Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
4.6
- 4.6Food
- 4.6Service
- 4.7Ambience
- 4.3Value
Noise • Moderate
Icon
The Whaling Bar
Visa Dining Collection
$31 to $50
Californian
1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533
Make a reservation
2 people
May 11, 2025
7:00 PM
Experiences are available.
About this restaurant
- Great for happy hour
- Romantic
- Charming
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 styleCasual Elegant
- Price$31 to $50
- CuisinesCalifornian, Contemporary European, Mediterranean
- Hours of operationMartini 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
- Payment optionsAMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
- Dress codeSmart Casual
- NeighborhoodLa Jolla
- Parking detailsValet
- AdditionalBar/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 availableJoin us at Whaling Bar for Happy Hour from 3:00 – 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 3:00 – 5:00 PM * Full dinner menu begins at 5:00 PMOff Hours x Whaling Bar Bingo Night
May 12, 2025 onlyIt's your time to get lucky! Our Bingo game night with Off Hours Bourbon returns to Whaling Bar on Monday, 5/12
What 120 people are saying
The Whaling Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.
Overall ratings and reviews
Loved For
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.
120 Reviews
- I
Inna
San Diego3 reviews
5.0Dined 1 day ago
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
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- J
John VIP
San Diego11 reviews
5.0Dined 4 days ago
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
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- C
Corey
San Diego1 review
5.0Dined on May 2, 2025
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
- A
Aimee VIP
San Diego46 reviews
2.0Dined on April 27, 2025
- Overall 2
- Food 3
- Service 1
- Ambience 3
Is this helpful?
- I
Isabella
Cleveland1 review
5.0Dined on April 27, 2025
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
- A
Aracely
San Diego4 reviews
5.0Dined on April 20, 2025
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
- H
Hailey VIP
Los Angeles2 reviews
5.0Dined on April 20, 2025
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
- J
Joseph and Lisa
Portland1 review
5.0Dined on April 20, 2025
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
- D
David VIP
San Diego26 reviews
5.0Dined on April 17, 2025
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 4
Is this helpful?
- F
Frank VIP
San Diego32 reviews
5.0Dined on April 7, 2025
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
1 person found this helpful
FAQs
The Whaling Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 120 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.
Make a reservation
2 people
May 11, 2025
7:00 PM
Experiences are available.
1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533
Additional information
- NeighborhoodLa Jolla
- Hours of operationMartini 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
- CuisinesCalifornian, Contemporary European, Mediterranean
- Dining styleCasual Elegant
- Dress codeSmart Casual
- Parking detailsValet
- Payment optionsAMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
- AdditionalBar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
- Phone number