The Whaling Bar
$$$ • Cocktail Bar, New American, French Book a table: 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM MoreAbout The Whaling Bar
Customers' Favorites
Pickled Fingerling Potatoes
Rioja Braised Short Rib Bao
Zataar Fried Chicken
Caesar Twinkie Salad
Carrot-Walnut Bread
Liver and Onions
Lobster Roll Dip
Duck Meatballs
The Hamburger
Celery Salad
The Whaling Bar Reviews
221 ratings
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When the word gets out, reservations will be hard to get. Everyone we spoke with was outstanding. The cocktails were delicious. The food! Words can't describe. We ordered 5 dishes for 2, and need try the rest of the menu! ALL 10 out of 10! PS- get the Whale butter ;)
The Whaling Bar was amazing. The service was great and the drinks were unique and well balanced. The 3 stars for service is referencing the inside La Sala I believe it's called. We arrived at 3:05 pm and I didn't get a drink until 3:35 and the entire seating area only had 3 other tables to wait on. The poor girl who brought us our water had to go tell the waiter that he hasn't even asked for our drinks after we sat there for 15 minutes. The drinks were very food there as well....read full review
Note that this is a tapas style restaurant. All plates are small portions, meant to share! All of the food was amazing, drinks were also very good. We got the Caesar salad which was phenomenal, with the “Twinkie croutons,” as well as green beans, octopus, duck meatballs, and the halibut. All very good. This restaurant is smaller than it looks in photos and the music was very loud. But the decor and design was very chic and pretty!
Hours
| Monday | 4 - 10PM |
| Tuesday | 4 - 10PM |
| Wednesday | 4 - 10PM |
| Thursday | 4 - 10PM |
| Friday | 4 - 10PM |
| Saturday | 4 - 10PM |
| Sunday | 4 - 10PM |
The Whaling Bar, a cozy establishment, offers a unique dining experience in the heart of La Jolla. The menu features a delightful array of dishes, including tasty duck meatballs, a Caesar salad with impressive croutons, and a creative Eggplant Polenta dish that is highly recommended. The cocktail selection is also noteworthy, with the Rolls Royce and Jewel cocktails receiving praise for their skilled preparation. The Hamburger, a whimsical creation, is a standout presentation. The Carrot Walnut Bread, served with a butter sculpture in the shape of a whale, is another highlight that delights the senses.
The Whaling Bar's intimate atmosphere, complete with dimmed lighting and jazz music, creates a cozy and inviting ambiance. The service is described as exceptional, adding to the overall experience. The establishment may not be a destination for a full dinner, but it is an ideal spot for drinks and finger foods, making it a charming addition to the La Jolla dining scene. The food seems more "Bar food" than a full meal. The wine list is interesting. The décor is divided into a very plain room on the left and a much more glamorous room with green velvet booths on the right. It is also pleasant to perch at the square bar, which is located right in the center of the restaurant. Drinks were solid. Staff was friendly. Small but delicious looking food menu. Happy hour looks solid too.