EEK is right. Due to the lack of restaurants on Cedros, I've always wanted to dine on Cedros. Today my boy friend and I tried Wild Note adjacent to the Belly Up! Menu was very appetizing and the Arnold Palmers were not too bad. The bus boy brought us another round of drinks even before we asked for refills. I noticed mine had a dirty pink lipstick on the edge of the cup. I told the waiter and he brought me out another. We're almost done with our meal when they were nice enough to bring out another round. This time my boyfriend got the same cup I got last time with the same lipstick stain on the edge of the glass! I give this place major unsanitary points for messing up BIG TIME, not once but TWICE to the same customer. Next time you see a dirty glass, don't put it back on the shelf and assume it is clean! read more

I love eclectic places so this was a great find. Menu was all interesting and tasty. The place is wonderful, with the attached music performance space. If I lived in the area, I'd be a regular. read more

The Wild Note Cafe sits adjacent to the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach and it is truly a great place to dine before the show. Very romantic but a lot of pizazz. The white linen candlelit tables give it that great date essence. It is a neighborhood bistro-style restaurant serving what they call unrestrainable cuisine. The Sesame Seared Ahi Starter is fantastic and the Chicken Sesame Mushroom Melt is delicious. The prices are reasonable and the selection of wines abundant. read more

Stopped in for lunch on a whim... bad idea. Doesn't really matter that it's a good location, with nice staff... the food can easily be compared to Applebee's... baaaarf. The salad looked like bagged lettuce from the grocery store. And I'm pretty sure they use frozen chicken cooked on a George Foreman. Gross, gross, gross. Blech. Don't go for the food. My stomach bugged me the rest of the day too. read more

We visited the Wild Note Cafe for a Saturday lunch at 11:30. There were three of us. One ordered the turkey sandwich and loved it--good fries. My friend and I shared the lobster dumplings and the spinach and beet salad. The dumplings were delicious, but the port wine sauce was DIVINE. I would go back just to buy a pint of the sauce. Everything was fresh, service was spot on. No complaints. We'll be back! read more

Every time I've come to the Wild Note Cafe, it has always been a delightful experience. The servers are friendly, down-to-earth, and efficient (not to mention the service has always been really quick, even if they're a bit busy) and then the food is excellent! I usually start off with their house salad or the soup of the day then order their pan-crusted ahi. They used to have a really good stuffed chicken, but I guess they took it off the menu. If you go, ask your server about it because if there is a high enough demand for it, I'm sure they'll put it back on :-) I went here with my boyfriend the other night and he ordered the brie burger, said it was the juiciest burger he has ever had (I wouldn't know, because I don't eat red meat). It is surprising to me that this place is only rated a "$$". I think it's because a lot of people that eat here are from solana beach and have a lot of money to spend so aren't impacted as much to spend $24 on an entree. So for those of you (like me) that have a hard time shelling out $8 for a sandwich at O'Brian's Boulangerie on Del Mar Heights Road, save the Wild Note Cafe for a special occasion or if you just want to go on a nice date. read more

Located conveniently next to the Belly Up, it is the perfect place to grab dinner before a show. Everything on their menu sounded amazing to me! I ordered the jalapeno turkey burger sliders with a side of cheddar mashed potatoes. So yummy!! My friends ordered the filet mignon medallions and the filet mignon sliders, everything looked really delicious! Good service and good food! read more

Went last night before a concert at Belly Up. New thing that they are doing is asking you if you are going to attend the concert next door, and if you are, they hand you a ticket. Seems a few people had figured out the system and were using the back entrance to bypass the lines to get in. We saw at least one large group (Mr. Sarape....you know who you are) try this last night... pretending to look around the restaurant and then head over to the inside line. They were turned away and ended up back of the line outside. :) Anyway.... we had reservations for 7:00pm but arrived at 6:30 and were promptly seated. The place is small and can get very noisy. Last night there was a large birthday party that took up over half the inside room and they were loud. Neither of us were all that hungry, so we kept the orders light. I highly recommend the Brie Burger here. Always good back when I used to eat burgers. And the WIld Note salad is very good too. We ordered the Seared Ahi Sliders as an appetizer and I also ordered the Lobster-Shrimp Bisque. The service was prompt and we were handed the customary rosemary bread. It is a good bread that does not need butter to be enjoyed. I had a Stella and my GF had a Guinness. The sliders were good. Correctly cooked and tasty. The fries were great... but I can't really eat them. But the ones I did eat.. we very good. :) My bisque was amazing. I realized it was a little heavy and I should not really be eating it. So after I finished it, I vowed to consider that... next time. We both then ordered a nontraditional Ceaser Salad. Now I normally go for the wonderful Wild Note Salad... but this ceaser was awesome. Bits of corn, fresh lettuce, croutons, shaved cheese (which I removed). Quite nice. For desert, we ordered the heathiest thing on the menu... the Apple Upside Down Cake and it was perfect for two people. A small spoon of ice cream on the side. Yum. We left quite full and happy and headed in to see the show. The lines to get in? Yeah.. did not do that. We had roped off reserved seating. :) read more

I regularly frequent the Belly Up, the stellar live music venue in Solana Beach, and often wonder how all of the club's tables are occupied by the time of my arrival. Admittedly, I'm not the kind of person to show up at a venue as soon as the doors open, but I appear early enough to challenge how so many people make it there before me. That is until my concert buddy reminded me of the Wild Note Cafe, a cozy restaurant adjoined to the Belly Up that offers a selection of delicious pre-show grub and the opportunity to skip the line outside before the show and instead enter the venue via a side door. My friend and I planned to attend Steve Poltz's CD release show this month and decided to reserve a table at the restaurant to ensure early pickings for a seat, especially since Poltz is notorious for lengthy set lists. There are several great aspects to dining at the Wild Note Cafe and a handful of less favourable ones, but the positives ultimately outweigh the negatives. To break it down: + Tasty food. + Generous (but manageable) portion sizes. + Friendly and welcoming staff. (Our seating hostess was extremely talkative and complementary, making us feel right at home from the moment we stepped inside.) + The aforementioned priority entrance into the evening show at the Belly Up. - Pricey with very few inexpensive entre options. - Only one vegetarian entre on the menu. (Rare for California, I thought.) I ordered the Caesar salad and soup of the day, which on this particular evening was a cream of potato soup infused with jalapeos. The soup was delicious, with just the right balance of cream and spice. The salad, too, was tasty, especially for a usually formulaic option; the croutons were fresh, the lettuce cool and crunchy, and all of it mixed together with the perfect amount of dressing (a difficult balance to hit). My friend tried the only offered vegetarian entre, the Thai tofu stir fry with fresh spinach, sticky rice, spicy peanut sauce, and stir fry vegetables. With such limited vegetarian options, we were skeptical in our anticipation of the overall quality of the dish, but it turned out to be absolutely delicious. Again, just the right blend of flavour and vegetables cooked al dente rather than soggy or almost raw (as we'd initially feared). I'd definitely recommend a stop at the Wild Note Cafe before your next evening at the Belly Up. My friend and I plan to return, despite the pricier dining selection, because the staff are so welcoming and the food, while more expensive than we usually prefer, is yummy and consistent. Be sure to reserve a table in advance depending upon the popularity of the evening show, because the restaurant is much smaller than the venue. read more

Utterly mediocre in every respect. Uninspired menu. Uninteresting decor. Cheap ingredients. Unnecessarily liberal use of butter, oil and dressings on most dishes. Ick. A sad waste of prime real estate. read more

I went here for lunch on a Thursday and tried the following: hand carved turkey sandwich ($9) - turkey was moist and good pollo asado sandwich ($9.50) - flavorful and heartier than the turkey sandwich but not heavy The sandwiches were served with a side of fries, but I still though the prices were a little steep. Service was good; our server was very attentive. There's outside seating if you want to people watch and/or enjoy the sunny San Diego weather. There's a small private parking lot for the Belly Up, but be prepared to look for parking on the streets. read more

Great Seafood. Great Service. It's been a while since this has happened. Well coordinated team - like an orchestra. Stopped in on a Saturday for lunch. Sat on the patio to enjoy the breeze. The service was spectacular. Our server was prompt, attentive and remembered all the details. They also have back up servers that follow the main server to drop bread, refill water, and pick up dishes. They were very subtle and smooth in their movements - perfectly behind the scenes. Just as a note - we both work in hospitality so we know what good service means. The food was yummy. We ordered calamari. The quality of the calamari was very fresh. The breading was tasty and not at all greasy. Can't quite figure out how they did this but it was magical. And we ordered a salad - their special that day. It had scallops, mangoes and a vinaigrette dressing. It's been a while since we were floored by both the service and the food so I felt compelled to share for all of us that like to eat out and feel that it was great value and delicious at the same time. read more

The place is a frequent for my office to have work lunches there because of the quality, service and room for a group of a dozen or so. The ice tea is great for a beverage and compliments the main entrees. The burgers and salads are commonly selected, but everyone raves about the pan-seared salmon and that has been my go to favorite. It is served with vegetables and mash potatoes. The decoration of the restaurant is great and modern as well. I like that they have a nice patio to sit at for those nice San Diego weather days. read more

Went for lunch. Apps-Grilled Edamame. What? Yes...absolutely delicious but spicy. Lobster dumplings. Absolutely to die for. Entrees-filet mignon sliders-perfection. Rad Thai noodles with beef. One of the best. Ever. Our waitress Joy was a pleasure as well. Looking forward to going back soon! I am guessing same owner as PCG? Chef Izzy Balderas was on the menu. The dessert menu looked outrageous too but I was too full. I asked Joy about the desserts and she said they were all made in house. read more

Great service and the food was delicious. We had Joy as a waitress and she was an absolute sweetheart. She was quick and accommodating. She had many recommendations for what food to try and was very excited for me to try and really understood the menu. I ordered the short rib sliders as per Joys suggestion and couldn't have been happier. They were delicious. The meat was super tender and the flavor a worked so well together. I will most definitely make this a refusal spot to visit. read more

Probably one of my new favorite restaurants. Dined here before a show a few weeks ago and were blown away by the quality of everything. The food, the service, the ambience....everything gets an A+. Started off with the truffle fries of course.....so delicious! Their French onion soup is probably the best I've ever had. Hubby really enjoyed his sliders! Our waitress was awesome :) Loved the decor they have all around too! And also, if you're going to a show at the belly up, they have their own entrance where you can line up. I would dine here even if I'm not going to a show. It's a little on the smaller side so I recommend reservations. read more

Came before a show and I get that can be a tough time on any restaurant, but one attached to a concert venue should have that all figured out. Tuna poke tasted fish, any raw fish should be on point. Cooked fish has a little giving room just a word of advice. My pad beef rice noodle dish could have been acceptable but who ever cooked it let the pan flare up and gave the whole dish that lovely gasoline taste. And who ever made the fixings for the taco dish needs to check their seasonings bland bland bland. Dessert and service were fine. Thanks read more

Fantastic food! Amazing service! Becka is the best server EVER! Thanks for the recommendations and your sweet attitude :)

We went to the Wild Note for lunch with another couple, as it was recommended by a local. I would put the experience in the so so category. I ordered the Brie Burger, but when the food came, they had messed up the order and had brought me something else. Since the other entrees were ready, the three people with me ate their food while it was still hot. Twenty minutes later my burger came out. The food server apologized and said they would take it off the bill. The burger was weak, and trying to find the brie was a challenge. The others dining with me felt their lunch items were just okay. The bill came and of course the burger was on the check. Rather than make a scene I paid the bill and swore never to return. Their must be better lunch spots in Solana Beach than this establishment. read more

The night started out well enough... the empandas were great but misleading. Our entrees were dismal, the filet was o.k. but the mashers we're horrible and the swordfish would have been great if you removed the giant anchor of a rice cake and added some vegetables other than half of a baby bok choy! The service also started out good but was misleading... after apps the server became less visible as the night went on. I might go back only because I like to give a place a second chance to redeem themselves. read more

Love it! Had great food and service was great. We'll be returning...loved loved the Calamari. read more

Food was amazing!! Service was good! I can't complain Try the jalapeño beef sliders read more

Went there for brunch on a Sunday. We planned on going to Clair's but there was an hour wait, so we found this place and enjoyed it. The vibe was cool- rustic, with music pics BB King on the wall. Our food was delicious- the spinach omelette and mango french toast. Not 5 stars because our guy forgot about us. Had to go up to the bar to ask for more OJ, but the bar back was super helpful.. And it's pretty small, so if you get a large family seated next you with loud kids , like we did, you'll hear everything. read more

I got a $9 salad, it was all leaves, and about 3 walnuts and tiny sprinkling of blue cheese. I would have complained but none of the staff was around or asked me how it was. The waitress was pretty nice when she did come by though, so that's why the got the extra star. Overpriced and disappointing, but I can only base that on one salad. Their other food may be better. read more

The fish sliders were very good so was the service Very friendly atmosphere definitely give it another try soon read more

I have been to the Wild Note a few times and generally really enjoyed the food. The menu is simple and straight forward and the food tastes great. The service is generally okay. Can't say I was impressed with the service on my last visit and this was reflected in my tip. Waitress was slow and not very attentive. Especially considering how quiet it was. I'd would recommend trying The Wild Note and judging for yourself. read more

We liked the food and the service was great. Chicken enchilada suizas were tasty. Great to have a meal at the concert venue!

We just sat at the bar for almost 15 minutes without being noticed or acknowledged by a single bartender or server. Lots of employees walking in circles like it's opening night at a new restaurant. What a mess. Ended up walking out and going down the street to Carruth. read more

SO GOOD!!! love the atmosphere, service, and food! what to order: the non-caesar salad (a california twist on the original, with corn and avocado), the ahi salad, or the STEAK TACOS! these tacos are up there in my favorite foods list. read more

Good food and vegan options. It is a nice place but nothing extraordinary. I thought the service was good and the location was great as well. read more

I've been here a few times before to eat and work. The food was good as well as the service. This time not so much. I sat down and immediately got the stink eye from that waitress. I sat my stuff down and went to the restroom for a moment. When I returned to my table that same waitress yelled at me from across the room instead of coming over to my table...."So you gonna order something or what?" I was like...ex-weeeze me?!! I think she was being a biotch because I brought my computer to work, which has never been a problem before. And I'm not sure why it would make her act that way towards me. Of course I was going to order something while I worked! I told her again from across the room, since she didn't even have the consideration to come over to me. That I would like to order something shortly. After a few minutes past, she came back to my table and said. "You know there's a table OUTSIDE that has a plug...next time you come in." W.....T.....F.......!!!! Yup, next time....THERE WON'T BE A NEXT TIME!!! read more

Always good. Solana beach institution. No brainer for pre-show dinner or drinks. Again, phenomenal spot to people watch and eat well

First time for my wife and I and we had a Great time. Read the reviews and followed their suggestions--eat at the Wild Notes Cafe have a nice meal and then go to the show at Belly-Up --enjoy the evening. Personally I question why would you have a dinner at Wild Note Cafe unless you were seeing a show at Belly UP? There is no mystery as to the venue and I am sure on some nights the place goes crazy that is hopefully why you are there. If you only want dinner than I am sure there are nice lonely quite places to eat at in Cedros area that have very friendly staff and cheap meals. read more

Seriously some if the worse food EVER! Do not get the Paella, I wouldn't feed it to my worse enemy. The lobster cream soup was like eating raw cream, bacon and potatoes. The chicken quesadilla was a joke made with raw tortilla with tons of sour cream. read more

Waitress was rude. Bread & butter came after our meal. My husband & I both got food poisoning :(

First time here.... After reading the reviews I really expected some great food and service.... Food turned out to be mediocre and the service horrible.... I had the lobster and shrimp enchiladas and they were pretty bland.... After our check was dropped off at the table we waited 15 minutes and finally had to walk up to the door to pay our bill.... Definitely a disappointment .... Won't be back read more

This is one of my regular spots to go eat. I love the atmosphere- it is such a cute little cafe! I am obsessed with soup and they have the best soup in the world. My favorites include : potato with jalapeno cheddar, ginger carrott, garlic, potato and celery root, and of course there regular shrimp and lobster chowder. The absolute best dish there is the salmon! The last time I went there I had a dessert called Granny Apple Upside Down cake and it was amazing ! This is the best place to go when you go down to the shops in the design district. It makes for a very fun day out ! read more

The fresh guacamole was really good. We split the ahi tuna and the filet mignon, asparagus and mashed potatoes...they did not serve it on separate plates but I didn't mind. The merlot they suggested was pretty good too. My fav was the guac though. I bet this place is fun right before the show starts... read more

This place is delicious and relatively affordable. The location in the design district of Solana Beach makes it an excellent stop after a day of lustful window shopping (for those of us who can't afford to spend $4,000 on a love seat) or a hike in the nearby San Elijo Lagoon. We had the guacamole, Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, and the Pollo Asado Sandwich -- all of which were delicious. This is definitely one of my new favorite places to eat! read more

Love this place! Dont think i have had one bad meal yet. Definitely a little loud because its usually got a crowd. Reasonably priced for the quality and portions of food. read more