Harbor Reef Restaurant & Bar

Mackenna was the BEST server! So friendly, so helpful in selecting what to order. We came back for dinner when we saw Mackenna was working that day.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bison Burger, Red Pepper Hummus

Spent a whole day here at a cabana, looked after by Hunter.
Food and service were both excellent, atmosphere was sublime. Will be back again and again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The worst banh mi I’ve ever had. Just dripping in a terrible BBQ sauce. Was having such a good time at Two Harbors, until tasting this sandwich with its cardboard fries.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

My friends and I were staying in Catalina for a wedding and we ate at this restaurant 3 times and always had an amazing experience until the night of August 21st. After the wedding ceremony we were trying to finish the night by getting a nice dinner. We walked in at 7:52pm to get a table for 6 and the hostess working that night said, “talk about coming in last minute huh? Let me see if a server wants to serve you tonight.” I was confused and asked her what time they closed and she checked her phone and said, “in 8 minutes.” At this point we didn’t even want to eat there any more because we felt like we were a burden. The 3 times we’d eaten there we spent about $400 each time and left a 25%+ tip after every meal. After working in the food industry for over 5 years you don’t make people feel unwelcome even if they come in last minute. You tell them that the kitchens already closed for the night and you extend your apologies. We were on a nice trip and I understand we could’ve checked the restaurant closing time online but it doesn’t change how you should treat guests.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 1

Harbor Reef boasts an unbeatable island vibe that captures the essence of a tropical escape. Nestled in a prime location, it’s the kind of spot where you can kick back, soak in the atmosphere, and feel like you’re truly on vacation. The setting is picturesque, with a laid-back ambiance that screams paradise. However, that’s where the charm ends.

Unfortunately, the food and drinks at Harbor Reef fall flat. The menu, while promising, is poorly executed. The flavors are bland, the ingredients don’t seem fresh, and the overall quality is disappointing. Whether it’s a simple burger or a more ambitious seafood dish, nothing seems to hit the mark. The drinks are similarly lackluster—weak cocktails that taste watered down and uninspired.

The service is mediocre at best. The staff, while not rude, lacks the attentiveness and enthusiasm you’d hope for. Orders are often slow to arrive, and the overall experience feels lackadaisical. It’s clear that the lack of competition has allowed Harbor Reef to settle into complacency. With no need to outshine rivals, there’s little incentive for them to improve.

In a nutshell, Harbor Reef is a place to enjoy the scenery, not the dining experience. If you’re after great food and stellar service, you’ll likely leave disappointed. However, if all you want is a cool drink in your hand and a view of the ocean, it might still be worth a visit—just don’t expect much more.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

My favorite bar in the entire world. Full stop.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The prices here are high and they add an 8.5% "eco fee" and then charge another 9.5% sales tax on everything including the "eco fee". A club sandwich & a buffalo milk came to $40+tip. The sandwich was ok but came with unhealthy fries and they charge $3 extra to substitute a salad. My friend paid to sub the salad & got a really small pathetic looking salad. I couldn't taste any alcohol in the buffalo milk, which was pretty disappointing given that it cost about $18 once the eco fee, sales tax, and tip were added. I went in to this restaurant prepared to pay high prices due to the remote location but still left feeling like I got ripped off. If I go back to two harbors I will probably bring my own food.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

I had an amazing night at this restaurant the food was delicious and our server Terri made the night so special for me and everyone in my large party his energy was so friendly and caring he made my restaurant experience so enjoyable and I will for sure be coming back! We love Terri!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

They have one vegan option (the Ben Weston Banh-mi) and it’s good (albeit a little salty, but hits the spot). It’s not labeled, but the bartender checked for us. (Note: it’s not gluten free).

Bartenders are really nice, one helped fix the pool table!

Vegetarian options: Unlabeled vegan/veg option

Food: 4

Service: 5

I had dinner on July 7th with friends and the steak was terrible. The sauce they put on it had a very bitter taste and the meat was so tough I couldn't chew it. The corn side (street corn) had some weird sauce that I can't even describe...not traditional street corn by any means.
The next day I tried a hamburger on the bar patio and the same experience. The burger was far past well done, incinerated to charcoal would be the best description. Your Chef definitely has his own unique flare ?.what it is I do not know.
The service was great as usual. I have been coming here over 20 years and have always made it a point to have a few meals at your restaurant but now I will rethink that?

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 4

Terry service was ?️ No straws after asking multiple times & he charged us for a drink he didn’t even bring to us yet?No one greeted us when we sat down. The chicken nachos need to be removed from the menu. I have never seen fried chicken strip,corn,feta cheese,&queso on nachos???‍♀️no guacamole,pico,etc….‼️

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

**Customer Review: Harbor Reef Restaurant**

I recently visited Harbor Reef Restaurant and had a fantastic experience. The location right on the beach is perfect, and the view is amazing. They have a great selection of beers and food. We enjoyed the okie pokie nachos and fish and chips, which were both delicious. The atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Veggie Burger, Fish & Chips

Great place, fantastic, love it! The music is great, maybe a tad loud on the outside is patio, but when you’re smashed out of your skull it’s perfect! Besides If you don’t like it you can hit the inside back bar with pool table and all that or go across the street to the beach bar.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I remember the food in years past much better. Pretty lame considering the price. Personally I feel they could do much better than a veggie Wellington and lamb pops. How about steak house finer dining inside. Fish tacos, strips and cheese burgers outside.. Staff was great. CIC is slipping

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 4

Great place, fantastic, love it! The music is great, maybe a tad loud on the outside is patio, but when you’re smashed out of your skull it’s perfect! Besides If you don’t like it you can hit the inside back bar with pool table and all that or go across the street to the beach bar.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5