The Whaling Bar

"After a decade-long closure, the Whaling Bar returns to La Jolla’s La Valencia Hotel. Now guests can indulge in beverage director Eric Johnson’s vibrant cocktail menu, which pays homage to the bar’s illustrious past with classics like the Whaler alongside new creations inspired by the charm of La Jolla, such as the Prospect Margherita with red algae sea salt." - Kelly Bone, Candice Woo

"After a decade-long closure, the Whaling Bar returns to La Jolla’s La Valencia Hotel. Now guests can indulge in beverage director Eric Johnson’s vibrant cocktail menu, which pays homage to the bar’s illustrious past with classics like the Whaler alongside new creations inspired by the charm of La Jolla, such as the Prospect Margherita with red algae sea salt." - Kelly Bone, Candice Woo

"Though the return of the Whaling Bar to the La Valencia Hotel is a departure from its charmingly retro origins, the new version — operated by SDCM Restaurant Group (Waverly, the Grass Skirt) — is an appealing glamourous boost to La Jolla’s nightlife scene. The menu from Brian Redzikowski includes favorites like Kettner Exchange’s duck meatballs and the chef’s signature bao along with playful dishes such as a Caesar salad with parmesan-filled “Twinkie” croutons and a picture-perfect “hamburger” made from cake and ice cream. Cocktails from beverage director Eric Johnson are fittingly luxe for the setting, including the Parm to Glass which features parmesan fat-washed vodka, fino sherry, housemade dry vermouth, and olive brine." - Candice Woo

"One of the crown jewels of the La Valencia Hotel, the nearly 100-year-old La Jolla icon known as the “Pink Lady”, is back in its place of honor on the property with the reopening of the Whaling Bar on Friday, February 16. A favorite hangout of locals as well as the celebrity set since its debut in 1949, the classic cocktail lounge shuttered in 2013. Its next chapter is being ushered in by hospitality partner SDCM Restaurant Group (Kettner Exchange, Captain’s Quarters), who will be operating the bar for the hotel. With a glamorous new look by LA-based Schoos Design (Herringbone, Puesto) that features emerald tufted booths and brass pendant lights, the Whaling Bar has also resurrected its original nautical centerpiece created by artist Wing Howard. Dubbed “the Whale’s Last Stand”, the 20-foot mural was preserved in four pieces when the bar went into dormancy. Cooked up in its open kitchen, the lunch and dinner menu from executive chef Brian Redzikowski ranges from caviar and blini to a Caesar salad with Twinkie-style croutons, a lobster roll, duck meatballs, and a version of his famous bao filled with rioja-braised short rib. Patrons of the bar’s previous iteration will be happy to see the reappearance of the Whaler cocktail, a recipe of cognac, coffee liqueur, Irish whiskey, and homemade ice cream dating back to 1965, but beverage director Eric Johnson’s drink list also includes truffle-infused Old Fashioneds, a daiquiri made with coconut run, ube, lime, and mint, and the Parm to Glass which features parmesan fat-washed vodka, fino sherry, housemade dry vermouth, and olive brine." - Candice Woo

"Shuttered a decade ago after a storied run spanning more than 60 years as a favorite haunt for local luminaries through the ages, the Whaling Bar is due to make its long-awaited return in early 2024. Construction on the historic space has begun, which will restore the once-grand bar at the entrance of La Jolla’s legendary La Valencia Hotel to its former glory." - Candice Woo