Orchid 
San Diego’s historic Pink Lady, the 97 year-old La Valencia Hotel, is pleased to announce the much-anticipated return of its iconic cocktail lounge, The Whaling Bar. First opened in 1949, the dimly lit bar regularly played host to star-studded parties and notable regulars, including Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), novelist Raymond Chandler (The Long Goodbye, The Big Sleep), and Hollywood luminary and founder of the La Jolla Playhouse’s famed summer theatre, Gregory Peck. In the years prior to its closing in 2013, it was a gathering place for San Diego’s movers and shakers, including Price Club Founder Sol Price, philanthropist and former San Diego Union Tribune Publisher Helen Copley, and former San Diego mayors Maureen O’Connor and Susan Golding, to name a few. The reimagined Whaling Bar is poised to be the backdrop for a new era of power lunches.
The Whaling Bar’s second act features a design that seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary sophistication, driven by the La Valencia team, in collaboration with Los Angeles-based Schoos Design (Herringbone, Puesto, Bottega Americano) and operator SDCM Restaurant Group. Dark, rich tones and moody lighting evoke the glamour and elegance of the 40s, with the bar’s original, beloved 20-foot Wing Howard “The Whale’s Last Stand” mural, preserved in four pieces when the bar shuttered in 2013, as a focal point. Elevated design details include massive handcrafted Moroccan-inspired entry doors, down-filled emerald tufted booths, granite “wings” off the bar for additional seating, and brass pendant lights. The open kitchen allows for views of the back of house action and food preparation from nearly every seat in the bar. Plus, patio seating overlooks lively Prospect Avenue, La Jolla’s main thoroughfare.
Amazing restaurant! Celery salad and carrot walnut bread are my fav menu items 🙂
I love it
the Whaling Bar has been a San Diego icon as long as I can remember, and I am old! Now it is new and improved and will remain an icon long after I am gone. Kudos! Job well done!
The most beautiful nostalgic bar! I got married at LV and just love visiting the Whaling Bar since it’s been restored.
The Whaling Bar is such a fantastic (re)addition to La Jolla and La Valencia! My fiance and I are getting married at La Valencia in April and we cannot for all of our guests to get to experience the amazing space.
Congrats！
The Whaling Bar blew our mind! From the ambience and asthetic decor to the delicious bites, it instantly become one of our favorite places in San Diego.
The place looks absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to visit. I first came to La Valencia hotel in the early 80’s and haven’t been back but now there is no doubt about a return trip.
A Return to Timeless Elegance: The Whaling Bar’s Triumphant Rebirth
As a dedicated patron of The Whaling Bar for over three decades, I eagerly anticipated its grand reopening after the extensive remodel. Yesterday, my wife and I returned once more, marking our twelfth visit since its transformation—a testament to the allure of this storied establishment. My expectations were sky-high, rooted in a long history of impeccable service and ambiance, and I can confidently say that the new iteration of The Whaling Bar surpasses even the loftiest of hopes.
The renovation is nothing short of a masterpiece, blending architectural brilliance with a reinvigorated food and wine program that is both sophisticated and inviting. While I hold a deep nostalgia for the classic red booths that once defined the space, the new design—awash in rich textures, exquisite lighting, and thoughtfully curated finishes—offers an ambiance that is undeniably more New York than San Diego, yet remains delightfully unpretentious. It’s the kind of place that feels like a familiar haunt, now polished with a refined touch that elevates the entire experience.
Kudos to the visionary leadership behind this transformation, for they have crafted an environment that we locals will treasure for years to come. And a heartfelt thank you to the remarkable staff, whose dedication ensures that each visit is nothing short of unforgettable.
Kudos to everyone who brought back the old-world charm to this iconic spot. It’s a beautiful design in a beautiful location.
The remodeled Whaling Bar at La Valencia Hotel is a stunning mix of old and new. It brings back the classic feel of its famous past, with cozy, dim lighting and carefully kept details like the well-known mural by Wing Howard. The bar has a cool 1940s vibe, but with modern touches that make it perfect for today’s crowd. It’s the ideal place for creating new memories while still honoring its rich history. The perfect date night!
Such a lovely and iconic spot and n the amazing Valencia Hotel.
A splendid blend of modern design and classic old world charm.
I love how modern the design is of this bar and the open kitchen design. The floral accent chairs add a nice touch of color along with the green booths.
Beautiful job reimagining The Whaling Bar. Loved the OG bar but this is a sophisticated addition to the LaV that the community has embraced with enthusiasm. Bravo SDCM!
The elegant revamp of The Whaling Bar is beyond gorgeous inside and out. SDCM did an amazing job. Cherry on top of the “Pink Lady”! The Jewel of La Jolla.
Gorgeous architecture and design at Whaling Bar. Looking forward to making memories having the best drinks surrounded by art, class and sass. Cheers !
I adore the darkly atmospheric, ecclectic maritime motif! It is cozy and moody in the best ways.
Such a gorgeous spot & addition to the La Valencia!
I visited in the early 2000’s while in holiday in California from Canada. It was charming and I still have memories but the new loo is just lovely. Every bit deserving of this nomination!🤞
New look!
Beautiful remodel of a La Jolla icon. The decor & ambience so warm and inviting. Makes The Jewel shine even brighter! 💎
We loved it! Absolutely great new imagination for the room in keeping with the old feeling that we loved but with a modernistic approach. So happy to see the fabulous mural reconfigured in the room. Ray, the bartender for so many years, I think would be happy too! Love the food too !
Great job SDCM!
Restoring an LJ icon! Love the work by SDCM and Schoos design!
I love visiting the Whaling Bar for date night or a nice night out with friends. It’s intimate, upscale, and in a beautiful location. The bartenders really take care of you and the interior is stunning. I can’t wait to come back!
The whaling bar is an iconic spot in La Jolla. It is great to have it back alive at La Valencia. Great food, great drinks and nothing like capping the night of with their classic whaler drink! 😎
The Whaling Bar was our favorite evening out. The new Whaling Bar is so beautiful, a blend of the those memories transitioning to more new favorite moments.
We love the mixture of preserved elements with the more modern additions to the space. It feels cozy, trendy, and an elevated experience. We sincerely enjoyed the stellar service that made the entire group feel welcome and felt like a step back in time with innovative food elements.
The Whaling Bar food, service, personnel and atmosphere are amazing. We love the remodel and have the best food we have had in our lives there…and we travel and eat at many top wonderful places. They are the bomb!
I love the new iteration of the Whaling Bar. When the old bar closed I was sad but when I saw the subsequent redo I was horrified. It looked like a cafe in a Howard Johnson far off the highway. What it looks like today is a world apart; classy and sophisticated.
Everything from happy hour to the food is chefs kiss! The decor is beautiful and vibes are immaculate
A classic spot with a modern twist. Change is good, and it’s nice to have this familiar place back in my life!
Amazing job revamping the Whaling Bar! Completely gorgeous to every detail, keeping that old Hollywood vibe alive with a San Diego flare. The cherry on top of the “Pink Lady”, the jewel of La Jolla.
Looks nice
SDCM did an incredible job with the revamp on the Whaling Bar! Food, drinks, ambiance are all unreal. One of my favorite of their venues!