The Whaling Bar

"Good food, small portions, high prices. But here's the problem: when you get your check you find they're charging you 5% more than the prices stated in the menu. Seriously. They call it a "surcharge," which they think they're entitled to add because they have to comply with California's minimum-wage law. Honest restauranteurs don't do that. What's next, a further surcharge because they have to comply with health regulations? Outrageous."

"This spot was great - the atmosphere and the decor of the place were amazing. I really love that they paid homage to the historic WB by keeping the original wall design as art pieces. We ordered a few things - fingerling potatoes is a must try comes with unique and savory sauce, crispy honey chicken which came with a delicious spicy honey sauce and my husband ordered a lobster roll (he said he hope there would be more lobster). I will say the drinks were pricey for cocktails that were just average and as mentioned in other reviews the water came in pretty small cups. Overall, a place worth checking out for a few bites."

"We really wanted to love the Whaling Bar. We are staying at the La Valencia and locals told us about the big return of the WB. There was a clear buzz and we saw the place was hopping. The atmosphere was great and the front of house staff and bartenders were friendly and helpful. The Whipped Ricotta was delicious. The bao was flavorful. But there were misses. The overly eager staff removed my bourbon and later my beer before I was done with them. They tried to take away the Ricotta early before my wife stopped them. And we were seated under a speaker, making it hard to hear the staff and my wife. We were a bit disappointed."

"We went in for drinks and dessert but will be back for dinner. Drinks were fantastic and creative! We ordered “the hamburger” for dessert and it was so cute! It was a caramel cake with a chocolate-covered ice cream “patty.” I will be coming back with my daughter for that after we try dinner. Overall, the service was amazing and drinks were delicious. So happy to have this open in La Jolla!!"

"Most cocktails were $20 and served in very small retro glasses. There are a few cocktails on the menu that are $30 and one that's $35. The water glasses are so tiny, but now I know why... It's because if the water glasses were normal sized, then the cocktails would look even smaller. Eeek. But everything I tried was delicious and the service was friendly. Polenta rich but seemed a bit too salty. Whipped ricotta very tasty. Be aware if you ask for more bread, they charge you two dollars every time they bring two pieces (it's yummy tho). The duck meatballs were heavenly. Pickled fingerling potatoes very unique and flavorful. The AC was on the fritz, so hot air was blowing on us the whole evening. They had the door open to try to help, but for opening night to have this happen is kind of sad. Cool vibe in the restaurant. I would definitely go back, but for happy hour just because it's pretty pricey. Unfortunately, the famous Whaler drink ($20) also comes in the itsy-bitsy glass. We ordered two for the table but they never came ~ so after 35 minutes we just asked for our check. (Had to grab a manager or we might have sat there even longer.) If our waitress would've come by to check on us, we could have asked as to the status of the Whalers. But... nope. I hope they work out the few kinks. It's a La Jolla icon that we're happy is back open. Just wish the pricing and menu items were a little more congruent. Also be prepared for the 5% service fee. Oh, but I must mention the star of the night ~ our very attentive and friendly water guy, Jack. He was always right there with more water to go into our little short glasses."