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    Pillbox Tavern

    4.3 (558 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Pillbox Tavern Photos

    Business Info

    PILLBOX TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Pillbox Tavern

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    Nice place. We love the bar and the food is delicious. Service is great too.
    Annette C.

    Always a great place. I'd love the pillbox plate. They're macaroni salad is to die for. My husband loves the tacos. Definitely a good place to visit in Solana Beach.

    Hank
    Jodi B.

    We love Pillbox, the staff and their dog friendly patio. We are happy to hear the patio will be permanent as well.

    Potato skins mango habanero and ranch sriracha wings  Fish tacos: one fried cod, 2 grilled mahi, one pastor Noonish cocktails

    We had a great first experience at Pillbox! Some of the best wings we've had in awhile. Everything was the perfect temperature too. Would be a great spot to come watch some sports games. Great service as well and vibes.

    Outside
    Dan M.

    Driven by this corner so many times and never noticed this little tavern tucked away at this busy intersection. Fortunately we decided to stop by after hiking nearby and wanting a snack. We found parking on the side streets in the back (probably not easy on a weekend since this is close to the beach). The menu is better than what you would expect for bar/tavern. We enjoyed a salad and a sandwich. They have a good craft beer menu that rotates as well with local selections. They have several TV screens so would make a good viewing place for the big game. Staff were friendly too.

    Baja chicken salad
    Binh P.

    Nice spot with a good amount of seating near the beach. Food was interesting. Got the baja chicken salad and although I did enjoy it, it could be a pretty strange flavor combo. It had tender chicken drenched in bbq sauce sitting on top of lettuce, corn, black beans, onions, and tortilla strips mixed with ranch. Initially the bbq sauce was overwhelming, but after mixing with the ranch it got tastier. Chicken was crazy tender, on some bites I thought I was eating canned tuna. Just wished there was more corn or beans added. The waitress was really friendly. And I enjoyed the tall glass of pineapple juice, very generous.

    June gloom
    Grace M.

    4.5! The food and service were amazing. The waitress was really helpful and attentive. I enjoyed the pillhouse burger and the Philly cheese steak. Lots of food for the price. They were out of the happy hour Mac and cheese though :(. The only issue I had was when eating outside there was no lighting. However, they do have heaters available if needed. The beers were also really yummy. Open seating available.

    Potato Skins with Ranch

    Really good food and great service! It's nice that this is a sports bar, but they have some healthier options (The Pillbox Plate, Chicken Tortilla Soup, House Made Chili, Tuna Sandwich, BBQ Chicken Salad) Their potato skins are (10/10)- crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. And, all of their dipping sauces are so, so good. The ranch, avocado Caesar, BBQ and honey mustard are my favorites. Small space, but it's perfect to watch the game and get some good food. I do recommend bringing a sweater or jacket, the doors/windows are usually open and it can be pretty breezy.

    Tri tip
    Nate A.

    Great location in solana beach, the tri tip sandwich was really good. Great service, nothing to complain about!

    Amanda J.

    My girlfriends and I stopped by for dinner. This tavern is super close to the beach (we had a short walk to the beach after dinner). They have indoor and outdoor seating. Our waiter was very funny and friendly. I tried their french fries and chicken teriyaki dish. The fries were delicious. They came out super hot and have a flavorful seasoning. The chicken teriyaki was okay. It came with macaroni salad which I felt was lacking flavor.

    Mango marg

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    Good bar food but especially the well seasoned tater tots that went with my hamburger.. A very friendly environment

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    3 months ago

    Fantastic food, atmosphere and the staff are wonderful. We will definitely eat here again when in the area.

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    Page 1 of 14

    Ask the Community - Pillbox Tavern

    What are the prices?

    It’s not expensive.

    Do you have a trivia night?

    I’m sorry. We do not.

    View All 3 Questions

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    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Won Tostada:
 Marinated Tune/Chipotle Mayo/Avocado/Pickled Onion/Sesame Seeds/Chives/Masago
    Won Tostada: Marinated Tune/Chipotle Mayo/Avocado/Pickled Onion/Sesame Seeds/Chives/Masago
    Potato Taquitos:
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    Pillbox Tavern - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

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