We came in for a late lunch (around 2 pm). Two hostesses at the station largely ignored us. The restaurant was not busy at all and we were with two kids in separate strollers, so not exactly that hard to miss. In any event, a third hostess finally came up to ask how many. I said "4" and she just turned and left. I wasn't sure if she was looking for a table or whether she just chose to leave. Couldn't be the former because the restaurant was largely empty. A simple glance would have confirmed there was plenty of seating available. She came back and asked if we wanted to sit outside - which was fine. I had asked for a booster seat, but it never came around (also asked the waitress too). I finally just went and looked for one myself. Our waitress was at least friendly at first. She quickly attended to our table and shared the lunch specials and noting one item on the menu was out. We only had one setting and she said she'd be back with the other 3. That didn't happen - this, despite the fact when the appetizers came out, we pointed it out to her again and she noted she'd be back. Instead, she went to serve another table and never came back with the other 3 place settings. I walked over to the next table to grab plates and utensils. She must have thought she brought them because she never apologized for not bringing them in the first place. The food - the calamari was the soggiest and undercooked. If you can't get such a basic appetizer correct, there's little hope for the rest of the meal. My kids absolutely love calamari and they took one bite and said, nope. I ordered half a dozen oysters. The shucker did a very poor job. There were a lot of shell fragments in each oyster. I ordered the Prawn Linguine and my wife ordered the Fisherman's Platter (fried shrimp, scallops and fish). The linguine was "ok" as was the platter. Though neither one of us finished our meals. Largely because we really lost our appetite at this point. I would not come back to Bluewater Grill. We were resoundingly disappointed particularly given previous reviews
(2)
Kelsey J.
Great place for a more intimate and romantic dinner in the island. We sat outside right on the water overlooking the bay and the lit up town. Very beautiful. They also have plenty of heat lamps so I was warm even though it was a chilly night. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful as we asked her for recommendations. She also gave me a sample of wine that I was asking about. It was a great red blend from Paso Robles and I got a glass. I had the fresh catch of scallop and shrimp skewers and my boyfriend had the fresh catch mahi mahi. We both got sides of veggies and scalloped potatoes. The scalloped potatoes were so good! A must! The seafood was really fresh and delicious and the veggies were cooked perfectly. Little weird side note: something was going wrong with the sound system because for about 10 minutes, instead of music, a scene from the lord of the rings was playing throughout the restaurant. Pretty hilarious. A Bluetooth mixup I guess. Great spot for dinner!!!
(4)
Melissa S.
Unfortunately, this place is more about the scenic views rather than the food. I ordered the seasoned chicken and my boyfriend got the Thai beef a sweet chili. The chicken was very under seasoned. I had the waitress bring some lemon to add some flavor to it. It came with asparagus and scalloped potatoes. The potatoes were not good at all. Some were very hard and some were very soft to chew. My food came out Luke warm too but I was very hungry and didn't send it back. My boyfriends food in the other hand was a step above mine at least. He enjoyed it. It came with rice too. Like I said earlier, the view is amazing on a nice day. It is literally on the water. Luckily the weather from the day before washed away all the bad weather so it was crystal clear. I'm guessing this places specialty is seafood, but me and my bf don't eat seafood like that. I would come back for the A meal with a view. Very romantic
(3)
Ari N.
Best fish and chips I've ever had; but dad and brother thought their Pacific Snapper was a tad bitter and rubbery. Servers were exceptionally polite.
(4)
Jonathon N.
Amazing! Stunning! Perfection! I've dined at the Newport Beach restaurant (they have several locations) for years. It's always been very good. On a Catalina Island trip this Summer 2015, I was fortunate enough to dine at the Catalina location and it was even better than Newport! This is a beautiful yet simple restaurant with zero attitude and not for a second pretencious. Very comfortable atmosphere and on-the-water dining for the majority of guests. The bar itself was so inviting that we dined there so we could 'people watch' the tourists. However, most seats are water facing. The Scallops were 5-star (appetizer) and I had the Fish N' Chips and my wife had the Tilapia. Both superior in freshness. Service was super high-end (Kelli) and they had a great wine and beer list. I simply could not find a single issue that made this restaurant not deserve a full 5-Stars! Excellent. Better than excellent!
(5)
Sam R.
Everything we ate was great! Yes better than just good. Oysters on the half shell, bucket of mussels and clams, crab blta, sand dabs, salmon and mahi. Michelada shooters are a must try! We all loved them, the shuckers choice on the other hand was disgusting, and I like bloody mary's. I would eat here again.
(5)
William H.
We enjoyed it! The scene was excellent as we sat over the ocean and the service and food was pretty good. As far as food goes it was the clam chowder that was through the roof. They did a great job on that.
(4)
Gary L.
I think this is the only nice restaurant in town "on the water", therefore the view of the ocean is nice! Our Ketel One Martinis were well made and huge for eleven bucks! Jonny Walker Black Ten bucks. The fried calamaris were fresh and delicious. The Bluewater burgers were very good and unique: it's has a fried egg, red beets, arugula, cheese and a beef patty, served with fries. My only complaint is that we ordered it cooked medium rare, and it was served medium well. Still good and ate it all. Really dig this place; the vibe is good. Would definitely come back!------(and we did come back the next day, and everything was delicious!)
(5)
Bo L.
The food was good, nice fresh fish. Can't really complain about the service ... there was none! It was like a don't give a shit kind of service. Like they know they are going to get the people in and the tips. Our waiter didn't even try!!! Coming from Monterey we expect good food and Great Friendly Service its what you do in that caliber of a restaurant.
(1)
Julie W.
The sunset cruise we booked was cancelled :-( so we decided to treat ourselves to a special dinner. The location is fabulous! Right on the water with a great view of the casino and the harbor. Everything on the menu sounded delicious, so we decided to order a bunch of appetizers so we could try a few different things. We ordered the clam chowder, oysters, sashimi scallops, grilled artichoke, and the poke. I ate a lot of chowder while in California and this one was my favorite! The oysters were super fresh, as was the poke which came with these great crunchy chips. But my favorite bite were the scallops. They're beautifully presented, topped with ginger and a wasabi aioli, and I could have eaten 20 more. The service was fine, better than most of the service we encountered on the island. I'm ready to go back and have another meal here!
(5)
Brittany S.
Blue Water is a great place to have a meal. The location is prime and the food is good. It would be 5 stars except the quality doesn't seem quite consistent but the preparation is INCREDIBLE! The quality has never ever been bad just occasionally it could be a but better. I have never had anything I didn't like at Blue Water, their wings are actually surprisingly amazing as well!! They make some of the best drinks on the island as well
(4)
Julian T.
I'm disappointed. It looked so highly rated and it was our last dinner for our baby moon. We had to ask for utensils and extra plates for our shellfish dishes. I haven't not finished my meal in.... Well I can't recall a time I haven't at least gave it a good effort but my cioppino was bland too bland to finish. The chowder sucked. The mussels and bread were good. I'm not a tough critic it doesn't take much to make me happy and I won't go into. Maybe it was an off night. Who knows. I'll be back on the island again someday I'll do my best to avoid this place. The choice is yours.
I really like the ambiance of this place. It's right on the water in the heart of Avalon. I took my GF here, and we got seated on the patio outside. We were right on the water and it was just a wonderful view. I would come back to this place for the view alone. I think it'd be a great location for a date, drinks, and pretty much anything else. The starter sourdough bread they bring out is delicious. GF got the mussels appetizer for dinner, and I go the Ahi salad. Both were pretty good! I ordered one of the mule drinks, and the ginger beer was flat. The waiter offered to replace it without any issue.
(4)
David J.
We came here our first night on the island. We met our new best friend, Melissa. We spent our whole next day crossing off items from her to-do list. #amazing #bestdayever The next night we went elsewhere, it was the worst #galleon (or something) our waitress was all kinds of weak sauce. We left after the appetizer and ran home to Melissa. Apparently she's off tonight, totes happy for her. Now we met Matthew. He's a fucking gem. This place clearly trains their servers to be top notch tour guides with alllllll the inside scoop and personality for dayssss. Side note, the food is bomb. Ps this my gf
(5)
Chris B.
My expectations were high, but the overall experience was disappointing. The service was painfully slow, 30 percent of our steamers and muscles were dead, the waitress brought them back in the same morbid condition on a small plate and confessed she didn't know what to do with them. fortunately she was kind enough not to charge us for them. The pasta with shrimp was hot and in large portions but wasn't particularly flavorful. It's the only moderately "upscale" restaurant I've been to that doesn't serve espresso. Might go again for cocktails, the seating by the water is really nice, but probably not for dinner.
(3)
Josie C.
Came here for a lunch with friends after snorkeling in ice cold Catalina waters. A restaurant with an incredible view. But wasn't too impressed with the food. Food was mediocre. I had blackened mahi mahi tacos which were a bit too dry. Same for the mahi sliders. The lobster sandwich was not bad. It was busy that day so our waiter wasn't as attentive, however there was another waiter that kept tending to us and cracked jokes with us. Very nice guy. Made our meal bearable. A nice place to try but nothing to rave about. Been there done that. Check out my pictures : )
(3)
Craig T.
Possibly the best restaurant in Catalina. As a fisherman, I love the decor inside. Awesome patio looking over Avalon Harbor. The staff was very friendly and food was great. Last night I had the Swordfish and it was a little undercooked. I told the waitress and she took it back immediately and when the dish came back, I magically had extra scalloped potatoes on my plate! I think we are going back tonight!
(5)
Irene W.
The view is AMAZING!! The food is really great, we had the New England Clam Chowder, it was awesome.
(5)
Mylene M.
This was the first restaurant I went to during my trip here on Catalina Island, I must say, I was not disappointed! We had a small meal, a couple appetizers and the ribs... So delicious! I highly recommend the calamari! Our waiter was kind, personable and very attentive. Kept our glasses full, checked in on us frequently and made sure we were having a pleasant dinner.
(4)
Sharr K.
Catalina is lacking some serious dining options. Bluewater Grill is probably one of the better restaurants to dine at. They have a great bar inside and it was happy hour when we went. For dinner, we sat outside....overlooking a great view of the island. The wait service was good. Our waitress was very patient and attentive to our needs. The food, in general was just okay. I ordered the Prawns & Scallops with 2 sides (spinach and fries). My friend had Sand-dabs (which I thought was a little bit on the small side). The oysters were good and so were the steamed clams. We asked for a lot of bread to soak up the juices from the steamed clams. Their restrooms are on the outside patio deck. I just couldn't get over the smell of rotting fish...but then again we are outside.
(3)
Amber B.
Omg, how do I put it into words?! This place is amazing. Right on the water, if you sit outside, you will be literally over the water. Beautiful views. They have little heaters which came in handy after sunset. The staff were amazing. We seriously ate here 3 times on our trip and the staff knew us by name! One of the waitresses came by to say hi even though she had a different area. The food: delicious. Menu was pretty big. Offered a variety of dishes. We ordered the oysters as an app. Yummy. I got the pappardelle with shrimp and scallops. I could eat that everyday of my life, it was that scrumptious. Hubby got the Cajun blackened halibut, it was great or as my hubs put it, " It was the bomb". Daughter got pasta with fruit and veggies. She devoured it. We had the caramel turtle cheesecake for dessert. So decadent and smooth. Can't remember what we ordered the second time...it was a special that day. But I do remember we were raving about it. Third trip, we had the seafood platter for lunch. It was really good. Go here! You won't regret it! I'd go here all the time if I was closer!
(5)
MagNJosh F.
We walked in to get a table around 2:30pm, the hostess took our name down and was very polite. They ask for your number which is really convenient, because they contacted us when our table was ready, which was about 30 mins later. This was on Labor Day weekend so we definitely were not expecting that quick of a call. We also requested to sit by the water which they had no problem with at all. Waitress was awesome and came back multiple times to see if we needed anything. I ordered Fish and Chips which were honestly the best I've had by far! Fish is really fresh. My girlfriend ordered the BLT crab sandwich and she said it was tasty, had alot of flavor and was filling. Overall the experience was excellent. Would definitely recommend to try this restaurant out if u ever go to Catalina.
(5)
Bobbi B.
The food is great. For lunch, I had the scallops and the crab cakes. The scallops were right up there in my top five of all time (and I order a LOT of scallops!) Not fishy, slightly seared (I prefer 'em REALLY seared but that's unusual), just tangy enough sauce.. A Family sitting behind us got their kids some 'kid entrees' that were really cute - like lunch boxes, but with salmon and fruit - and the kids scarfed it down. The bread is warm and fresh. Only reason for 4 vs. 5 stars is the service is spotty. No one is hostile or really negligent, but it isn't a 5-star (or even 3- or 4-star) service experience. Long periods of time with no servers in sight. But the food and location make up for that.
(4)
Dan L.
Beautiful waterfront view, but horribly slow service. The waiter was really nice, but it took really long to receive our meals. I ordered the Chicken Under a Rock, and when I cut into it, it was undercooked. I'm hoping I don't get food poisoning because I had a few bits of the outer sides. The waiter took back the chicken and offered me a complimentary soup while I chose another dish because "cooking" another chicken would take too long (we waited over 30 minutes). I chose a salad, which was alright, but not what I was craving. My friend loved his Ahi Tuna Salad and Scallops though. Overall, two star rating because if you're going to take 30+ minutes to cook something, COOK it.
(2)
Robin O.
Was in Avalon on business a while back and had just enough time to catch a quick bite & cocktail before the ferry left. We just had appetizers & a drink. The view is amazing & the food was good. The reason they get 5 stars is we got all the way back to Long Beach & realized my Sister forgot her folio at the restaurant. She called right away & they offered to mail it to her, which they did. It's hard to find great customer service any more, but this place saved her another fare & followed through! Thank you!
(5)
Katrina L.
We always eat here when we visit Catalina. Their crab cakes are incredible. This time we got the surf and turf special which was perfect for sharing. We also brought our own bottle of wine and they don't charge a cork fee for the first bottle. We like sitting outside so we can overlook the city and the ocean while we eat. Last time I had the clam chowder and it was full of chunky pieces of clam. The salmon is fresh and tasty too! We love this place
(5)
Mina L.
I'd like to shout out to our waitress Brenda, Who was attentive and brisk with lots of tables under her care! I recommend the mussels, oysters, and artichoke dish! However, we spent more than $100 for four people, which definitely was not worth the price. We also noticed that they would selectively let customers trickle in, creating a long wait even though there were loads of empty, made tables inside. We saw this around prime time (6:30-7pm weekend) Food for thought about the supposed popularity of this place.
(3)
Josie C.
I visited Catalina for the day & saw this rated highly on Yelp so I decided to try it. The food was pretty good, I got a salmon sandwich & my boyfriend got a bowl of muscles & clams. Both were delicious! The location is right on the beach so great view, & perfect to sit outside if the weather permits. Unfortunately, I didn't receive the best service. My server probably checked up on us once besides taking our order. I had to flag him down for a refill & our bill. The other servers seemed fine though. My server was never rude, just very unavailable. I would still recommend this restaurant to others though for the location & food!
(4)
Kayla C.
My review started with 2 stars but changed to 5 because of the restaurant owner that followed up on my issue and made sure my bill was charged correctly. Thank you! Not many owner will take the time out of their day (: The review isn't based off the food but includes our review on the food. Service: Our waitresses was sweet nothing too special. The reason we only gave two stars was the inconvenience we were put in. Our bill was 59$ and my card was charged for 135. There was a mix up so she went back and brought me the "correct" receipt to sign but was yet another tables bill I was charged for. I didn't freak out but my boyfriend works in the restaurant business and was really upset. I was told the other charges would fall off at the end of the night since they didn't approve them? Didn't happen. So I'm stuck with these charges. Food: Scalloped potatoes hands down the best! I had the jumbo prawns with linguine. Very light and simple flavors. House Merlot was great also.
(5)
David J.
Update... Manager gave me a canned apology. Appears not even management knows how to provide good service. Almost went as far as to blame me for not bringing it to their attention. That really gets me. I feel ripped off because I spent a lot of money on this meal for 5 guests. One guest got her meal at around the time we were finishing our meal. It was obvious they forgot her meal and put it together quickly. No apology from the server. We just were ignored the rest of the evening. And ignored during our meal because he was hiding until he could bring out the food he had forgotten. And now I get this bad attempt at apologizing from the owner. Maybe he could have asked for more details so he could ascertain where the problem was. The problem was your server was not good and completely gave up on us at the first sign of distress. And second, the food is not good. ______________ Update: Manager was truely nice about it and compensated me. I believe they deserve a second chance. Just don't order the Mahi. ;)
(3)
Sandra A.
I love the spot - right on the ocean in the bay at Avalon. However it doesn't compare well to its sister restaurants other places...the staff is pleasant, but our waiter had to run to the kitchen to ask the cook EVERY thing. I wanted the Arugula Crab Salad $12.95, but can't eat crab. I asked if they could substitute chicken or extra avocado and after checking with the kitchen, they agreed upon chicken. The salad came with iceburg and romaine lettuce, 2 leaves of arugula, 3 thin slices of avocado and on the bill I was charged $17.95!! Drinks were pretty but weak. But then there is the view of ever-charming Avalon.
(3)
McKenna V.
Most of the food was great! Don't order the pappardelle tho, awfull! Really bland and oily, kinda gross.. Service was terrible!! SUPER SLOW, waitress took FOREVER! When we complained about the dish we didn't enjoy the waitress said with a straight face, " I'll take it off, sorry" didn't ask if we wanted anything else and didn't offer desert, which we would have gladly ordered but she came back with the check and didn't say another word. We had to ask another much kinder waitress for the desert menu... HORRIBLE SERVICE! Honestly good food and the view was killer but the wait+ the bad service wasn't worth it...
(2)
Brooke B.
Sampled three different dishes with my parents - sanddab, mahi mahi, and salmon! Excellent food with large portions and stunning view. The fresh bread is delicious too!
(5)
Biff R.
This place is AMAZING! Hands down, the best location on the island to eat. They have a huge wrap around patio that extends over the water with heaters and blankets! While looking over the menu the manager Lato stopped by the table, introduced himself, and thanked us for coming in. He was very friendly and helpful he recommended the oysters and calamari to get started with which were delicious and I'm not usually a big fan of oysters. Our waitress Lacy was also very helpful, prompt, and polite. I was kinda in the mood for something spicy and he suggested getting my fish "bronzed" I went with the swordfish bronzed and boy oh boy was he right, it was the best swordfish I have ever had. Later I come to find out that the swordfish was actually caught locally by the owner on his boat. It doesn't get much fresher than that!!!! A++ I will definitely be back soon and highly recommend this place to everyone!
(5)
L. O.
Smallest mahi sliders ever. I couldn't believe they were serious about serving them. For $14. for maybe two bites. Took a really long time to get as well. Was not happy. Friends had good experiences with their orders, except the waitress forgot to bring part of a friend's order and took forever to get that too.
(2)
Bri J.
Had the egg fritata with crab and side of bacon and my wife had the grilled salmon sandwich and both were delish!!
(4)
Alby P.
Our group of 6 were the first through the door at their Grand Opening yesterday. The clams, artichokes, shrimp, scallops and everything else we ordered were excellent. The prices fair for Avalon. Word around town is the operators are striving to keep a lid on the menu prices. Service was amazing and all the food and drinks were brought out on time. Beautiful views of the harbor. The Dining room atmosphere and decor is spacious and fabulous. Fantastic outdoor patio. Special thanks to the beautiful Manager Ebony who was on her game this visit. Not an easy task on opening night.
(4)
Shauna f.
Took a break from the cruise stopped by and had a drink and crab cakes at the bar Bartender was exceptionally nice and fun
(5)
Amy A.
Delicious food, wonderful view right on the harbor. Definitely worth the wait and $. Customer service was OK but the location and food make up for it. Try the crab cakes - and the sand dabs was really tasty!
(5)
Tricia D.
Great food, friendly staff, and a view! I just love sand dabs and they were on the fresh fish menu the evening we ate in the bar. Delicious! Our only comment is that when the front door opened and closed, we were blasted with a cold breeze. Suggest that you not sit near the door.
(4)
John G.
One of the best places to eat on Catalina Island. Staff is friendly and fun and good is GREAT.
(4)
Kanae F.
This was a very wonderful place to eat at. The food was amazing. I had the Ahi Tuna salad and it was one of the best one I had in West coast so far :) the waiter Matt knew very well what to recommend. You can tell he loves working there! We had amazing view of the entire harbor and I saw a lady getting cold despite the heater, so Matt kindly brought a small blanket for her to use. Highly recommended :)
(5)
Heather M.
We went here for our ten year wedding anniversary lunch. We sat outside and had a beautiful view of the bay as it is right on the water. The servers were friendly. We talked to one for a few minutes and he answered a lot of our questions of the island. Our server was rushed but very nice. We had the crab cakes for appetizer which was full of crab and nicely presented and I had a crab sandwich which was an 8 out of 10. My husband had a salmon sandwich which he enjoyed and clam chowder which he said was full of clams but lacked flavor. Overall this is a very nice place but bring lots of money as the location requires high prices.
(4)
Ami S.
This place is nice! Right on the water, clean, bar area with TVs, tables inside and tables outside on the deck/patio. It's newer and one of the more inviting restaurants on the island. I came here for dinner and got the ponzu scallop appetizer, a glass of wine, the cioppino...and of course the complimentary warm bread! The food was great - very flavorful and not too pricey for what you get. The reason for the 3 star (rounded up from 2.5) is because we sat at our table for 13 minutes (I timed it) before anyone spoke or even looked at us. It may not seem like a long time, bu t when you are just sitting there with NO ONE even looking your way for 13 minutes...it's excruciating...especially when you are starving. I saw several servers walking around to the other tables, but for some reason...we just were not given the time of day - no waters, no bread, no "hello, I'll be right with you". Kind of strange, especially after seeing a couple after us get waters and coffee while we were still waiting. Thankfully, someone finally noticed the very unhappy look on my face and came over to our table to ask if we needed anything.. Uh...yes, I need service! Finally, he said our server was putting something in the system so he would take our drink order. We took that opportunity to just order our food, drinks, everything! After that he was pretty attentive, the food came out pretty quick and at the very end he finally apologized for the long wait. Took a while, but I'll take it. I walked out of there feeling much better....full and somewhat satisfied. Service is equally as important as the food for me. They redeemed themselves at the end, but no customer should have to feel like NO ONE cares if they are there or not...
(3)
Chris O.
This restaurant is one of the highest reviewed restaurants in Avalon, but my wife and I weren't overly impressed. Service was excellent, ambiance amazing(we sat on the deck facing the water), but the food was ok. Presentation was what you would expect for the price, but nothing left you thinking I can't wait for my next bite. Too start with the clam chowder was watery. It had plenty of clam and chunks of potato, but it just seemed like they were trying to get what they had to make it through the night's service. I ordered the Salmon with the veggies, and scalloped potatoes. My wife the prawn and scallop kabob. We both thought the food was under seasoned. Once again everything was well prepared and looked great, just a bit underwhelming.
(3)
bob r.
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!!! Best in Avelon that we had. The Fish Taco ~ Calamari Sliders ~ spicy edamme GREAT!!
(4)
Nicole H.
We had a fantastic experience here Tuesday, after a last minute decision trip to Catalina!!!!! Can not wait to get back! They were very busy, we waited 5 minutes and got a great seat on the patio. The server had ALOT of tables. He greeted us AND asked if we could give him a minute which we obliged. Came back shortly for drinks and apps. He was busy, but charming and attentive. The hostess let me charge my phone while we ate. Loved the shrimp cocktail and house salad ... And the fried platter was Delish! Good wines and beer for my guy. Honestly we loved it so much, we went back for a bite before the ferry.. Crab cakes are nice, plate a bit to saucy. Their bread is amazing. Try not to order a 2nd basket. Luis was our server and Jim at the bar for dinner was great to chat with. Can't wait to get back.
(5)
N M.
The food was delicious. Service - exceptional. View - Amazing. Overall great restaurant.
(5)
Gail M.
This relatively new restaurant is fantastic. Fabulous location right on the water. Beautiful ambiance and great service. My Aussie friend loved her Aussie burger and my fried shrimp was excellent. It really made our day on the island special.
(5)
Janine D.
Excellent. Six of us had dinner and everything was excellent. I had the paper mahi mahi. I tried the paella - great. The seared scallops with jalapeño aioli was great!
(5)
Brian O.
We picked this restaurant based in the reviews and it looked a cut above most of the other places in Avalon. We were very impressed with this place from the start. The host greeted us very warmly and was very gracious and say us outside. They have a really nice heating system which is needed outside because they are on they are right on the water. From the patio you can see the ocean ands the Hills behind Avalon. Fun place to sit and just relax. The food was very good. The plank salmon was cooked perfectly, just medium rate but really tender and just about as good as could be done. The fish and chips were also very good. It comes with homemade chips which are very good but I would probably prefer some good fries. The fish was excellent, as was the coleslaw, something I ordinarily just blow off. Theirs is really good. One last thing, the wait staff is very professional with just the right amount of attention without bothering us. Also, our waitress had great insight on the menu and kept out drinks full constantly. I guess they have a spot in Redondo too, looking forward to trying that one.
(5)
roger l.
Scallops with bacon and jalapeno aiole = A+ Mahi Mahi sliders=A+ Fish tacos Baja style =A++ White sangria jug=A Overall =A+mazing
(5)
Daphne Y.
Went there twice during our 3 day stay at Catalina. First time: Just ordered appetizers. The crab artichoke dip and tuna tataki sashimi. We ended up having to have our waitress take back our sashimi since it was NOT fresh. Felt kinda sick after eating it. The dip though, was GOOD. Second time: All of us had lunch there and ordered their daily special for fish. I got the salmon which was kinda bland even though I asked them to add butter and garlic to it. Came with two sides, so I ordered the coleslaw and rice, both were average. Ordered their oysters which were pretty fresh. Overall, with regards with the price and portions, I think it's pretty average.
(2)
David D.
Good food and great service. The drink was spot on and the view was excellent.
(5)
Whitney O.
This place was amazing. Right on the water and the scallop appetizers were delicious!! The service was hands down the best service I have ever had- and I worked in a restaurant for six years. They were SO accommodating. The managers were on their game!! We had a wheelchair and they were all over making it comfortable for us. This is a must go to in Avalon. Beautiful view!
(5)
Dianne D.
For some reason we were having trouble finding the place since the google maps app was trying to convince us that the restaurant was located off in the hills. It's not. By the time we found the location, we only had an hour and 15 until our boat was leaving so we didn't get a full dining experience. I was initially getting really annoyed while we were waiting to be seated because the woman in front of us was trying to get like a 12 person reservation and the kid she was with was having a conversation with the hostess about what they're going to do while they wait. NO ONE CARES! It would be nice if the other girl at the desk would be willing to seat us since there was only 2 in the party. When we were actually seated, we had a nice view of the beach from the patio. I ordered the Cioppino which was decent, I don't care for tomato based anything so it's hard for me to be crazy about it. It did have big chunks of fish and various types of shellfish which was really good. The boyfriend had fish and chips were soooo yummy! And the tartar sauce is worth a positive note too. Our waitress was really nice and when we told her we were in a bit of a rush, she helped speed things up and provided great service. There was larger party sitting in the middle of the heat lamps and I think the manager even gave them some blankets to help keep them warm! I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that's what I saw. I'm definitely going to come back and make sure we have enough time to enjoy dinner. Can't wait to get some fish and chips and the oysters! Oh and don't worry about being fancy because we were in our beach cover ups with backpacks ;)
(4)
Joylynn T.
Came here for my birthday dinner expecting it to be an amazing place with amazing food. Well the restaurant itself was great. Great decor, great view and not loud at all but when it came to the food I was disappointed. The bartender didn't know how to make the drink I ordered and even at one point thought I had said "virgin" no way. After a second attemp it wasn't anything special. My dinner wasn't any better. I got the jumbo shrimp pasta and it was so bland I felt like I used all the salt and pepper. I love seafood but it has I be seasoned well & I must say they need to do a little working on that. Not sure I'll ever go back to test it out again. To pricey to end up disappointed
(3)
X. Y.
We walked to the restaurant before sunset. It was the middle of August and we were told there was an hour-anf-a-half wait. Since we were not really hungry we put our name in the waiting list and took a walk. After about 45 minutes I decided to check on the waiting list and, surprisingly, there was space to sit. My girlfriend and I walked in and we were escorted to the deck. When I got there I immediately refused to sit because it was dark and I could barely read the menu. I asked to be seated where there was more light. After about 15 minutes we were seated. We ordered paella and mussels. The food was mediocre and poorly cooked. I am a big fan of both paella and mussels. None of them was even remotely decent. I was surprised to receive such low quality food in such a fancy restaurant that, by the way, for some unclear reason, is rated 4 stars on this website. By the time I got the bill I complained to the waitress about the quality of the food. She was honest enough to say that the food can be good or bad depending on the night. The kitchen appears overcrowded and understaffed. Considering the quality of food I saw at the Bluewater Grill, I don't think I would recommend the place to anyone. It's really not worth.
(2)
B B.
This place was great! We sat on the patio for dinner and had great service. The king crab was def worth the pay, it is Catalina island, so everything is a little pricey. My husband loved his steak as well. Can't wait to come back!
(4)
Stephen T.
Great fish tacos and an even better bar. I did not get the name of the nice gal who was our bartender but she was very good, friendly, and professional; all while training a new bartender. Great view too of the harbor.
(4)
Rosana Q.
Nice view, nice decor and friendly staff :). We had the lime muscles. Delicious!! Some of the best muscles I've had. This was our first restaurant on the island and we were very pleased.
(5)
Casey R.
Best Salmon I have ever had!!! I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone! Went two days in a row with a party of 6 and all of us walked away full and happy with our meals!!
(5)
Kristy L.
Oysters...so so, they weren't the freshest. Raw scallops were tasty, not enough ponzu sauce. We also had the fish and chips, good, but the outer part kept falling off. Our waiter was not great. He wasn't around when we needed him.
(3)
Libra H.
Artichoke crab dip, Gumbo, & Java Mud Pie are all good ones to try. The scallop potatoes & spinach, as a side order to a fish entree, are tasty as well. Their sourdough bread is addicting. If you want to sit outside there are heaters to keep you warm for a nice ambiance by the water. Order tea or clam chowder and enjoy the mellow atmosphere
(4)
James V.
Calamari was spot on, place was popping even for off season, interesting characters all about especially those outside braving the elements and curious birds to get the amazing view with their meals and brews. Sean rocks and keeps the good vibes up. Drinks rocked, buffalo milk was balanced perfectly, strong yet tastey like an adult milk shake should be.
(5)
Alysia L.
I prefer this to the other 2 restaurants we tried when we visited on a day trip. The server leaves something to be desired, but the food was great. I definitely enjoyed my artichoke, and crab cakes, my husbands' fish and chips was ok, though not for me as i do not like it normally regardless of where we get it. recommend this place for a mellow meal with a great view.
(4)
Stephen C.
Buffalo wings - great. Thai wings - AMAZING. Service and bartenders, particularly Sean - some of the best I've come across. Great Moscow mule, Bloody Mary is second only to Sarducci's in San Juan Capistano, the location is perfect and the ambience is exactly what we wanted for the last night of the vacation. Thanks everyone! Can't want to come back!
(5)
Franco S.
Excellent. The lobster tail was amazing, as was the swordfish.
(5)
Mattin N.
Good seafood, we sat outside you can't get closer to the water. Food was well prepared.
Might be good if you can get some service!!! This place had a great feeling when sitting at the patio. I wanted to like this place a lot when i stopped by. Sadly, they had a really poor crew working there. My girlfriend and I went in and was told that we can have a seat outside at the patio for cocktails. We went to the first table closes to the bar. Great looking food and cocktails came by, but that was all we experienced!!! We waited 25 minutes hoping that a server would come by. Even made eye contact with multiple servers multiple times, but no one wanted to stop by. Place was maybe 20% occupied. After 25 minutes of waiting I grab my girlfriend and went over to CC Gallagher which had WAY better service. Somewhat ruined out mood at Catlina but CC Gallagher saved the day.
(1)
Charlotte M.
Great location! We sat in the outdoor patio at sunset, it was beautiful. The server turned on the outdoor heaters and the patio was perfect at night. A bottle of merlot also warmed us up. For appetizer we ordered calamari which is served with a thai dipping sauce, very delicious. We ordered the michelada oyster shooter, it was yummy! We then ordered the crab & avocado salad, as recommended by Yelp reviewers. You guys did not steer us wrong here, very fresh and tasty salad. They charged $1 to split the salad and it was enough for 2 as an appetizer. It is a tradition for my boyfriend and to try cioppino in every city we visit, ever since we had some in SF at Sotto Mare who boasts they have " the best damn cioppino". We have yet to find one that is better! I mention this, because Bluewater serves "San Francisco Style Cioppino", which is typically a medley of seafood in a tomato broth. We ordered the cioppino for our entree, and paid $2 to split and $3 to add pasta. There was a variety of seafood, and the meal was filling. The tomoto sauce broth is just a little runny, I like the broth more of a stew consistency. The cioppino was decent, but not something I would order again. Overall, a satisfying meal at a beautiful restaurant location.
(4)
Elena Luz G.
Great food, wonderful service. We were in Avalon for four days, and had a meal or a drink there every day! All is very good, but the Fanny Bay oysters were extraordinary, and anything fried with panko is delicious! Melissa was a great server, and the lovely lady who made sure everything was running smoothly (sniff the mint tea bag to help a headache, yeah you!) is a great asset to an awesome restaurant!
(5)
Jason B.
Excellent food and service to match. The crab cakes were perfect. Also highly recommended are the Mahi-Mahi Sliders.
(5)
Brennan K.
Overall great experience; Bluewater Grill seems to still be working out the kinks of a newly opened restaurant but will surely turn out to be amazing. The grilled artichoke and clam chowder provided an excellent start to the meal. The Ahi Tuna was somewhat lacking. Cooked perfectly, but under-seasoned. The Ponzu Sashimi Scallops completed the night. Absolutely amazing, all the flavors coming through and not masking that of the scallops, just supplementing it. Perfect. Worked very well with the High Point Pale Ale. Ended it with the tasty Key Lime Pie and another beer. The service was a work in progress, but the food easily made up for it. Would highly recommend eating here.
(4)
Benson K.
Joke, Joke, Joke! I have NEVER seen bartenders move so slow! They don't even have a clue in how to help customers. And worse yet, if I complain I will get kicked off the island. Guess I have to talk to the owners in Newport which I absolutely love.
(1)
Michael P.
Wow ! Way better then previous restaurant. Gerry does a great job. I thought the entire staff was very very good. Fantastic atmosphere great food and wonderful view.
(5)
Casey B.
Great place. Fish was nice and fresh. Atmosphere was great, right over the water in the center of the bay.
(5)
Jo M.
This restaurant was great! The restaurant was clean inside and out. Nice ambience. The food was very good. Rafael was our server and he was great! We sat outside in the back patio and only about 5 minutes after we were seated, a seagull dive bombed on another customer's plate and tried to take off with her food! (We all thought it was hilarious) She notified the waiter, who had no problem taking care of her bill. Apparently this happens often enough that they don't get too surprised. So guard your table if you eat outside! Haha. Also, it started to very lightly drizzle (more of a mist) and Rafael and the manager checked on us several times to make sure we were still okay and offered to bring us inside. The waitstaff was wonderful!! Will definitely eat here again if I return to Catalina!! 10/10 would recommend!
(5)
Bob P.
Can't rate the food but the service was excellent and very accommodating. Great outdoor seating with beautiful views of the harbor
(5)
Anthony B.
We had a nice dinner here and came back for lunch. Great fresh food. Service was awesome on Friday night. Sunday for lunch they were busy and our waitress had a few issues but food was excellent. Dinner had fresh mahi mahi and red snapper and for lunch fish tacos and mahi mahi sliders - very tasty. Highly recommend trying this one out. They look like they are very busy and that is for a reason.
(5)
J S.
Catalina Island continues to upgrade its dining options. The Blue Water Grill opened where the old Armstrong's used to be located. The place is totally renovated, and looks terrific. The Blue Water organization is trying to bring their consistently good dining experience to Avalon. We had a terrific time. Sean an Andre, both managers there did a great job trying to make us comfortable, and happy with our drinks and food. They really went out of their way! The restaurant is suffering from being new and too popular. The wait on a Saturday night looks to be horrendous, and the kitchen is going to be far too small for the 300 seat restaurant. I'm sure they will work it out.
(4)
Madiya M.
I really wanted to like this place but the service was just horrible! It really killed the experience in many ways. There were 7 of us, so big party I guess you can say. First, the waiter wasn't attentive. He was all great in the beginning when we ordered drinks and apps, but when the time came around for refills, he was no where to be found. When we finally did find him, he didn't look like he wanted to be there and he just kept messing up. We asked for a drink with no ice, we got ice. We asked for extra sauce, we never got it. So that was a little irritating. Second, the food comes out, one of the orders was fish and chips, severely undercooked and slimy, and the other order was supposed to be blackened shrimp tacos, which was normal fish tacos. By the time the food came out for the second party, the first party had already finished. A little mood killer. The last, the one that took it home, we were there for my brother's 21st birthday, my mom kept going up to the waiter AND the host stand to have some dessert sent out. After about the 4th time, it finally came out with a candle and all, and went straight to another table!! When my mom went and corrected them, they brought out the wrong dessert without a candle and just set it in the middle of the table while we all looked on. So needless to say, the whole "birthday" thing was ruined. As far as the food goes, I ordered the Mahi sliders, came with 2 sliders and a side, and was pretty good. Small portion but the taste was there. Calamari fritti for the appetizers was just amazing. The shrimp tacos were below average as well as the fish and chips. Water costs $0.50 because of the drought, which by the way, all of us in california are experiencing this but are not charging others to pay for it, I don't understand why Catalina finds itself so special to be able to charge for water and get away with it. And only 2 refills per soft drink order. The view and overall ambience of the restaurant is why this place is receiving the 2 stars, pretty generous if you ask me. ***After I posted my review, I was reading some of the other ones and noticed that they received complimentary bread, yeah, we never got that! Don't know if they pick and choose who gets it and who doesn't.. Regardless, just wanted to add to the list of unpleasantries!
(2)
Danielle S.
Great restaurant with an amazing view of the Catalina harbor! The food is delicious. One of my new favs on the island.
(4)
Brian M.
So I'm going to precede the actual review with the note that I absolutely adooored this place the first time I came here, but the second time nearly ruined it for me. Keeping that in mind here we go. The first time I came here everything was perfect. My god it was PERFECT. Allow me to divulge...it was a beautiful day, we had an amazing view of the Casino and the crystal blue waters, the waiter was excellent, but the food was fantastic and beyond reproach. However the second time we came was different. The difference being that we had a time constraint! I know, this is never a good thing to have in an island city, but our boat was leaving in an hour and we figured it was more then enough time to grab some calamari. We were seated and our order for one appetizer of calamari was taken. Forty five minutes later, we had received no calamari and were forced to RUN to catch our boat home. It is a shame that they did so poorly the second time that we came, but they did just open their doors recently, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and go again next time I find myself in Catalina. Considering my two experiences, a five star experience and a one star experience, I'll average it to a 3 star overall rating.
(3)
Sam W.
Good food, great location, and really good for kids too. If you get the kids special, you may want to try the veggies, three different types, sliced thin, and with a side of ranch. One kid had the grilled fish which was really fresh, the other a well made grilled cheese with the veggies too. The clam chowder was really good, and the grilled fish was excellent.
(4)
Huey S.
Dog friendly patio with great view. Only had cocktails and appetizer- both were great. Service was friendly but a little slow, but It was the weekend after labor day and I think they were transitioning from summer staffing levels to winter staffing.
(4)
Brittney C.
Amazing food! Amazing service! Right on the water...what more can you ask for? I went here for happy hour. The prices were amazing and the food was delicious! Jerry (one of the managers) made my parents and I feel at home even though we were just visiting for a day. Thanks Jerry! Loved our experience and would definitely come back.
(5)
Andrea F.
Service is slow and severs are snooty. Food is good, but service is not so great. We had to ask multiple times to get anything and that's not right for what you are paying for. No one addressed us for a while and the hostess talked down to us for no reason! Not the best impression of this island and felt this a lot here, too bad;(
(1)
Lori G.
I really liked this restaurant. The food was amazing! Loved the crab and artichoke dip! They bring fresh sourdough bread to your table right away and it is amazing! We sat outside under heaters that worked really good. I love sitting outside, but tend to get cold. They even bring you blankets if you need them! The service is wonderful, very friendly and helpful. It's a great romantic place to eat!
(4)
Hillary H.
I had an early dinner here with my boyfriend and parents on our first day trip to Catalina. We chose it for its good reviews and great oceanfront setting. There are only a few restaurants on the water in Catalina, so this place does get fairly packed. Nonetheless we were seated at a comfortable table for four outside overlooking the gorgeous ocean at sunset. They were playing country music at a moderate volume which suited us just fine. We started with the pitcher of white sangria at the friendly server's suggestion, and it was delicious. We shared the swordfish, while my parents enjoyed the fish and chips and the shrimp. Everyone found their food delicious. I personally could have eaten that swordfish every day for a week it was so perfect. Portions are big enough that you can share if you aren't famished, and we found it reasonably priced for being 1. an island 2. on the water 3. seafood. We will certainly be back!
(5)
Jen D.
Wow!!! Talk about making it right! After my last review the owner personally contacted me, apologized and we had a great experience at their redondo beach location. We came out to the island this weekend for my sister in laws 30th birthday and decided to give them another try. All I have to say is this is EXACTLY what a resturant should do when you've had such a bad experience before and they really showed that they do have amazing customer service and do care about customer retention. The complimentary crab dip from our super friendly server Mallory, the comped bottle of champagne from the manager Lato, and of course the birthday dessert were all over the top details to the amazing food and impeccable service! As a group of 7, We each had a little bit of everything...the steak with blue cheese was to die for, the mahi mahi was fresh and yummy, they chopped and tossed our wedge salad(highly recommend that!) and even the fish and chips was fresh and not greasy. We truly had a perfect evening due to their attention to detail and have since planned a trip for June to come back and redo our friends birthday we were here with before! Thank you Bluewater Avalon for being the highlight of our trip to the island and our sisters birthday weekend!!!
(5)
Todd L.
The crab cakes were Excellent! Happy hour is fair. Service was very good. Look out for the seaguls.... they will jump on your table. ..
(3)
Cindy S.
Let me tell you about the interaction we had with the manager, Jerry Bravo. We asked him to turn on the heater outside in the patio. He immediately fulfilled our request with a smile, and then filled our dining time with a bit of Catalina history and his personal history. He shared samples of the scalloped potatoes and clam chowder. Jerry Bravo is a gregarious host and the scalloped potatoes were delicious! Thanks Jerry!
(3)
Brent W.
The first night in Avalon, we tried to eat here and we were turned away. They were not seating any more people. It was packed. So we tried it today for lunch. The bread was awesome. We got the bucket of clams and muscles and it was terrific! My daughter got the Pappardelle with shrimp & clams. She loved it! I got the Red Snapper and it was "just ok" even though the side spinach and potatoes + red pepper sauce redeemed it.. I would recommend the Bluewater Grill. It has a nice vibe.
(4)
Cory R.
This restaurant was an amazing dining experience. We came to Catalina for just a couple of days, and ended up coming back here a few times! We did visit many of the other recommended establishments, but the service and food were simply fantastic here. When you do come visit, make sure you order the Crab and Artichoke dip... oh my gosh!!! seriously, this dip is so rich I thought I was eating dessert. They keep bringing out these little mini loaves of fresh sour dough bread to die for. And the food... wow... we ordered a couple of different things. BUT the beer battered fish and chips... so good... like seriously so good, I thought how cool it would be to just have a whole basket of those for a Super-bowl party... When you are there, be sure and say hi to Danny and Jerry. These 2 guys... I kind of felt bad because my pretty lady sat there and talked their ears off... but they just spent some time with us... then would do the same at other tables. They told us about some of the stuff on the Island that we didn't know about, and Island life. It was as if we were sitting down with friends and they were serving us a really nice meal. Can't say enough about this classy establishment. Oh yeah... and one last thing... SUPER reasonable on pricing. Each time I got the bill, I found myself thinking "that's it?" This is a must visit!!
(5)
Elafoodie W.
Nice restaurant with a wonerful view. However, DO NOT order the fried calamari. I am sure you will be disappointed at the excessive breading, the small number of calamari pieces, and the fat that neaarly 20% of the pieces are onion rings rather than squid. The entrees were good, but the calamari was clearly the most disappinting I have ever had.
(1)
Joanna M.
My husband and I went by for lunch. The location is amazing. They sat us right next to the water and all in all, the food was pretty good. The problem was the service. We were there for about an hour and a half before we got our entrees, and the appetizers alone took about an hour. The wait staff seems to be spread too thin, they never come around to fill our glasses and it took several requests to get our bill.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Rick A.
The Bluewater Avalon was great! We stopped by two different times, both times for Happy Hour. Great appetizer and beer deals. The first time we stopped by, there was a minimal crowd but good food and great service. Everyone seems to like their job there. :-) Pacifico on tap along with a few apps - pretty darn good. We had the scallops - cooked perfectly with great sauce and seasoning. The bacon on top was a good touch. Also had oyster shooters - basic oysters in cocktail sauce, but good. We also ordered the fish tacos, which were crispy and quite tasty. Second time we stopped in, the bar area was reaching capacity, but the manager was super accommodating and added an extra stool at the end of the bar so that we could sit. We were served by Mando, who was great. He kept the drinks coming and our app order arrived really quickly. Highly recommend the crab and artichoke dip - has a nice bite, great texture, and perfect amount for sharing with 2-3 people. Also ordered the spicy edamame which were, in fact, spicy - warm and delicious! Would also recommend the sliders - really tasty, especially with their homemade chips. The manager was really great (I wish I could remember his name!). He was super helpful with his staff and the customers. He has certainly helped to create a really warm and friendly atmosphere. He overheard us talking to another customer about us being on our honeymoon, and so gave us a desert on the house - creme brûlée - creamy and delicious! Overall, management, bartenders and staff were fun, attentive, and seemed to enjoy being there. It made for a really positive experience both times we dined in. We will definitely be back and recommend them highly to those looking for good food and good atmosphere.
(5)Brenda T.
Great food, beautiful view. Our waiter Rafael was great. I would recommend you go there if you visit Catalina Island
(5)Drew G.
Nice place to have a drink but definitely would not eat here again. Service was good. Food was so so at best. I will sum up my party's experience. Steak was mediocre but a good size. Sides were good. The chicken under a brick was decent. The burgers were atrocious. All we could taste was char. We couldn't even taste the burger. It was pretty horrible. The clam chowder was great. The fish was ok. The shrimp and scallops were good. The chips were stale and hard. You know it's bad when the best part of the meal was the complimentary bread.
(2)Mr V.
review is based only on the bar experience. for me, i aways like to eat at the bar. better experience overall wherever u go and its more real to interact with a bartender than a waiter. anyway.. Friendliest bar tenders on the island! great oysters!!!! awesome location and atmosphere. suprisingly reasonable prices! try the michelada: beer, oyster, worcestershire, tobasco, lime. supposedly its for a hangover but it is smooth, tangy and Awesome!!!! crab/artichoke dip was Ok. Chips themselves were amazing. dip was more like tunafish and mayo.
(4)Hly N.
I visited Bluewater Grill with a friend for her birthday. We had a couple of glasses of wine, appetizers and dinner. The service was great. I think our server's name was Leslie and she was so attentive and friendly. I ordered an Ahi tuna salad and my friend had blackened mahi mahi. The fish was fresh and yummy. The location is fantastic and the restaurant is located right on the water. We were outside but with the heaters, we stayed nice and toasty. I would probably go back for happy hour, but dinner was out of my normal price range.
(4)Cathy P.
I came here with my family today and we ordered four plates and shared them: fish tacos, shrimp salad, clam chowder, and fish and chips. The food was good, and I left with a very pleased stomach. However, the ambience and the quality of service were what impressed me the most. All the workers were super on top of things and not one of them had even a slightly negative attitude. The food came out in 5-10 minutes, and our waitress checked on us periodically. Whenever we asked for something, it was brought to us right away with no hesitation. The food isn't inexpensive, but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of the taste of the food and the quality of service.
(5)Heather T.
We ate here for an early dinner around 4, and we were seated right away. We had an early boat to catch so we we're worried about having dinner and earlier in the day we tried to make a reservation but they hostess said they do not do reservations. I ordered the prawn linguine which was AMAZING! Slightly spicy, but I like spicy. I also tried some of the buffalo wings, which were delicious as well. There was a line out the door towards the end of our meal, so come early if you're in a time crunch! If not, it's definitely worth the wait. The food is great!
(5)Carrie B.
Came here the weekend after Christmas, this was the first place we visited after we arrived. We got to sit out on the deck by the water which was great. We ordered the fish and chips and split them, which was a generous portion large enough for us to split. The french friends were super overdone and the fish was overly battered that it broke away from the fish. Bread was ordinary. We also go the crab cakes as an appetizer, which were good but not great. Our server had NO personality, and not very friendly. The restaurant wasn't that busy but it seemed like we were forgotten about merely because we were outside, so needless to say the getting the check took some time.
(2)C M.
The foods was good. I ordered the fish and chips which came with a very small portion of tarter sauce, ketchup, and coleslaw. The clam chowder was pretty good too.
(4)Nicole D.
Loved this spot! Right on the water, great selection of seafood. My halibut was cooked perfectly, and although they were busy, their service was impeccable. Manager came around to ask how everything was. My margarita was also really delicious, would highly recommend over Avalon grill if you're torn between the two.
(4)Elizabeth V.
Food was bland with no flavor. We got the fish tacos off happy hour and they were bland. The wings off happy hour were overly tangy and there was only 4. The poke wrap was ok, tasted frozen. The bartender was training but gossiping the whole time, so not very attentive to guest. We were going to stay for dinner but decided to leave and try somewhere else for dinner since our experience was not up to par.
(1)Kate K.
LOVED THIS PLACE! In our three day visit to beautiful catalina island, we ate here twice. The view is stellar, and the seating is limited but it is worth the wait. The tuna tartare was so delicious and without a doubt the best thing we ate, and the fish tacos were pretty awesome. Since we ate here a few times, all I can say is we were not disappointed once, and were treated very nicely. You MUST come to the bluewater grill! The bartenders were awesome, and definitely know their stuff. I had a margarita and it was perfect, and I watched her squeeze the lemon into my drink:) We were seated next to some picky guests and it was pretty awesome how she had them try a few different concoctions until they were happy. Most bartenders would have been annoyed, but she took it as a fun challenge and left the girls satisfied. Nice customer service !
(4)Jenny W.
Delicious food :) satisfying and good service. Thai chili wings were appetizing and serving size is perfect.
(4)Ruthie A.
We walked in here at 930 at night, a half hour before closing but the staff was more than happy to accommodate us. No reservations were needed as the restaurant was half empty, we were even able to snag a corner window table overlooking the water! The food we tried was delicious, grilled artichoke with a creamy dip that was reminiscent of pesto and a chicken under the brick dish which we shared. We were not even charged a split plate fee which I don't mind paying as most restaurants give you too much food. The scalloped potatoes that came with the chicken were just as I make them, rich with cream, butter, and a hint of cheese that gave it amazing flavor. I highly recommend them! The vegetables were perfectly done and the chicken was marinated in rosemary and garlic and cooked very well to give it the characteristic crispy skin. Our waitress was very friendly and did not make us feel rushed despite the fact that they were already closed when we ordered our entree. They also have excellent outdoor seating that's great for lunch but we wanted to experience all of the restaurants here so we didn't return for lunch. I would highly recommend this place for a great meal and wonderful service!
(5)Linda P.
I visited Catalina, during a recent trip to celebrate my birthday. I was researching which restaurant to eat at for dinner. We walked pass this restaurant a few times and what caught my eye was they had seats right by the water. I thought why not eat here and enjoy the view of the water. The sun was setting and it was so perfect just to relax and enjoy a good meal. After spending the entire day at Catalina, it was nice to order a beer to have with our meal. We ordered half dozen oyster which was so good that we had to order another. We also ordered the crab artichoke dip, which I highly recommend because it had so much crab! Every bite there was crab, there was even more crab than artichoke! It was amazing. I highly recommend eating here for dinner, if you want to enjoy the nice view seated by the water.
(5)Dana B.
Been on the Island 48 hours and ate here 3 times! Epic bread, clam chowder, classic martinis with green olive stuffed with blue cheese , Mahi mahi with lemon pepper, scalloped potatoes! Don't miss it! Best food on the island
(5)David H.
Can't beat the view, the food and service were decent. Like most waterfront restaurants they don't have to be the best, you're paying for the real estate. I'd come back, no complaints overall, it's exactly what you'd expect from such an establishment. Certainly they'd have an opportunity to knock it out if the park if they chose to.
(4)Jeffrey D.
Just a quick update.... immediately after yesterday's post I received an apology from Jim (one of the owners) asking for a chance to make up for the event. When i returned management greeted us warmly and Mary our waitress was amazing. She again apologized for the event and made incredible suggestions off the menu. Again what a difference a good wait person can make in restaurant. The food was amazing and my girlfriend and I had an incredible eveniìng. Thank u to all for turning around what started as a tough experience. I am actually sitting here again as I write this and have even brought a few more friends with me. can't say enough great things ;)
(5)Gerald C.
We stepped in here at later dinner hours, and they were one of the few still open on a Tuesday night. The food was not stellar though... pasta was overly oily and... whatever I had, I forget, it had potatoes... it was also oily. The waitress must have sensed my displeasure, when she offered a free birthday dessert, a big vanilla ice cream sundae. I guess it salvaged the visit. This probably has nice views during the day, but at night, there's not much to see... the harbor is pretty dark.
(3)Gladys F.
5 stars for the view, location, and awesome server, Leanne (sp ?). Bf and I had our last dinner on the outside patio overlooking the beautiful bay. We like variety when it comes to our meals so we ordered half dz oysters, calamari fritti, crab artichoke dip and the cioppino. Oysters were fresh and delicious. The calamari fritti were crispy and light. Crab and artichoke dip had large chunks of crab. And the cioppino was tasty and large enough to share. The food was fresh and tasty. The chips on the other hand were on the hard side. But having an awesome server, she brought out house potato chips and bread to see which paired best with the dip. None of the options did it for me as the potato chips and tortilla chips were both hard and the bread took away much of the dips flavor. All in all, food was good and acceptable but none was memorable. We still left full and happy so I guess thats what counts. Catalina doesn't seem to have too many options when it comes to dining, but I consider Bluewater Grill as one of the better options.
(3)S D.
We had a wonderful dining experience here last night! It is one of our favorite spots on the island. The hostess did explain the tall tables were open seating and we sat and enjoyed happy hour and a fabulous sand dab dinner! Your explanation of the open tables and wait list made sense and when explained to my group all understood the situation! Look forward to our next visit for my chilled glass of rose and fresh fish dinner overlooking the bay!
(5)Luis H.
I came here for a special date night. The linguini pasta was pretty good! It had a spice to it and was good. The salad looked really good and had a nice dressing to it. The only bad part it was a 16 dollar salad. But the quality was right so they get 3 stars. The bread was good as well. The food was pretty good but overpriced! It was good if you come to Catalina excepting to spend a lot of money
(3)Heather W.
My husband and I visited Catalina island for our tenth anniversary this past week. The first restaurant we tried was the Blue Water Grill based on yelp reviews. This place was fantastic! I had the lemon pepper mahi mahi and my husband had the scallop and shrimp skewers. Both were delicious! The scallops were cooked better than I have ever had them before. Very tender. We went back again the last night we were on the island and enjoyed eating on the patio by the water. This time we tried the grilled artichoke as an appetizer and were blown away by how good it was! By far my favorite place to eat on Catalina island. And we tried many places.
(5)Cindi W.
Ok, its pretty, the wait staff is nice, the food is ok. We had crab cakes and a crab and avocado salad. It was ok. I wanted to love this place alot, but I didn't. I mean it is lovely and I would hang here for the bar, which is cool, but....well, its just ok.
(3)Yasmin D.
Bluewater Grill was our third dinner place here at Avalon. This is my second time in this place. Good thing we had an early dinner as the place gets packed quickly especially with the Memorial Weekend. So we were promptly seated in a booth which was comfy. Warm bread was served as starters. It wasn't burnt like what I had the first time I was here which was good. Our server was a young lad, friendly and got order. My significant other order Panko Jumbo Shrimp with fries and I ordered Mahi Mahi with sides of house made chips and veggies. Significant other added an order of salad without tomatoes. For some reason we knew when our server said "ok ok", our order will not be remembered. Food was then served...Panko Jumbo Shrinp had chips instead of fries and salad never was served. We did ask for the fries though. Why ask for the salad when the entrée was out? The food though was really good, fresh Mahi Mahi and Panko Jumbo Shrimp fried to perfection. We ended the dinner with cheesecake enough for sharing...now this one was divine. On a given ordinary day, service is better. Food is good here, a bit pricey but worth it. It's a good place to drink, dine, and enjoy the view of the harbor. A must try when you're in the island!
(4)Tony P.
Loved this place! Went for July 4th with a group of 4 people and had a beautiful experience. This was clearly the best location in Catalina. We sat at a table on the water with a view of the bay....the breeze from the ocean keeping us cool. Food was incredible. Drinks (had the White Sangria) were also incredible. If that wasn't enough, I ended up forgetting my wallet there, but only realized after I returned to LA. When I called the restaurant, they reassured me that they had my wallet and the next day they called to tell me they had shipped it back to me priority and registered mail. Talk about going above and beyond. I will definitely be back!
(5)Jean-Claude Y.
I'm gonna give 4 stars for the incredible service that Matt gave us, so far the best I've ever experienced in the US. He anticipated all our needs, was friendly and advised us really well. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is that the scallops were slightly too cooked for my taste, and the lack of vegetarian options. Overall, the service quality really made a difference, 'bravo' Matt !
(4)T. F.
Horrible service!! The waiter almost never came by to check on us, when he did we asked for more bread and water...it never came. Wings were undercooked & cold, found a red hair in our Poke. The only thing we enjoyed was the view. Would not recommend!!
(1)Kristen H.
Bluewater Grill is probably the finest restaurant on Catalina. It sits right on the water, so there's a beautiful view to compliment the Cape Cod style interior and delicious food. Starters range from $9.50 (grilled artichoke) to $13.75 (seared ahi, crab cocktail, seared scallops). Entrees range from ($14.95 (burger with a fried egg) to $49.95 (1/4 lb Alaskan King Crab). Most dishes are about $25. Our group ordered the lemon pepper crusted mahi mahi ($25), seafood paella ($24.95), swordfish ($28.95), and jumbo prawn linguini ($19.50). My fave was the mahi mahi, which was light and flavorful, but all the dishes were pretty solid. Bluewater also offers "Today's Fish," which this summer are: Sandabs (whatever that is), Snapper, Prawn & Scallop Skewer, Mahi Mahi (different from the lemon pepper entrée), Salmon, and Swordfish. Our server recommended the swordfish since it's caught locally 3 miles off the coast. I liked it because it wasn't as tough as some swordfish I've had before. Overall, I'd recommend Bluewater Grill for a nice lunch or dinner out. Lunch is a little less expensive, but the pricing is what you'd expect for a nice seafood restaurant on the water.
(4)Jhackie V.
We came in around 2pm and we were told that it's still lunch time. We were seated in no time but by the time we were seated no one was attending to us. We were already seated for more than ten minutes until one server finally came to us. I liked what I had which was the lobster roll, fresh tasting roll I have ever eaten. My husband ordered the seafood platter and we had the best fish sticks. It's really fish and not just batter. We were told because we waited a while until someone got our orders they decided to have our sodas for free.
(3)Brandon G.
The ambience of this place was really nice and laid back. Sat outside on the patio with beautiful views. Customer Service was really nice and friendly. Seared ahi was excellent, hella fresh. Recommend the MAHI SLIDERS, mouthwatering.
(3)Nina S.
Love this place all the food that I've ordered was to perfection. My favorite was the halibut. But one thing that they fail on was customers services. They really need to retrain their staff. It took forever for our food and staff never came to ask us if we ok.
(5)Eric L.
I have eaten here before but will not again! Tonight's lack of service and caring for customers came to the service. We were told the wait was 30-45" which was fine with us. As we waited outside in the rain they allowed locals/friends to start at the bar and them seated them ahead of us, this happened multiple times. After waiting 45" the self important hostess told me, with a smug look on her face, that there were still six people ahead of me. She continued to smile smugly when I called her on pushing people ahead of us and we left. Having lived in a culinary paradise, they are ok at best but after the treatment tonight I will never eat there again. I know it was raining and the deck was closed outside so you tell the good ol boy club it's not happening tonight! You have lost a customer and perhaps more once I talk about my trip! I am a customer that buys good wines etc, not the daily special with water
(1)Esther L.
Their happy hour is great and its location is fantastic. What made my experience dining here not so fantastic was the service. Our server was inattentive and the food was served sloppily. Yes.. I just love it when my food is carelessly flung on the table (sarcasm very much added).They served us our dishes without any utensils or small plates. We waited a bit expecting them to bring them by. After about 10 min, I got up and asked someone at the bar about getting some plates and utensils which he then just handed to me. So basically... I paid money to serve myself. -.- I brought this issue up with our server and her reply was that they usually don't lay out plates or utensils for the high tables. Since it was happy hour and the high tables were reserved for the overflow customers waiting to sit at the bar, I blindly accepted her response as she walked away rolling her eyes. BUT a few minutes after she told me, what do I see... Someone setting out small plates and utensils at the high tables right next to us! The happy hour is pretty great but not worth the horrible customer service. Oh, they didn't give us any water and took about 15 - 20 min to give us our check. The place wasn't even packed! Seriously... Not sure if this is how restaurants on Catalina usually do things but pretty much ruined my dining experience and would rather make the 1hr drive back up to LA to eat somewhere fantastic. FYI our serve was Brittany. Avoid her. She topped off our experience here by overcharging us. Thanks... MADE MY DAY. Little tip, try to get Adam as a server. He quickly stopped to help us with the overcharge and get us going with the rest of our day. One star for the awesome location and another for the decent hh. Get the artichoke dip and fish tacos.Avoid the oyster shooters and the sliders were meh but filling.
(2)Michael S.
Had lunch with the guys. Having been to the Tustin and NP locations, I expected the usual BW Grill experience. I was not disappointed. Usually not a burger person, except may be IN&OUT once in awhile, I took the plunge and ordered the Bluewater burger. OMG. It was probably the best burger, ever. Rather than describing the details, just take my word and try it, even if you're not a burger person like me. Only downside with sitting out on the patio was when the food comes so did the flies. No amount of waving our free hands made any difference. It's just part of the dining al fresco experience. Guys ordered sword fish, salmon and sandwich. All good. Server was very good too.
(4)Maria G.
Perfect location for a relaxing lunch after zip lining. We didn't have to wait to be seated on the patio. The view was amazing! Once we were seated, our waiter greeted us and brought us waters and warm, delicious sourdough bread. It was perfect! I ordered a cucumber mojito, very refreshing. The shrimp tacos were tasty. I ate everything on my plate! Overall, this is a wonderful place to relax and have a great meal. I will definitely come back when I return to the island.
(5)Britty F.
Best crab & artichoke dip ever! Also the view on the ocean was amazing! Great drink menu as well! Coming back for sure for the view & menu!
(5)Dori G.
This restaurant is absolutely amazing. Be sure to put your name in and request the outdoor patio, it's literally right on the water. It's possible to even drop your fork in the ocean... That's how close you are. Beautiful view!! Aside from that the food is really great, especially the mahi mahi. The grilled artichoke was great too but a tad bit overpriced. I also recommend getting the cucumber mojito! Very refreshing and strong too!
(5)Steven M.
I'm comparing cost to quality. Order pacific snapper with potatoes and spinach. Fish was burnt. They made new plate and was better but plate was just mediocre. Friends ordered crab sandwich. They said sandwich tastes fishy. Not impressed.
(2)Debi W.
Such a nice spot on the island. Great view from the patio. Sand dabs, delicate texture prepared here so nicely. Nice service from a native! Would love to come back for happy hour sometime soon.
(4)Chlirby B.
This place was really awesome. I love the food and we were seated in the patio, so that was really nice. They had a very beautiful scenic view of the Island. I love the food we ordered. Love the fact that it was only a minute away from our Hotel, it was really close. And very nice restaurant Friendly Staff, but service was a bit slow, wish it could be better.
(4)Michael D.
Came here on Mother's day with my mom. Ordered her the Lobster Tail which was insanely delicious! The lobster was cooked perfectly, seared on the top for a little added flavor. I ordered the Fish & chips which she actually preferred more and a half dozen oysters which were fantastic. This is a good place for quality seafood in a nice upscale setting. We choose to sit inside the bar which had nice open windows and large TV screens. There are also a few tables located outside the patio that overlooks the ocean. Highly recommend to check out if you're looking for a slightly fancier dinning choice. Price was also reasonable for what we ordered. Service was very good; our server was very attentive and friendly.
(4)Steve L.
Update 7/5/14- Happy to pass along that the owner of the Bluewater Grill responded with an appropriate and professional reply apologizing for the follow up problem. We will try them again next time.
(3)Ken D.
Stayed in Avalon three days last week. We ate three meals at the Bluewater Grill..Two lunches and one dinner. The location especially during good weather (which it was last week) is impossible to beat. Open air eating right on the water is fantastic...Often places like this take advantage of their location with sub par quality, small portions or extra high prices. Fortunately the Bluewater Grill is not like this. Yeah you may pay a buck or two more for some items compared to places on a side street , but what you get in return...fresh, well prepared and presented food, with bay side seating IMO is worth it. Fresh Sand dabs, fish and shrimp tacos, fresh salads....all were excellent...again well prepared and with great presentations...and the BEST Clam Chowder I have ever had! Service was OK overall. It seemed a new batch of servers were just starting (we had one excellent server) Not serving water..except in bottles at extra cost? OK the drought, but you serve ice tea...(which was very good) is a negative as was not serving your excellent fresh bread the last day we ate there for lunch because you were saving it for the dinner service (delivery screw up). When I inquired about the bread and was told the story, I was offered bread...but I figured I would start a riot if bread was brought to our table.. so I declined. Overall a good place to eat. Diverse menu. Fresh, appealing food and again, the location. Lunch menu has some better priced items then dinner as is often the case..so if you want to save a few bucks, lunch it is. We don't drink, but the bar area seemed busy with people having a great time. Cannot comment on prices or the Happy Hour Menu.
(4)Kristen H.
Great place with beautiful views! They had a good bar with super attentive bartenders, too. Ordered the crab cakes, mahi mahi and fish and chips. I'm not a huge fish person and the mahi was awesome! Crab cakes are definitely worth it as well. Would recommend this place for sure.
(4)Ericson H.
Attentive service, big portions, delicious fish menu, nice view and reasonable prices = 5 stars. Our dishes: (1) Bluewater Burger Aussie Classic with fried egg inside - a very large and satisfying burger; (2) Combo Bucket of Mussels & Clams - you can really taste the white wine, butter and garlic on this dish; (3) Fish Tacos with Grilled Mahi Mahi - flavorful and great for sharing between my parents; (4) New England Clam Chowder bowl - thick and creamy soup, maybe a tad salty and I wish there's more clams in the soup. I brought my parents here for lunch. It's their first time and my 3rd time. Each of my visits were positive and I'd highly recommend this restaurant. Nice place to entertain guests from out of town. My minor complaint is the bar area - it was a crowded Sunday afternoon and the only place we found a table was the bar room. The bartender was high in testosterone-levels and was a bit loud and showy. Of course, this was expected considering the nature of his job and patrons. Next time, I'll sit in the dining section or outside for better conversations. I'm not going to deduct a star because, as I said, it comes with the territory - you sit near the sports bar and expect a louder experience, and it's also part of the ambiance as they try to accommodate all types of visitors - I wouldn't change a thing. Great restaurant overall. Highly recommended.
(5)Shirley B.
The service sucks. Takes forever to get drinks, no supervision for newbie bartenders. If I'm gunna pay that kind of money for a drink I expect it to be full and right! However, the food was pretty good. Went a couple times on our stay, the first night out server was apparently too busy to help us... There were 4 tables in the entire place... So someone else FINALLY decided to help us. Guy seemed pleasant enough, but obviously no teamwork. I can't tell you how many times he walked right past us without even offering to start with drinks. 3 or 4 other servers wandering around looking lost... Where was ours??? Wandering with them. We finally got our food and the chef does an amazing job. Bf had one of the fish dinners that was re commended to us, as it was in season, and it was prepared very well and the taste was amazing. I'm not so much of a seafood person, but they did let me order off the lunch menu so I could have a burger. Was a typical tasting burger nothing to write home about. The next day, we wanted to have some drinks before we got on the boat, took us another extended period of time before we got drinks, here is where the bartender in training came into play. Our martini was only half full and poorly made. We ordered the crab and artichoke dip, the dip was delicious! But the chips that came with it were very greasy and almost to the point of being overcooked. Change the fryer oil once in awhile people! Ok, so this was probably more of a rant than a review! So all in all, if you've got the time and patients, the seafood is worth the trip. Just don't expect good service!
(2)Benny A.
.........
(5)Anna C.
Food took forever. Completely mediocre for top price. Nothing special...and waste of money.
(1)Irina V.
Great place to go in catalina. Had the oysters and sanddabs. Nice view, bit of a wait to get food, and waiter couldn't really answer all our questions about the dishes but he tried.
(4)Angel J.
Perfect seared scallops with fish and chips and a Bloody Mary, what more do you want.
(5)Yasy R.
The food was not very good for the price they charge. The fish tacos had no taste, the ahi tuna was very bland. For the portion size, taste, price and service, this place was not very good at all. Only reason it got 3 stars is because of the beautiful view and ambiance.
(3)Christa L.
We stopped in for lunch on a visit off our cruise ship. We weren't starving, but were looking for a little something so we decided on some clam chowder and crab cakes. Both were delicious! In addition, the staff was friendly and the view overlooking the marina was beautiful. I'd definitely stop in again when in town.
(4)Stephanie A.
My sister and I hung out here for 4 hours, eating and drinking away. We ordered the Serrano margarita, a bloody mary, beer, chocolate cake shots, mussels, and calamari. They serve you delicious bread, fresh out of the oven when you're seated. Try to resist! It is so delicious and you will spoil your appetite. We sat right on the water with a beautiful view of the ocean and Casino building. This was the highlight of our experience. The drinks and calamari were pretty good. The mussels and the delicious soup it was sitting in was mouth-watering. The ONLY complaint I have with the mussels is that we kept feeling random bits of shell in our mouths. How strange! A bit expensive, but you're paying for the view!
(3)Megan J.
My husband and I ate here both nights that we were in Catalina Island for our mini-honeymoon because we had really enjoyed it the first night we went there. The first night we went here it was very good and our server was nice. We had the tuna poke as an appetizer which was excellent. For dinner, we both had the lemon pepper mahi mahi with scalloped potatoes and sautéed spinach. This was excellent as well! The next night, we had the tuna poke as an appetizer once more. For dinner, we both had the fish and chips which were also really great! I also had two Pilikia Margaritas and these had really nice flavor. The service the second time around was very spotty. Our server took about 10 minutes to greet us at the beginning of the meal. Normally this would be a big deal to me (as I am a server too and don't believe in late greets), however, I was on vacation relaxing so I didn't mind much. All in all, the food is great and the view from the restaurant is spectacular.
(4)Alice G.
We had dinner here for our one year anniversary and everything about it was just perfect. We originally had reservations a few restaurants down but the staff was so snobby we left and ended up here. The vibe was great, the food was just delicious and our server, Megan, was probably the best server I've ever had! She went above and beyond to make sure that everything was just fabulous. Appetizers, main course and dessert- all just delicious! Can't wait to go back =-)))
(5)Shannon B.
The view on the patio is the best! We shared the mahi mahi sliders and fish tacos with the cod, both dishes were delicious. The fish was fresh tasting and neither dish left us feeling 'heavy' or sluggish. We opted for fries over chips on the sliders and the fries were perfectly cooked. The fish tacos came with tortilla chips that had a bean dip/side dish which had great flavor. Drinks were awesome and the service was outstanding. This spot hit on all bases!
(5)Diana C.
Food: Great. My boyfriend and I ordered crab cakes, shrimp and chicken gumbo, and salmon. I didn't think much of the gumbo, but the crab cakes were amazing. View: Great view, right by the ocean. Nice relaxing ambiance. Service: Considering that this is a fairly expensive restaurant, I expected the service to be exceptional. The service was not on par with everything else. The waiters gave us some attitude when we asked to be seated on the deck and when we ordered our food. They also hardly checked up on our table.
(3)Gina M.
we came in to catch a football game, however, they don't have NFL ticket or a cable sports package. despite that, we stuck around for lunch. the restaurant sits on the water and has a beautiful view of the ocean and harbor. there's also plenty of outdoor seating perfect for those beautiful sunny days. we ordered the ahi tuna salad and grilled mahi mahi tacos and washed it all down with a carafe of white sangria. everything tasted so fresh and crisp. the fish tacos were so good... not dry. salsa added a fresh tomato-ey zesty flavor. the chips were thick and crunchy... paired well with the pinto beans and salsa. the ahi tuna eaten alone was divine, paired with a salad was refreshing. the white sangria was a lil too tart for me, but the bf enjoyed it. the bartender had made a lil too much buffalo milk for another patron and put the rest in a glass and offered to us... i gratefully accepted! my first buffalo milk and i enjoyed it! it's like a white russian, but blended! the bar staff was very friendly and readily available with a smile when we asked for assistance even when i asked the bartender to take multiple pics of us! haha
(4)Dorothy K.
This place was excellent. Sitting with a great view of the water, delicious food (chopped salad w shrimp/chicken - would get again) and great service. Don't remember my server's name but she was always helpful and offered some nice tips about the island. Apparently she moonlights as a real estate agent as well? Anyhoo, highly recommend this place - kinda fancy but don't be afraid to bring young children or even small dogs - I saw both outside on the patio with us! Bf got the Mediterranean ahi salad and he liked his too. He tried both and he said he liked my chopped salad better. :-)
(5)Brittany S.
I came here with the man just for happy hour so that's all I'm reviewing. We got there right as happy hour was starting and the outdoor patio (high tables only), and indoor pub tables and bar are the only areas included. Only the bar was open and within 10 minutes of us sitting down they were sending people away because happy hour was only in the restricted area. In my opinion they should open it up, business is business right? Anyways, we ordered some drinks. $5 well drinks, beer and wine specials, as well as appetizer specials. The $5 margarita wasn't great but the michelada my man had he liked. I wasn't too impressed by the female bartender we had either, and too be brutally honest - she looked and acted like she was doing coke in the bathroom prior to her shift. We ordered a few happy hour special appetizers which were discounted, but the portions appeared to be severely discounted as well. To the point where it was not even worth it. It was great to try it out, and it wasn't horrible but expect for the view...we'll go somewhere else next time.
(3)Britt R.
The restaurant is right on the harbor so we had to move from the outside patio area because the smell of fuel was so strong. The decor was really nice and beachy. Food was good, but there were a milion flies everywhere so we had to get our food to go. My steak was not seasoned and was not cooked properly. The shrimp and scallops were really good. The crab and avocado salad was really good. Also, the kitchen did not look clean...ew.
(3)Nadia F.
This place is embarrassing. I'm embarrassed by its existence. They are trying so hard to come across as a high end, gourmet establishment, but their true colors are hard to masque. We were seated at a small table inside despite wanting to sit outside. When we asked whether we could please be seated outside, the hostess made a stink about it and kept saying that everything is reserved, blah blah blah... We sat inside and watched 5 empty tables outside. We eventually insisted to sit outside and they put 5 people at a 4 person table. The entire time we ate and drank there (2.5 hours) NEITHER of the 5 "Reserved" tables filled up. Care to explain this, restaurant? Service was below unacceptable. Why would you hire a bitch of a hostess when trying to accommodate high end individuals with higher end expectations? Unbelievable. You're a damn hostess, your job is to smile and show me to my seat, not try to outargue me about laws that have not yet been passed. In the middle of the restaurant. In elevated voice. Hostess vs. Lawyer. Do me a solid and refresh my drink. Do me a bigger solid, and stop arguing with me about something that I do for a living. I don't teach you how to fold napkins, don't teach me how to do law. I was so excited to try out the new place, and by about half way through, I was ready to jump off the balcony and swim to the nearest shore just to get out of there. This ignorant state of false superiority will drive them to closure. I will be the first one with balloons, to see it go. I know a few islanders will come to the party too. I give this place 3 years max.
(1)Anth D.
This review is hopelessly late to post, but fresh in our memory because the experience was fabulous. What an AMAZING experience and refreshing hospitality we received at the Bluewater Grill. Devon was the star of our show that evening. It was my wife-and-I's 15th year anniversary, and we came back to Catalina Island where we visited on our honeymoon. I'm not normally much of a "fish guy", so I was hesitant, but the place was inviting and my server explored my limited "fish preferences" and advised on a great piece of fish. What a great server. He knew the menu, explained the portions and was on his game all evening with bread, drinks, appetizers, and dinner. He was happy to share a little about life on the Island (we asked!), and it was both engaging and appropriate. People often make or break the restaurant experience, and Devon hit it out of the park. The guy is the Tony Gwynn of servers; Bam! Bam! Bam! The outside restaurant was impressively clean, lacking the bird residue and other imperfections often found in beach-side restaurants. Also deserving of mention was manager Adam, who was everywhere keeping the place smooth, and Marissa, who seated us at a prime location outside by the water at Sunset, where we had an awesome view of the boats, and fish swimming below us. My wife kept telling me that she couldn't think of anything that could have possibly made the dinner experience better. I wish I could give this place - and Devon - 6 stars for making it an amazing experience, because I may never have that good of an experience again. Ever. We'll be back next year to visit, and Bluewater Grill is on our agenda. We'll see if they can out-do their last performance. This crew busted their butts for that 5-star, and they earned ever tip of each star. Thank you for the memorable night, even almost a month later when we finally get around to our reviews.
(5)AC C.
My family stopped at the Bluewater Grill while visiting Catalina Island this past Wednesday. I searched Yelp for fresh oysters and this place came up first. Upon entering, there is a lovely ocean view patio...and the most angry, unpleasant and hostile hostess you will ever meet. I'm sorry you hate your job lady but you're a hostess. Part of the job is greeting patrons and welcoming them. She ignored us and actually turned her back to us, then barked at my elderly mother to get up from her chair when 80% of the place was empty and we were looking forward to enjoying some food and rest after lots of walking. The food was fine. The oysters were fresh and shucked cleanly. But the overall experience was ruined by this "hostess" who kept walking by the table glaring at the patrons. I won't be returning to this restaurant nor will I recommend it.
(2)Victoria R.
Really nice-looking restaurant, and great food. My boyfriend & I went for dinner around 5p on a Saturday night and we got to sit on the water. They served us freshly baked sour dough bread and brought us our drinks a minute later. We ordered the scallop appetizer, bacon cheeseburger, and jumbo fried shrimp and everything was amazing. Everyone was really nice and staff members who weren't even waiting on us came and asked us how we were doing and made small talk with us. Definitely eating here again :)
(5)Tomaso F.
Where do I start, well how about with a 5-star rating. From the time we walked in the door, the service at this restaurant was as top notch as it can get. We were greeted by the hostess Katie who seated us right on the water overlooking the bay. If you get a seat inside, it's an open air type set up so it'll be the next best thing and you'll still be taking in the bay view. Sue the server was a pleasure to meet. On her recommendations, we had the Clam Chowder $5.95 with the Crab Artichoke Dip appetizer $9.95 for starters. The wife also had a dinner salad with the house dressing that was unique and I'd recommend it. We split the Prawn & Scallop skewer $21 and were stuffed when we left the place....but that wasn't before the manager came by and visited our table. All around this restaurant was the best spot we visited our entire stay and I'd recommend it. Not often I make a point to get people's names to give 'em a shoutout when I'm writing reviews on Yelp, that speaks volumes in itself.... ....and apologies to the manager for not getting her name, we were enjoying the convo with her so much, we forgot to ask. I say check it out.
(5)Jennifer M.
Location, location, location. Sister to the Newport/Redondo/Tustin Bluewater Grills, they have the same menu and probably one of the best views of the restaurants. FOOD & DRINKS: I can't speak to all of the food because we just stopped in for an app and drinks. Full bar w/tasty drinks and a good beer and wine selection. The dip and crab cakes were both awesome. SERVICE: Since we were there between lunch and dinner, we just opted to sit on the patio and the hostess allowed us to choose our own table. We had a very nice server and seemed knowledgeable enough about places to go on the island. (She even talked about other spots to visit, which I think is important when you work in a touristy area.) LOCATION: On the water, again I repeat they have the best view of the Bluewater Grills that we've been to. The view is awesome. Bottom Line - Great spot to go for a bite and we'd definitely return when back on the island. Perhaps this time for a full meal since we know that its good food.
(4)Jason K.
Summary: Great food. Excellent gumbo, seafood, crab dip, etc. All food was fresh, high quality, tasty, and excellently prepared. Service was good, but we sat in two of the high top long tables near the far corner of the patio and were often neglected. Portions were good but prices were a bit on the high side. My wife and I were in Catalina for the weekend with her parents and a bunch of other people doing some scuba diving and hanging out when we opted to check this place out for dinner on Saturday evening at about 5:30pm. It was already busy inside and had a good amount of people dining in the patio when we arrived and asked for help with a party of 12. The hostess recommended taking two tables for 6 in the patio area since they were open and didn't require a reservation. We grabbed them and soon were ordering drinks in phases as our party arrived. I got a glass of Bogle Chardonnay for $8.50 (retail price of the bottle is $7) and my wife got a Bluewater Martini (which was a nice tropical drink). It took a while for the drinks to arrive because of how busy the bar and main restaurant were. Clearly, there was a shortage of staff or an overabundance of customers because of the Jazz Festival going on this weekend. After a while, we were revisited to place our orders and were left to hang out until the food arrived. The food arrived about 15 minutes later in phases, but we realized we had no silverware. We started asking the people that brought the food to us for some (they weren't our server), and they said they would get on it, but none came. Meanwhile, our hot fresh food is getting cold. Ultimately, the food got cold. It was strange because when we asked some people for silverware or water, they didn't get it themselves, so it seemed like there was a delegation of tasks that prevented people from doing what was needed in a timely fashion. Pretty frustrating. Despite the food getting cold, it was all excellent. We got the crab and spinach dip appetizer, which was piping hot because of the layer of cheese keeping the heat in. I got the gumbo, which was big, delicious, and filling. My wife got the shrimp and scallop skewers with scalloped potatoes and veggies. Another person got the crab Louie salad, another the sanddabs, etc. All seemed very happy with the food, minus the temperature. The prices were a big high, but not unreasonable given the quality and freshness of the seafood. Ultimately, we'd definitely eat here again, but just be sure that you have silverware on your table before you order your food and be prepared for delays for your requests if the place is busy.
(4)Nicole S.
His place is average. The service was not that great but I assume it is because they were very busy. The food is good but the view makes up for it.
(4)Tiana V.
This place was great! Nice outside seating next to the water. Service was good enough. The food was pretty damn amazing. It was worth the price. However, it took a while for it to come out (reason for the 4 stars). We had a two party table. One table got their food way ahead of ours, although we ordered the food at the same time with the same waiter. We ordered prawn linguine, a child's sized chicken tenders, clam chowder, and creme brulee at my table. Must try the oysters (it's the first thing on the menu). They're really big and juicy. My brother ordered two orders of it. The prawn cocktail was good also. THE CREME BRULEE WAS AWESOME.
(4)Diana F.
Gorgeous setting and the food (Crab / Avocado Salad) was delicious! Husband had the linguini (yummy) and I loved the kids menu (super healthy)!!!
(5)Allen L.
This was quite a nice spot to eat. I wanted some fresh local fish, and they had it. The staff was wonderful, and very quick service. The fish was delicious and just as described in the menu. I had Sanddabs, which is a local California fish much like Sole or even Tilapia . They did have the best clam chowder I have ever had. That was a victory! All in all a great experience. The only problem was the receptionist, she was a bit crabby, and I wasn't sure why. She was not dealing well with the gentleman in front of us, but since she was busy with him the actual server sat us. This made me happy, since the server was a cut above. I would go back if I ever went back to Catalina.
(4)Rebecca F.
Stopped in for a quick bite to eat and a quick drink before getting back on the cruise ship - and it was delicious! Drinks were perfectly made, and the appetizers were absolutely mouth watering. We had the crab and artichoke dip, calamari, and clam chowder. Definitely a place we will return to when visiting Catalina in the future. Let's not forget the great service - friendly, quick, and efficient!
(5)Elaine P.
Food was pretty good except I found a piece of plastic in my salad and a strand of hair in the crab artichoke dip (all in the same night).... They apologized and removed the salad and appetizer from my bill but it makes you wonder what other sanitary issues they have... Imagine eating a piece of plastic!!!! I'm giving 2 stars as the food had good flavor. The clam chowder was also good. I'm really torn as I would totally return if not for all the gross stuff I found embedded in the food... To the staff of this place, if you are reading this, please do something about it so future customers won't have to deal with what we went through!!!
(2)Katie B.
Amazing seafood and great atmosphere and island views! Enjoy dinner right on the dock!
(4)Christie H.
I was very impressed with how quickly the food was expedited. And it was delicious as well. Little too much 1000 Island dressing on Seafood Louie Salad but it was still yummy. I really like this place and will definitely be back.
(5)Julie Ann U.
Who knew I'd find the best French fries ever in Avalon! Actually, everything is pretty darn good. It's nice to find a seaside destination restaurant that has food as good as the view.
(5)Antonio Walter R.
Awesome restaurant... Our waiter Matthew was the best server I've ever had. He was so knowledgable of the menu and was simply just awesome! Def will be coming back to this place whenever I'm in Catalina! The michelada oyster shooters..... BOMB!!! Make sure you ask Matthew for these he makes sure you get the best drinks and that they are correct!
(5)G R.
Food was not good, mushy mahi mahi, artichoke dip was too greasy, crab cocktail was socked in way too much sauce. And what's up with serving iced tea in tiny plastic disposal cup?! The feel of the place is old and tired.
(2)M M.
I had not been to this new restaurant yet in Catalina. Today I was there diving with some friends, and I finished early and went to find a place to relax with my dog in tow. I was going to rule this place out because it looked so nice, but THEN I saw a big dog bowl on the outside deck. I asked if they allowed dogs on the patio and they said yes! Woo hoo. Sooo happy as there are VERY few dog-friendly places on the island and even some of the slummier places won't allow dogs on outside patios (which I find ridiculous). Anyway, I was seated at a lovely table near the water, overlooking the marina, and the beautiful beach and hills of Avalon. The menu looked fantastic. I ordered a Dark and Stormy, a drink I am super particular about since first having it back in the 80s. It's a drink created in Barbados and it HAS to have Gosling's Black Rum from Barbados, or it doesn't taste right at all. It also requires ginger beer that is not too sweet, and just the right amount of lime. The menu said it had Gosling's in the drink so I decided to give it a try. It was excellent!! So I had two. ;-) No, truly, my kudos to the bartender, because that is not an easy drink to make well, and he or she has gotten it perfect. My server was very attentive and efficient, even though I was sitting alone, I never felt ignored. He brought water for my dog, and checked on me frequently. He recommended the seared scallops as an appetizer, and he was right, they were fantastic. I didn't have a full meal here, but I will be back. The menu looks great, they use sustainable seafood, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of food. And the setting is the nicest in Catalina. Many thanks to the Bluewater Avalon for getting it all right! Catalina needed this!
(5)Lorri D.
By BF and I had dinner here last night - The island is super congested right now with multiple events taking place this weekend, but we were still seated fairly quickly. 15 min wait for the patio or we could have sat inside with no wait. We started with the mussel/clam bucket - it didn't come in a bucket, but didn't disappoint! The butter wine sauce was delicious and I even found myself dipping the bread into it, which I don not normally do. I had the New York Strip and my BF had the Cedar Plank Salmon and we split it between us-The steak came with Scallop Potatoes which my BF said were the best he had ever had - His Salmon came with Arugula and it was delicious. I also tried the Cucumber Mojito and it was good, I've had better Mojito's, but it taste fresh and the trick! **UPDATE** We went back for appetizers the next evening and had the Oysters and Crab/Artichoke dip - Both were super good, the dip was a sludge for sure and the Oysters were tasted very fresh!
(4)Jessica B.
The food is great although it's a little pricey but the view makes up for it all as it sits above the Catalina shore. The service is very good the waitresses and waiters make sure satisfaction is reached by keeping your glass full and bread on the table as desired. I recommend calimari fritti as an appetizer as well as the scallops for me this was a very satisfying experience best in CATALINA
(5)Michelle S.
Fabulous view and the food was delicious. I have to say the service on the patio was great as well. A plus !!
(5)Sal E.
Jerry. Jerry Jerry Jerry. I hope I have his name right. He was the manager there when our party of 11 arrived for an early lunch. I usually rate a restaurant for their food as I believe everyone's experience with customer service can vary so I don't want to dissuade my fellow Yelpers from a possible gastronimcal experience just because one dick messed up my experience. In short, the food here is definitely droolworthy! We had two different pasta plates - GOOD. Calamari - LOVED it. Mussels - pretty good. Avocado/Crab salad - a MUST for hot days! It was so refreshing. Baja tacos - ginormous! Clam chowder - YUM! Very happy with the food. And to eat all this while overlooking the harbor - AMAZING! Now back to the manager. He checked up on us several times throughout our meal (very rare to see a manager do that nowadays) considering how busy it was he was on top of his game! We had ordered a scallop appetizer that wasn't available, he came to inform us and was so kind/professional about it, I didn't mind at all (even though that was the #1 item I wanted LOL). He just delivered the news in such a sympathetic manner and showed that he was really sorry and actually cared that it wasn't available! When a manager shows such professionalism and courtesy it really speaks volumes for the restaurant and leaves a little something more in addition to the great food. Who knows, maybe it was just that positive interaction that made the meal that much more tastier and bumped it from a 4-star to a full FIVE! :) Thank you for caring about customer service Bluewater Grill. All over Yelp I read all these negative comments about poor customer services - lets try to highlight the positive customer service experiences too! YAY! :)
(5)Eric R.
My wife and I came here on a Friday evening for a nice romantic dinner to kick off our weekend. We didn't have a reservation but we were still able to get a table outside at about 7:45pm. I was hyped to see the sunset with my baby while having drinks, with the sound of the ocean as a soundtrack, and then the waiter reminded me that the sun sets on the other side of the island (duh!). The drinks were good, and so was the sound of the ocean. We started with a half dozen oysters, that came with 7, perhaps because most of them were small. My wife ordered the clam chowder which was ok, nothing special. She then had the burger, and I had the New York strip with fries instead of potatoes. Her burger was okay, and my NYS was a little dry. I was hoping for a ribeye and maybe some surf and turf as soon as I stepped foot on the island, but neither was available. My wife and I had a good time. The waiter was nice, the drinks were nice, and the food was nice. If you're looking for a place to have a nice romantic meal, or even a meal with 2-6 people I'd recommend this place. There are options on the menu reasonably price, and the drink prices are also decent.
(3)Cliff H.
My daughter and I went to Catalina Island for her birthday. Did the tourist thing the whole time and ended it by eating here at Bluewater Grill. I ordered the Swordfish with cole slaw and dill rice. That dish was the bomb and recommend it to anybody else.
(5)Rob H.
Enjoyed a day in Avalon, and lunch at the fantastic Bluewater Grill, the latest addition to a wonderful SoCal chain boasting delicious (and sustainable) seafood at reasonable prices in beautiful locations. The Bluewater Avalon strongly carries on that tradition. Two things up front: 1) As has been noted in other reviews, some map apps show the location of this restaurant as being back off the beach. It is not. In fact, it is directly on the water. Check my photo to see a shot of the restaurant from across the bay. 2) If you have been reluctant to visit this fantastically cute and fun little town because of reports of restaurants that took advantage of visitors and offered only mediocre food at highly jacked-up prices, fear no more. The Bluewater chain, including this location, presents menus packed with a wide variety of delicious dishes at very reasonable prices. I really believe the impact of restaurants like the Bluewater Grill, that treats customers fairly and serves up one yummy meal after another, is a "game-changer" for Avalon. Now, we don't feel like we're going to be taken advantage of and overcharged and underserved. Now, we can't wait until we go back. (We're already planning our next visit.) Today, we enjoyed the steamed clams and tacos. My partner had the grilled shrimp tacos while I had the grilled Mahi tacos. We also enjoyed the wonderful fresh sourdough bread that Bluewater serves up. Food service times were a little inconsistent. The bread and clams were brought out surprisingly fast. The tacos, on the other hand, took about 45 minutes. However, we had been very specifically warned that the kitchen was running behind when we came in, so we were aware and it was not a big deal. Plus, the fact that we had the bread and clams so quickly meant we weren't waiting around hungry. If I could have rated this experience 4.5 stars I would have because of this inconsistency, but that wasn't an option, and I'd rather show the love with this wonderful new addition to the Avalon culinary world. Will we return? To Bluewater Grill restaurants - of course! I love these places. But more importantly, will we return to Avalon? In this case, the answer is also yes. We had a great day, including doing lots of shopping, and we had a great lunch at a fair price in an absolutely fantastic location. We'll be back - and we'll be dining at the Bluewater Grill!
(5)James M.
We stopped for dinner before we hit the ferry home. Excellent seafood, great service. The panko calamari was exceptional. A great stop when you're in downtown Avalon, and beautiful patio views right on the harbor. Don't forget to check out the silverware that's fallen off the patio, there's a whole collection there.
(5)Elisha C.
Their mussel appetizer was surprisingly good! I think this is the only restaurant that made it exactly how I like mussels and made the broth to its perfection! It's an appetizer but the portion was more than I expected. The broth that they made for the mussels was amazing. I would definitely return for their seafood. Their clam chowder was delicious as well. But then again, you really can't go wrong with clam chowder.
(4)Doug P.
i had a really great meal here last week. The place is clean, cozy, and right on the water. It is a first come first serve place, so don't worry about reservations. We got there about 6 O'clock on a Friday and it was about half full. By the time we left the place was full with a small line already. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive the whole meal. They really worked as a team which was refreshing. If a customer looked like they needed something, any staff member would come over to check on them and make sure they are not waiting. I thought the meal was excellent. Everything I had below was delicious: - Half Dozen Oysters on the Half Shell - Steamed Muscles - Cajun Cooked Swordfish (mild spicy too, so don;t let the name deter those of you who are timid with spices) I would definitely recommend this place if you are in Avalon!
(4)Jordyn L.
Very classy joint with a fantastic fish menu. Crab cakes were great! Served Moscow Mule in a true copper mug, which adds major points! The patio overlooks the ocean- which leaves for a stunning view while dining!
(5)Peggy M.
Service was so slow and they weren't even busy. It took over an hour for our food to come...and the staff wasn't nice... Wouldn't come back here.
(1)Kaye S.
We had a great lunch! We dined outside on the water overlooking the beautiful cove. We ordered the grilled artichoke. It was delicious! The crab cakes were outstanding! They also serve a nice sourdough bread to go along with lunch. Our servers were very friendly.
(5)Linda M.
We had a lovely meal here. The mussels were very good and the crab avocado salad was not was I was expecting but still very good. Service was friendly and relaxed which is great for me because I hate to feel rushed when I am dining, especially when there is such a beautiful view.
(4)Rick B.
About as good a location a you can get in Avalon - a deck bar that's actually out over the water. Prices reasonable, service friendly.
(4)Jennifer G.
Great location, a new renovated bar and outside seating area. This is one of my favorite places to come eat. The drinks are actually cheaper here than at Descanso beach, great view and the football games were on Sunday which was great. The prices of the food have gone up a few dollars but other than that, it was fun talking to the bar tender and watching the games. I love the seared Ahi and the Buffalo milk is a must try! also the fresh bread is always a plus!
(4)Miz.Jackie A.
I visited Catalina island this weekend and this was by far the best spot to get some good drinks and Great food. Fresh seafood amazing staff and the new bar Tender "Colbys" (yes it's plural) was the best ever! We came back today because if him! Thanks for Great time!
(5)Josh J.
I came here three months ago but finally has chance to write a review. We made reservation at 7:30pm outside right underneath the heath lamp. We were afraid it might be cold since during time of the year, it was around 40-50 degrees at night, but there were several heat lamps just a few feet apart along the patio keeping us nice and warm. Our waiter was very friendly and prompt. The salmon was cooked perfectly...not too dry. The cioppino was delicious as well with many seafood; It was good size. We ordered the mocha mud pie which was delicious. I could not resist since the waiter had recommended it. :) 2 wines, 1 salad appetizer, 2 entrees, and a dessert totaling $130 without tip was not too bad. In all, I enjoyed the scenery. Service was great. Food was good. I have no complaints.
(5)Harald L.
What a great place. Chowder is awesome. Drinks are cold, food is fantastic and the views are incredible. Server Megan is very helpful, polite and on it. That's all there is to say about this place.
(5)Vanny B.
Went for lunch. Enjoyed the great view and the food was spectacular. Got the salmon with coleslaw and Mashed potatoes. Best potatoes I've tried really fresh.
(5)M T.
Interior is very beautiful, clean, and classy with a great view outside of the harbor and middle beach. However... I ordered the San Francisco style cioppono (probably spelled that wrong) & the mahi mahi fish of the day. Sucks! The cioppano had so many items, but it was so bland! The mahi mahi was a rip off. Little piece of fish with dill rice and I forgot my other side, but it was gross. I dipped it in so much tartar sauce to overcome the blandness of it all. Complimentary bread was also too crusty, butter was hard. I hate that. Service was good, but also bad. Server didn't check on us enough. When we were done with our food, we wanted our check and since no one was around we asked other staff. Homegirl (wished I remember her name) gave my bf this disgusted disbelief look and said, "I don't do checks." Then smiled and said, "I'lll go find your waiter." Never ever coming back here again!! Price was expensive, portion was small and bland! Tourist trap! Avoid if possible :( also get a water bottle for 50 cents, tap tasted horrible.
(2)Dooney G.
Oh dear...well as the two star rating says, meh, I've had better. I've eaten here many times. I waited until it got really bad to write. On this visit to catalina we ate here twice. Last year we had a good experience and there are I limited choices on the island. So, the first visit I had sand dabs. They were soggy with butter, not light and flaky. The next visit was the killer, I had the pappardelle with shrimp and scallops. Ugh. The bowl it came in was FULL of sauce. So essentially it was like a soup. The sauce was splashing everywhere, the scallops were overlooked, and it was barely edible. My kids ordered pasta with butter and cheese but it was just plain pasta. You could not tell there was was butter on it and they had no Parmesan cheese at the restaurant. The nice thing is the bread and butter and there is no corkage fee on the first bottle which is very nice. The service was friendly and the setting is great. They let you call a half hour before arriving to put your name on the list if there's a wait. That's very cool. Just wanted the food to be better, not drenched.
(2)Catie F.
I had such an enjoyable experience at this restaurant. The location is perfect, and the patio is ideal. I came here for lunch on a beautiful day and enjoyed the ambiance along with the delicious food. I ordered the blackened mahi mahi tacos and they were done to perfection. Very fresh! My friend ordered a salad and thought it was good, but nothing special. The service was efficient and friendly, and considering island prices, the price was right. Great experience!
(4)Steve E.
Fun place with a great happy hour. Steamers were amazing. Even better were the awesome bartenders "Sean & Jerry". They made the whole experience a 10!
(5)SF P.
Daytime meals with a view or night time dining with cocktails; this place has it all. If you are local or have a kitchen you can buy a slice of fish by the pound too.
(4)Alice N.
Just had lunch here around noon. Not too busy at all, really great location by the water. Greeted by a friendly host then quickly seated outside. Fresh, warm bread & butter given in seconds. My bf and I had the clam chowder which is our favorite, although I wish this came in a bread bowl. Tasted fresh & hot when it arrived; not too watery, but perfect texture for the clam chowder. Clams were great, only ran into one clam with sand in it, but that happens :P Service was great, I would definitely recommend others to come here. :)
(5)Van V.
Our last meal after our first magical trip to Catalina. Fantastic! Fun cocktails, amazing fresh sandab with lemon caper sauce for flounder lovers out there. We had a lovely server who started us out with the hot sour dough. Yum. Others in my party had fresh fish too. We loved the sides, spinach, scalloped potatoes. We feel fortunate to have been there in mid May before heavy summer crowds. Too full for dessert but stopped off at Lloyd's candy store for a small bag of chocolates and fresh salt water taffy for later. We stayed two nights at a pretty inn in town and definitely recommend this scenic restaurant.
(5)Mio L.
I give Bluewater Grill a 5 for their location and the view, however the food and service ruined the entire experience.I ordered the Seafood Louie Salad which was nothing special, definitely overpriced. My boyfriend ordered their chicken sandwhich and he did not like it at all. Our waiter had a very bad attitude throughout our dining experience which made me feel unwanted and wanted to get out of the restaruant asap! There are better places to eat on the island and that is all I need to say.
(2)Erin V.
I so wanted to give a better review! So much so, that we went for lunch & back at dinner in hopes that it would redeem itself. I feel sorry for the servers as it appears the issues were with the kitchen & the bar. It took us almost an hour to get our 2nd drink and that took 1/2 hour to get. Both times. They lost $$$ there. The meals were "ok". The server offered us a free dessert but we didn't want dessert. Comping the a drink would have been better, but it was a good attempt! With a view like theirs and the potential for better food & faster drink service-- they could do so much better!
(2)Jeff S.
We ate there last Friday evening on the recommendation of our island hosts. It was early evening and we were seated right away, out on the rear deck area. It was a beautiful evening and the view was amazing. Then came the warm sourdough bread and our lovely server Leeann. She was very pleasant and eager to assist us, which she did in the best possible ways. We passed on cocktails due to the fact we had just finished from a session at the cantina across the street. My sweetie ordered the Mahi Mahi and I had the Cioppino. Both came hot and in sufficient portions. My Cioppino was loaded with seafood and the flavors were awesome. The Mahi Mahi came in a large lightly breaded steak form and it was delicious as well. Now back to our service. Leeann was great and really added to our dining experience. A young lady, but wise beyond her years. It was obvious to us that she enjoys her job and is grateful for it. I would definitely give the Bluewater my business again.
(5)Chelsea M.
Wonderful fish of the day selections. We enjoyed the blackend salmon and halibut. Great service and waterfront atmosphere. We enjoyed the strawberry cocktail made virgin. I would definitely recommend this place for dinner.
(5)Kenny H.
Happy hour 3-6pm -Good veiw over looking pier -$4.$5.$6 plates -fish tacos to dry do not get them -Thai spice chicken wings sweet and tangy -clams steamers good -fries were undercooked On draft I had the Guinness which was great!
(2)Corrinne R.
My husband and I celebrated my 50th birthday here on the back deck area with 33 of our closest friends. Let me just start by saying how unbelievably awesome the GM, Shawneen is and her staff. She created the most amazing setting by decorating all of our tables so beautifully and elegant. From beautifully lit candles with floral centerpieces to an amazing display table for all of our wines, Her attention to detail is impeccable! The food was to die for and the service just couln't have been any better or gone any smoothere. She was truly enjoyable to work with and exceeded my every expectation making my celebration everything I could have asked for and more (and that's not easy to do lol). Thank you again Shawneen! You gave me a 50th celebration I will cherish forever. Love, Corrinne
(5)Michele S.
The best fresh seafood I've ever had! Also, if you get outdoor seating you sit right above the beach. Beautiful view, delicious food... the only drawback is the price. But I think it's worth it. You definitely get a plate full of food here. PS The swordfish steak is AMAZING
(5)Danielle S.
Went there for dinner and truly had a great meal and experience. We had their clam chowder soup, grilled artichoke for an appetizer, clams (which we phenomenal) mussles, and crab legs (huge portions) with butter sauce!!!!!!! Best seafood feast
(5)Gordon M.
Wait was long even with aparent open tables. The view and ambience is spectacular. The seafood is fresh. The dishes are overpriced and mediocre as is the service. Overall, a disappointing experience.
(2)Antoine D.
The best place to eat in Catalina hands down. Far superior to the Avalon Grille. It's right on the water, they have a solid menu with fancy pricier dishes, as well as more affordable fare like fish & chips. Theis drinks are good, the ambiance and decor are even better. Go.
(5)Natalie B.
This place was excellent! Be sure to request patio seating for a table literally on top of the water. The food was great, service was amazing, and drinks were strong. This is one of two restaurants actually on the water in Avalon, and of the two, this one is definitely the better one; the reviews alone prove it. I ordered the Mai tai, hated it, and our waiter replaced it with a cucumber mojito without hesitation. The lemon crusted Mahi Mahi was to die for - I highly recommend it. The artichoke appetizer was just okay, and if I went again, I'd def try the Ahi appetizer.
(5)Anand S.
I so want to give this place a better rating, but only for the location and the staff. The quality of food and portion size (for the price charged) left much to be desired. There are so many more better seafood places on the mainland.
(2)Greg W.
I had lunch here and thought it was a pretty decent place. The prices are a bit high but hey higher end food on a captive island. Anyways the scallop appetizer was quite good (but small). The seafood papaya was nice and filling. They could refill your drink a bit more often. The view is really nice so I would say go sit outside. Overall the staff was pleasant as well.
(4)Jennifer M.
This place was delicious! We loved the food, the ambiance, and the service. My husband and I both got the mahi mahi, which was absolutely delicious. I also got a great cup of clam chowder. All the food was great, and good portions. I had a glass of merlot, my husband had a moscow mule, both were good. The waitress was very friendly and the restaurant was beautiful. We will definitely be back!
(5)Robert K.
Went to the restaurant with a large group. We were seated at separate tables which was understandable and quite acceptable. The other 3 tables were served in a timely manner. Our server took our drink order and never returned to our table. We requested a check and left.
(2)Mari C.
This is one of my favorite spots on Catalina. Our server, Matt, was amazing and informative. It a one of the more pricey places, but worth it as the quality and service are great. I had their burger and my boyfriend got a steak. Both were great! Great deserts as well.
(5)B N.
I just wanted to complain about one of the busboys that works here. He was a male, Hispanic adult (approx. 35 years old), stocky/chubby, tattoos on the forearms and with a beard (lined up). He was driving one of the golf carts outside the restaurant, it appeared he was doing errands for the restaurant. He was in the alleyway adjacent to the golf cart rentals. This moron ran the stop sign in the alleyway and nearly ran over my gf and I. He had the nerves to cuss us out and yell at us. We told him to watch out. My gf and I would've dropped the situation, but he yelled, cussed and didn't even apologize. He then parked in front of the restaurant, and was hesitant to go inside ( I guess he didn't want us to see where he worked). Instead, he gave us an angry look and kept staring at us as we were walking away. I wanted to see if he either worked at Antonio's or this restaurant, but he wouldn't go inside, until I walked further away and saw him go into this restaurant. I called right away to this restaurant to complain. The young lady I spoke to was very understanding and apologized right away. She told me that she would take this to the manager. I really hope this busboy or whatever he is gets some sort of repercussion. My gf and I tourist, and a guest of the City of Avalon. This behavior by the busboy is one good way to lose tourist and revenue.
(1)Sue F.
Our server was scarce; it was a good 10 minutes before the server greeted us after we were seated, our water glasses stayed empty, and he was nowhere to be found when we needed attention. More of the food was lukewarm (potatoes, crab cakes, mahi mahi) than hot, except for the strawberries, which were warm (from being under a heat lamp). The food was bland, and did not arrive at the same time for our group of five. One of our group ordered a salad and asked for balsamic dressing. The salad arrived with no dressing. When asked again for dressing, unbelievably, he set an entire large bottle of balsamic vinegar from the kitchen in front of her. We had to ask for olive oil. It was a long wait for lousy food. What a disappointment.
(1)Kimberly T.
Bluewater restaurant is one of the best restaurants in the island !!! We were seated on the outside patio , beautiful view to the harbor/beach..very romantic !!!! The food was very very good I ordered a salad with shrimp ,avocado it was delicious .my husband ordered fish and chips ... Our server was very friendly /helpful ,her name is Natalie very sweet girl ....we will definitely come back here next time we visit the catalina island ...
(5)Cori J.
Best meal we had on the island. Fresh food, good service. The only complaint was whomever is shucking the oysters destroys the ends of the shells making them flaky and lots of shell matter in what would have been perfect oysters. Overall good food and we would definitely return.
(4)Russ D.
We went to Avalon fully expecting to get the free lunch at the Mexican restaurant, but after reading all the negative Yelp reviews, we opted to get something nice instead. We ended up at Bluewater and we are so glad we did! The food was delicious. My wife and I got a clam chowder bowl and seafood platter to split between us. Super fresh and delicious. They also gave my wife a special bowl of ice cream for her birthday. Really appreciated the great service and chill atmosphere.
(5)Liz G.
We had heard good things about this place. Honestly, the best thing was the view. Drinks were weak & watery. Sand dabs were mushy & lemon seeds were all over the heap of fish. Sent it back & they recommended the Rockcod, it was burnt tasted badly. Sent it back. Mediterranean salad w ahi BORING! Bland, boring. They say they have healthy kids menu, my daughter got the grilled cheese & couldn't eat it because it had a ton of plastic cheese. Ugh! So mad! We were so looking forward to a great meal.
(1)Jerry B.
For a corporate restaurant to move into Catalina you have to be on your game and impress the right ppl. Serving tourist? I guess impressions are not needed. Well I'm being a little harsh though. The food was incredible, the hostess was friendly, but our server...DEPLORABLE. Sad really, because this place has the best location and has the potential to be the best dinning experience on the harbor. Bluefin do you want to be the best? Hire servers that or prompt, attentive, and can smile.
(4)Jacqueline M.
Distinguishes itself by the ocean view, classy ambiance while welcoming to all and with food that wet my palate for next time. I yearn to give this restaurant a five but since I did not have a full meal l, I feel it would be remiss of me considering I am basing this review on an appetizer (calamari was amazing) and clam chowder (fresh with lots of clams). Those two dishes were suburb and we had a lovely ocean view. To reiterate; perfect view, spot on service with a sincere gift for hospitality, and delicious. This was the best clam chowder since San Francisco. The prices are a little high but for lunch definitely affordable. If you are looking for a casual but classy place for your date in Catalina look no further.
(4)Mitos G.
Great view! Service by waitress was above average. Service by hostess was below average. Food was good, but slightly bland and slightly over priced for the quality. Saw one of the kitchen staff use restroom and not wash her hands...hopefully washed them in kitchen. Bathroom was below average for cleanliness.
(2)Tony P.
Awesome location, good food, little expensive, poor service! I would go back except the service needs to be improved!
(4)Casey R.
This restaurant was one of the highlights of our trip. The food here is amazing. I had the bowl of creamy clam chowder that was quite delicious. I also had the grilled artichoke that had a nice char to it and great flavor. The sanddab fish I had was very meh but the sautéd spinach was good. The scalloped potatoes are one of the best things I have ever had. The cheese sauce is to die for. I had a pacifico on tap that was cold and refreshing. I also noticed that Stella Artios was only $4.95 a bottle. This place was great. We loved it.
(5)Berda C.
Really good bacon and jalapeño scallops !!!! Service is great! Ask for Megan!!!! It's a bit pricey for what it is ...but you are getting an amazing view. They have stepped their game up since first opening.
(3)Diane C.
Not really a review of the Bluewater, per se, just wanted to comment about those who were put off by the tap water / bottle water situation on Catalina Island. Yes, all of California is in a drought, but Catalina is unique in that they rely on rain water and an antiquated desal plant and the situation on the island has become dire. As of the middle of August, water rationing was implemented by Edison, and every user was required to reduce usage by 25%. Offering bottled water for a nominal fee (50 cents would most likely be at cost) instead of tap water may seem petty to some, but every drop counts. Personally I think the tap water tastes awful anyway. Just wanted to offer some perspective.
(4)Shawn H.
The food was amazing... We had the grilled artichoke, calamari and blackened Alaskan halibut. What was even more amazing was our server. Her name was Sue and she was on top of everything. We had our 2 yr old grandson with us and wow, she was that good, drinks, more butter, can grandma get a much needed extra drink. Sue was on it!!! Thank you for an amazing dining experience and Sue? You rock !!!
(5)Michelle F.
Bluewater has locations in the San Diego area and they never disappoint. The prices and food seemed to be of comparable quality/price and service was fair. I did find a hair in my butter (which looked to be from a dog) but other than that the food was good and it was an overall good time.
(4)Steven S.
We just hosted our reception dinner at the Bluewater in Avalon and can't say enough good things at the staff and our experience! After a little confusion making the reservation everything went smoothly! General Manager Shawnene Hill and her team did a great job setting up and serving 24 people in a timely and efficient manner. We had our own server, Matt, assigned just to us and he did a great job of keeping food and drinks flowing smoothly! Food was presented well and tasted as good as it looked! Manager Adam came by at least three times to make sure everything was going well. I have done business dinners for groups like this before and do not remember ever being as well treated. Kudos to the team and especially to Matt for taking care of us!
(5)Irene L.
5 stars for the view. 2 stars for the food and service! We ordered 2 burgers, and they taste really plain. Not sure the waitress is being racist or just too busy. On the menu, it says ur choice of the cheese for burgers, but she didn't ask us. We heard she asked other table, so we asked her to see if we can choose it, but she told us they only hve one kind. WTF!! Later, we asked her for sugar packs, but she never gave it to us. We asked another waiter, and he gave it to us right away. Those 2 stars are for him!
(2)Heather H.
Best place to eat in Avalon! great food, kid menu options were decent and the view was beautiful.
(5)Mike H.
This place was really good, decently priced too. My girlfriend and I got a really nice table by the water, had a great view of the harbor. I got the Snapper, it was delicious! If I am ever down here again, I would definitely be a repeat customer!
(4)Ella F.
Highly recommend the Pappardelle pasta. It has the freshest scallops and shrimp I've ever had. Sauce was so creamy. Try to get a table by the water to enjoy the view.
(5)Lester J.
Great view from the balcony, food was delicious. I had the swordfish, hands down, best meal I had while I was on the island. One of the few places in Avalon where the price was worth the food served. Only complaint I can say was our server. Seemed annoyed and unapproachable, never checked back in on us, a bus boy had to come by and asked if we wanted refills on our drinks or if we wanted anything else even though we could see our server waiting other tables. Maybe they gave her more tables then she could handle? I would still eat there if we visited again, but if I saw this waitress again, I'd ask for a different section.
(4)Leah S.
Loved the chippino here and scallops! Great service. Wonderful spot right on the water.
(5)Jim H.
The food and service do not do this restaurant's location justice. Clearly the best place on the pier to enjoy the sunset, this grill did not impress us with their menu. While not bad it did seen overpriced for what we got and the service here is definitely not on par with some of the other nice dining options in town. But due to their location, it's worth at least a stop.
(3)Valerie N.
Great location looking over the water. Refills took a little long. I didn't order anything special (chicken sandwich), but my family ordered: oysters, calamari, clam chowder, mahi mahi sliders, fish tacos, fish. Everyone was pretty happy with their lunch. I would recommend it.
(3)C T.
Decor and ambiance is very nice. Not that many selections to choose from in the area to dine in the evening. The view was pretty. Food was acceptable, nothing spectacular. Drinks were good! Will eat again as a convenient place near the main street. Service was good.
(4)Kristi K.
Another great dinner! Thanks for the consistent good food, atmosphere and service. We had 6 adults, 2 kids and everyone HAPPY!
(5)Rachael C.
Delicious lunch with a view! My Mom and I ate here for lunch on a Monday afternoon after visting the Casino. We requested to sit outside, and they seated us at a table closer to the building. We asked if we could move, so we can be right on the water, and they had no problem accomodating us. We both ordered the paperdelle pasta with shrimp and scallops in a cream sauce. It was good, however the pasta seemed overcooked (not al dente), and my tummy was upset for a few minutes after my meal...too much garlic maybe? Who knows...but overall it was a good experience!
(4)Silia J. H.
Good enough for our group of four to eat twice here on our weekend trip to Catalina. I tried and liked the "Fisherman's Platter" and their Angus burgers ( both the cheeseburger and the "Aussie" one with the fried egg). Seafood was very good, fresh, perfectly cooked, good ratio of breadcrumbs to seafood. Burgers were good too, very very tender but we ordered ours medium and they were well done; still delicious, though. Best view of any restaurant on the island, right over the water.
(4)Richard H.
Absolutely by far the most friendly staff ever. Attention to every detail. Food was perfect! I had the Fish & Chips. Moist, fresh! They made Ginger Ale for us. What a nice touch. I was truly swept away by the ambiance, character, food and service.
(5)Sheila N.
Worse meal I've had in a long time! I really don't understand all the positive reviews except that this restaurant is in a beautiful location. We had a group of 11 people so we experienced many different entrees. Only 1 out of 11 thought there meal was prepared well and that was the Cioppino. Though this is a seafood restaurant, I was in the mood for a steak. There is only one on the menu-a New York, so I ordered it. The cost was about 35$. Not cheap but not overly priced. One would expect to get a somewhat good steak for that price but it was probably the worse steak I have ever been served. My steak was 75% fat and gristle. I could not eat it. I cut off a piece and gave it to my neighbor, he could not eat it either. There is not a choice of potato- it is served with cheesy, greasy scalloped potatoes that tasted like they were out of a box. Some of us had taste tested each other's entrees. I had a taste of the crusted mahi mahi which was buried in grease/butter and did not taste fresh. One bite of that was enough for me. The servers were pleasant but service was extremely slow from taking our drink orders to bringing us our check. From start to finish, we spent over 2 hours there and we did not have dessert. It was not a busy night. It was getting late and we all wanted to go back to our boats. I felt horrible as I was the one who convinced our group to give this place a try. The only positive thing to say is about the location as they do have an outdoor area on the water but it is not enough to make me ever want to go back. The restaurant that was here previously (Armstrongs?) wasn't great either, but it was considerably better than Bluewater Grill.
(1)Bryan P.
Can't get any better than fresh swordfish caught right off the coast of Catalina Island!
(4)T R.
After having some bad shrimp and chips elsewhere, I tried them here. They were cooked perfectly and delicious. Great waterfront seating. Our server Frank was great-- very attentive. We had a large party and at the END of our meal, he gave us the option of splitting up the check which made more work for him, but made it easier for us. Great service and great food. Would definitely go back if ever on the island again.
(4)Michelle F.
Just had the clam chowder and crab cakes and they were both amazing. My husband had the ahi and loved it as well. The kids meals are great portions with healthy sides for a good price. We will definitely come back.
(5)Cari O.
I was not impressed by the food or the service. We went there for lunch and I had a chicken sandwich with pesto that was not good. It did not taste fresh and my bf/'s burger was very average. We sat outside and the view was amazing, but it took over 30 minutes to get our food. The waiter came by once and did not check to see if we needed more water. I had to ask the bus boy to bring us more water. One of the other waiters noticed we were getting kind of cold and turned on the heater above us. They said to be careful because it gets very hot. I barely felt the heater at all! lol It was just a bad experience. They need to hire more staff and make sure the food is fresh. I swear my chicken had been frozen and thawed. Ew
(2)Jesse L.
Came here for a late dinner after the Ferry crowds disappeared. has a very relaxing ambiance at night. they dim the lights and even the bar patrons don't make this place noisy. I was craving Seared ahi before I even got off the boat in Catalina so I had high expectations for this place. They don't give you too many slices but it is fresh, it just isn't seasoned enough for my taste. And I don't think the bartenders were really any experts, they didn't know what a bahama mama is so I ordered their special bloody mary that comes with a shrimp, well they forgot the shrimp and the mary wasn't that special. My dinner also tasted on the bland side. Their cooks need to work on their seasoning. I'll give it a second chance just to see if they took my advice
(3)V M.
Ambience was great. Food was good. Server was friendly when we saw her, unfortunately we didn't see her much and she was very slow in attending to us. Other than the service, we really enjoyed our dinner. Giving 4 stars because we enjoy ourselves however service does need to improve.
(4)MJ S.
Great place to sit on the water and have appetizers and drinks. We weren't really hungry but wanted to sit outside and enjoy the scenery. We had the white sangria and the mussels. Delish. Definitely a place to stop by sit on the patio and soak up the atmosphere.
(4)Adnan k.
I did not find Blue water to be all what it should be. Slow service. Food was ok. Nothing special.
(1)L L.
We didn't encounter any service issues when we went for dinner the other day, and this place was a great way to end our day. Yes, it's a bit pricy, but it's worth it based on the occasion. The clam chowder was exactly what a chowder should be, creamy, thick, filled with tons of clams and potatoes (and no bacon!). The steamed clams were in a delicious garlic, butter, white wine sauce meant to be dipped in with the complimentary bread. Also got to try the cheesy scalloped potatoes, which went well with the spinach and lightly fried fish. Sitting by the water outside and eating delicious food, what could be better?
(5)H y.
I can't believe people are raving about the food at this restaurant !!!! The view and location is extremely awesome with a patio just overlooking the water and when you lean over... You can be delightfully entertained by various fish in the water. HOWEVER.... THE FOOD SUCKS! I can't believe I paid good money for pathetic looking mahi mahi sliders... Way too salty and sandy mussels and clams in white wine sauce....and probably the worst most generic tasting cioppino ever! Oh yeah can't forget the oysters that looks really "tired ". Drinks were on the weak side. On the plus side their complimentary bread was really good... Warm soft and perfect chewiness. If you think the food here is delish then you definitely have not had amazing tasting food to compare to. Oh and the service? Waiter never came to check on us and food took so long to come out we spent half our day trip sitting at the stupid restaurant waiting for our food to come out. What a waste of time, money and and worst if all my poor taste buds. I was soooo disappointed! Go for the view to sit on the patio and have iced tea! HOWEVER DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY OR RUIN YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH MEDIOCRE FOOD! There are better stuff on the island!
(1)Michael C.
Good food and a great view! We stopped here when we arrived on the island for lunch. The staff was friendly, courteous, and prompt. The kids meals were great, large portions served in Bento type boxes. The Mahi sliders were delicious, and my wife enjoyed the grilled artichoke appetizer. A little pricy, but a very good dining experience.
(4)Sarah L.
Expensive, but right off the beach which was nice. It was a romantic dinner, especially with the outdoor seating. I felt the service was good and overheard the server giving suggestions of things to see or do to other diners. For me, the price was worth the atmosphere though the food was not amazing.
(4)Ganymed S.
Excellent bread, excellent clam chowder! Great view on top! one wouldnt expect this at such a popular spot.
(5)Cesar C.
Place was amazing!!!!!!!! Our server was great and very helpful, he let us know what was not on the menu and I would came back here in a heart beat
(5)Corry C.
We had cocktails in the bar while we waited for a table. My margarita was delicious I could have had several! We sat outside on the water side which had to be the best table in all of Avalon. You are right over the water overlooking the harbor. It really is a fantastic location for afternoon cocktails and dinner. The food was average by mainland standards but really good by Avalon standards since we've yet to find a decent restaurant on the island. Fried calamari and artichoke apps were really great. The sauce on the seafood pappardelle was watery. Would have been perfect if they simmered the sauce down to intensify the flavor, or maybe drained the pasta more. Service was great, friendly accommodating staff. We actually went 2 days in a row.
(4)Diane D.
Clam chowder is great; it's not too salty and not too rich. The sanab was really good, and just the right amount. Service is great. They set up a birthday thing for my friend. Only thing is they forgot to give my boyfriend a glass of water. Other than that, everything is great.
(4)Deafayden B.
Service was great! And they have a great happy hour menu and awesome view. I wish there were more beers on tap and also the fish tacos were a little on the uninspired side but good nonetheless. Food is overall just so-so.
(3)Jenn L.
This restaurant operates on island time. My friends and I were in Catalina for the day, and decided to stop somewhere with a great view for lunch. We spotted this restaurant that looked like it would fit the bill perfectly. We waited for approximately five minutes at the hostess stand for someone to acknowledge us. We were finally seated on their lovely outdoor patio, overlooking the bay. We waited yet another 15 to 20 minutes before they came to take our drink order. And another 10 minutes or so for our food order. Our cocktails were good (I got the mule). And the food was satisfactory. I got clam chowder. Unfortunately, my soup came out with a dirty spoon. I had to ask three different times (& 3 different people) for a new spoon, as I sat there and watched my soup get cold. I did ask for bread or crackers, as none were provided with my chowder, and they brought me both! The crusty bread is delicious. In the end, we were there for approximately two hours, and as we were only in Catalina on a short day trip, it significantly ate into our time of rambling around the island. Sum up: Excellent view, decent food, slow service.
(2)Marie W.
amazing food, great bar staff. Very attentive. Great location with water views with seating on outdoor patio. Bathrooms seem to be dirty each time, otherwise would be a definite 5 star experience.
(4)Elle P.
I liked it! we had the paella. The hostess asked me if I wanted a blanket. What a view. What a view!! Creme Brûlée was amazing. Great service.
(5)Mickey M.
Came here to Catalina Island Saturday afternoon and went to Bluewater for a Birthday lunch. The restaurant was 1/4 full., so there should be no excuses. As for the food, it was fresh and delicious (4 Starts) However, the service was unfortunately terrible. Our server Lindsey was inattentive. I had to wait and wait and wait for a simple refill of my small soda cup. My date had to ask twice for extra lemons for his oysters. By the time he finished same, the lemons were brought to our table. Overall score, 1.
(1)Kelly M.
It is nice to see that the space on the island has a new restaurant in it...and a good restaurant too! We got to sit outside on the deck overlooking the water this past weekend and it was absolutely beautiful! The menu had a lot to choose from and everyone in my group got something different and each person really enjoyed their meal. They've got a great bar and the staff is fantastic as well.
(4)B C.
This place was quite impressive. All the seafood they serve is sustainable. When we ordered water, the server kindly explained that we are in a terrible drought (A-hem! ALL OF SO CAL!!) and that water is sold by the bottle for 50 cents per bottle. GREAT! I love a restaurant that is eco conscious. Another bright shining moment was when I looked at the Kids Menu. Unlike most restaurants where the kids menu is filled with NOTHING nutritious (chicken nuggets, mac and cheese...blech), Bluewater's Kids Menu offers grilled fish sticks! Basically fish skewers grilled. Can get fish, shrimp, chicken or salmon. Served in a bento box with veggies and fruit! I totally dig that. I ordered the mussels and my friend ordered their seared Ahi Tuna salad. Both were delicious.
(4)Orville C.
Originally the review started out quite negative as the first time around the experience was quite negative. As the experience was quite underwhelming. But the second time around they were on it service was top notch, food was delicious, and the cocktails hit the spot. I'd defiantly recommend the grilled scallops, local fish, and a pacific classic.
(4)Brittaney P.
The best part about this restaurant is the view. I've been here twice and I have never been overly impressed. Expensive food for the quality and service received. Dined here over the weekend and the service was horrendous as all of the waiters/waitresses were sitting at a back table talking and on their cell phones. I really liked the Mexican restaurant across the way. Great service and solid beverage choices.
(3)Paul N.
We ordered the grilled mahi mahi sliders, calamari appetizer, and 2 drinks. Both were great. Sliders were nice and seared with just the right amount of aioli.
(4)Jason L.
Update: I was mildly upset by the price and water, but the food was decent and I didn't consider the shipping to the island. Food was 4 stars, I overall still 3 stars. Good food, bad price. When we landed in Avalon we were excited for seafood. As college students who sailed in, we wanted something that would fill out hunger from a long day of sailing but also would be tasty. The entrees were $15+, with only a few around 15 and most at $20-25. A slightly disappointing price range for students. Also, they charged $0.50 for water due to the drought, something no other restaurants in California does. Lastly, they tacked on a 18% gratuity. Bleh. My Sandabs Today's fish combo, $16.95, was pretty good. Three fillets, very light smooth texture. The scalloped potatoes on the side were also very good. My friends both ordered a bowl of clam chowder and split a Thai chile wings appetizer, an economical combination which they loved. Long story short, good food but priceyness and the water business tactic was kinda a turnoff.
(3)Lysa T.
Never again. We have been there three times and every time lousy service. Floyd Maywether Jr was there and everyone was more interested in him. It took twenty minutes for r two drinks, and the waiter had to come back and reask for our drink order. Another time the food was way under cooked. Avalon needs more dinning options I wish Armstrong's was still there!!!!!!!
(1)Jaqui R.
This is my favorite place to eat on the island! We have gone several times now and have a wonderful experience every time. You really can't beat the view. The free bread is great and the service is phenomenal. Our waiter was so nice, make sure to get to know us and was very passionate about Catalina and sharing his tips and favorite things about the island. He gave us several great recommendations for activities while we were there and have us great service as well. His recommendations for food were spot on too. I got the fish tacos and since I'm from San Diego and have had a few fish tacos in my day, I didn't expect to be so pleasantly surprised--they were delicious! (So much so that I made my husband go back the next day so I could get it again). My husband got the oysters and clam chowder, both he enjoyed a lot. Were were there for much on Sunday so they had a Bloody Mary bar which he took part in and was so excited about all of the garnished and add-ins he got to choose from! I got a cucumber mojito--soo good! They also have house made potato and tortilla chips which are great! We love to eat here whenever we are in Avalon and would highly recommend it! Also, I saw some bad bathroom reviews but fear not! They just remodeled the bathrooms and they are beautiful!!
(5)Matt B.
We were seated quickly, the service staff was very attentive, and the drinks were delicious (and heavy-handed...no complaints!) I got the swordfish with the "bronze" glaze and it was amazing! Cooked perfectly and the scalloped potatoes went wonderfully with it.
(4)Calvin H.
Great location in the harbor right on top of the water. Probably the best location of any restaurant in Avalon. If you are eating during the daylight hours, definitely try sitting outside. Just watch out for seagulls every once in a while. They started us off with a complimentary loaf of sourdough bread which was fresh out of the oven and warm and soft. The pitcher of white sangria was disappointing. It consisted of way too much grapefruit and was more bitter than sweet. For the entree I wanted to get the local halibut but they only had the Alaskan halibut that day. It was a little bit dry. The winner of the day was the chicken and shrimp jambalaya. It has the perfect thick consistency and the seasoning was great. Plenty of chicken and shrimp to complete it.
(4)Jocelyn M.
While my first time being in Catalina Island, I had to have some seafood so I yelped this place thinking it was gonna be the best restaurant on the coast. Well, it wasn't. Our server was Natalie and boy does she love her job--? I had asked for water and since they are in a drought they charge 50 cents which I though it was okay. She comes in with a room temperature water bottle and I thought to myself maybe she'll bring a cup of ice. Nope, she didn't so I asked for it. Then I ordered a clam chowder and she brings me a small clam chowder from the appetizers. Whatever I just ignored it. What really got to me was her attitude, every time I asked for something she had this attitude like "really what else do you want." Then this other server comes asking me if everything is ok. Did she really have to send another waiter to do her job? Well in the end I didn't leave her a tip and was hoping she wouldn't chase me down like another review had mentioned. She didn't deserve a tip for the horrible customer service. I assumed since this place was pricey they would offer delicious plates and a wonderful service but they didn't. Oh and I forgot about the restrooms! Not only they are unisex 2 stalls and 2 urinals but filthy! When I went in there was pee and dirty paper towels all over the floor. Overall enter at this restaurant at your own risk!
(1)R D.
Amazing view, great ambience, outstandingly friendly service!!! We had Ahi poke for appetizer and it was sinfully delicious! The home-made potato chips were addicting!! My spouse loved the crab BLTA. I'm giving only 4 stars because my fish tacos were disappointing..=(
(4)Brian U.
Always had the best seafood on the island and with the expansion now the best bar and cocktails as well. Awesome pier side location, delicious fresh seafood, friendly staff and amazing hand crafted cocktails!
(5)Jason W.
Mallory, our server was awesome! Great service and the food and atmosphere is amazing. We had a group outing and everything was perfect!
(5)Paulina P.
My boyfriend and I came here for my birthday dinner a few days ago and it was probably my favorite restaurant/meal on the island. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed the spectacular view of the ocean while enjoying our dinner. We had the calamari as an appetizer and both had the halibut and it was so so SO delicious! I'd definitely recommend the calamari! The price is definitely a little steep (about $90 for 2 people without tip) but it's to be expected when dining over the ocean in Catalina. Regardless of price, I'd definitely recommend this restaurant if you want to have a nice dinner with a gorgeous view!
(5)Vatisha S.
We got seated and no one came to our table. We eventually had to flag someone down and that person seemingly took over for whoever dropped the ball. We still got ignored after that though while a few workers were sitting around talking to each other all night across the restaurant. So that was cool. We finally got our drinks and they were good & strong. Fish & chips are better at a bar down the street from my house & half the price of the ones here. I got 4 fried scallops in my meal so I was still hungry at the end of it. It was my birthday and my bf told me after we left that he had specifically asked them to bring me out something for my birthday (he told them he would pay for it) and they never did. So that was cool. Order seafood in the more casual restaurants. Food will be better and you won't waste 2 hours of your life or your money.
(2)Donna Z.
The atmosphere here is great. The wedge salad was really good as was the crab and avocado salad. The mahi sliders lacked some taste. A bit pricey, but overall good.
(4)Nei T.
I loved my well balanced dish. the service was good. My friend was not impressed. He ordered the snapper. I loved the ambiance but would probably only order the mussel/clam combo because it was delish. I give it 4 stars...he said three so 3.5 stars.
(4)Eric D.
Food is quite good - not super interesting - but well seasoned, well executed and competitively priced considering the location. No complaints. The wait staff is world class. Super friendly, no mistakes.
(5)Jason R.
The food is awesome, the drinks are great and the prices are just right! The place is right on the water and you can't beat the views. We can't wait to go back and will make sure our friends all stop by!
(5)Dave G.
Best restaurant in town, period! We stayed in Avalon for three days and have dined at some six different restaurants. This is by far the best quality of food and service for the money. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Jackie D.
As if Catalina Island isn't magical enough, this restaurant really tops it all off! I ordered the clam chowder, wedge salad no bacon, cilantro lime steamed 1/2 mussels half clam, and the lemon pepper mahi-mahi. I was expecting "so-so seafood restaurant on the water" food and was SO impressed by what came out of that kitchen. Clam chowder was one of the best; you really taste all of the clams which is delicious. The salad was on point. Mussels and clams were to die for in that cilantro/lime/tomato/butter sauce. And mahi-mahi was delicious too! 5 stars and prices are very reasonable. Will be back here every time I am on the island!
(5)Simon M.
This is a place to top off the Catalina experience. I highly recommend the clam chowder and mussel basket. The outside seating provides great views of the harbor.
(5)Katharine J.
Nice local eatery if that's what you're looking for. Only issue is that they don't take reservations, but if you call fifteen minutes ahead and ask for a table (let them know you're coming) you should be able to get one without much wait... which to me is kind of the same thing as reservations? I dunno, I was a bit confused by that policy when I talked to the wait staff. But, regardless... Pretty good food, (especially their seafood) and great service.
(4)Andrea R.
I think Bluewater Grill was the best place we ate at while on Catalina Island. A month later, it's the only meal I remember with much clarity. Ambiance: We skipped right past the interior seating so that we could be on the outdoor patio, which is actually kind of a pier built right over the bay. Loved watching the sun set. Although they're probably not supposed to, beach swimmers were drifting about beneath us; also, it was cool to look over the side and watch the fish. Don't tell the staff, but I may have tossed them a few bits of their relatives -- the fish I mean, not the swimmers :). Food: The fresh catch of the day's Sand Dabs entrée (scalloped potatoes and sautéed spinach, perfect accompaniments!), and the artichoke dip appetizer, stood out as fine, five-star choices. The mixed, deep-fried Fisherman's Platter was pretty average. Hubby enjoyed the clam chowder, saying it was among the finest he'd tasted. Alcohol: yes, there was. Service: Average. They did their job, and the wait for the food was as expected. Price: Yikes! Take a deep breath and repeat after me: this is Catalina Island. Everything is priced reasonably when you look at it through "island goggles". I advise the weary traveler to keep those "island goggles" on for the duration of one's stay in Avalon. Conclusion: this would be a good restaurant for the romantic memories or for other special occasions, especially if you're into the ocean view. So sorry for the tardiness of my review!
(4)Lasandra H.
Although they do not take reservations we called half an hour ahead to request a waterside table for four. On arrival a very pleasant young lady took us to a perfect waterside table so we were off to a great start. We were immediately brought a basket of warm delicious sourdough bread. We ordered a nice merlot that was even reasonably marked up. Our waiter, Daniel, was very patient in explaining the specials and how various things were prepared. Our friends had a seafood salad and a seafood pasta, my sister had the tuna special and I had Mahi Mahi. All our meals were delicious and generous portions. Sitting looking over the harbor and all the anchored boats as the sun set was a real bonus. Everything about our dinner here was great and we will definitely come back next time we go to Catalina Island. ,
(4)Patricia N.
Just had to review over the view. It's incredibly picturesque, it continues to floor me whenever I look back on my visit there. I got the clam chowder there and it was pretty solid! Had a great creaminess as well as good clam flavor too. Service was pretty good here. Overall, I think this place is definitely pretty solid compared to other places around the area.
(5)Fiona X.
This was not what I expected from all the yelp reviews and ratings! Their Seafood Paella was absolutely NOT RECOMMENDED! Way too fishy...and their rice was tasteless... IF you come here make sure to order their daily fishes (fried or grilled) or the cedar plank salmon. NOT the paella~
(2)Melinna F.
This place definitely deserves the 5 stars! Our server was extremely friendly and so helpful with menu choices and was right on the money with his recommendations! We loved the drinks. The food, and who can forget the beautiful ocean view. If your in Catalina definitely stop by to eat here! No ands, ifs, or buts!
(5)Katy C.
Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. Loved the location! Gorgeous view of the harbor and all the moored up boats. The cioppino and sand dabs are two of the best we've ever tasted. Came back twice in two days for more.
(5)Lauren O.
Have the right expectations: When I saw Paella on the menu, I changed our plans to make sure we could have dinner here. Based on reviews and the menu, I thought this place would be like the Avalon Grille (high quality food expertly prepared). When the seafood paella arrived, I was immediately disappointed. It was a bowl of rice, topped with veggies, sliced chorizo, and seafood. If it had been called "rice bowl" on the menu, that would have been what I expected. The whole point of paella is that everything is cooked together and the flavors mingle and compliment each other. This was clearly a precooked rice, with some other ingredients cooked separately and thrown on top. I really doubt the presence of saffron too, the rice looked like a rice a roni mix. We actually came back to the restaurant later for a cocktail. The bar is fantastic, great bartenders, fresh ingredients. We were chatting with the manager and I asked about the paella. He admitted that yes, the rice is precooked and other ingredients are added when ordered. He told us a little about the kitchen structure (we also work in restaurants and were curious) and I totally understand that with the volume of diners coming through and the limited kitchen size, that's really the chef's only option. My suggestion to Bluewater is this: if you don't have the resources to do a dish right, just don't put it on the menu! There are plenty of options that look good, but you don't want to get your customers excited just to let them down. That being said, there was really nothing WRONG with the restaurant. My husband's salmon was great, our scallop appetizer was perfectly prepared. The service was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance was lovely. I was only disappointed because I had high expectations. It's not Avalon Grille, it's a good spot to have a good meal and look at the ocean. Just don't order the paella and you're in for a good time!!
(4)Vida K.
My date and I went to the Bluewater Grill for lunch and were delighted to have a beautiful oceanfront table. Our waitress, Megan was very personable and recommended the lobster roll. We ordered the Fannie Bay oysters on the half shell. The oysters came with a mignonette and also a cocktail sauce. They were delicious. The lobster roll was equally delicious! The bread was a very tasty toasted brioch which had been buttered. The lobster was plump and juicy and served with the homemade potato chips, which were so good and crisp. I liked that they weren't too salty and that they had a wonderful crunch. We actually loved this restaurant and went back for dinner and lunch the next day!!
(5)Mo H.
I am giving this restaurant a star rating largely due to the amazing location. It's sits right on the Avalon harbor overlooking water so clear you see the fish swim by. The food is 3-4 star fresh fish good drinks and great service .
(5)Elizabeth W.
A laid back lunch at Bluewater Grill is guaranteed to seal your delightful day out on Santa Catalina Island. I avoided the main rush, came around 2 pm and secured my ideal spot on the balcony overlooking the water. The service was good, the Seafood Louie Salad tasty and satisfying, the wine list more than adequate.
(4)Arthur H.
The view is simply awesome. Port side with beautiful sunset. Bravo! Food is tasty but on the high price side, also the portion is not enough. Catalina is short of water and therefore we had to buy our water instead of getting free ones. That's okay. What's not okay is that the food is a tad too salty and we need to keep drinking water.
(3)Daniel L.
We had lunch: - Chicken under a Brick (moist and flavorful) - Lemon Pepper Mahi MahI (wow! Perfect) Glad we found the spot. Dining right on the beach. Food was really impressive, delicious and service was good.
(4)Kyla A.
Best clam chowder and steamed clams ever. No grit at all. Super great service, dogs welcomed on the patio
(5)Nini H.
Horrible service! Do not come to this place. If I could give this place ZERO stars I would. First of all our waitress, Natalie, had the worst attitude serving us. Not only did she completely ignored the question I asked her, but she got my meal wrong. Then she had the nerve to chase us down after we left no tip because of the bad service. She came with an attitude and wasn't even apologetic about the service. She argued with us and thought we didn't know how to calculate the tip. If she had even apologized once for her rudeness I would have gladly left a tip. We always tip at least 20%, but this service was just crap. Plus it wasn't just us that had bad service at the restaurant. The table next to us waited so long to be helped that they just left. Then the table in front of us got something they didn't ordered and she just told them to try it and maybe they would like it. Who does that?!? To top it off another waiter ran into the chair of my younger sister who was at the end of the table. Seriously, if you're a waiter you should know the place well enough to not run into your customers while they are eating (especially if it's half empty). Don't come here because you will get the following: 1) Horrible service 2) Disgusting bathrooms 3) Mediocre food that was definitely not worth the price 4) A wrong order Will never come here ever again and I will definitely spread the word that this place is not worth the time. Sad cause the other restaurants on the island had great customer service.
(1)Felicia G.
Came to Catalina for a day and lunched here. Was seated right by the water. Very nice seats and were accommodated for slight substitutions from the menu. For a lunch for two it was $80 without tip. I found that a bit steep but that's what you can expect while on the island. Other than that I really enjoyed the service most of all. Our waiter was attentive and non-intrusive. The food was ok. The quality of the food seemed up to par but lacked a little in the flavor department. I will bring my own hot sauce next time. Besides that, I had an extremely relaxing lunch and would go back just to have an appetizer and drink for the outside deck experience again.
(4)B E.
Omg. People, I am not a prude (seriously) but the BATHROOM?! Wow. I have had better experiences in a roadside bathroom in nowhere Texas. First, it was unisex: 2 stalls, 2 urinals. And it was FILTHY. Not sure if the moisture on the ground was water or urine but I can say with utter certainty that the toilet seat was saturated in urine. A urine tsunami. Fortunately, there was a lock on the door and I made a two men wait for me to do my business. But then! My boyfriend used the bathroom and had an even worse experience -- a weirdo woman was in there and insisted he pissed while she leisurely washed her hands, adjusted her makeup. He sat there with performance anxiety for a good 2 minutes. That's a long ass awkward silence. Anyway, the New Zealand Pinot is delicious. So is the warm bread. But the bathroom? Unreal. #vomit
(1)Kate R.
Yummy food, fun atmosphere & fantastic view! Can someone please tell me if this mural is still there? It's me & a gf 20 years ago today! :)
(4)Morgan H.
During my two day stay in Avalon last weekend, I ate here twice. The restaurant is beautiful and you can't get any better view than sitting outside right by the water. The decor is very bright and clean. You are started with a basket of fresh Sourdough bread and butter. Most entrees are in the $20-25 dollar range. The two meals that I ordered were both pretty much flawless and cost around $12-13. Crab and Avocado Salad: I was expecting a small amount of crab but there was a huge pile of super fresh delectable crab meat. I was able to get a large bite of crab with every forkful. 3 large avocado slices and some cherry tomatoes atop arugula and mixed greens made this salad light and fresh, perfect for the setting. Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Two flour (or corn) tortillas stuffed with shrimp, cabbage, cotija cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and tomatillo salsa on the side. I loved the shrimp and that they didn't skimp on any ingredients. It is served with black beans and chips on the side. Both sides were enjoyable, and the beans had a little spice. Service was a bit slow and we ended up looking for refills a few times. But just come expecting a leisurely meal and you should be fine. The setting and well-cooked food make it worth it.
(4)M L.
Must get: Fisherman's platter Grill snapper plate Fisherman's platter comes with fried scallops, fish, fries and a choice of your side. We got the coleslaw. It was the best fish and chips I ever had. Fish was batter to perfection. So crispy and the fish was so flaky. The scallops were my favorite though. Everything was Delicious! The grill snapper was delicious too. It had a smokey flavor and the meat was tender. It was a wonderful experience, we sat outside and had a beautiful view of the ocean. Oh yea but be warn my fiancé almost got pooped on by the seagull. Right smack in front of his face. Luckily we were done with our meal
(4)Jessica B.
Great ambiance, great food and great service! Right on the water and beautiful view. My party had the fish and chips, beef short rib, the burger and the chicken. Everyone loved their food! We started with the wedge salad and the dressing was amazing!! Also the bread that comes with the meal was amazing we ate two baskets!! Lol! Great experience thank you :)
(5)Daniel R.
One word 5 star rating Cioppino!!!!! any Questions? I love Avalon and this place is awesome
(5)Marie M.
Our hotel Vista Del Mar recommended dinner at the Bluewater Grill. Although our stay at the Vista Del Mar hotel was wonderful however the experience at Bluewater Grill was absolutely horrible as follows: 1. It was a very hot day and we asked for bottled water. We received "warm" bottled water with a plastic cup of ice. We asked if cold bottle water was on hand but we were told the restaurant had no cold water. 2. My husband and I ordered alcoholic drinks and I assumed the type of drink I ordered would not require a straw but I received my drink with a straw. I asked the waiter if the straw was a paper wrapped straw and he said no it was not. I recognize this is a quirky thing but I do not want someone to put unwrapped straws into my drinks. Unwrapped straws typically are not clean, flies land on them and Catalina Island has a fly issue so I have seen flies land on unwrapped straws and I don't like the idea of someone picking up an unwrapped straw and putting it into my drink. I told the waiter that I don't like unwrapped straws placed in my drink but the waiter was upset by this and he stated, "do you want me to change the drink", "we cannot just change drinks like this", "is there anything else you are going to complain about?". I asked the waiter, did you actually say to me, "is there anything else you are going to complain about"? The waiter stated, "well I just want to know". I stated, "I just don't like unwrapped straws" and the waiter stated, "well you should have told me that". 3. We were so taken a back by the unprofessionalism of the waiter that I asked to speak to the manager. A manager came to the table stating that he was one of 3 managers on staff. I told him what happened and he apologized for the waiter's behavior and the manager stated that from this point forward he would make sure the waiter would provide us with excellent service however, I informed the manager that I do not wish to have the same waiter. The manager actually told my husband and I that if we wanted a different waiter that we had to move to another table. Needless to say we got up and left the restaurant to never return again.
(1)B T.
Sorta gross actually. Pass on the calamari too-- its overly battered yet still manages to be soggy and it's very chewy. And the seasoning is overkill. But there aren't too many decent choices for food on the island so I guess I'd go there again unless someone offered me something better, like hard-boiled eggs on the street. Oh and rude service and steep prices for quality. Except for the ahi tuna. It was fresh but they didn't know what to do with it. Whatever.
(2)Lindsey W.
Great views and nice decor. Hostess was friendly and waiter was attentive, however the food was not impressive. My husband had a light meal starting with the red crab salad and he was not a fan...there were shells in it. Then he had clam chowder which was way too watery and just didn't have much flavor. I had the mahi and the fish was great, but the scalloped potatoes and veggies were just thrown on the plate in a lazy messy pile on top of each other. It didn't look very appetizing to say the least. You would think they would try a little harder when charging such prices. You're better off going to Steve's or The Lobster Trap.
(3)Vanna N.
We were on vacation and decided to come here for happy hour. The steamed clams was a must and boy am I glad we did. The clams were succulent and the sauce was to die for. Our bartender/server was on point and he even gave us samples of the legendary buffalo milk that is popular in Avalon. We also got oyster shooters, thai chicken wings and the heavenly calamari fritte. Everything including the service was great. Just thinking about it makes me wanna go back to Catalina again ;)
(5)Emily J.
Everything from the view, the food, the drinks and the overall ambience was amazing. I love this place!
(5)John J.
Last night in town after a busy weekend on the island we decided to save Bluewater for a quiet evening. We were greeted with a very happy welcome and were sat outside along the rails. Our waitress was extremely attentive and had a pleasant personality. she gave us her recommendations and we took them. First we ordered the Seared Scallops they were excellent just the right amount of jalepano. It was an excellent choice. We both decided on the mahi mahi blackened and potatoes. Excellent choice excellent recommendation. The food was prepared perfectly we are still trying to figured out the cheese in the potatoes. Don't pass this place up on your visit.
(5)Sylvia H.
Yum! We had dinner on the patio overlooking the beautiful bay. They had strong heaters hanging from the top of the patio cover, so it was very warm and cozy. Food: We had the clam chowder, two pasta dishes, fish and chips, and a seafood Louis. Everything tasted wonderful. Prices ranged from $17.50- 23.50. Service: Excellent. Our waitress was very friendly and highly professional. Atmosphere: Can't beat the view, the smell of the ocean breeze, and the toasty heaters that allow you to enjoy it all in 50 degree weather. Thank you, Bluewater Grill. You certainly made up for the lack of customer service we experienced at Island Golf Cart Rentals. And for that, we will gladly come back.
(4)Allyson J.
Amazing! Shared an exquisite bottle of Sauvignon blanc recommended by our server with my sis and we had the artichoke appetizer, brick chicken and lobster for our entrees and everything was fantastic. The service was wonderful, my sis is not into seafood but our guide from long beach to Catalina recommended them regardless. Our server was very attentive, and the manager came by to check on us as well. I wish I could remember the servers name but I know the managers name was Lato and he was very kind and informative about everything from the menu to island attractions, thank you! Excellent view and killer menu.
(5)Chris Z.
A little pricey but very good food. View was amazing if you sit outside. Crab cakes and crab dip both great appetizers.
(4)Annemarie K.
Excellent place for seafood! The food and drinks here were superb. I tried the fresh tilapia. It was grilled perfectly and came with the most delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes. I also tried the "sand dab" fresh fish and it was excellent, I liked this even more than the tilapia. The strawberry margarita had quality tequila and plenty of it! The "Avalon iced tea" is delicious but a very strong drink. The waitress was an excellent server, very attentive even though it was busy. I would recommend this place for a great seafood dinner!
(4)Mary T.
The food is so good here. Our favorites are the lemon pepper mahi mahi, Romano Tilapia, and Calamari with sweet chili sauce. If you're looking for fresh seafood on the island, check out this place. It also has a great view and it's on the harbor so make a reservation. The creme brûlée is delicious.
(5)Duke K.
Atmosphere: 5 Food: 5 Value: 3 Service: 3
(4)Juan Carlos F.
I enjoy coming to the Bluewater Grill for the oyster shooters, large selection of signature mixed drinks and great service. This place is right on the water overlooking all of Avalon, beautiful boats and clear water beaches. Five stars!
(5)Ines D.
Location was great, right on the water. The outdoor area was a little cold (about 6:30) but they had heaters to keep customers warm and offered blankets to put on your shoulders. No waiting. Food was delicious -- seared scallops ($15) appetite and halibut ($33) glass of reisling wine $8. Rate $$$.
(5)Evelyn S.
We came to Calalina many times but never here! Loved it !!! Taste of food is delicious trust me our plates are mouth watering!
(5)Ceci Z.
Must have an outdoor lunch here while visiting the island. Amazing view and food! The Bluewater Burger was super delicious and I was stuffed!. One complain is the slow service, always had to wave for more than 10 minutes before flagging down someone. Also not enough restrooms...
(4)Amy Y.
Came here for dinner before getting ready to go on the ferry. The service was really good, they were nice and attentive so that was good. Unfortunately, the food was only sub-par. They did have a great view on the pier even though it was pretty drafty this evening that we went but that's no fault of the restaurant. I ordered the sandabs special and sadly to say, I think i've found my first fish that I did not enjoy in a restaurant. It was flat, almost like I wash't eating anything except the fried outside. Luckily I had the spinach and scalloped potatoes to hold me over, otherwise I would've been a bit like the hungry snickers person in the commercials. I thought that the place was a bit overpriced as well for the food, maybe it was just because of my dislike of the food though that made it seem over the top, but I'm sticking with it. I think I would try a different restaurant if I were to come back to catalina for dinner.
(3)Dave L.
A solid 4 stars. We all enjoyed the seafood offerings here. I liked the Seafood Louie and found the crab and shrimp to be fresh, bright and perfectly seasoned. In my experience, the crab is oftentimes too salty. The fresh produce and neat presentation highlighted the tasty seafood and the thousand dressing was top notch. I heard from my fellow diners that the chowder was super as well. A perfect mix of clams and potatoes, creamy base (that was not too watery or thick) and served at just the right temp. A great value: beautiful venue, fresh seafood and expert preparation. I will definitely be back.
(4)Debrah M.
Had drinks and appetizers at the Bluewater on August 10th 2015. We had a wonderful waiter named Jackson. Offered us blankets if we got cold. The heaters were turned on so we didn't need them...nice gesture. I had the house chardoney....very good. The clam chowder was fantastic.....so was the scallop buffalo wings starters. We sat on the patio nearest the water and enjoyed the view. Definitely a great place to have a nice relaxing meal. Ask for Jackson ....he is a great waiter!
(5)Steve I.
Dropped in for a late afternoon cocktail and appetizers and wound up staying for dinner. Great food, really great drinks and great service also. Add to that an awesome location with views out over the harbor and personally I think this is one of the best places to eat and drink in Avalon. Couple of days later now ... been to several other places to eat and drink, but still think this place is the best. When 5pm comes around we always seem to gravitate back here for cocktails!
(4)Eugene C.
Terrible service. Waiter didn't greet us for 20 minutes. When he did come he asked if someone helped us, we said no and he responded "perfect". Perfect for who you idiot. Hostess girls are really uptight for what they look like. I'm not trying to be mean, just saying. Food and drinks were good!
(2)Byron S.
Delicious food! All of the dishes has a lot of seafood, which is great. But service isn't great. Took forever for the waitress to get us plates and drinks. Appetizers: Crab and avocado salad was delicious! Tons of fresh crab meat. Seared scallops weren't as good as usual. Scallops were smaller than the last time I was here and it was slightly too burnt. Still a great appetizer though. Main dishes: Cioppino was great! Asked for slightly spicy and they delivered. Pappardelle with shrimp and scallops in white wine mushroom sauce was good. Tons of shrimp and scallops. Pasta and sauce were good but there was a piece of sand in one of the mushrooms!! Seafood paella was tasty but too watery. Overall, food is tasty. However, service is subpar for the price.
(4)Rita D.
We had lunch at Bluewater and enjoyed it so much we were back in 5 hours for dinner. At lunch we had the tacos and they were very tasty. I had the blackened shrimp and my friend had the Mahi. We both loved the flavor. At dinner I had the cioppino and the amount of fish and clans and mussels was great. My girl friend had the shrimp linguini which was actually better than mine. We loved the atmosphere. The fact that the restaurant was updated and the Service. We will be back!
(4)Mindy N.
What a great spot right on the water in Avalon! The food was delicious and our server was great. We enjoyed the Mahi tacos and Crab BLT sandwich - both sensational! Also enjoyed the traditional Catalina drink Buffalo Milk - can't go wrong all around!
(5)Louise K.
We had appetizers & cocktails on the deck I highly recommend the crab cakes Best I've had in a while Great view of the harbor
(5)Renee P.
clam chowder was ok
(3)Anna I.
3rd time here! Definitely recommend. Great steak, great chicken, great scalloped potatoes, great burger. Well presented. Friendly service, delicious bread. Left my card there, went back the next day, they asked for my ID to verify. I felt they kept my card safe and secure and have been professional in all my dealings. Also, compared to Descanso beach club food, this is wayyyyy better for the $. They serve fresh warm bread and butter also that's quite marvy. Sits right on the beautiful water front. :-)
(5)Leah N.
Great food, great location and wonderful view of the harbor. The meals were delicious. I ordered muscles in garlic and wine sauce. They were perfect and I'm very picky about my muscles. My friend ordered prawn linguini and she said it was superb. Our server was Robert and he was always on top of it. I mentioned we were on the island celebrating my big 40 and he brought out a little sundae. It was very sweet. Overall great experience. Will definitely be back on the next visit.
(5)Halie E.
Came here to have a nice family dinner and was greatly disappointed. It took an hour just to get our waters and then another hour to get the food. Food came out cold but was decent. Enjoyed this place for the view than anything else.
(2)Chris L.
While the location can't be beat, the food and service sure could be. Where to start? How about the slow service starting from the severe lag time from being seated to being waited upon to the hour-long wait for the food to be served. The party at the adjacent table walked after growing so tired of the wait. Starved kids scurrying about.... It's a nice spot, and who's in a hurry in Avalon, but the chairs are too low for the table and rather uncomfortable otherwise. The food was subpar as well with dry and sloppily shucked oysters as the starter. The swordfish steak was perfectly cooked, and the spinach side was perhaps the most perfectly cooked spinach i have ever experienced - barely cooked leaves that could be individually distinguished! The homemade chips though were horrible - cold, soggy, and tough rather than light and crispy. My partner's scallops were small and unremarkable. I won't go back.
(2)Jerry M.
Came here during our weekend stay at Catalina Island. The seafood was excellent. I had the sea bass with scalloped potatoes and dill rice. Fish was cooked well. The scalloped potatoes were tasty. The only downside was the portions are small. Prices weren't that bad considering the typical island costs which are higher than Southern California.
(4)Jake B.
My girlfriend and I go here every time we visit the island. The food is always great, I highly recommend the surf n turf and crab cakes. Perfect date spot and for the atmosphere/ quality the prices are pretty reasonable. Cheers
(4)Kenzie L.
Amazing food, amazing service. My boyfriend and I went last night and our waitress was just the sweetest. We devoured the poke and surf and turf. Thanks for putting up with our drunk asses.
(5)Karen R.
Amazing food! Started with grilled artichoke and crab artichoke dip...so so good.. For entree my husband and I shared shrimp and scallop Papardelle in cream sauce...now ending with a mud pie...let's just say I would be broke if I lived here...
(5)Jackie D.
Loved my Crab BLT! I frequent the Bluewater here in Newport and have never seen that dish on their menu. It ran $17.50, which sounds pricey but we are discussing crab and Catalina. Sandwich was on Sour Dough, crab salad, topped with avocado & tomato, oh and perfectly cooked bacon. The fries that came with it, were cooked perfectly. Place is cute, with a lot of outdoor seating.
(4)Esteban F.
Wife and I both had their crab cakes and lobster rolls. They were amazing. They come with a pickle spear and their homemade chips. We came in 5 minutes before happy hour at 3 pm so our beers took a little bit too come out bur the server let us know, so that was nice. The crab cakes were the best we've ever had.! The lobster rolls were stuffed, buttery, and delicious. The chips were crisp, warm, and paired nicely with the pickle. 10/10, would come back!
(5)Olivia L.
We decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner our first night on the Island, and was lucky enough to have an outdoor table with a view of the bay and all the little cute boats. Sadly, I had the stomach flu of some sort, so I couldn't spoil myself with food, but we still got enough to try. Service was not too bad! We were greeted and seated immediately in the shade and given time to look over food and drinks. I got a hot tea and the waitress brought over this box full of various teas for me to choose from, all from Numi organic teas. The tea was served in its own hot water pot, but the cup was kind of dirty, with what looked like coffee spots all over it.... We ordered an appetizer of grilled artichoke (~10$) and it came as 1 artichoke, but in half. The grill had a GREAT seasoning of garlic and salt, mMmm so good! Not too salty, and not too oily. My boyfriend got the normal Mahi Mahi with spinach and scallop potatoes. I tried a little of his fish and it was pretty goOd! Just a little dry for my taste, but it was a simple fillet. The scallop potatoes were delicious, nice creamy sauce with perfect thin cut potatoes. I got the clam chowder soup bowl (8$) and it was definitely really tasty. I got another bowl of soup somewhere else on the island earlier that day, so compared to that one, this bowl was less potato-y and not as creamy as the other one. I felt like this soup had a lot more texture and clams and all together very well! We went early during Labor day weekend, so if you go on a prime time during the night, I recommend getting a reservation because I heard the wait time can be up to two hours or more.
(4)Barb M.
So- I have to say that after eating at Lobster Trap- food here is more expensive and not as tasty. But, the view is amazing. And servers terrific. Great bar as well. I would do appetizers for the view and drinks and dine at Lobster Trap. Raw Oysters we terrific and fresh Fannie Maes from B.C. Clam chowder is thin with a ton of clams but not much potato or seasoning. Sand Dab is the local fish - very tasty and fresh. Salmon was fresh but so very bland that they took it off the bill. That said- if you want to dress up a tad at night and watch the sunset - this is the spot. Now, as for the health hazard noted on a period review - I checked it out with the Chamber of commerce. It was their neighbor's disposal/ trash process that caused them to both have to shut their doors a bit the their neighbors to remediate it. It is a shame - this is a newer restaurant getting off the ground - they don't need any setbacks.
(3)Lan N.
Wonderful service and delicious food! The first day I arrived we found this place. We got seated at a lovely outside covered table. Ordered a cucumber mojito got a great buzz and had the grilled shrimp chopped salad, so delicious! Great place to start off my vacation. Came back a few days later for lunch and had the fish and chips, again, delicious once again!
(5)Darlene Ariane N.
We went there on Saturday and the food was incredible. I had a crab, bacon and avocado sandwich and my friend had the salmon sandwich. Both were really tasty. The drinks are strong and very good. The only thing I didn't like was not having any water. They gave you bottles that you had to pay for because of the drought. People at the beach could wash their feet off but we couldn't have drinking water with our meal.
(4)Christel L.
Eta note: Upping the review to 3 stars because Jim, the owner reached out to me regarding my 2 star experience. I appreciate that unlike others, he acknowledged the mistakes and politely asked for another chance to prove the business can be better. --------------- My family and I decided to make this the last stop for dinner on our Catalina day trip earlier this summer. Every time we walked back and forth across the harbor, this place was packed with people. By the time we made it in for dinner, the sun was going down as well as the temperature, so the flies started disappearing too. Since we wanted to be seated on the patio, it was a minimum wait of 15 minutes before we got to a table. We were greeted by the server with a spiel about the current drought and the restaurant's efforts to curb water use by electing not to serve tap water and charging for water bottles and ice. For a moment, it seemed impressive that the business was thinking environmentally, until I went to the restrooms to wash my hands and noticed that some tables had tap water served to them anyway. And after all that talk about how they wanted to limit even their ice distribution, the cocktail I ordered (mule) was filled to the brim with ice cubes and barely any alcohol. Okay... It was already cool outside at that point and the need for the bartender to serve a cold one was a bit excessive. Hopefully they had sustainable means of recycling the bottles. As for the dining and service, sub par for the price. With all the rave reviews, we expected the best possible food on the island served to us, but it took a long time to get to our table. We noticed that the complimentary bread wasn't offered to us, so after putting in a request with our server, we watched table after table of people seated after us receive bread until we finally asked again. The burger I ordered was okay; it looked better than it tasted. The sentiment was shared by my dining companions for their dishes too. Bluewater Grill may look like the given place to have a meal because it's in a prime location that sits right on the water, but even with a beautiful ocean side view (I would bump up the rating 0.5 just for that), the level of service and quality of food dampened the closing hours of our experience in Avalon that day.
(3)Scott H.
My girlfriend and I sat at one of the tables on the hack deck over the water at 5:00pm for dinner and the weather was calm and perfect. This place is practically 4 stars on view and atmosphere alone. Our starter was the bacon seared scallops with Jalapeno aioli and some type of oil. The scallops were well cooked and did not shrink to bay scallop size. The bacon was sprinkled on top which ended up being solid although I prefer bacon wrapped. For entrees we had the grilled Tilapia and the grilled swordfish. The swordfish was well cooked although the char added a little too much to the flavor balance. The Tilapia was well cooked. Overall a great experience.
(4)Jennifer L.
Good oysters, great view. A bit overpriced but not surprising for the location right on the harbor. Nice spot to sit and enjoy the view with a friend.
(4)Stacey L.
After a long hike, all my my boyfriend and I wanted was to sit down and have a nice lunch on the water. This was our best pick for that statement. Bluewater Grill is located on the shore of Avalon and if seated outside you are greeted with the sea breeze an a great view of the marina. On first impression this place seems very classy and prices are decently affordable. Although, after being seated and having to wait quite a while to get our drink orders, I instantly found myself wanting to give this place a 1 star review. Service is very slow. I don't know if it's because my boyfriend and I were dressed in our hiking clothes, and they are snooty or something, but it took them forever to get our drink orders, then after giving us our drinks, instead of taking our food orders, the server walked away and took another tables order. I had to flag down the server 20 mins after being seated for us to finally get our food orders in. I was farily pissed off at this time and the server knew, but he had a snooty attitude like he didn't care. I was about to walk out the door because I never felt so insulted by a servers attitude but my boyfriend told me to relax and just wait for the food. Once the food came out everything changed, NOT THE SERVERS ATTITUDE, but my overall feeling towards the restaurant. The food here is delicious! We ordered the calamari friti and it's by far the best fried calamari that i've eaten. Get it and you won't regret it. I tried the louie shrimp salad and that was pretty amazing also. It comes with real crab pieces (lots of it) and tiny bay shrimp with this delicious sauce. I've never been happier with a meal. Although, the snooty server really killed my experience here.
(2)Nekandra S.
We ate dinner here Thursday night May 14th. When we arrived the hostess told us they were at capacity but she did have two booths that were located off to the side of the restaurant leading to the restrooms.Once seated we was quickly helped by our server. I order the grilled artichoke for my appetizer and it wasn't what I expected. So she returned it and I got the clam chowder soup which was very tasty. My main dish was something with shrimps and scallops with a white creamy sauce which was also good. The first glass of wine was great but the second one wasn't so much. Tasted as if they switched wines. Will visit again.
(5)Karim K.
Amazing place with a great view. Love visiting the island and coming here for dinner. Great view from the outdoor patio and food is delicious. Have a few drinks and enjoy the view!
(5)Megan C.
After walking through Catalina we settled on this restaurant for the view and menu. After a 45min wait we were seated on the patio and served fresh, hot bread and butter. I ordered a Pinot Noir, which was good, and my husband ordered a martini. Unfortunately they were out of martini glasses (?) so his was served in a small, slightly warm glass. For food we ordered to split the oysters, the crab and avocado side salad and the ahi tuna. The oysters were good, but a few were wimpy in size. The side salad was excellent as far as the freshness of the lettuce, crab and avocado but the dressing was almost flavorless. Next time I would skip the dressing and just do a squeeze of lemon and some fresh pepper. Our ahi came out promptly and was absolutely amazing. It really made the meal. And the kitchen was nice enough to split the plate without us even asking, which was a nice touch. We'll be back!
(4)Joanne B.
Five stars for the view and being right on the water, but two sad stars for the lackluster food at this restaurant. They weren't too busy for lunch when we arrived and was seated quickly for us to enjoy our first meal on the island. We shared an arugula salad with crab and avocado and they were nice to split it in two plates without us asking them to do so. Due to the water shortage, all the restaurants on the island only served bottled water at $0.50 each. No bad, I'm all for drinking bottled water anyway, but our server forgot to bring it out until we flagged her down for it. Anyway, the shrimp linguine I ordered was bland and lacked any flavor. I don't like salting my dishes other than when I'm actually cooking a meal at home, but I had to reach for the salt shaker a few times to give it some flavor (which still didn't help). I only ate the five small pieces of shrimp from this $19 dish and left the pasta alone. My hubby said his mahi-mahi fish tacos were okay, but compared the salsa like those that you buy in the chips aisle at the grocery store. I picked at the chips and beans from his plate since it tasted better than my pasta dish and to fill my hungry appetite. Our meal came out to seventy-five bucks for our shared salad, two entrees, two cocktails and two bottled waters. If we return back to the island, I'll probably skip dining here, but would hang out at the bar since my strawberry vodka drink did have a heavy pour, lol!
(2)Joy W.
It was very busy on Saturday night when we went in, 45 minute wait for a table. So, 7 of us sat in the bar. I enjoyed the artichoke & ahi poke appetizer. I liked the artichoke choice more. The Mahi Mahi entree was tasty. Great martini from the bar. All in all I'd give it another shot on my next visit and sit in the restaurant and enjoy the view. The menu looked good, so I'll explore it with my honey again. Great location.
(4)Brian M.
Recently ate here on a weekend trip. We were seated quickly with a nice view of the bay. My wife ordered there version of the BLT and I got the burger and requested it cooked medium. When our food came my burger was well done and clearly not handmade. Bummer. It also had a pickle spear with all of the "fixins" which I thought to be odd. Why not include pickle chips that I can put in my burger. My overall dissatisfaction was with the service. Our server was slow. Never checked in with us and we had to go get him to get our check. Things we asked for came 5-6 minutes later and when I've got a hot plate of food in front of me I don't want to wait that long for a condiment. Great view, priced too high for not hand made food and poor service.
(2)Robert M.
Saw several empty tables along waterfront. Stopped with wife for drinks & appetizers. Was told these tables were for dinners only; had to sit at other tables for appetizers. Ended up spending $80 for drinks & appetizers at El Galleon across the street. Go figure
(2)Brandy S.
Too pricey for what we received. I had the sandabs and they were okay, the spinach had no flavor and was not steamed entirely, leaving parts raw like salad. In addition, the squash was also cold. My husband had the Cioppino which could have used some linguini or some substance. It was more like a soup and the scallops were overdone. The scallops were clean though, no sand..That was good! Calamari was good too.
(3)Judy Y.
This is a beautiful restaurant with a beautiful view of the ocean. As expected for a fine dining, the food was expensive but it's good quality and you will not be disappointed. Plus, with an ambiance like this, you really wouldn't mind the price you pay. I also love the heaters they have outside. You'll definitely be able to enjoy the view without freezing at night! We ordered an appetizer, Seared Ahi Tuna ($13.75), one of their specialties, Lemon Pepper Mahi Mahi ($25.00), and their fish of the day, Grilled Pacific Swordfish ($28.95). We loved the Seared Ahi Tuna and the Mahi Mahi. However, the Swordfish was just okay. Perhaps it would have been better cooked differently instead of grilled. Overall, I would have given this restaurant 4 stars. However, the service we received was EXTREMELY poor, so I'm only giving the review a 3 star. Although our waitress greeted us immediately after we sat down, it took her forever to get anything for us. We asked for a glass of ice water and a cup of hot water. She told us due to drought, they will provide water bottles instead of water in a glass cup (totally fine with us). The hot water I asked for took forever to come, and when it did, it was in a dirty cup. We didn't think much of it because it could have been an honest mistake. However, the water bottle story confirmed it was not an accident. The water bottle took forever to come. We saw other tables receiving their drinks/water bottles (with ice in the cups and straws) way before us. Then, when she finally came with the bottle, she didn't bother bringing us a cup or straw. We had to ask her for it and when she finally brought the cup. She basically dropped a wet cup on our table with no ice or straw in it. The cup looked clean. However, it looked like it came straight from the sink. We kindly asked her for ice and a straw, and of course, she rolled her eyes and left. She eventually came back with ice in the cup (still no straw), and then a straw on another trip. Took her a while, but she finally got it. It wouldn't have bothered us so much if it was busy. However, we went in on a Wednesday night. Several tables were still open. AND she was going around to other tables, greeting and chatting with other customers with a smile on her face... :( We didn't understand the reason to the poor service because we were so happy on vacation and smiled and said hi to her the moment we met. We don't think we were rude or anything. However, we were the only Asians in our section. So, it really felt like the poor service was due to the color of our skin.. :( We would still come back and enjoy ourselves here because the ambiance is just too beautiful. However, if the service is consistent to our first visit, then I'm not so sure...
(3)Cynthia B.
Best Location in Avalon Although this is a Southern California chain, it has the feel of a chef owned restaurant located in an historic building right on the water. Sit out on the patio (heaters provided) to listen to the waves, birds, and see the seals. Order fresh fish and drinks, all wonderful. The view and the ambiance can't be beat. Great for late night drinks too!
(4)Jarrett C.
Extremely clean, great outdoor dining atmosphere (but watch out for sudden rainshowers!), and excellent food. It carries a slight premium compared to the rest of the town, but it's certainly worth it.
(5)Judy V.
Where do I start, the food was just full of taste and freshness. We ordered out of the catch of the day menu. The fish was delicious as so where our appetizers. Loved this place.
(5)Jim H.
We sat on the deck overlooking the mooring field. Beautiful location. We even saw a real mermaid and a couple of rays swimming by. Ok so the mermaid was a little girl wearing a mermaid costume but she really was swimming by with a floatie. We still saw a mermaid! The food was excellent. I enjoyed the lemon-pepper mahi mahi with potatoes au gratin. Everyone in our group loved their food. The service was excellent as well.
(5)Karisa P.
Visited Catalina for a day trip and of coursed used yelp to find something for lunch. This place had the highest rating and was closest to where I was. Very disappointed. For having 4 stars I would think it would be better than it was. To start with the waitress was not friendly. She attended to all the other tables, but seemed to never come around ours. And once we finished our food she handed us the check 20 minutes after and didn't even ask if we wanted dessert... Which I planned on ordered. I clearly heard her ask the table next to us if they wanted dessert... And the restaurant was not very busy. On to the food. The complementary bread was cold. Presentation was pretty, but the food was bland. As an appetizer we ordered oysters-- they were okay. Not that great and they did not shuck it very well, there were pieces of shell mixed in. For the main course, we ordered a salmon plate and a shrimp and scallop skewer plate. Salmon and scallops were way over cooked. I also got my dessert, ordered the mud pie... It was frost bitten and tasted like it had been on the freezer for a long time. Could barely eat it because it was rock hard. Place was over priced for the quality of their food. The view was nice though.
(2)Luis M.
Great restaurant! Menu was really solid, kids menu was one of the best I have seen and the food was great. There is a need for better and more proactive waiters and waitresses. I definitely recommend this place highly.
(4)Kent V.
Best restaurant hands down in cataleeeens! Came here over the weekend for a friends birthday celebration from the mainland, and although i can not voucher for their seafood, (everyone else in my party of 5 got a seafood dish and said it was delicious), I got their Angus New York Steak with Blue Cheese Compound Butter, w/ wilted spinach and creamy cheese scalloped potatoes ($32). It was delicious! My steak was cooked perfectly and their scalloped potatoes although very cheesy and heavy were very good! Very nice bar area, great service and our waitress even brought out a complimentary ice cream sundae for the birthday guest. Definitely recommend to anyone in Catalina who wants a nice dinner with an ocean view. On an island that is not necessarily known for having the best food, this restaurant is top notch.
(5)Katerina Y. Y.
Service is slow, slow, slow. Big case of island fever at this joint. And because of the drought, you are charged 50 cents, but that's everyone. I don't like charred food and that's what one of my party received. But if that's what you are looking for, then I suppose you would like this place. It is busy, because its right on the water. Beautiful scenario.
(2)Richard M.
Our usual spot, the Portofino, was closed tonight. Upon recommendation, we dined here. Great Catalina seaside ambiance. Friendly, attentive staff. Tonight our group of twelve choose various items from the seafood menu. First, we were presented with fresh hot, crusty bread and butter. Always nice. A rather decent selection of wines from which we chose several different bottles. Clam chowder had great flavor just the right amount of tender clams however, lacking in potatoes and far too runny. Grilled artichoke appetizer was perfectly grilled and we'll seasoned. Bouillabaisse was somewhat flavorful with tender clams , mussels, shrimp. Problem was, the really tough fish pieces and overcooked scallops. I couldn't cut through the fish with my spoon. My check, less drinks, about $92 after tip. I'd love to love this place but if I'm being perfectly honest, I have to say, not worth the price I paid tonight. Four of us returned days later for drinks and appetizers. The buffalo milk is definitely one of the best on the Island! Calamari was tender and complemented with the usual dipping sauces. The artichoke dip came with tortilla chips for dipping. The dip itself was full of flavor with large chunks of artichoke hearts. Melted cheese over the top quickly became sticky and hard to get through. We just pushed it aside. Again, I don't think the food is worth the price. Especially where it really lags in simple preparation. Although the restaurant is nice and the location is prime, it feels like I'm in Newport Beach. I left the mainland to get away from that feel! We may not be back.
(3)Mindeezy K.
My boyfriend and I visited the restaurant last week for his birthday. The staff was very friendly and caring. Our waiter overheard my boyfriend and I talking about birthday activities, so he brought out complimentary ice cream with a candle at the end of dinner even though I never mentioned/requested anything! The clam chowder, crab artichoke dip, calamari, and bouillabaisse were all amazing! The crab artichoke dip was basically all crab, which I loved. Ordered a bottle of prosecco and cheesecake for the perfect birthday dinner. FYI - It is a casual restaurant right on the beach. Great view of the water, would highly recommend families & lovers visiting the island!!
(5)Regina R.
This was the best meal on the island, the meals were amazing. The service was impressive of I ever come back to Catalina Island this will be the place I eat. There is an amazing view, outdoor heaters and great music.
(5)Bridget W.
If you are looking for a beautiful spot to dine, socialize and enjoy the picturesque view of Catalina's historic Casino view, then look no further than the Bluewater Grill. I surprised my husband for his birthday with a trip to Catalina. As soon as we arrived on the island, we made friends with the maître d' of the restaurant who assured us the best water view table outside. We were seated right on the patio deck, over the water - the most perfect table and thoroughly enjoyed our views as we sipped on cocktails and dined on appetizers. My husband requested a special order of halibut fish and chips, while I had their grilled shrimp. My daughter was served, by far, the most adorable children's entrée ever - a toddler's sized bento box filled with healthy, tasty treats. Our waitress went above and beyond to make my husband's birthday lunch extra special and the chef even made my daughter her own personalized dessert. Will definitely be dining here again on our next visit.
(5)Brian D.
Cozy seafood restaurant on the bay in Avalon. The bartender poured generous drinks while we waited for our table. It was cold out so no one was sitting on the patio, makes the sitting space tight, so we had to wait for our table. Hostesses and wait staff were courteous and timely. Food is solid and a nice selection on the menu. Good, predictable options prepared well. The views are the real attraction. Worth a visit when you are in Avalon. Lunch or dinner.
(4)Rabeyia A.
Food's great, service is better on weekdays than on weekends. Moscow mule could use less mint.
(3)Reiko N.
We've tried this place 10 months ago... All menu (3 entrees) weren't seasoned well, the seafood was over cooked... desserts were "Ok" ~ a week ago we tried, and again it wasn't great.. Scallops are just not done properly. Not disappointed but pretty bummed because I really like the location.
(3)Daniel T.
Visits: 1st Rating: 3.5* Dishes: Pappardelle; Scallops The seafood was fresh & done right. Service was attentive & excellent. Can't beat the view. A water front seat. -Pappardelle w/Shrimps & Scallops (3*). Served in a porcini mushroom sauce. Not bad. Might be too buttery for my taste but I'm sure there are those out there that would love it. The sauce has an earthy mushroom flavor. -Seared Scallops (4*) w/Roasted Jalapeno Aioli. Great dish. Scallops perfectly seared to get that crispy top layer and yet still has a slightly rare soft center. Mmm good. Love that aioli sauce, pairs perfectly with the scallops.
(3)S W.
We had the mahi mahi and scallops. They were superb! BUT!... Colbys, Tim, and the amazing hostess Chris were the best part of the restaurant. These three people really know how to make a customer feel special. Colbys is the hardest working employee I've seen. Chris is the best hostess- Whomever found her did a great job. She has the best personality! Tim is an amazing bar tender and really makes you feel at home. Just sayin, we are here 4 times in 2 days. Couldn't get enough of this place with the best view!!
(5)Tiana T.
The view is nice but .... Had to ask for bread, everyone else was served it with their menus. Ordered the burger, didn't ask how we wanted it cooked. Most restaurants cook medium if they don't ask. They cooked it WELL WELL WELL DONE. Tire done. Roadkill burnt in the sun done. Inedible. We were starving after a long day at sea and couldn't flag the waiter down and ended up getting cold and he wasn't too happy at our comments. Didn't offer to remake it either. Like some tourist restaurants they do not focus on customer service or good food because most likely you will not be back. Waste of $45.
(1)Carol B.
Service I a little slow but fish is fresh and delicious! Loved mussels, fish and chips, and crab salad!
(4)Peijean T.
Simply the best dining experience we had out of all the restaurants we tried on our Catalina trip. Many of the restaurants in coastal Avalon don't have great customer service, but our waitress at Bluewater was spot-on attentive without being intrusive. Also, this restaurant has the best waterfront view in Avalon, as the outdoor patio deck seating wraps around the restaurant right on the water. Lots of restos in the area don't even have a distant view of the water and keep diners inside. The food was absolutely exquisite and exceptionally priced. I would expect to pay a lot more for this back on the mainland, and they could have charged more and we still would have loved what we ordered. My dining companion and I got: --Crab and avocado salad ($12. Seriously twelve bucks) -- probably the best value on the menu. I was expecting an appetizer size, but it was a full, albeit light, meal with tons of fresh arugula, perfectly ripe avocado slices, and a BIG scoop of fresh crab. The crab wasn't drowned in a sauce but was still moist. --Ponzu Sashimi Sea Scallops ($14) -- served on the half shell with wasabi aioli and wakame salad. I didn't even know you could eat scallops raw. This was like something I would've loved getting at a good sushi place and wouldn't have blinked to pay $20 for. Wow, flavors were delicious and fresh, and can't believe the price! --Mahi mahi sliders ($12?) -- Disappointing. They were two little sandwiches on Hawaiian bread rolls and a handful of super hard housemade potato chips. Compared to the other entrees, this felt like a ripoff. Wish we had ordered fish and chips, which looked big and delicious at the table next to us.
(5)Erin P.
I ate at this delightful restaurant for lunch on a sunny day. The mahi sliders were fabulous. Everything on the sliders was very complementary. The portion was smaller than I expected (2 sliders), but it was just the perfect size, really. The view is fabulous - right on the water with great views. My only complaint was that I was kicked out of my table before I was able to order a second (after-lunch) drink. I wanted to stay and read for a while, considering how nice the ambiance was. The waiter explained that they wanted to seat another party there and wanted me to sit at the bar (without the good view) if I wanted anything else. Mind you, I had been there less than an hour. From my experience in the service industry, moving customers to other tables a cardinal no-no. However, the manager was very polite and explained it was a misunderstanding on the server's part - they only wanted to know which tables appeared to be getting close to leaving so that the next party could be sat. He was very apologetic, and I believed him. He even asked me to call him if I visit any of their other restaurants so that he could make it up to me. I'll definitely come back here if I'm ever in Catalina again.
(4)Louis L.
So I'm giving this place 5 stars simply because I made a ridiculous mistake. The below rating is for the Casino Dock Cafe but it was formerly known as the Blue Water Cafe and has a few signs that say as such. So I found myself coming across the Blue Water Grill and understood the mistake that I made. Sorry Blue Water Grill, my bad. picture that people have been posting about this restaurant or false. The burgers I seen people eating or not the same burgers that I've seen in these reviews. My fish and chips were so so and not the same as I've seen from others post. Someone said that they've changed management but whatever the issue they don't deserve the 4 stars
(5)Martin B.
Excellent service, spectacular location, and good food. Everyone was friendly from the time we arrived to the time we left, and we took a very long time.
(4)Jonathan C.
The Cajun Mahi as super flavorful! just wish the portions (including the sides) were more plentiful.
(4)Sophia N.
We came here about 3 times over the weekend because we enjoyed it so much. The bon bon scallops were hands down the best scallops we've had! (We had about 4 plates). Amazing view, service, and food! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Jamie D.
My first time in this restaurant with my husband.. Great experience, everybody is nice and friendly... We had grilled artichoke, the best, veggie salad, and salmon... Fast service, i even get to bring home their plastic cup as a souvinir.. Hehe
(5)J C.
Ate here on a Monday night at 6:30 and my husband and I were seated right away at a table overlooking the water. That was a pleasant surprise during the dinner rush! I ordered the scallop and prawn skewer and my husband had the snapper. The skewer was great, but the snapper didn't have much flavor besides the blackened char taste from the grill. The service was so-so. We finished our drinks halfway through dinner and were never checked on or offered a refill. Then we spent about 15 minutes sitting there waiting for our check to be dropped off. We would have stayed for another drink if our waiter had attended to us. Overall, great view and ambiance. Food was good. Service could use improvement.
(4)Mari H.
Great view at this place. It was raining out, so we had to sit inside. We got the fish and chips and a bowl of clam chowder. The bread they put on the table was hot and had a fabulous crust. The fish and chips were crispy and well cooked. The clam chowder was fresh tasting and really about the clams. They give you these weird plastic cups for soda or water, bottled beers come with a glass. Strange. The restaurant seems too nice for that.
(4)Violet G.
We had lunch here, and were pleasantly surprised by the quality and price. I had the Mahi Tacos ($14.75), which came with two tacos, a side of chips, and a side of beans. Everything was house-made and fresh. The complimentary bread was great, as well. They do not provide water (tap or otherwise) unless you pay for it, which seemed a bit cheap. I understand the drought, but I think that the way other restaurants handle the water issue (not automatically bringing water for the table, but asking if anyone would like some first, and then providing tap water for free) is much more gracious. We had a fantastic view overlooking the sea, and service was good. I will definitely return next time I visit Avalon.
(4)Paul C.
Catalina was port of call number one on my four-day Carnival cruise. This being my second time to Catalina Island, I remember seeing this restaurant and made note to return when I visited again. Glad I did! The food was fresh, delicious and well-presented. The Grilled Artichoke appetizer w/aioli was tasty. I absolutely loved my Tagliatelle pasta w/prawns and scallops! The prawns and scallops were fresh and well-seasoned. The cream sauce bringing the dish together was delicious! My brother enjoyed his fresh Barramundi dish. The light sauce w/lemon and capers was sooo good! My sisters shrimp pasta dish was also a hit. The only gripe with my meal was the Clam Chowder. It had great flavors but was more soupy than chowder. I'm a fan of Clam Chowders on the creamy side. Best part of the meal was my Long Island Iced Tea! Super potent and fully leaded!!! Great views of the water and cruise ship on port days! Being located in a vacation destination, as expected, prices a little bit on the higher side. Our server was very friendly and attentive. Overall, great seafood spot on the island! Check it out!
(4)MK P.
My bf and I went on a Sunday. We arrived at 700. It was packed. We left our phone and name and the two young girls said they would call us back as soon as something opens us. So we went around town and hung out. Waited an hour and never got a call. We went back to find a 3 empty tables inside and asked the young lady how long for my table. She promptly seated us. As we arrived she even looked shocked we weren't seated yet. So unorganized. By the way. When we came back. None of the people that came after us was outside anymore. They were all seated. When we got seated, we quickly ordered our food. After 50 minutes of waiting, we finally got our calamari. The waiter kept asking the kitchen where was our food! He was such a nice guy. He's the only reason why I gave this establishment a one star. After an hour of waiting. We got our meals. Which was just so disappointing after being so hungry! I should have just gone somewhere else! The chicken was so dry I had to sip water with every bite. My bf ordered some shrimp pasta and it taste like they put cream of mushroom and wala called it something! I'm not a good cook and I can barely perfect cooking rice but I could go home and cook that mushroom pasta! It would probably taste the same. It was just a horrible way to end a good trip. Ugh!
(1)Shannon J.
Food: 4, Ambience: 2. We only had drinks and appetizers, but the seared scallops are really great. We also had the grilled artichoke. It was too oily, but still really good. You can tell by the food we had and the presentation that they do food nicely. The place is on the water with an amazing location, but it's pretty outdated and run down. If you're in town for a few days, it's a good place to go, but if you can only pick one nicer meal, Avalon Grille is way better.
(3)Bella B.
Awesome food. Awesome service. AND. Awesome location! Highly recommended!!!!
(5)Jimmy L.
I had a beautiful dinner here with my better half. The food was very good. I had the Mediterranean Seared Ahi Salad, and she had the Brick Pressed Chicken. Both were flavorful and fresh. We also tried oyster shooters - mixed cocktails with an oyster in it! They were good too...once we got the nerve up to try them. We ate outside on water and it was amazing. Service was good, atmosphere was great. I would definitely dine here again.
(4)Kurt K.
Ahhh...the joys of tourism. I think the defining moment was when our waitress asked us to pay .50 cents for a bottle of water to help Catalina Island with their drought conditions in October.. Reminded me of something all of us Southern California residents know all too well: There is always a drought. For years... and years... But this review isn't a scathing rebuke of our corrupt, wasteful state government, is it? That must wait for another review.. back to Catalina and the Bluewater grill! We were seated immediately, and given some really good sourdough bread and butter at the outset. It was a beautiful setting eating out doors, complete with a single seagull bobbing in the water below looking up at us most likely thinking "mine? mine? mine?" as we ate.. :) The food was a Cobb salad with crab, and an outstanding seafood pasta dish with scallops and shrimp. Service was excellent and quick, and we finished just as the sun started to set. A bit pricey, but when you get on that ferry, if you don't already accept the fact that you are a captive audience and your job is to allow the cash to slowly dribble out of your wallet to support the Avalon community, you're sort of setting yourself up for failure. So plan on some expense, go enjoy the place, and I reccomend the Bluewater Grill because of the location, service and the food. Great experience!
(3)Alex B.
Quite small portions for quite a bit of $$$.. Food is good though. But I won't go there anymore.
(4)Danielle D.
This was the best meal we had in Catalina. My husband had a drink and appetizer at the bar while I finished up some shopping, then we had dinner on the outside deck. It overlooked the Avalon marina and was lovely (though it had a strong tar odor). The food was really, really good. I loved the lemon pepper mahi mahi (which was pan-fried with panko crumbs on the outside) served with garlic spinach and cheesy mashed potatoes. When my husband asked for clam chowder in a bread bowl, it wasn't on the menu but they were happy to accommodate it. Even the crusty sourdough bread at the table impressed us. My wine was good, the margaritas were good, the view was pretty and the staff was attentive. Next time I'm in Catalina, this place is at the top of my list to visit again.
(4)Mrs.Yelp C.
Awesome atmosphere, friendly staff, beautoful views! My husband and I sat outside for dinner as it got cold outside by the water they had large heaters that worked magic! We ordered and our food came out before my husband got his soup and they took it off our bill for the inconvience. As for the food, beyond delicious! This place is a must!!!
(5)Eli U.
Had a great dinner here for my husband's birthday. Everything was delicious. You must try the michelada with the oyster (oyster chaser).
(5)Dina C.
This place is just ok... Me and my friend ate there today I order a salmon and she as well and the fish wasn't good at all and the waitress (Lorelei) wasn't nice or wellcaming- it's feels more like we bother her!
(2)Tina J.
We loved the Blue Water grill. My sister and I ate here almost every night. Best location, great service and excellent food. The menu had so many yummy choices! We had the artichoke appetizer, lobster sandwich and the crab and avocado sandwich. We shared everything's so we could order more off their menu. Every meal tastes so good! The next night we had the bowl of clam chowder and the crab and avocado salad. The portions are big so we were able to split again. We loved the arugula in their salad and the crab was so fresh. We looked at every menu on the main strip and noticed every other restaurant served iceberg lettuce. Thank goodness for the Blue Water Grill. They had the best food, best service and best location on the island by far! If you looked at every restaurant and can't decide GO TO BLUE WATER GRILL!!!
(5)Gdubb G.
Best New England clam chowder on the island. Skip the bread bowl: You get more chowder in the regular bowl; and, the sourdough bread that is set on the table is so amazing (rivaling the best San Francisco has to offer) that you would do better just using that bread while enjoying the chowder. Servers are polite, atmosphere is terrific. Greg W. San Gabriel
(4)Meghan B.
Came back for my final meal and knew exactly what I wanted...... Lobster!!!!! Went with surf and turf with a bottle of wine. Again my service was amazing, everyone have you the time to get to know each other and management was especially helpful to the servers on a busy busy Saturday night.
(5)Andrea B.
With the help of my Yelp app, found this restaurant in Catalina. There was already a line outside the door before their opening at 11:00 am. Once open they seated us all in a timely manner. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. We started out with their complimentary bread - very good, then we enjoyed their crab and artichoke dip - yum, the crab BLT - okay, and their mahi sliders - a bit on the dry side. They don't serve water because of the drought so they will charge you 50 cents for a bottle of water - not so environmentally friendly. Overall the food was okay, a bit pricey, but look where you are at.
(3)Amy K.
Sometimes you have to make up for a bad dish you had somewhere else. We had scrawny grilled artichokes elsewhere, and looking forward to Bluewater Grill to save us... And they did. Awesome grilled artichokes, great flavor and meaty. For my entree, I had the San Francisco Style Cioppino. It was a big meal. Delicious though. By the end of the evening, I had to decide what I would leave behind. The cod (it was a white fish) was left behind, since it was probably the one ingredient that really didn't get infused with the flavor of the broth.
(4)Daphne L.
Best experience on the island by far! The service was great and the food was nothing less than yummy! We really love the Bluewater Grill restaurants and our favorite dish is the scallop appetizer. We order it at every Bluewater we go to and we are never disappointed! I highly recommend if you are on the island and want a nice restaurant overlooking the ocean. The service was so good that we were in and out in 40 minutes! Wow! I mean, we could have sat there and hung out but we chose not to because we wanted to explore. I highly recommend Bluewater Grill here on Catalina Island or at their other locations!
(5)Anne W.
Really lovely dining area.. I can see why it's a favorite. We sat inside where you could see the water. I am not sure if I think it's the best seafood restaurant.. I have been to places that are amazing in Maine for lobster that amaze you. Everything is cooked just right.. and DELICIOUS! I wouldn't expect that here. It's good.. but there aren't that many restaurants in the area. We ordered oysters (my favorite), grilled artichoke (done pretty well), and cioppino. Although the cioppino looked good.. it was a marina sauce versus a tomato broth which is just weird. Plus.. it seemed like everything was boiled making some of the seafood more rubbery than cooked just right. There is a fine art in making cioppino. I didn't mind it based on the limited selection in Avalon... and the prices were reasonable considering the places in Avalon.
(3)Erik B.
There's not many things better than sitting in a comfortable chair next to the ocean with a drink in your hand. Now add a couple of Blackened Mahi fish tacos and you've turned a trip to Catalina Island into a full blown vacation. Thanks to Oliva for her attentive service and Mother Nature for a beautiful sunny day.
(5)Harlan M.
It is really hard to go wrong at Bluewater. The location is phenomenal right on the water, and the outdoor seating is great. I made it one of my missions while in Catalina to try poke at each restaurant. I can say truly Bluewater had the best! Clearly when you serve the poke with house-made chips you know you're going to have a good experience! One tip that had our table laughing even hours later is that there is one shared men's and women's bathroom. i.e. men and women are free to use it at the same time--there are urinals and stalls and a wait out the door if everyone goes one by one. Well, when in Rome! Not a bad place at all for an appetizer and drink and a beautiful view of the water!
(4)Champagne C.
Came here directly off the boat GREAT speedy service and food -LOBSTER ROLL was honestly kinda meh there wasn't much on it I wasn't impressed so I just ate the lobster and picked at the bread both were good separately but eaten otherwise the bread overpowers the flavors from the lobster the chips were really good tasted homemade -CUCUMBER MOJITO was soooo refreshing not too much to say about it but you could taste how fresh all the ingredients were and I was really happy they muddled cucumber instead using a syrup :)) SERVICE: our servers name was Malory and she was super sweet and really attentive :))
(4)Samantha G.
Seafood! And with a view! This is a great spot, and probably one of the best restaurants on Catalina. It can get quite crowded. They don't take reservations. And they will only seat you at a table for a full meal - no just drinks and apps. The service was less than stellar. Very beach town, no care. But the dishes were quite tasty. We had the oysters, king crab legs, and a bottle of wine. Cheers for the bottles of wine being very affordable! Several options under $40. And it's fun to sit outside and take in the marina and pier. And anywhere that has Alaska king crab legs is great in my book. They even split our order for us without asking. At under $50, the king crab portion, which included two sides, felt like a bargain. And the oysters were fresh and came with red wine vinegar sauce and cocktail sauce with horseradish, as well as lemon. I even got a free sundae for it being my birthday. With so many seafood options and a good view, this is a wonderful spot for a meal on Catalina Island.
(4)Rachel K.
Goddamn it is expensive here but so is everything sold on this island so therefore it's justified. All the people working here in the restaurant were friendly and nice! The Lemon Pepper Mahi Mahi was SCRUMPTIOUS. I love the chili hollandaise sauce it was very tasty and went well with the tender Mahi Mahi... The scalloped potatoes were good--I wish they had been piping hot but what can ya do, they probably premake a big batch. The warm sautéed spinach was a wonderful third piece to this dish. It practically melts in your mouth. I paid $25.00 for this plate and considering the priciness of all the other restaurants on Catalina, i say it's worth it!
(5)Idania D.
I had checked out Yelp prior to visiting Avalon and decided on Bluewater Grill for our lunch. It's location is perfect to take in the breathtaking beauty of Catalina. They have a great selection of seafood and fish. We shared a crab/artichoke dip with homemade chips. My snapper was grilled perfectly and the scalloped potatoes were excellent. Bluewater has the food, location and ambiance.
(4)Andrew B.
Wife and I went and had a Lobster Roll and Linguine with prawns. Meal came with free bread. Bread was actually quite tasty. Liked it a lot. The lobster roll was so-so. Not as good as what you can get on the east coast obviously but the "warm" version was actually kind of cold. Large chunks of lobster though. The pasta was okay but it was a little too wet. It was supposed to be an olive oil based pasta but the bottom of the bowl was filled after I finished the pasta. Prawns were okay. Service was so-so, overall, just not a great place to eat. But I've noticed that's the trend on the island.
(2)Jennifer C.
Amazing view with great service but mediocre food. I was excited that the chips are made in house, but the chips weren't that spectacular. The chips were crispy in some areas but there were some not crispy areas that were hard to chew and not fresh. Additionally the chips could use more seasoning. For the poke, I think the fish was fresh but there was not much flavor. As to the sliders, it was good as a whole but I feel the mahi mahi had so much potential and it's true flavors weren't highlighted.
(4)Christina S.
Stopped by Bluewater Grill for a late lunch on a weekday after hiking. When we came here, we were led to a table outside right next to the water. The view was fantastic! The hostess even showed us to a table that was shaded without us requesting it (there were a lot directly in the sun which we were afraid of being seated at). This is definitely a great place to eat if you enjoy nice views and being right on the water. We ordered a bowl of clam chowder and the fisherman's platter. Both were delicious. I especially liked how the clam chowder had a generous amount of large chunks of clams. The fisherman's platter contained 2 pieces of fish, 2 pieces of shrimp, a handful of small scallops, and some fries. It came with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and ketchup. It was enjoyable but I liked the clam chowder more. Originally we wanted to share a plate of food but saw that there is a splitting charge so it made more sense to just get 2 dishes. The main reason why this place gets a 3 stars instead of 4 stars from me is because the service was entirely lacking. After placing our order and receiving our food, we saw our waiter only once toward the end of our meal. We thought he would be back soon with the check since we were basically done with our food. Nope. Five minutes later another individual cleared our table. Alright, our check should definitely come soon since our table was completely empty at this point. Nope. Another five minutes pass and still nobody was around to flag down for the check. Finally after another three minutes our waiter shows up and asks if we would like our check. YES, PLEASE. After giving us our check, he disappeared again for another 5-7 minutes. From us finishing our meal to when we were able to sign the check and leave took about 15-20 minutes. Ridiculous! Since the wait staff here doesn't need to refill waters (no restaurants provide free tap water on the island), all they need to do is take the order, bring the food, check in with the table mid-meal, and bring the check in a timely manner. It's not difficult especially when the restaurant isn't even busy (it was 3 PM!). This subpar service is how you get a subpar tip. Bluewater Grill, good thing you have delicious food to somewhat offset the lack of service. Please get your act together and train your wait staff better. Thanks.
(3)Shawn H.
We had an amazing dinner here, we had the wonderful calamari and the swordfish was to die for. The bartender Dan was not only the bartender but also our server and he was incredible he took such phenomenal care of us. if we owned a restaurant instead of a manufacturing company we would totally try and steal him away and bring him into our business. He's a superstar... And he's easy on the eyes too :-)
(5)Joy L.
We came to the island on Labor Day so we were pleasantly surprised to get seated smack in the middle of the lunch hour. They seated us on the patio and the view was great. We ordered the Fried Calamari and the Crab and Artichoke Dip as appetizers because our server stated that they didn't have any oysters. Halfway through our Dip, we found a red hair! Neither me or my husband have red hair so we were grossed out. We asked for our check, they took off the dip, and we left. Not the server's fault, but wow! Also, I get the state is in a drought, but kinda tacky to ask customers to pay for water when the menu prices are above average.
(2)Connie H.
Like LIKE like! I came here with a friend during our spring break getaway. We came just in the nick of happy hour. The bar was all filled, but there was a table in the bar area that the host seated us at right next to the door right away. Though busy, there was no disruptions to us. Everything on the happy hour menu looked so good that I ordered just about half of the happy hour menu...except for our drinks. Here's a breakdown of our order: Grilled Fish Tacos - it was fish tacos. There was nothing extraordinary about it. Matter of fact, while there was a mixture of ingredients, there was no flavor, and I wonder how so many ingredients could form so little flavor. I could live without. Calamari Fritti - I love calamari! I especially love when my Calamari Fritti actually has calamari! This one was a little bit of a search trying to find the calamari in the sea of pepper. The flavor was really good though! Thai Chili Chicken Wings: So good! Albeit, a tad pricey. For 6 bucks, each wing is coming in at 1.50 a piece. Steamer Clams: Order this if you are a fan of clams that are not overpowered with other flavors. I like to taste the flavors of the ingredients that I'm eating and this dish really did that. Baked Crab Artichoke Dip: The dip was phenomenal, but that's after I scraped off the thick layer of goo they had on top called cheese. The cheese overpowered everything, so I took the liberty of removing it. A bit more artichoke would really bring it to the next level as well. Poke Wrap: I love poke and had some really legit poke, and as a result, this was okay. My friend who never had poke before, lovvveed it. She was ready to fight me for the last piece (it came with 3), but I just gave it up. Strawberry Smash (drink): I didn't have any of it, but my friend ordered it and loved it. She said she couldn't taste the alcohol but got a good buzz from it. Cucumber Mojito (drink): nicely done! I had crummy mojitos before, but this was definitely one of the better ones I've tasted. Service: For such a busy place, they're truly attentive to the needs of their customers. It never took them more than a few minutes to tend to our needs. When delivering our food, they kept us posted on the whereabouts of our remaining dishes. I appreciated that. Summary: Good service, delicious food that could be easily fixed with a few tweaking, great drinks!
(3)Moira B.
Incredible food, service and ambiance. Discovered it in the Catalina food tour and of the 6 restaurants we ate at, this was the gem of the island! Sit dockside for a view of the ocean and sea gulls. Inside, peruse the vintage photographs of socialites and stars with fishing trophies. You will be whisked away to a delightful place when you order their crab cakes and their clam chowder. Delicious cocktails and a variety of beers on tap! Downside: long wait for men and women's shared bathroom...
(5)Jessica T.
I came here my first time in Catalina. We were only 2 so they seated us quickly. We sat in the patio which gave us a gorgeous view of the pier and ocean. It was a a little cold in the shade so I moved so the sun could warm me up a bit. I was surprised to find that they had Micheladas , not only the oyster shot but the actual drink. I loved the michelada here ! And I'm pretty picky about them. The oyster shot was good too but I'm Not a fan of them. I ordered the taco plate and the shrimp taco was really good! But the mahi mahi was not good at all ... Their fish and chips were really good too. Overall the service was great ! Our waitress was always attentive and friendly. I just wouldn't get the mahi mahi ever again
(5)Ryan S.
If you're looking for a solid meal on the island, you should make time for a meal here. My wife and I did not have a lunch reservation, so we had a drink at the bar for about 30 minutes until seated. Try the Buffalo Milk here--it's like a creamy blended Vodka and Kahlua. If you give them your cell phone number, they'll give you a ring when your table's ready. We were seated under an awning of shade on the deck, overlooking the water. We listened to the crash of the waves during lulls in our conversation. Nothing can beat that natural ambiance! We both agreed that their complementary sourdough bread was the best of the island. Also, their clam chowder is pretty amazing. I wouldn't recommend either of our lunch entrees, though. I ordered the sea bass, but unfortunately, it was cooked a little too long, which dried it out and made it tough. My wife ordered the fish tacos, and both were totally overpowered by a salty Cajun seasoning. Afterward, our lips were puckered by the salt. In terms of hospitality, our waitress gave us excellent service and attention throughout our entire meal. This felt like a definite step up in terms of class when compared to Steve's Steakhouse! If visiting Avalon again on a future trip, I would definitely eat here again, but I would not recommend either of our main entrees! Go with something else. Paired with their sourdough bread and clam chowder, you have the beginning of an excellent meal. Enjoy!
(3)Toby K.
Very busy restaurant. Best arrive before 6pm for dinner on a Saturday. Beautiful view of the water from nearly every part of the restaurant. They do not charge a corking fee for the first bottle you bring! That was very nice! I ordered the half dozen oysters, the cab cakes and the tuna pokie. This oysters were fresh and delicious! The cab cakes were probably the best I've ever had. Not oily and full of delicious crab. I highly recommend them as an appetizer. My husband ordered a clam chowder and the seared Ahi. They were both very tasty. The Ahi steak was perfectly seared. We enjoyed our dining experience at Bluewater Grill. It's one of the nicer restaurants on the island.
(4)Julia Z.
We were there for a birthday dinner and got a seat by the sea. They have heaters, so it's pretty nice to dine outside on the patio in a chilly evening with sunset :D For food, we ordered swoardfish as fish of the day. The fish is a bit chewy and cooked just right, the skin part is also nice. Their house made chips are pretty good! My hubby ordered the seafood linguini, which has jumbo shrimp in it, pretty good with sauces. And dessert we went for the creme brulee, it's good and they had a little candle on it for his bday. They also put strawberry and whipped cream on it, we removed the cream tho, a bit too much, but nice to have a strawberry, tastes good. In short, nice place to have a dinner before you board your ship. :D
(4)Michelle T.
I've been here once with girlfriends two years ago and don't remember complaining about my food (had fish for lunch). This time around I went to Catalina with my mom and sister, and I was excited to bring them here because of the gorgeous view. So I did. We were seated right away..staff was friendly..the view was beautiful as expected.. but our food was disappointingly salty (clam chowder and steamed clams). To be fair, we only had appetizers and I've yet to see another restaurant, conveniently located on the strip, that can provide a similar by-the-sea-dining experience (minus the salty food). On a side note, I'd really like to try their Lobster Roll but I'll have some convincing to do...
(3)Alyssa M.
My husband and I chose this restaurant to satisfy our late lunch fix (about 3:15pm). The restaurant was pretty empty and we were seated on the outdoor patio right against the harbor (beautiful!). We ordered drinks, clams, and entrees. When our drinks came out, the waitress has forgotten our 2 bottles of water... (Okay, being picky but we were parched!). The glass of Rosé I had ordered had a very bad aftertaste- it tasted like it was the last pour in an old bottle of wine (yuck!). The waitress took FOREVER to come back (and without our waters, might I add). She was very nice when I sent back my drink, however. As I was waiting for my replacement drink (margarita- it was mediocre at best), our entrees came. No clams in sight! We began to eat our food and now I was eating without ANY drink! When the waitress came back, we had to make sure she didn't charge us for the clams and also remind her about the water. We chose this restaurant to dine in during our short daytrip in Catalina. It was a total let down! I would not go back! The only positive was the view, but there are plenty of other places with a view!
(1)Thai N.
Would have loved to enjoy this meal as other folks have talked about. Our experience was just a bad one. I'm not sure when I'm going to learn to just step away when a dining experience begins poorly. We came in for a late lunch (around 2 pm). Two hostesses at the station largely ignored us. The restaurant was not busy at all and we were with two kids in separate strollers, so not exactly that hard to miss. In any event, a third hostess finally came up to ask how many. I said "4" and she just turned and left. I wasn't sure if she was looking for a table or whether she just chose to leave. Couldn't be the former because the restaurant was largely empty. A simple glance would have confirmed there was plenty of seating available. She came back and asked if we wanted to sit outside - which was fine. I had asked for a booster seat, but it never came around (also asked the waitress too). I finally just went and looked for one myself. Our waitress was at least friendly at first. She quickly attended to our table and shared the lunch specials and noting one item on the menu was out. We only had one setting and she said she'd be back with the other 3. That didn't happen - this, despite the fact when the appetizers came out, we pointed it out to her again and she noted she'd be back. Instead, she went to serve another table and never came back with the other 3 place settings. I walked over to the next table to grab plates and utensils. She must have thought she brought them because she never apologized for not bringing them in the first place. The food - the calamari was the soggiest and undercooked. If you can't get such a basic appetizer correct, there's little hope for the rest of the meal. My kids absolutely love calamari and they took one bite and said, nope. I ordered half a dozen oysters. The shucker did a very poor job. There were a lot of shell fragments in each oyster. I ordered the Prawn Linguine and my wife ordered the Fisherman's Platter (fried shrimp, scallops and fish). The linguine was "ok" as was the platter. Though neither one of us finished our meals. Largely because we really lost our appetite at this point. I would not come back to Bluewater Grill. We were resoundingly disappointed particularly given previous reviews
(2)Kelsey J.
Great place for a more intimate and romantic dinner in the island. We sat outside right on the water overlooking the bay and the lit up town. Very beautiful. They also have plenty of heat lamps so I was warm even though it was a chilly night. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful as we asked her for recommendations. She also gave me a sample of wine that I was asking about. It was a great red blend from Paso Robles and I got a glass. I had the fresh catch of scallop and shrimp skewers and my boyfriend had the fresh catch mahi mahi. We both got sides of veggies and scalloped potatoes. The scalloped potatoes were so good! A must! The seafood was really fresh and delicious and the veggies were cooked perfectly. Little weird side note: something was going wrong with the sound system because for about 10 minutes, instead of music, a scene from the lord of the rings was playing throughout the restaurant. Pretty hilarious. A Bluetooth mixup I guess. Great spot for dinner!!!
(4)Melissa S.
Unfortunately, this place is more about the scenic views rather than the food. I ordered the seasoned chicken and my boyfriend got the Thai beef a sweet chili. The chicken was very under seasoned. I had the waitress bring some lemon to add some flavor to it. It came with asparagus and scalloped potatoes. The potatoes were not good at all. Some were very hard and some were very soft to chew. My food came out Luke warm too but I was very hungry and didn't send it back. My boyfriends food in the other hand was a step above mine at least. He enjoyed it. It came with rice too. Like I said earlier, the view is amazing on a nice day. It is literally on the water. Luckily the weather from the day before washed away all the bad weather so it was crystal clear. I'm guessing this places specialty is seafood, but me and my bf don't eat seafood like that. I would come back for the A meal with a view. Very romantic
(3)Ari N.
Best fish and chips I've ever had; but dad and brother thought their Pacific Snapper was a tad bitter and rubbery. Servers were exceptionally polite.
(4)Jonathon N.
Amazing! Stunning! Perfection! I've dined at the Newport Beach restaurant (they have several locations) for years. It's always been very good. On a Catalina Island trip this Summer 2015, I was fortunate enough to dine at the Catalina location and it was even better than Newport! This is a beautiful yet simple restaurant with zero attitude and not for a second pretencious. Very comfortable atmosphere and on-the-water dining for the majority of guests. The bar itself was so inviting that we dined there so we could 'people watch' the tourists. However, most seats are water facing. The Scallops were 5-star (appetizer) and I had the Fish N' Chips and my wife had the Tilapia. Both superior in freshness. Service was super high-end (Kelli) and they had a great wine and beer list. I simply could not find a single issue that made this restaurant not deserve a full 5-Stars! Excellent. Better than excellent!
(5)Sam R.
Everything we ate was great! Yes better than just good. Oysters on the half shell, bucket of mussels and clams, crab blta, sand dabs, salmon and mahi. Michelada shooters are a must try! We all loved them, the shuckers choice on the other hand was disgusting, and I like bloody mary's. I would eat here again.
(5)William H.
We enjoyed it! The scene was excellent as we sat over the ocean and the service and food was pretty good. As far as food goes it was the clam chowder that was through the roof. They did a great job on that.
(4)Gary L.
I think this is the only nice restaurant in town "on the water", therefore the view of the ocean is nice! Our Ketel One Martinis were well made and huge for eleven bucks! Jonny Walker Black Ten bucks. The fried calamaris were fresh and delicious. The Bluewater burgers were very good and unique: it's has a fried egg, red beets, arugula, cheese and a beef patty, served with fries. My only complaint is that we ordered it cooked medium rare, and it was served medium well. Still good and ate it all. Really dig this place; the vibe is good. Would definitely come back!------(and we did come back the next day, and everything was delicious!)
(5)Bo L.
The food was good, nice fresh fish. Can't really complain about the service ... there was none! It was like a don't give a shit kind of service. Like they know they are going to get the people in and the tips. Our waiter didn't even try!!! Coming from Monterey we expect good food and Great Friendly Service its what you do in that caliber of a restaurant.
(1)Julie W.
The sunset cruise we booked was cancelled :-( so we decided to treat ourselves to a special dinner. The location is fabulous! Right on the water with a great view of the casino and the harbor. Everything on the menu sounded delicious, so we decided to order a bunch of appetizers so we could try a few different things. We ordered the clam chowder, oysters, sashimi scallops, grilled artichoke, and the poke. I ate a lot of chowder while in California and this one was my favorite! The oysters were super fresh, as was the poke which came with these great crunchy chips. But my favorite bite were the scallops. They're beautifully presented, topped with ginger and a wasabi aioli, and I could have eaten 20 more. The service was fine, better than most of the service we encountered on the island. I'm ready to go back and have another meal here!
(5)Brittany S.
Blue Water is a great place to have a meal. The location is prime and the food is good. It would be 5 stars except the quality doesn't seem quite consistent but the preparation is INCREDIBLE! The quality has never ever been bad just occasionally it could be a but better. I have never had anything I didn't like at Blue Water, their wings are actually surprisingly amazing as well!! They make some of the best drinks on the island as well
(4)Julian T.
I'm disappointed. It looked so highly rated and it was our last dinner for our baby moon. We had to ask for utensils and extra plates for our shellfish dishes. I haven't not finished my meal in.... Well I can't recall a time I haven't at least gave it a good effort but my cioppino was bland too bland to finish. The chowder sucked. The mussels and bread were good. I'm not a tough critic it doesn't take much to make me happy and I won't go into. Maybe it was an off night. Who knows. I'll be back on the island again someday I'll do my best to avoid this place. The choice is yours.
(2)Jennica S.
For my 21st birthday dinner, I definitely wanted some amazing seafood with a view to match. The Bluewater Grill did just that. It was the perfect experience. I was in between two restaurants--Avalon Grille and this place. Although both looked so terrific, I went for Bluewater because of the waterfront view. Not to mention, it was extremely busy. At first, I was worried that it'd take too long to get seated, but it wasn't bad at all. My boyfriend and I were told that it'd be around 30 minutes for indoor seating, but I wanted outdoor seating, and that was to take 15-20 minutes. We left the host with our name and number, and less than 10 minutes later, we found ourselves being seated. Our waiter, Matt, was such a pleasure. He was very knowledgable about the menu and he never failed to smile. The only thing that threw us off was at the beginning when ordering drinks, they tell you about the drought, so they don't give you water... Unless you pay $0.50 for a bottle. It's a good and bad thing. For drinks, though, he got an American Mule and I got a Strawberry Smash. Vodka lovers, the Strawberry Smash is the way to go. For our actual meal, we got the Calamari Fritti as an appetizer, he got the Chipotle Blackened Swordfish, and I got the Jumbo Prawn Linguini. All I can say is, "WOW!" It was all so excellently delicious. Neither of us have ever had swordfish, but Bluewater Grill made us want to order it more often. It wasn't a light flakey fish, but somewhat of a softer steak when cutting into it. It was on a whole other level of spice, so beware of that if you can't handle it. Everything about his dish did pair nicely. As for me, I'm a fan of shrimp. The linguini had a little spice to it, as well, but overall I loved this pasta. The portions were great, even if you're starving like we were. Lastly, for dessert, we ordered the creme brûlée. I love, love, love how it came with whipped cream! For all of this, it was about $100. It may seem pricey, but for the quality of the taste, the quality in the amount of food, the experience, and the view, it was well worth it.
(5)Christopher P.
I really like the ambiance of this place. It's right on the water in the heart of Avalon. I took my GF here, and we got seated on the patio outside. We were right on the water and it was just a wonderful view. I would come back to this place for the view alone. I think it'd be a great location for a date, drinks, and pretty much anything else. The starter sourdough bread they bring out is delicious. GF got the mussels appetizer for dinner, and I go the Ahi salad. Both were pretty good! I ordered one of the mule drinks, and the ginger beer was flat. The waiter offered to replace it without any issue.
(4)David J.
We came here our first night on the island. We met our new best friend, Melissa. We spent our whole next day crossing off items from her to-do list. #amazing #bestdayever The next night we went elsewhere, it was the worst #galleon (or something) our waitress was all kinds of weak sauce. We left after the appetizer and ran home to Melissa. Apparently she's off tonight, totes happy for her. Now we met Matthew. He's a fucking gem. This place clearly trains their servers to be top notch tour guides with alllllll the inside scoop and personality for dayssss. Side note, the food is bomb. Ps this my gf
(5)Chris B.
My expectations were high, but the overall experience was disappointing. The service was painfully slow, 30 percent of our steamers and muscles were dead, the waitress brought them back in the same morbid condition on a small plate and confessed she didn't know what to do with them. fortunately she was kind enough not to charge us for them. The pasta with shrimp was hot and in large portions but wasn't particularly flavorful. It's the only moderately "upscale" restaurant I've been to that doesn't serve espresso. Might go again for cocktails, the seating by the water is really nice, but probably not for dinner.
(3)Josie C.
Came here for a lunch with friends after snorkeling in ice cold Catalina waters. A restaurant with an incredible view. But wasn't too impressed with the food. Food was mediocre. I had blackened mahi mahi tacos which were a bit too dry. Same for the mahi sliders. The lobster sandwich was not bad. It was busy that day so our waiter wasn't as attentive, however there was another waiter that kept tending to us and cracked jokes with us. Very nice guy. Made our meal bearable. A nice place to try but nothing to rave about. Been there done that. Check out my pictures : )
(3)Craig T.
Possibly the best restaurant in Catalina. As a fisherman, I love the decor inside. Awesome patio looking over Avalon Harbor. The staff was very friendly and food was great. Last night I had the Swordfish and it was a little undercooked. I told the waitress and she took it back immediately and when the dish came back, I magically had extra scalloped potatoes on my plate! I think we are going back tonight!
(5)Irene W.
The view is AMAZING!! The food is really great, we had the New England Clam Chowder, it was awesome.
(5)Mylene M.
This was the first restaurant I went to during my trip here on Catalina Island, I must say, I was not disappointed! We had a small meal, a couple appetizers and the ribs... So delicious! I highly recommend the calamari! Our waiter was kind, personable and very attentive. Kept our glasses full, checked in on us frequently and made sure we were having a pleasant dinner.
(4)Sharr K.
Catalina is lacking some serious dining options. Bluewater Grill is probably one of the better restaurants to dine at. They have a great bar inside and it was happy hour when we went. For dinner, we sat outside....overlooking a great view of the island. The wait service was good. Our waitress was very patient and attentive to our needs. The food, in general was just okay. I ordered the Prawns & Scallops with 2 sides (spinach and fries). My friend had Sand-dabs (which I thought was a little bit on the small side). The oysters were good and so were the steamed clams. We asked for a lot of bread to soak up the juices from the steamed clams. Their restrooms are on the outside patio deck. I just couldn't get over the smell of rotting fish...but then again we are outside.
(3)Amber B.
Omg, how do I put it into words?! This place is amazing. Right on the water, if you sit outside, you will be literally over the water. Beautiful views. They have little heaters which came in handy after sunset. The staff were amazing. We seriously ate here 3 times on our trip and the staff knew us by name! One of the waitresses came by to say hi even though she had a different area. The food: delicious. Menu was pretty big. Offered a variety of dishes. We ordered the oysters as an app. Yummy. I got the pappardelle with shrimp and scallops. I could eat that everyday of my life, it was that scrumptious. Hubby got the Cajun blackened halibut, it was great or as my hubs put it, " It was the bomb". Daughter got pasta with fruit and veggies. She devoured it. We had the caramel turtle cheesecake for dessert. So decadent and smooth. Can't remember what we ordered the second time...it was a special that day. But I do remember we were raving about it. Third trip, we had the seafood platter for lunch. It was really good. Go here! You won't regret it! I'd go here all the time if I was closer!
(5)MagNJosh F.
We walked in to get a table around 2:30pm, the hostess took our name down and was very polite. They ask for your number which is really convenient, because they contacted us when our table was ready, which was about 30 mins later. This was on Labor Day weekend so we definitely were not expecting that quick of a call. We also requested to sit by the water which they had no problem with at all. Waitress was awesome and came back multiple times to see if we needed anything. I ordered Fish and Chips which were honestly the best I've had by far! Fish is really fresh. My girlfriend ordered the BLT crab sandwich and she said it was tasty, had alot of flavor and was filling. Overall the experience was excellent. Would definitely recommend to try this restaurant out if u ever go to Catalina.
(5)Bobbi B.
The food is great. For lunch, I had the scallops and the crab cakes. The scallops were right up there in my top five of all time (and I order a LOT of scallops!) Not fishy, slightly seared (I prefer 'em REALLY seared but that's unusual), just tangy enough sauce.. A Family sitting behind us got their kids some 'kid entrees' that were really cute - like lunch boxes, but with salmon and fruit - and the kids scarfed it down. The bread is warm and fresh. Only reason for 4 vs. 5 stars is the service is spotty. No one is hostile or really negligent, but it isn't a 5-star (or even 3- or 4-star) service experience. Long periods of time with no servers in sight. But the food and location make up for that.
(4)Dan L.
Beautiful waterfront view, but horribly slow service. The waiter was really nice, but it took really long to receive our meals. I ordered the Chicken Under a Rock, and when I cut into it, it was undercooked. I'm hoping I don't get food poisoning because I had a few bits of the outer sides. The waiter took back the chicken and offered me a complimentary soup while I chose another dish because "cooking" another chicken would take too long (we waited over 30 minutes). I chose a salad, which was alright, but not what I was craving. My friend loved his Ahi Tuna Salad and Scallops though. Overall, two star rating because if you're going to take 30+ minutes to cook something, COOK it.
(2)Robin O.
Was in Avalon on business a while back and had just enough time to catch a quick bite & cocktail before the ferry left. We just had appetizers & a drink. The view is amazing & the food was good. The reason they get 5 stars is we got all the way back to Long Beach & realized my Sister forgot her folio at the restaurant. She called right away & they offered to mail it to her, which they did. It's hard to find great customer service any more, but this place saved her another fare & followed through! Thank you!
(5)Katrina L.
We always eat here when we visit Catalina. Their crab cakes are incredible. This time we got the surf and turf special which was perfect for sharing. We also brought our own bottle of wine and they don't charge a cork fee for the first bottle. We like sitting outside so we can overlook the city and the ocean while we eat. Last time I had the clam chowder and it was full of chunky pieces of clam. The salmon is fresh and tasty too! We love this place
(5)Mina L.
I'd like to shout out to our waitress Brenda, Who was attentive and brisk with lots of tables under her care! I recommend the mussels, oysters, and artichoke dish! However, we spent more than $100 for four people, which definitely was not worth the price. We also noticed that they would selectively let customers trickle in, creating a long wait even though there were loads of empty, made tables inside. We saw this around prime time (6:30-7pm weekend) Food for thought about the supposed popularity of this place.
(3)Josie C.
I visited Catalina for the day & saw this rated highly on Yelp so I decided to try it. The food was pretty good, I got a salmon sandwich & my boyfriend got a bowl of muscles & clams. Both were delicious! The location is right on the beach so great view, & perfect to sit outside if the weather permits. Unfortunately, I didn't receive the best service. My server probably checked up on us once besides taking our order. I had to flag him down for a refill & our bill. The other servers seemed fine though. My server was never rude, just very unavailable. I would still recommend this restaurant to others though for the location & food!
(4)Kayla C.
My review started with 2 stars but changed to 5 because of the restaurant owner that followed up on my issue and made sure my bill was charged correctly. Thank you! Not many owner will take the time out of their day (: The review isn't based off the food but includes our review on the food. Service: Our waitresses was sweet nothing too special. The reason we only gave two stars was the inconvenience we were put in. Our bill was 59$ and my card was charged for 135. There was a mix up so she went back and brought me the "correct" receipt to sign but was yet another tables bill I was charged for. I didn't freak out but my boyfriend works in the restaurant business and was really upset. I was told the other charges would fall off at the end of the night since they didn't approve them? Didn't happen. So I'm stuck with these charges. Food: Scalloped potatoes hands down the best! I had the jumbo prawns with linguine. Very light and simple flavors. House Merlot was great also.
(5)David J.
Update... Manager gave me a canned apology. Appears not even management knows how to provide good service. Almost went as far as to blame me for not bringing it to their attention. That really gets me. I feel ripped off because I spent a lot of money on this meal for 5 guests. One guest got her meal at around the time we were finishing our meal. It was obvious they forgot her meal and put it together quickly. No apology from the server. We just were ignored the rest of the evening. And ignored during our meal because he was hiding until he could bring out the food he had forgotten. And now I get this bad attempt at apologizing from the owner. Maybe he could have asked for more details so he could ascertain where the problem was. The problem was your server was not good and completely gave up on us at the first sign of distress. And second, the food is not good. ______________ Update: Manager was truely nice about it and compensated me. I believe they deserve a second chance. Just don't order the Mahi. ;)
(3)Sandra A.
I love the spot - right on the ocean in the bay at Avalon. However it doesn't compare well to its sister restaurants other places...the staff is pleasant, but our waiter had to run to the kitchen to ask the cook EVERY thing. I wanted the Arugula Crab Salad $12.95, but can't eat crab. I asked if they could substitute chicken or extra avocado and after checking with the kitchen, they agreed upon chicken. The salad came with iceburg and romaine lettuce, 2 leaves of arugula, 3 thin slices of avocado and on the bill I was charged $17.95!! Drinks were pretty but weak. But then there is the view of ever-charming Avalon.
(3)McKenna V.
Most of the food was great! Don't order the pappardelle tho, awfull! Really bland and oily, kinda gross.. Service was terrible!! SUPER SLOW, waitress took FOREVER! When we complained about the dish we didn't enjoy the waitress said with a straight face, " I'll take it off, sorry" didn't ask if we wanted anything else and didn't offer desert, which we would have gladly ordered but she came back with the check and didn't say another word. We had to ask another much kinder waitress for the desert menu... HORRIBLE SERVICE! Honestly good food and the view was killer but the wait+ the bad service wasn't worth it...
(2)Brooke B.
Sampled three different dishes with my parents - sanddab, mahi mahi, and salmon! Excellent food with large portions and stunning view. The fresh bread is delicious too!
(5)Biff R.
This place is AMAZING! Hands down, the best location on the island to eat. They have a huge wrap around patio that extends over the water with heaters and blankets! While looking over the menu the manager Lato stopped by the table, introduced himself, and thanked us for coming in. He was very friendly and helpful he recommended the oysters and calamari to get started with which were delicious and I'm not usually a big fan of oysters. Our waitress Lacy was also very helpful, prompt, and polite. I was kinda in the mood for something spicy and he suggested getting my fish "bronzed" I went with the swordfish bronzed and boy oh boy was he right, it was the best swordfish I have ever had. Later I come to find out that the swordfish was actually caught locally by the owner on his boat. It doesn't get much fresher than that!!!! A++ I will definitely be back soon and highly recommend this place to everyone!
(5)L. O.
Smallest mahi sliders ever. I couldn't believe they were serious about serving them. For $14. for maybe two bites. Took a really long time to get as well. Was not happy. Friends had good experiences with their orders, except the waitress forgot to bring part of a friend's order and took forever to get that too.
(2)Bri J.
Had the egg fritata with crab and side of bacon and my wife had the grilled salmon sandwich and both were delish!!
(4)Alby P.
Our group of 6 were the first through the door at their Grand Opening yesterday. The clams, artichokes, shrimp, scallops and everything else we ordered were excellent. The prices fair for Avalon. Word around town is the operators are striving to keep a lid on the menu prices. Service was amazing and all the food and drinks were brought out on time. Beautiful views of the harbor. The Dining room atmosphere and decor is spacious and fabulous. Fantastic outdoor patio. Special thanks to the beautiful Manager Ebony who was on her game this visit. Not an easy task on opening night.
(4)Shauna f.
Took a break from the cruise stopped by and had a drink and crab cakes at the bar Bartender was exceptionally nice and fun
(5)Amy A.
Delicious food, wonderful view right on the harbor. Definitely worth the wait and $. Customer service was OK but the location and food make up for it. Try the crab cakes - and the sand dabs was really tasty!
(5)Tricia D.
Great food, friendly staff, and a view! I just love sand dabs and they were on the fresh fish menu the evening we ate in the bar. Delicious! Our only comment is that when the front door opened and closed, we were blasted with a cold breeze. Suggest that you not sit near the door.
(4)John G.
One of the best places to eat on Catalina Island. Staff is friendly and fun and good is GREAT.
(4)Kanae F.
This was a very wonderful place to eat at. The food was amazing. I had the Ahi Tuna salad and it was one of the best one I had in West coast so far :) the waiter Matt knew very well what to recommend. You can tell he loves working there! We had amazing view of the entire harbor and I saw a lady getting cold despite the heater, so Matt kindly brought a small blanket for her to use. Highly recommended :)
(5)Heather M.
We went here for our ten year wedding anniversary lunch. We sat outside and had a beautiful view of the bay as it is right on the water. The servers were friendly. We talked to one for a few minutes and he answered a lot of our questions of the island. Our server was rushed but very nice. We had the crab cakes for appetizer which was full of crab and nicely presented and I had a crab sandwich which was an 8 out of 10. My husband had a salmon sandwich which he enjoyed and clam chowder which he said was full of clams but lacked flavor. Overall this is a very nice place but bring lots of money as the location requires high prices.
(4)Ami S.
This place is nice! Right on the water, clean, bar area with TVs, tables inside and tables outside on the deck/patio. It's newer and one of the more inviting restaurants on the island. I came here for dinner and got the ponzu scallop appetizer, a glass of wine, the cioppino...and of course the complimentary warm bread! The food was great - very flavorful and not too pricey for what you get. The reason for the 3 star (rounded up from 2.5) is because we sat at our table for 13 minutes (I timed it) before anyone spoke or even looked at us. It may not seem like a long time, bu t when you are just sitting there with NO ONE even looking your way for 13 minutes...it's excruciating...especially when you are starving. I saw several servers walking around to the other tables, but for some reason...we just were not given the time of day - no waters, no bread, no "hello, I'll be right with you". Kind of strange, especially after seeing a couple after us get waters and coffee while we were still waiting. Thankfully, someone finally noticed the very unhappy look on my face and came over to our table to ask if we needed anything.. Uh...yes, I need service! Finally, he said our server was putting something in the system so he would take our drink order. We took that opportunity to just order our food, drinks, everything! After that he was pretty attentive, the food came out pretty quick and at the very end he finally apologized for the long wait. Took a while, but I'll take it. I walked out of there feeling much better....full and somewhat satisfied. Service is equally as important as the food for me. They redeemed themselves at the end, but no customer should have to feel like NO ONE cares if they are there or not...
(3)Chris O.
This restaurant is one of the highest reviewed restaurants in Avalon, but my wife and I weren't overly impressed. Service was excellent, ambiance amazing(we sat on the deck facing the water), but the food was ok. Presentation was what you would expect for the price, but nothing left you thinking I can't wait for my next bite. Too start with the clam chowder was watery. It had plenty of clam and chunks of potato, but it just seemed like they were trying to get what they had to make it through the night's service. I ordered the Salmon with the veggies, and scalloped potatoes. My wife the prawn and scallop kabob. We both thought the food was under seasoned. Once again everything was well prepared and looked great, just a bit underwhelming.
(3)bob r.
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!!! Best in Avelon that we had. The Fish Taco ~ Calamari Sliders ~ spicy edamme GREAT!!
(4)Nicole H.
We had a fantastic experience here Tuesday, after a last minute decision trip to Catalina!!!!! Can not wait to get back! They were very busy, we waited 5 minutes and got a great seat on the patio. The server had ALOT of tables. He greeted us AND asked if we could give him a minute which we obliged. Came back shortly for drinks and apps. He was busy, but charming and attentive. The hostess let me charge my phone while we ate. Loved the shrimp cocktail and house salad ... And the fried platter was Delish! Good wines and beer for my guy. Honestly we loved it so much, we went back for a bite before the ferry.. Crab cakes are nice, plate a bit to saucy. Their bread is amazing. Try not to order a 2nd basket. Luis was our server and Jim at the bar for dinner was great to chat with. Can't wait to get back.
(5)N M.
The food was delicious. Service - exceptional. View - Amazing. Overall great restaurant.
(5)Gail M.
This relatively new restaurant is fantastic. Fabulous location right on the water. Beautiful ambiance and great service. My Aussie friend loved her Aussie burger and my fried shrimp was excellent. It really made our day on the island special.
(5)Janine D.
Excellent. Six of us had dinner and everything was excellent. I had the paper mahi mahi. I tried the paella - great. The seared scallops with jalapeño aioli was great!
(5)Brian O.
We picked this restaurant based in the reviews and it looked a cut above most of the other places in Avalon. We were very impressed with this place from the start. The host greeted us very warmly and was very gracious and say us outside. They have a really nice heating system which is needed outside because they are on they are right on the water. From the patio you can see the ocean ands the Hills behind Avalon. Fun place to sit and just relax. The food was very good. The plank salmon was cooked perfectly, just medium rate but really tender and just about as good as could be done. The fish and chips were also very good. It comes with homemade chips which are very good but I would probably prefer some good fries. The fish was excellent, as was the coleslaw, something I ordinarily just blow off. Theirs is really good. One last thing, the wait staff is very professional with just the right amount of attention without bothering us. Also, our waitress had great insight on the menu and kept out drinks full constantly. I guess they have a spot in Redondo too, looking forward to trying that one.
(5)roger l.
Scallops with bacon and jalapeno aiole = A+ Mahi Mahi sliders=A+ Fish tacos Baja style =A++ White sangria jug=A Overall =A+mazing
(5)Daphne Y.
Went there twice during our 3 day stay at Catalina. First time: Just ordered appetizers. The crab artichoke dip and tuna tataki sashimi. We ended up having to have our waitress take back our sashimi since it was NOT fresh. Felt kinda sick after eating it. The dip though, was GOOD. Second time: All of us had lunch there and ordered their daily special for fish. I got the salmon which was kinda bland even though I asked them to add butter and garlic to it. Came with two sides, so I ordered the coleslaw and rice, both were average. Ordered their oysters which were pretty fresh. Overall, with regards with the price and portions, I think it's pretty average.
(2)David D.
Good food and great service. The drink was spot on and the view was excellent.
(5)Whitney O.
This place was amazing. Right on the water and the scallop appetizers were delicious!! The service was hands down the best service I have ever had- and I worked in a restaurant for six years. They were SO accommodating. The managers were on their game!! We had a wheelchair and they were all over making it comfortable for us. This is a must go to in Avalon. Beautiful view!
(5)Dianne D.
For some reason we were having trouble finding the place since the google maps app was trying to convince us that the restaurant was located off in the hills. It's not. By the time we found the location, we only had an hour and 15 until our boat was leaving so we didn't get a full dining experience. I was initially getting really annoyed while we were waiting to be seated because the woman in front of us was trying to get like a 12 person reservation and the kid she was with was having a conversation with the hostess about what they're going to do while they wait. NO ONE CARES! It would be nice if the other girl at the desk would be willing to seat us since there was only 2 in the party. When we were actually seated, we had a nice view of the beach from the patio. I ordered the Cioppino which was decent, I don't care for tomato based anything so it's hard for me to be crazy about it. It did have big chunks of fish and various types of shellfish which was really good. The boyfriend had fish and chips were soooo yummy! And the tartar sauce is worth a positive note too. Our waitress was really nice and when we told her we were in a bit of a rush, she helped speed things up and provided great service. There was larger party sitting in the middle of the heat lamps and I think the manager even gave them some blankets to help keep them warm! I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that's what I saw. I'm definitely going to come back and make sure we have enough time to enjoy dinner. Can't wait to get some fish and chips and the oysters! Oh and don't worry about being fancy because we were in our beach cover ups with backpacks ;)
(4)Joylynn T.
Came here for my birthday dinner expecting it to be an amazing place with amazing food. Well the restaurant itself was great. Great decor, great view and not loud at all but when it came to the food I was disappointed. The bartender didn't know how to make the drink I ordered and even at one point thought I had said "virgin" no way. After a second attemp it wasn't anything special. My dinner wasn't any better. I got the jumbo shrimp pasta and it was so bland I felt like I used all the salt and pepper. I love seafood but it has I be seasoned well & I must say they need to do a little working on that. Not sure I'll ever go back to test it out again. To pricey to end up disappointed
(3)X. Y.
We walked to the restaurant before sunset. It was the middle of August and we were told there was an hour-anf-a-half wait. Since we were not really hungry we put our name in the waiting list and took a walk. After about 45 minutes I decided to check on the waiting list and, surprisingly, there was space to sit. My girlfriend and I walked in and we were escorted to the deck. When I got there I immediately refused to sit because it was dark and I could barely read the menu. I asked to be seated where there was more light. After about 15 minutes we were seated. We ordered paella and mussels. The food was mediocre and poorly cooked. I am a big fan of both paella and mussels. None of them was even remotely decent. I was surprised to receive such low quality food in such a fancy restaurant that, by the way, for some unclear reason, is rated 4 stars on this website. By the time I got the bill I complained to the waitress about the quality of the food. She was honest enough to say that the food can be good or bad depending on the night. The kitchen appears overcrowded and understaffed. Considering the quality of food I saw at the Bluewater Grill, I don't think I would recommend the place to anyone. It's really not worth.
(2)B B.
This place was great! We sat on the patio for dinner and had great service. The king crab was def worth the pay, it is Catalina island, so everything is a little pricey. My husband loved his steak as well. Can't wait to come back!
(4)Stephen T.
Great fish tacos and an even better bar. I did not get the name of the nice gal who was our bartender but she was very good, friendly, and professional; all while training a new bartender. Great view too of the harbor.
(4)Rosana Q.
Nice view, nice decor and friendly staff :). We had the lime muscles. Delicious!! Some of the best muscles I've had. This was our first restaurant on the island and we were very pleased.
(5)Casey R.
Best Salmon I have ever had!!! I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone! Went two days in a row with a party of 6 and all of us walked away full and happy with our meals!!
(5)Kristy L.
Oysters...so so, they weren't the freshest. Raw scallops were tasty, not enough ponzu sauce. We also had the fish and chips, good, but the outer part kept falling off. Our waiter was not great. He wasn't around when we needed him.
(3)Libra H.
Artichoke crab dip, Gumbo, & Java Mud Pie are all good ones to try. The scallop potatoes & spinach, as a side order to a fish entree, are tasty as well. Their sourdough bread is addicting. If you want to sit outside there are heaters to keep you warm for a nice ambiance by the water. Order tea or clam chowder and enjoy the mellow atmosphere
(4)James V.
Calamari was spot on, place was popping even for off season, interesting characters all about especially those outside braving the elements and curious birds to get the amazing view with their meals and brews. Sean rocks and keeps the good vibes up. Drinks rocked, buffalo milk was balanced perfectly, strong yet tastey like an adult milk shake should be.
(5)Alysia L.
I prefer this to the other 2 restaurants we tried when we visited on a day trip. The server leaves something to be desired, but the food was great. I definitely enjoyed my artichoke, and crab cakes, my husbands' fish and chips was ok, though not for me as i do not like it normally regardless of where we get it. recommend this place for a mellow meal with a great view.
(4)Stephen C.
Buffalo wings - great. Thai wings - AMAZING. Service and bartenders, particularly Sean - some of the best I've come across. Great Moscow mule, Bloody Mary is second only to Sarducci's in San Juan Capistano, the location is perfect and the ambience is exactly what we wanted for the last night of the vacation. Thanks everyone! Can't want to come back!
(5)Franco S.
Excellent. The lobster tail was amazing, as was the swordfish.
(5)Mattin N.
Good seafood, we sat outside you can't get closer to the water. Food was well prepared.
(4)Christopher T.
we got the oysters and the scallops for starters and they were delicious. the raw oysters were fresh and buttery sweet. scallops were tasty especially with their sauce and bacon bits on top. Paella and the lobster tail were our entrées and I'd highly recommend both dishes. Prices are more on the higher end but it does reflect the service, experience, and quality of food we received.
(5)Van S.
Might be good if you can get some service!!! This place had a great feeling when sitting at the patio. I wanted to like this place a lot when i stopped by. Sadly, they had a really poor crew working there. My girlfriend and I went in and was told that we can have a seat outside at the patio for cocktails. We went to the first table closes to the bar. Great looking food and cocktails came by, but that was all we experienced!!! We waited 25 minutes hoping that a server would come by. Even made eye contact with multiple servers multiple times, but no one wanted to stop by. Place was maybe 20% occupied. After 25 minutes of waiting I grab my girlfriend and went over to CC Gallagher which had WAY better service. Somewhat ruined out mood at Catlina but CC Gallagher saved the day.
(1)Charlotte M.
Great location! We sat in the outdoor patio at sunset, it was beautiful. The server turned on the outdoor heaters and the patio was perfect at night. A bottle of merlot also warmed us up. For appetizer we ordered calamari which is served with a thai dipping sauce, very delicious. We ordered the michelada oyster shooter, it was yummy! We then ordered the crab & avocado salad, as recommended by Yelp reviewers. You guys did not steer us wrong here, very fresh and tasty salad. They charged $1 to split the salad and it was enough for 2 as an appetizer. It is a tradition for my boyfriend and to try cioppino in every city we visit, ever since we had some in SF at Sotto Mare who boasts they have " the best damn cioppino". We have yet to find one that is better! I mention this, because Bluewater serves "San Francisco Style Cioppino", which is typically a medley of seafood in a tomato broth. We ordered the cioppino for our entree, and paid $2 to split and $3 to add pasta. There was a variety of seafood, and the meal was filling. The tomoto sauce broth is just a little runny, I like the broth more of a stew consistency. The cioppino was decent, but not something I would order again. Overall, a satisfying meal at a beautiful restaurant location.
(4)Elena Luz G.
Great food, wonderful service. We were in Avalon for four days, and had a meal or a drink there every day! All is very good, but the Fanny Bay oysters were extraordinary, and anything fried with panko is delicious! Melissa was a great server, and the lovely lady who made sure everything was running smoothly (sniff the mint tea bag to help a headache, yeah you!) is a great asset to an awesome restaurant!
(5)Jason B.
Excellent food and service to match. The crab cakes were perfect. Also highly recommended are the Mahi-Mahi Sliders.
(5)Brennan K.
Overall great experience; Bluewater Grill seems to still be working out the kinks of a newly opened restaurant but will surely turn out to be amazing. The grilled artichoke and clam chowder provided an excellent start to the meal. The Ahi Tuna was somewhat lacking. Cooked perfectly, but under-seasoned. The Ponzu Sashimi Scallops completed the night. Absolutely amazing, all the flavors coming through and not masking that of the scallops, just supplementing it. Perfect. Worked very well with the High Point Pale Ale. Ended it with the tasty Key Lime Pie and another beer. The service was a work in progress, but the food easily made up for it. Would highly recommend eating here.
(4)Benson K.
Joke, Joke, Joke! I have NEVER seen bartenders move so slow! They don't even have a clue in how to help customers. And worse yet, if I complain I will get kicked off the island. Guess I have to talk to the owners in Newport which I absolutely love.
(1)Michael P.
Wow ! Way better then previous restaurant. Gerry does a great job. I thought the entire staff was very very good. Fantastic atmosphere great food and wonderful view.
(5)Casey B.
Great place. Fish was nice and fresh. Atmosphere was great, right over the water in the center of the bay.
(5)Jo M.
This restaurant was great! The restaurant was clean inside and out. Nice ambience. The food was very good. Rafael was our server and he was great! We sat outside in the back patio and only about 5 minutes after we were seated, a seagull dive bombed on another customer's plate and tried to take off with her food! (We all thought it was hilarious) She notified the waiter, who had no problem taking care of her bill. Apparently this happens often enough that they don't get too surprised. So guard your table if you eat outside! Haha. Also, it started to very lightly drizzle (more of a mist) and Rafael and the manager checked on us several times to make sure we were still okay and offered to bring us inside. The waitstaff was wonderful!! Will definitely eat here again if I return to Catalina!! 10/10 would recommend!
(5)Bob P.
Can't rate the food but the service was excellent and very accommodating. Great outdoor seating with beautiful views of the harbor
(5)Anthony B.
We had a nice dinner here and came back for lunch. Great fresh food. Service was awesome on Friday night. Sunday for lunch they were busy and our waitress had a few issues but food was excellent. Dinner had fresh mahi mahi and red snapper and for lunch fish tacos and mahi mahi sliders - very tasty. Highly recommend trying this one out. They look like they are very busy and that is for a reason.
(5)J S.
Catalina Island continues to upgrade its dining options. The Blue Water Grill opened where the old Armstrong's used to be located. The place is totally renovated, and looks terrific. The Blue Water organization is trying to bring their consistently good dining experience to Avalon. We had a terrific time. Sean an Andre, both managers there did a great job trying to make us comfortable, and happy with our drinks and food. They really went out of their way! The restaurant is suffering from being new and too popular. The wait on a Saturday night looks to be horrendous, and the kitchen is going to be far too small for the 300 seat restaurant. I'm sure they will work it out.
(4)Madiya M.
I really wanted to like this place but the service was just horrible! It really killed the experience in many ways. There were 7 of us, so big party I guess you can say. First, the waiter wasn't attentive. He was all great in the beginning when we ordered drinks and apps, but when the time came around for refills, he was no where to be found. When we finally did find him, he didn't look like he wanted to be there and he just kept messing up. We asked for a drink with no ice, we got ice. We asked for extra sauce, we never got it. So that was a little irritating. Second, the food comes out, one of the orders was fish and chips, severely undercooked and slimy, and the other order was supposed to be blackened shrimp tacos, which was normal fish tacos. By the time the food came out for the second party, the first party had already finished. A little mood killer. The last, the one that took it home, we were there for my brother's 21st birthday, my mom kept going up to the waiter AND the host stand to have some dessert sent out. After about the 4th time, it finally came out with a candle and all, and went straight to another table!! When my mom went and corrected them, they brought out the wrong dessert without a candle and just set it in the middle of the table while we all looked on. So needless to say, the whole "birthday" thing was ruined. As far as the food goes, I ordered the Mahi sliders, came with 2 sliders and a side, and was pretty good. Small portion but the taste was there. Calamari fritti for the appetizers was just amazing. The shrimp tacos were below average as well as the fish and chips. Water costs $0.50 because of the drought, which by the way, all of us in california are experiencing this but are not charging others to pay for it, I don't understand why Catalina finds itself so special to be able to charge for water and get away with it. And only 2 refills per soft drink order. The view and overall ambience of the restaurant is why this place is receiving the 2 stars, pretty generous if you ask me. ***After I posted my review, I was reading some of the other ones and noticed that they received complimentary bread, yeah, we never got that! Don't know if they pick and choose who gets it and who doesn't.. Regardless, just wanted to add to the list of unpleasantries!
(2)Danielle S.
Great restaurant with an amazing view of the Catalina harbor! The food is delicious. One of my new favs on the island.
(4)Brian M.
So I'm going to precede the actual review with the note that I absolutely adooored this place the first time I came here, but the second time nearly ruined it for me. Keeping that in mind here we go. The first time I came here everything was perfect. My god it was PERFECT. Allow me to divulge...it was a beautiful day, we had an amazing view of the Casino and the crystal blue waters, the waiter was excellent, but the food was fantastic and beyond reproach. However the second time we came was different. The difference being that we had a time constraint! I know, this is never a good thing to have in an island city, but our boat was leaving in an hour and we figured it was more then enough time to grab some calamari. We were seated and our order for one appetizer of calamari was taken. Forty five minutes later, we had received no calamari and were forced to RUN to catch our boat home. It is a shame that they did so poorly the second time that we came, but they did just open their doors recently, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and go again next time I find myself in Catalina. Considering my two experiences, a five star experience and a one star experience, I'll average it to a 3 star overall rating.
(3)Sam W.
Good food, great location, and really good for kids too. If you get the kids special, you may want to try the veggies, three different types, sliced thin, and with a side of ranch. One kid had the grilled fish which was really fresh, the other a well made grilled cheese with the veggies too. The clam chowder was really good, and the grilled fish was excellent.
(4)Huey S.
Dog friendly patio with great view. Only had cocktails and appetizer- both were great. Service was friendly but a little slow, but It was the weekend after labor day and I think they were transitioning from summer staffing levels to winter staffing.
(4)Brittney C.
Amazing food! Amazing service! Right on the water...what more can you ask for? I went here for happy hour. The prices were amazing and the food was delicious! Jerry (one of the managers) made my parents and I feel at home even though we were just visiting for a day. Thanks Jerry! Loved our experience and would definitely come back.
(5)Andrea F.
Service is slow and severs are snooty. Food is good, but service is not so great. We had to ask multiple times to get anything and that's not right for what you are paying for. No one addressed us for a while and the hostess talked down to us for no reason! Not the best impression of this island and felt this a lot here, too bad;(
(1)Lori G.
I really liked this restaurant. The food was amazing! Loved the crab and artichoke dip! They bring fresh sourdough bread to your table right away and it is amazing! We sat outside under heaters that worked really good. I love sitting outside, but tend to get cold. They even bring you blankets if you need them! The service is wonderful, very friendly and helpful. It's a great romantic place to eat!
(4)Hillary H.
I had an early dinner here with my boyfriend and parents on our first day trip to Catalina. We chose it for its good reviews and great oceanfront setting. There are only a few restaurants on the water in Catalina, so this place does get fairly packed. Nonetheless we were seated at a comfortable table for four outside overlooking the gorgeous ocean at sunset. They were playing country music at a moderate volume which suited us just fine. We started with the pitcher of white sangria at the friendly server's suggestion, and it was delicious. We shared the swordfish, while my parents enjoyed the fish and chips and the shrimp. Everyone found their food delicious. I personally could have eaten that swordfish every day for a week it was so perfect. Portions are big enough that you can share if you aren't famished, and we found it reasonably priced for being 1. an island 2. on the water 3. seafood. We will certainly be back!
(5)Jen D.
Wow!!! Talk about making it right! After my last review the owner personally contacted me, apologized and we had a great experience at their redondo beach location. We came out to the island this weekend for my sister in laws 30th birthday and decided to give them another try. All I have to say is this is EXACTLY what a resturant should do when you've had such a bad experience before and they really showed that they do have amazing customer service and do care about customer retention. The complimentary crab dip from our super friendly server Mallory, the comped bottle of champagne from the manager Lato, and of course the birthday dessert were all over the top details to the amazing food and impeccable service! As a group of 7, We each had a little bit of everything...the steak with blue cheese was to die for, the mahi mahi was fresh and yummy, they chopped and tossed our wedge salad(highly recommend that!) and even the fish and chips was fresh and not greasy. We truly had a perfect evening due to their attention to detail and have since planned a trip for June to come back and redo our friends birthday we were here with before! Thank you Bluewater Avalon for being the highlight of our trip to the island and our sisters birthday weekend!!!
(5)Todd L.
The crab cakes were Excellent! Happy hour is fair. Service was very good. Look out for the seaguls.... they will jump on your table. ..
(3)Cindy S.
Let me tell you about the interaction we had with the manager, Jerry Bravo. We asked him to turn on the heater outside in the patio. He immediately fulfilled our request with a smile, and then filled our dining time with a bit of Catalina history and his personal history. He shared samples of the scalloped potatoes and clam chowder. Jerry Bravo is a gregarious host and the scalloped potatoes were delicious! Thanks Jerry!
(3)Brent W.
The first night in Avalon, we tried to eat here and we were turned away. They were not seating any more people. It was packed. So we tried it today for lunch. The bread was awesome. We got the bucket of clams and muscles and it was terrific! My daughter got the Pappardelle with shrimp & clams. She loved it! I got the Red Snapper and it was "just ok" even though the side spinach and potatoes + red pepper sauce redeemed it.. I would recommend the Bluewater Grill. It has a nice vibe.
(4)Cory R.
This restaurant was an amazing dining experience. We came to Catalina for just a couple of days, and ended up coming back here a few times! We did visit many of the other recommended establishments, but the service and food were simply fantastic here. When you do come visit, make sure you order the Crab and Artichoke dip... oh my gosh!!! seriously, this dip is so rich I thought I was eating dessert. They keep bringing out these little mini loaves of fresh sour dough bread to die for. And the food... wow... we ordered a couple of different things. BUT the beer battered fish and chips... so good... like seriously so good, I thought how cool it would be to just have a whole basket of those for a Super-bowl party... When you are there, be sure and say hi to Danny and Jerry. These 2 guys... I kind of felt bad because my pretty lady sat there and talked their ears off... but they just spent some time with us... then would do the same at other tables. They told us about some of the stuff on the Island that we didn't know about, and Island life. It was as if we were sitting down with friends and they were serving us a really nice meal. Can't say enough about this classy establishment. Oh yeah... and one last thing... SUPER reasonable on pricing. Each time I got the bill, I found myself thinking "that's it?" This is a must visit!!
(5)Elafoodie W.
Nice restaurant with a wonerful view. However, DO NOT order the fried calamari. I am sure you will be disappointed at the excessive breading, the small number of calamari pieces, and the fat that neaarly 20% of the pieces are onion rings rather than squid. The entrees were good, but the calamari was clearly the most disappinting I have ever had.
(1)Joanna M.
My husband and I went by for lunch. The location is amazing. They sat us right next to the water and all in all, the food was pretty good. The problem was the service. We were there for about an hour and a half before we got our entrees, and the appetizers alone took about an hour. The wait staff seems to be spread too thin, they never come around to fill our glasses and it took several requests to get our bill.
(2)Vinita S.
I am giving them give stars, mainly because of their amazing kids meal. I think the best I have ever seen ! Grilled fish on skewers, sautéed zucchini, carrot sticks, ranch dressing and fruit all in a bento box !! Healthy, deli it and filling ! Bravo ! I wish more places did this !! I tried everything and it was all very tasty and my 3 yo daughter really enjoyed it!
(5)john s.
The service was exceptional and our crab/ shrimp Louie above the cut. Sand daps sautéed in butter and cooked to perfection. Very surprised to find this level at a tourist destination.
(5)