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The Whaling Bar

Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50

Californian

1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 4, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Great for creative cocktails
Great for happy hour

Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Brian Redzikowski

From the OpenTable editors: La Valencia Hotel’s iconic cocktail lounge is back and better than ever, thanks to a reboot from San Diego's prolific SDCM Restaurant Group. With emerald-green banquettes, arched windows, and brass pendant lighting, the intimate space’s decor is a nod to the bar’s midcentury heyday. Led by executive chef Brian Redzikowski, the menu is equally glamorous—think lobster rolls and braised short rib baos, plus the restaurant’s original signature cocktail, the Whaler, a twist on Irish coffee.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Californian, Contemporary European, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Martini Hour Daily 4:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Thu–Sat 10:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(858) 551-3758
Website
https://www.lavalencia.com/dining/the-whaling-bar
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533
Neighborhood
La Jolla
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Whaling Bar Happy Hour – Drinks & Light Bites
Multiple dates available
Join us at Whaling Bar for Happy Hour from 4:00 – 5:00 PM! Sip on a curated selection of crafted cocktails, wine, and spirits while enjoying a selection of light bites before dinner service begins at 5:00 PM. We look forward to hosting you—cheers! Details: * Beverage service and light bites available from 4:00 – 5:00 PM * Full dinner menu begins at 5:00 PM

What 108 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Whaling Bar in La Jolla offers a lively and charming atmosphere, perfect for date nights or gatherings. Guests rave about the "amazing food" with standout dishes like the "Caesar Twinkie salad" and "lobster roll." The service is often described as "friendly and helpful." While prices are on the higher side, the "cocktails are exceptional," making it a fantastic choice for a special occasion.

108 Reviews

H
Henry
London1 review
2.0
Dined today
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Bang average food, definitely not worth the dollar.
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S
Sam
Nashville2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing experience. The Whaling bar went above and beyond for our wedding anniversary dinner and we look forward to returning every year!
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P
Penny
San Diego5 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It would be great to see more vegan options than just salads
Is this helpful?
D
Doris VIP
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service, location and food were amazing! Our server was such a sweet person and accommodated our needs from the beginning. We had drinks and the seasonal food special, and were hooked. The Cesar salad with Twinkie croutons is a must! The lobster roll and burger were also a must try! We had a dessert drink to finish it all off, and it was the perfect ending to the perfect meal!
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A
Ally
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on March 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
we made a last minute res for drinks and they did not disappoint. The cocktails + mocktails were 10/10 and our service was even better.
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L
Lisa VIP
Greater Boston8 reviews
2.0
Dined on March 23, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Not sure why it was busy, because the food is all small plates and was not great. We had the fingerling potatoes that were flavorless except for sourness. The ceaser salad was so covered in dressing, I honestly didn't know it was a salad that came with fried flavorless cubes, guessing they were supposed to be croutons? The salmon and duck meatballs were good, but our Cadillac margs were so bad we had to order extra grand Garnier to make them drinkable. So, $250 later, we were still hungry and won't go back. Nice renovation, though, too bad.
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B
Blair
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on March 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was fantastic! We went for happy hour and tried every food item on the menu. Everything was delicious, and we can’t wait to come back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Love the renovation and vibe.
Is this helpful?
E
Esteban VIP
Orange County1 review
5.0
Dined on March 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, service, and drinks! Staff was friendly and helpful with any questions we had.
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C
Ceciliam VIP
Baja California2 reviews
1.0
Dined on March 15, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Waitress was VERY rude. Terrible experience.. will not be dining here anytime soon.
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FAQs

The Whaling Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 108 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 4, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

Experiences are available.

1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533

Additional information

Neighborhood
La Jolla
Hours of operation
Martini Hour Daily 4:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Thu–Sat 10:00 pm–12:00 am
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Californian, Contemporary European, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.lavalencia.com/dining/the-whaling-bar
Phone number
(858) 551-3758

The Whaling Bar

Make a reservation

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Experiences

Whaling Bar Happy Hour – Drinks & Light Bites

Menu

What 108 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Whaling Bar restaurant rated?

Is The Whaling Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information