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The Whaling Bar

Name: The Whaling Bar
Address: 1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA, United States, 92037-4533
Telephone: (858) 551-3758
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50

Californian

1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 29, 2025

10:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for happy hour
Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions

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 117 people are saying

The Whaling Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Californian
San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Whaling Bar in La Jolla is a vibrant, stylish venue offering a tapas-style dining experience. Guests rave about "great service" and "creative dishes," with highlights like the "Twinkie Caesar salad" and "potato pesto gnocchi." Ideal for date nights or special occasions, it boasts an "intimate, charming" ambiance.

117 Reviews

A
Aimee VIP
San Diego46 reviews
2.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Rude service from start to finish. Manager did comp meal once we spoke up, but after a birthday dinner was ruined by extremely rude and dismissive waiter. Birthday girl was treated poorly when asking questions about the menu. No offer to clear table, to go bags, or dessert/coffee/after dinner cocktails. Never mind they forgot her birthday then as I’m raising these issues to the manager, another server spilled drinks down the back of my leather pants. Table was also dirty when we sat down, food on booth seats, water glass was dirty. Menu is an odd combo of things and our particular waiter was not helpful with recommendations.
Is this helpful?
I
Isabella
Cleveland1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
DELISH drinks & food! Great service and ambience. A bit expensive for the drinks but it makes sense for the spot.
Is this helpful?
A
Aracely
San Diego4 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my favorite places now. The HH menu is small yet amazing. Both the drinks and food are delicious.
Is this helpful?
H
Hailey VIP
Los Angeles2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service, cute ambience, delicious food and mocktails. Burger 10/10
Is this helpful?
J
Joseph and Lisa
Portland1 review
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of our favorite spots in La Jolla. We dine there at least once every two weeks.
Is this helpful?
D
David VIP
San Diego26 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We have been to Kettner Exchange many times and loved the Cesar Twinkie, so great to see at the Whaling Bar. Also the Meatball and Polenta which is a favorite.
Is this helpful?
F
Frank VIP
San Diego32 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have enjoyed sharing small plates several times at The Whaling Bar. Dinner there is not just a meal, it is an experience. Wonderfully creative dishes surprise. Two thumbs up 👍🏼👍🏼
1 person found this helpful
L
Laurie VIP
San Diego6 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, good vibe and service. Can’t wait to go back!
Is this helpful?
B
Bob
Tampa3 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great overall, good wine, great service, chill vibes and dark ambiance.
Is this helpful?
H
Henry
London1 review
2.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Bang average food, definitely not worth the dollar.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Whaling Bar is rated 4.7 stars by 117 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 29, 2025

10:00 PM

Booked 11 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

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Experiences

Whaling Bar Happy Hour – Drinks & Light Bites

Menu

What 117 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