Best Restaurants with a Happy Hour in Solana Beach

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

Cardiff By The SeaCarlsbadCarmel ValleyChula Vista / BonitaDel MarEncinitas

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

59 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Rustic Root - Solana Beach restaurant

1. Rustic Root - Solana Beach

4.3

Awesome(59)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 87 times today

Modern rooftop destination featuring local, seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails in stylish surrounds.

2. Jake's Del Mar

4.8

Exceptional(10601)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 43 times today

Aloha friends of Jake’s Del Mar! We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. Visit jakesdelmar.com to view our menus or place a takeout order online!Jake’s is the quintessential California oceanfront dining experience. The eclectic menu compliments the casual, yet elegant restaurant atmosphere right on the Del Mar shore. With chef-driven California coastal fare, craft cocktails, and unforgettable ocean views, it’s the best of the west coast. Whether for a date night or a celebration with friends and family, Jake’s serves up something special every time.

A photo of Brigantine Del Mar restaurant

3. Brigantine Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(2787)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 31 times today

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history. "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. Perched between the spectacular Pacific Ocean and the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, the Del Mar Brigantine sits high above the action of the Del Mar racetrack.A lushly landscaped garden offers an unparalleled setting for weddings and outdoor-themed events. Indoors, a formal dining room looks out to the garden through floor-to-ceiling french doors. For more casual dining, the glass-enclosed deck is a year-round favorite.The Del Mar Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch each Sunday.

4. Herb & Sea

4.6

Exceptional(2929)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Encinitas

Booked 55 times today

Blending classic East Coast culinary traditions with a modern Californian sensibility, Herb & Sea is Chef Brian Malarkey’s venerable companion restaurant to the much-loved Herb & Wood in Little Italy. Quickly becoming one of the most sought-after tables in town, the concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Located steps from Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, the vibrant space is housed in a 1920’s art deco building that has been restored to its original glory.Daily operations are helmed by Executive Chef Aidan Owens. The menu includes a mix of raw bar staples, fresh seafood, meat dishes, and roasted vegetables. A variety of pizzas and pastas round out the offerings, alongside dessert and a dedicated kids’ menu.The spirits program is bright and playful, emphasizing citrus and floral notes that utilize the same ingredients found on the menu. The wine list offers a similar sense of whimsy, highlighting labels meant to complemen

5. Poseidon

4.8

Exceptional(5662)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 62 times today

The minute you walk into Poseidon, you’ll be swept by the fabulous view. You couldn’t be closer to the sand and the beach than sitting at Poseidon on their beautiful outdoor patio. With such a spectacular ocean view, you’ll experience breathtaking sunsets and during the right season even catch a glimpse of the whales migrating up or down the coast. The bar offers a large circular firepit, which is nice on those chilly fall or winter nights. Off to the side of the bar is a split level dining room offering every table a panoramic view of the beach and the ocean. For decades, Poseidon has delighted both local San Diegans and the tourists that love the beach.

A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant

6. Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

4.4

Awesome(7310)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Solana Beach

Booked 66 times today

Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.

A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

7. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(172)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Encinitas

Booked 74 times today

Located in beautiful Cardiff by The Sea, Waverly is a full-service restaurant serving Progressive American cuisine & specialty cocktails with a European influence.Evening Dining Reservation tables will be reserved for 1 hour and 45 minutes for parties of up to 2 and for 2 hours for parties of up to 6.Reservations are weather permitting and may be rescheduled if inclement weather is forecast. You will be contacted by one of our Hospitality Leaders should modifications need to be made to your reservation.*We offer a limited menu happy hour Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 PM. No reservations needed – first come, first served

A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

8. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(693)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 84 times today

An essential stop in San Diego for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking. Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

A photo of Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar restaurant

9. Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(2754)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 52 times today

Say hello to the sister restaurant of San Diego’s award winning CUCINA urbana! CUCINA enoteca’s menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, traditionally coursed or served family-style, and made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Enjoy wine by the glass or visit the wine shop and select a bottle from over 100 selections at retail price ($10 corkage fee applies).

10. Pacifica Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(4896)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 35 times today

Perched atop the Del Mar Plaza in the heart of the Village, Pacifica Del Mar has remained a local gem for years as one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after places to dine, wine and gather with friends and family. Their menu showcases casual and inspired fare - like fresh seafood, steak and pasta - complimented by an award-winning wine list and creative cocktails.Whether you choose to dine on their cozy ocean view patio, or join them in our vibrant dining room or bar, their warm service and great food and drink will provide a memorable dining experience.We look forward to seeing you at Pacifica Del Mar. Please note that in an effort to give our staff enough time to turn over and sanitize tables between diners, reservations will be limited to an hour and a half for parties of 4 or less, and 2 hours for parties 5+. We thank you for understanding and helping us keep things safe for you.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tiffanie
Fayetteville / Northwest Arkansas •6 reviews
5.0
Dined today
What an fantastic experience! We were a group of 4 that split the mussel toast and hush puppies both delicious, don't skip the honey herb butter . We enjoyed the ragu, yellow tail, carrots, beets, and bone marrow app. We enjoyed every item we ordered. Robert and his lovely manager took such great care of us and seating us in an area better suited for my FIL. The noise level isn't in anyone's control, so if you are wanting a quiet dinner go earlier or later. It is a happening spot where every is having a great time, so be ready. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. ❤
More info
Herb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas
•
4.6
W
WilliamVIP
Los Angeles •22 reviews
5.0
Dined today
A really fun vibe and delicious food. The place was jumping, service was outstanding, we were treated like a VIP.
More info
Rustic Root - Solana BeachPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.3
M
Marcia
Phoenix / Arizona •309 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Lovely Oceanside dinner with delicious fresh seafood and nice wine list. Had delicious creamy seafood clam chowder, split a Greek salad and enjoyed the ahi tuna entree and the evening special including pecan crusted salmon, a large prawn, large scallop, so yummy! Highly recommend this place!
More info
PoseidonPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.8
R
RobertVIP
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Always great food and service. One of our favorites.
More info
Brigantine Del MarPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.7
C
Cynthia
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Great food, great service and a truly great view of the Pacific!
More info
Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.8

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