Belly Up Tavern - A Solana Beach Music Spot Since 1974
If you're looking for a spot where good times roll, music fills the air, and the food feels just right, then the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach is a place you'll want to get to know. This friendly neighborhood restaurant and bar sits right next to the famous Belly Up music spot, offering a relaxed vibe for everyone who comes by. It's a place where local tastes come alive, and every visit feels like a warm welcome, you know?
This isn't just any eating place; it's somewhere you can really soak in the sounds and sights, with artful concert posters on the walls that make you feel like you're part of something special. It's a spot that has seen so many great moments, with a history stretching back to 1974, so it's almost a living piece of local culture, pretty much.
From enjoying a meal before a big show to just hanging out with friends, the Belly Up Tavern has carved out its own unique space in the heart of Solana Beach, truly offering a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike. It's a place that, in a way, feels like home.
Table of Contents
- A Warm Welcome to Belly Up Tavern
- What Makes Belly Up Tavern Special?
- A Look at the Belly Up Tavern Menu
- What's the History of the Belly Up Music Place?
- Who Has Played at Belly Up Tavern?
- Planning Your Visit to Belly Up Tavern
- Are There Any Special Events at Belly Up Tavern?
- How Can You Stay Connected with Belly Up Tavern?
A Warm Welcome to Belly Up Tavern
The Belly Up Tavern, you see, is a laid-back place to eat and drink that sits right next to the well-known Belly Up music club. It’s a spot where people gather, whether for a quick bite or a relaxed evening out, and it feels very much like a part of the local scene. This isn't just a place to grab something to eat; it's a social hub, a place where friends meet up, and new memories are made, quite often.
What Makes Belly Up Tavern Special?
What sets the Belly Up Tavern apart is the complete experience it offers. You get to enjoy tastes that come from around here, drinks that are put together with a bit of imagination, and a feeling of closeness with the sounds, sights, and food. The walls are covered in concert posters by Scrojo, which really makes the setting feel unique and adds to the whole vibe, you know, in a way.
It’s a place where the atmosphere itself tells a story, with every picture on the wall hinting at the music and laughter that has filled these spaces over the years. You can truly feel a connection to the music scene, even when you're just having a meal, which is something special about the Belly Up Tavern, basically.
The tavern also keeps things current with its approach to guest comfort and health. For instance, in 2023, the Belly Up Tavern had its own set of rules for visitors to follow, showing a commitment to making sure everyone felt safe while enjoying their time. It's about looking after people, as a matter of fact.
A Look at the Belly Up Tavern Menu
When you sit down to eat at the Belly Up Tavern, you'll find some straightforward, satisfying choices. One popular item is the Tavern Original, which comes with fresh greens and a slice of red fruit, served alongside sweet potato sticks and a creamy green dressing with a hint of herb. It’s a straightforward meal that really hits the spot, pretty much.
Another item on the menu is a burger that features a yellow cheese from Tillamook, small green pickled items, a splash of red sauce, and a touch of a yellow condiment, all served with fried potato sticks. These are meals that are meant to be comforting and familiar, the kind of food that makes you feel good. They're designed to be enjoyable, and quite frankly, they are.
What's the History of the Belly Up Music Place?
The story of the Belly Up music spot began in Solana Beach, California, way back in 1974. Back then, it was a very simple setup, with just a couple of sound catchers and no raised area for performers. It was a humble start for what would become a truly iconic place, in some respects.
Over the years, this place grew to be a regular stop for many celebrated music figures. People like John Lee Hooker, Etta James, and B.B. King often came through its doors to share their sounds. It became a place where music history was made, night after night, you know?
Some truly memorable performances also took place in the early days, with artists such as Curtis Mayfield, George Clinton, The Neville Brothers, and Toots and the Maytals gracing the stage. These moments are part of the club’s lasting story, showing just how much great music has passed through its walls. It's really quite something, actually.
The Belly Up, which is located on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, has earned a name for itself around the world. It has a long history of bringing excellent live sounds to the San Diego area. It's a place that, year after year, people have chosen as San Diego's best spot for live music, so it’s got a good reputation.
Who Has Played at Belly Up Tavern?
The Belly Up music place, right next to the tavern, continues to host a wide range of musical and comedic talents. Looking at upcoming events, for instance, on Monday, August 25, 2025, you could catch a comedy show featuring Steph Tolev, Jefferson McDonald, Mark Serritella, Taylor C Grate, and Alex Akins, all in a seated setting. This kind of event really shows the variety of entertainment available, too.
Then, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Madison McFerrin is set to perform. The very next day, Thursday, October 2, 2025, you might find yourself listening to 10,000 Maniacs. Later in the year, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, Patterson Hood & Craig Finn are scheduled to play. These dates give you a sense of the diverse acts that come through, basically.
There was also a seated comedy show presented by Belly Up & Dusted Company, with tickets available on Wednesday, August 13. Past acts have also included Black Market III and Tim. The calendar is always full of interesting performances, meaning there’s often something new to experience, very often.
Planning Your Visit to Belly Up Tavern
The Belly Up Tavern and the music club are situated at 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA. If you need to get in touch, you can call them at 858 720 9000. It's a fairly easy place to find, and the address is quite straightforward, you know.
It's worth noting that not all events presented by Belly Up happen at this specific location. For example, Belly Up also puts on shows at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, which is at 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106. So, if you're planning to see a show, it’s a good idea to double-check the location, just to be sure.
For those looking to hold an event, the Belly Up music venue has plenty of room. For a gathering where people are mostly standing with drinks, it can hold up to 600 individuals. If you're planning a dinner, about 350 people can sit comfortably inside the Belly Up. If your group is larger, there's the option to use the tavern area and possibly the Outback Lounge for more seating. You can always reach out to Beth for more details on arranging an event; she’s the person to ask, apparently.
Are There Any Special Events at Belly Up Tavern?
Beyond the regular music acts, the Belly Up has a long history as a place for various special gatherings. Established in 1974, it’s a spot that has hosted many live music events and shows. It also serves as a location for company holiday parties and other corporate events, offering a unique setting for celebrations. It’s a versatile spot, to be honest.
The tavern itself, being a casual eating and drinking spot, complements these events by providing a relaxed atmosphere for pre-show meals or post-show drinks. The combination of the two spaces means there's always something happening, whether it's a concert or a private party, more or less.
How Can You Stay Connected with Belly Up Tavern?
Staying in the loop with the Belly Up is quite simple. You can find information about how to get in touch with them, sign up for their email updates, check out upcoming events and party options, visit their online shop, or learn about job opportunities at the tavern. All these options help you keep up with what’s going on, basically.
For the most dedicated fans, there's a special program to join, where you become a Belly Up VIP. If you sign up for this, you won't miss out on getting tickets before they are offered to the general public. It's a good way to make sure you get to see the shows you want, and it’s something many people find useful, you know.
This article has shared information about the Belly Up Tavern, a friendly eating and drinking place next to the well-known Belly Up music venue in Solana Beach. We looked at what makes the tavern a special place to visit, including its unique setting with concert posters and its focus on local flavors and creative drinks. We also touched upon the menu, highlighting items like the Tavern Original and the Tillamook cheddar burger.
A good portion of the article covered the rich history of the Belly Up music place, which started in 1974 with very little and grew to host many famous music figures over the years. We also mentioned some of the artists scheduled to perform in the future, like Steph Tolev, Madison McFerrin, 10,000 Maniacs, and Patterson Hood & Craig Finn. Practical details for visiting were included, such as the address, phone number, and a note about events held at other locations. Finally, we discussed the venue's capacity for events and ways to stay connected, like joining the VIP program.
Belly. stock image. Image of line, healthy, fatness, body - 14134401
A woman shows her flat stomach. Athletic belly of a young girl 10247751
Womans Belly High-Res Stock Photo - Getty Images
