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    San Diego Concert Venues

    Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach: The Complete Show Guide

    A converted Quonset hut in Solana Beach that Rolling Stone has repeatedly named one of the best clubs in America. The Belly Up books above its weight — legacy acts, roots and blues legends, jam bands, and national indie acts all play a 600-cap room here. The sound is the best in the county, full stop.

    Solana Beach (North County)~600Converted Quonset hut music hallOpened 1974

    Last updated

    Quick answer: General admission floor plus reservable tables and booths on the raised back sections. Reserve a table if you want to sit — they go weeks out. Free parking in the lot and on Cedros Ave. The Coaster train stops two blocks away, which makes this the rare venue you can take a train to.

    143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075

    Upcoming shows at Belly Up Tavern

    12 upcoming events we're tracking. Times and lineups can change — always confirm with the venue before you go.

    Where to buy tickets for Belly Up Tavern

    Box office first (lowest fees), then the primary seller, then resale if the show is sold out.

    See every San Diego concert this week →

    Parking at Belly Up Tavern

    Free lot shared with the Cedros Design District, plus free street parking on Cedros and the surrounding blocks. It fills for sold-out shows, but the overflow blocks are a 3–5 minute walk. This is the easiest parking of any major San Diego venue.

    What parking costs

    Free

    Transit & rideshare

    The Solana Beach Coaster and Amtrak station is a 3-minute walk. Taking the Coaster up from downtown for a show and back is a genuinely great night out — check the last southbound departure before you commit.

    Where to stand or sit

    • 1

      Center floor by the soundboard — the room was built for this spot.

    • 2

      Reserved booths on the raised rear tier — full sightline, table service, and you keep your seat all night. Book weeks ahead.

    • 3

      Bar rail house-left for easy drinks with a decent angle.

    • 4

      Avoid the far corners under the curved hut walls; the sound reflects oddly there.

    Bag policy

    Small bags fine, standard pat-down entry. No outside food or drink, no re-entry on sold-out nights.

    Food & drink inside

    Full kitchen with legitimately good bar food (the fish tacos and wings are the picks), plus two full bars. Table reservations include food service. $8–$12 beer, $13–$16 cocktails, $14–$20 food.

    Where to eat and drink first

    All within a short walk or drive of Belly Up Tavern.

    Cedros Design District

    Walk the block before doors — shops, coffee, and Solana Beach's nicest stretch.

    Pizza Port Solana Beach

    Two minutes away. Order the pizza, get the Swami's IPA.

    Fish 101

    Casual, excellent seafood a short drive up the 101.

    Claire's on Cedros

    Best pre-show sit-down within walking distance.

    Local tips

    What this room books: Roots, blues, jam, reggae, funk, legacy rock, tribute nights.

    1. 1

      Reserve a table for any show you actually care about seeing seated. They release weeks out and sell through for name acts.

    2. 2

      Take the Coaster from downtown or Old Town — the station is two blocks away and it removes the drive entirely.

    3. 3

      The sound engineer here has a reputation. If a mix sounds bad, it's the band.

    4. 4

      Sold-out shows get tight on the floor. Arriving at doors gets you a wall spot with a sightline.

    5. 5

      Tribute nights sell out and are far better than tribute nights have any right to be. Locals treat them as real shows.

    Belly Up Tavern FAQ

    Does the Belly Up have seating?

    The floor is general admission standing, but the raised rear sections have reservable tables and booths with table service. Reservations typically carry a food-and-drink minimum and sell out weeks in advance for popular shows.

    Is parking free at the Belly Up?

    Yes. There's a free shared lot with the Cedros Design District plus free street parking on Cedros Avenue and nearby blocks. On sold-out nights you may need to walk 3–5 minutes from an overflow block.

    Can you take the train to the Belly Up?

    Yes — the Solana Beach Coaster and Amtrak station is a 3-minute walk from the door. Check the last southbound Coaster departure time before the show, since late-night service is limited.

    Is the Belly Up all ages?

    Most shows are 21+, with a limited number of all-ages events. The age restriction is listed on each event page and enforced at the door.

    Where to stay near Belly Up Tavern

    Our picks for anyone staying overnight around Belly Up Tavern.

    L'Auberge Del Mar

    Upscale PickLuxury

    One of the closest highly rated Sandi Spots hotels to Belly Up Tavern, 2.2 miles away.

    2.2 miles from Belly Up Tavern

    • Upscale option nearby
    • Coastal option nearby
    Check Rates

    Hilton Garden Inn Solana Beach

    Best ValueMid-range

    4.4 miles from Belly Up Tavern in Carmel Valley; a short drive with on-site parking.

    4.4 miles from Belly Up Tavern

    • Family-friendly option
    • Coastal option nearby
    Check Rates

    Hilton San Diego Del Mar

    Mid-range

    3.5 miles from Belly Up Tavern in Del Mar; a short drive with on-site parking.

    3.5 miles from Belly Up Tavern

    • Family-friendly option
    • Coastal option nearby
    Check Rates

    Inn at Moonlight Beach

    Mid-range

    4.1 miles from Belly Up Tavern in Encinitas; a short drive with on-site parking.

    4.1 miles from Belly Up Tavern

    • Family-friendly option
    • Coastal option nearby
    Check Rates

    Sandi Spots may earn a commission from hotel bookings. Recommendations are chosen editorially.

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    About this guide

    Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking. Last updated .

    Local, first-hand. Reported on the ground in San Diego County.
    Kept current. Prices, hours, and closures reviewed on a rolling basis.
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