The Whaling Bar
Restaurant · San Diego ·
Classic cocktail bar featuring a nautical mural, unique dishes
Classic cocktail bar featuring a nautical mural, unique dishes
"The Whaling Bar is serving classic cocktails in the La Valencia Hotel. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation
"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
"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
"After closing in 2013, the beloved cocktail lounge reopened on Friday, February 16 within the La Valencia Hotel, returning as a favorite hangout of locals and celebrities since its 1949 debut. Operated by SDCM Restaurant Group, the renovated space by LA-based Schoos Design pairs emerald tufted booths and brass pendant lights with the resurrected 20-foot nautical mural “The Whale’s Last Stand” by Wing Howard, which was preserved in four pieces. Cooked in an open kitchen by executive chef Brian Redzikowski, the lunch and dinner menu ranges from caviar and blini to a Caesar salad with parmesan-filled “Twinkie” croutons, a lobster roll, duck meatballs, and the chef’s signature bao filled with rioja-braised short rib, plus playful items such as a picture-perfect “hamburger” made from cake and ice cream. Beverage director Eric Johnson has revived the historic Whaler cocktail (cognac, coffee liqueur, Irish whiskey, and homemade ice cream, dating to 1965) and also offers luxe drinks like truffle-infused Old Fashioneds, a coconut-rum, ube, lime and mint daiquiri, and the Parm to Glass (parmesan fat-washed vodka, fino sherry, housemade dry vermouth, and olive brine). The new version is a glamorous boost to La Jolla’s nightlife while nodding to the bar’s retro origins." - Candice Woo