Rellik Tavern

Photo: Stacy Howell Holmes

Benicia has long been one of the Bay Area's most underappreciated gems, a waterfront town with deep history, a thriving arts community, and a downtown strip that rewards those willing to make the drive. At the center of its nightlife scene sits The Rellik Tavern, a family-owned upscale bar and tapas lounge that has been the anchor of live music in Solano County since 2009. Owned and operated by Deborah and Chad, who have been known to shake martinis and greet guests themselves on any given night, the Rellik has earned three consecutive Best Bar in Solano County titles and built a loyal following that spans the entire region. The room itself is designed for comfort and staying a while: over 60 feet of bar seating, couches, cozy chairs, high top tables, a VIP room, eight HD flat screens, and a drop-down projection screen for bigger events. The venue is also a committed supporter of the local arts community, featuring rotating collections from Arts Benicia members alongside the live music programming. Live music runs Thursday through Saturday with an early show on Thursdays followed by a DJ, open mic on Tuesdays, and a rotating calendar of cover bands, acoustic acts, original artists, and specialty nights including monthly Goth Night and comedy trivia. The drink program is serious, with craft cocktails, local microbrews, an extensive wine list, and a thoughtful mocktail menu for non-drinkers. The Rellik is the kind of place that makes you feel like you found something not everyone knows about yet, even though anyone who has been once already knows.