After more than 60 years in business, La Valencia Hotel's historic The Whaling Bar was rebranded in 2013, but the iconic San Diego resort is in the process of bringing back the much-loved nautical-themed cocktail lounge.
First opened in 1949, The Whaling Bar at the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla was known for hosting such celebrities as Theodore "Dr. Seuss" Geisel, actor Gregory Peck, and writer Raymond Chandler. In 2013, The Whaling Bar was closed for a remodel and was combined with adjacent dining space Café La Rue. Regulars bemoaned the changes, so much so that La Valencia management decided to bring The Whaling Bar back to life in 2021.
The Whaling Bar is expected to reopen as early as this summer, taking the place of Café La Rue. The famous 1940s-era Wing Howard paintings will return to the bar and a new food menu will be introduced by La Valencia Executive Chef Timothy Ralphs. Expect a classic-style cocktail lounge feel and a drink menu that will certainly include the bar's signature beverage "The Whaler's Grog".
La Valencia is asking patrons to share their most cherished Whaling Bar memories at this link. The Whaling Bar will be located at 1132 Prospect Street in the heart of San Diego's La Jolla. For more information, visit lavalencia.com.
