The Whaler
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My husband and I went here while on vacation upon seeing that they had the World Cup up on the TVs. Unfortunately we were initially told that they only had standing tables (bizarre, we were trying to eat). Hungry and with a lack of options in the area (everywhere was packed) we agreed to stand to order. Luckily, they brought out chairs within a few minutes. We ordered a bowl of clam chowder ($12) which came with bacon and sourdough bread. We thought this was just okay - I'm from New England so my standards for clam chowder run pretty high, and I wasn't particularly impressed with this one. It was fine though. We also got the fish taco trio ($21) to split. On the tacos were cabbage, chipotle, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese. You can mix and match between crispy cod, grilled cod, and shrimp. We got two crispy cod and one grilled. They came on corn tortillas which aren't my favorite but they held up decently well. It also had a small side of chips and salsa which was a nice surprise as it wasn't explicitly listed on the menu. I thought prices were reasonable for the area of Santa Monica and the food was okay. I would possibly go back if convenient, but I wouldn't rave about it.
My friend and I came here after our walk at Santa Monica and had our girl dinner. The bartender was really nice and service was really good
We got to sit on the patio with a great view of the beach for an early weekend lunch. It was a wonderful setting. Generally you either get a nice view or good food, but not both. I was surprised because the food was actually good too. I got the fish and chips and it was delicious, crispy outside and perfectly cooked with a variety of sauce options and coleslaw. I would definitely get it again and the location and view of the beach are a big bonus.
We had lunch here when we were in LA for the World Cup. Great location right on the beach. Service was great. I had a Caesar salad with chicken and it was fresh and tasty. Great portion size.
We popped in for a drink just around lunch time for something simple. It just opened not that long ago so it wasn't busy just yet. The whole inside was emptied as everyone was utilizing the front patio off of ocean blvd. Location wise, it's great as it's right across the street from the beach and pier. Perfect for people watching and having a meal or drinks. There's hi top tables along the side, tufted bar seating hi top on the opposite side. One corner was a little seating area with a fire pit. Menu wise, your usually lunch spot. Sandwiches, salads, shareable, pizzas, some specialty items and breakfast served. Not a lot in that but a few items. We just had drinks which were the mimosas served with a slice of orange. Portion wise was great. And the Bloody Mary. A pickle brine which was quite tasty and that had the adornment of olives, jalapeño and cucumber. It was quite tasty if I say so. We've been a few times and it's normally for drinks. Sometimes a plate to share of some sort. The service has been great. Amazing location and its prefect for lounging with friends and people watching.
I'm a longtime customer of The Whaler and love coming here for causal drinks/food right by the Santa Monica pier and ocean. They are always playing sports games and have a steady crowd gathered with both indoor and outdoor seating. They also have a DJ and sometimes live music. Service can be a little slow because it's usually very full but food is good and their menu has a variety of options from burgers to chicken tenders to soups and salads. Today I got the taco trio and enjoyed all 3 types (grilled cod, fried cod, and shrimp). The grilled cod was my favorite and the shrimp was a little too salty in my opinion so next time I would skip that one.
It was good. Nothing crazy not bad- just good Service I have experienced wasn't my favorite We were seating right away which was nice and great ocean view. Waitress came and we ordered drinks. I had Hugo/ I barely felt any alcohol there but okay. Was it good? Yes Did it taste like Hugo? NO! We waited for food 20+ minutes to come and no one came to ask us if we want another drinks so / or water so I had to sip on melting ice(thanks God). I had to share a napkin with my son because no one came to ask if everything is okay or we want another drink or water! I will not be coming back if you want to give a shot and had better experience please update it, but I'm giving a three star.. generally - disappointed Ps: it wasn't so full when I came in. I had to ask twice to pay the bill ..... (maybe it was a sign to leave? lol )
February 6, 2026 | Santa Monica | After an enjoyable evening over dinner, we decided to extend the evening to light drinks & lively conversation at a new location! The Whaler had a relaxing vibe, tropical drinks, and wonderful customer service! Mocktails | The Passionfruit drinks were perfectly tasty, a pretty orange shade, and garnished with an actual slice of dried passionfruit! He & I both ordered the same drink! Lounge Vibe | The outside front patio was ablaze with a fire pit, relaxing sofa seating with plush cushions & an excitable view by passer-buyers on the oceanfront! Inside | Spacious! I was immediately attracted to the numerous record covers displayed on the wall, which included Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and a number of names that were new to me! Customer Service | Friendly, and inviting! Even as we were leaving, security/Doorman complemented the energy, as well as a friendly goodbye! Good vibes here! Overall | Customer service, relaxing vibe on this particular night, tasty drinks and especially the fire pit, I would easily return!
Jeee-zus. Sadly, this is one of the tripe-F-restaurants (Triple F: Find em | F*** em | Forget em. My wife and I came to have a good time - and a nice lunch. We did not expect the Ritz, but this.... I ordered a soup as a starter and two sandwiches for my wife and myself as entrees, one with fries, one with breakfast potatoes. Our entrees were served a minute after the starter, so I had two spoonfuls - and then went to the entree, which looked delicious, as you see. Sadly my meat was far from the medium rare I had ordered - it was ultra well done. My wife's fish looked delicious but was drained in oil. Here fries were cold - and so were my country potatoes. I would not go again. A shame really, as the ambiance was appealing.
Really great food, good vibe, everyone is always friendly here. Perfect place to stop by for lunch after a beach day
Right off the beach this is a loud fast pace place with lots of folks. My wife went with buttermilk chicken strips. While I chose the fish and chips. If your looking for place to drink this is you place. This is not a Military friendly restaurant.
Not bad! A great happy hour deal and a nice little meal. Vibes here are kind of barlike no matter the time of day and it was a little loud. But the food was solid, service was good, and there was a michelob ultra brand activation.
From the service to the food, everything was amazing. Got the Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice and the Captain's Table for Two. You can taste the freshness in everything that was made. Coconut shrimp had to be the star of the dish. Additionally, we may have had a hiccup with our food initially, but management handled it promptly and professionally. Will be back when in the area. Views of the Santa Monica pier were a plus +1
5 months ago
Came here craving garlic bread and somehow left emotionally attached to the customer service The manager was SO nice and genuinely went out of his way to make sure we had a good experience. You can tell the staff actually cares instead of just going through the motions. Bartender was cool too and the vibes were immaculate. Good drinks, good energy, great service, and right by the beach?? Yeahhh I get the hype now. Definitely coming back. read more
2 days ago
11 days ago
Food: 4/5 Service: 4.5/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Ordered happy hour oyster, which was very fresh and delicious. Also ordered seafood platter for two. It seems like a lot of food at first glance but it just loaded with fries. Service was great. She check in frequently and make sure I have everything I needed. They have live music at night so I need to come back again. Overall experience was great and I will repeat. read more
My husband and I went here while on vacation upon seeing that they had the World Cup up on the TVs. Unfortunately we were initially told that they only had standing tables (bizarre, we were trying to eat). Hungry and with a lack of options in the area (everywhere was packed) we agreed to stand to order. Luckily, they brought out chairs within a few minutes. We ordered a bowl of clam chowder ($12) which came with bacon and sourdough bread. We thought this was just okay - I'm from New England so my standards for clam chowder run pretty high, and I wasn't particularly impressed with this one. It was fine though. We also got the fish taco trio ($21) to split. On the tacos were cabbage, chipotle, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese. You can mix and match between crispy cod, grilled cod, and shrimp. We got two crispy cod and one grilled. They came on corn tortillas which aren't my favorite but they held up decently well. It also had a small side of chips and salsa which was a nice surprise as it wasn't explicitly listed on the menu. I thought prices were reasonable for the area of Santa Monica and the food was okay. I would possibly go back if convenient, but I wouldn't rave about it. read more
3 days ago
My friend and I came here after our walk at Santa Monica and had our girl dinner. The bartender was really nice and service was really good read more
We got to sit on the patio with a great view of the beach for an early weekend lunch. It was a wonderful setting. Generally you either get a nice view or good food, but not both. I was surprised because the food was actually good too. I got the fish and chips and it was delicious, crispy outside and perfectly cooked with a variety of sauce options and coleslaw. I would definitely get it again and the location and view of the beach are a big bonus. read more
2 months ago
We had lunch here when we were in LA for the World Cup. Great location right on the beach. Service was great. I had a Caesar salad with chicken and it was fresh and tasty. Great portion size. read more
We popped in for a drink just around lunch time for something simple. It just opened not that long ago so it wasn't busy just yet. The whole inside was emptied as everyone was utilizing the front patio off of ocean blvd. Location wise, it's great as it's right across the street from the beach and pier. Perfect for people watching and having a meal or drinks. There's hi top tables along the side, tufted bar seating hi top on the opposite side. One corner was a little seating area with a fire pit. Menu wise, your usually lunch spot. Sandwiches, salads, shareable, pizzas, some specialty items and breakfast served. Not a lot in that but a few items. We just had drinks which were the mimosas served with a slice of orange. Portion wise was great. And the Bloody Mary. A pickle brine which was quite tasty and that had the adornment of olives, jalapeño and cucumber. It was quite tasty if I say so. We've been a few times and it's normally for drinks. Sometimes a plate to share of some sort. The service has been great. Amazing location and its prefect for lounging with friends and people watching. read more
I'm a longtime customer of The Whaler and love coming here for causal drinks/food right by the Santa Monica pier and ocean. They are always playing sports games and have a steady crowd gathered with both indoor and outdoor seating. They also have a DJ and sometimes live music. Service can be a little slow because it's usually very full but food is good and their menu has a variety of options from burgers to chicken tenders to soups and salads. Today I got the taco trio and enjoyed all 3 types (grilled cod, fried cod, and shrimp). The grilled cod was my favorite and the shrimp was a little too salty in my opinion so next time I would skip that one. read more
7 months ago
It was good. Nothing crazy not bad- just good Service I have experienced wasn't my favorite We were seating right away which was nice and great ocean view. Waitress came and we ordered drinks. I had Hugo/ I barely felt any alcohol there but okay. Was it good? Yes Did it taste like Hugo? NO! We waited for food 20+ minutes to come and no one came to ask us if we want another drinks so / or water so I had to sip on melting ice(thanks God). I had to share a napkin with my son because no one came to ask if everything is okay or we want another drink or water! I will not be coming back if you want to give a shot and had better experience please update it, but I'm giving a three star.. generally - disappointed Ps: it wasn't so full when I came in. I had to ask twice to pay the bill ..... (maybe it was a sign to leave? lol ) read more
8 months ago
February 6, 2026 | Santa Monica | After an enjoyable evening over dinner, we decided to extend the evening to light drinks & lively conversation at a new location! The Whaler had a relaxing vibe, tropical drinks, and wonderful customer service! Mocktails | The Passionfruit drinks were perfectly tasty, a pretty orange shade, and garnished with an actual slice of dried passionfruit! He & I both ordered the same drink! Lounge Vibe | The outside front patio was ablaze with a fire pit, relaxing sofa seating with plush cushions & an excitable view by passer-buyers on the oceanfront! Inside | Spacious! I was immediately attracted to the numerous record covers displayed on the wall, which included Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and a number of names that were new to me! Customer Service | Friendly, and inviting! Even as we were leaving, security/Doorman complemented the energy, as well as a friendly goodbye! Good vibes here! Overall | Customer service, relaxing vibe on this particular night, tasty drinks and especially the fire pit, I would easily return! read more
Jeee-zus. Sadly, this is one of the tripe-F-restaurants (Triple F: Find em | F*** em | Forget em. My wife and I came to have a good time - and a nice lunch. We did not expect the Ritz, but this.... I ordered a soup as a starter and two sandwiches for my wife and myself as entrees, one with fries, one with breakfast potatoes. Our entrees were served a minute after the starter, so I had two spoonfuls - and then went to the entree, which looked delicious, as you see. Sadly my meat was far from the medium rare I had ordered - it was ultra well done. My wife's fish looked delicious but was drained in oil. Here fries were cold - and so were my country potatoes. I would not go again. A shame really, as the ambiance was appealing. read more
3 months ago
Really great food, good vibe, everyone is always friendly here. Perfect place to stop by for lunch after a beach day read more
Right off the beach this is a loud fast pace place with lots of folks. My wife went with buttermilk chicken strips. While I chose the fish and chips. If your looking for place to drink this is you place. This is not a Military friendly restaurant. read more
5 months ago
Not bad! A great happy hour deal and a nice little meal. Vibes here are kind of barlike no matter the time of day and it was a little loud. But the food was solid, service was good, and there was a michelob ultra brand activation. read more
20 days ago
25 days ago
1 month ago
6 months ago
From the service to the food, everything was amazing. Got the Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice and the Captain's Table for Two. You can taste the freshness in everything that was made. Coconut shrimp had to be the star of the dish. Additionally, we may have had a hiccup with our food initially, but management handled it promptly and professionally. Will be back when in the area. Views of the Santa Monica pier were a plus +1 read more
This place appeared to be more of a bar / hangout spot than a place to eat with the family. I came here on a Saturday and it was loud with 90s music, which was fine! This place serves alcohol and has pretty good "bar" foods. Parking was bad, so just find local street parking. This place is right off the cost. The clam chowder has a bacon flavor. For the cost.c they give you only a little. I'd recommend the pizza and the poke nachos read more
1 year ago
We went here for dinner during dineLA and they had 3 courses for $35. We made a reservation online and were seated quickly when we arrived. We ordered the shrimp cocktail and oysters to start - both came with 2 pieces of food so a little on the small side. Ordered both the Cesar salad and shrimp Louie salad (they were out of Brussels sprouts), which were the size of a small side salad. The main entrees were pretty large - ordered the steak frites and the fish and chips. I think the fish and chips is the most bang for your buck and they both tasted great. Street parking or lot parking in one of the lots near 3rd street. read more
1 month ago
I am on a recreational trip to California this Christmas season. I stopped in here on Christmas Day. There was heavy rain from the atmospheric river yesterday, but today the sun is out and people were enjoying Santa Monica. I walked but I think there's a reasonable parking nearby. The setting is spectacular. From the patio there is a view of the ocean and beach. The decor is casual. Staff was friendly and prices are reasonable. I had steak and eggs. The chimi sauce with the steak was really delightful. The scrambled eggs were moist and tender. I enjoyed the diced potatoes as well. They had a crisp exterior and creamy interior, just what I like. This is a great way to enjoy Santa Monica! Good food, great view, nice people. I'm on an alcohol free kick for a while but if you choose, it looks like they have an outstanding bar. read more
The Whaler is a pleasant surprise we found when looking for a restaurant with French Fries for our 3 year old. We couldn't justify Fogi de Chau, there were too many Mexican restaurants nearby, and we had just finished an early morning charity walk so we wanted to get away from the pier where there were throngs of hungry folks from the same event. The menu looked tasty but I couldn't decide between healthy (The Scramble) and comfort (Chicken and Waffle Benedict). Most benedict places drown the food in hollandaise sauce or give me dirty looks when I tell them no sauce or sauce on the side. My wife wanted the Whaler Burger but eas open to getting a 3rd dish if we split it. Luckily for her I had a big appetite this morning. Our son, of course, devoured the fries from her burger. The food was delicious! My wife loved her burger. I loved the scramble with chorizo. We both enjoyed the chicken and waffles. If you want to experience an amazing taste explosion, get a bite of the rosemary potatoes with the waffle. We are talking one of those moments from the movie Ratatouille where your tastebuds will cheer. The waffles are sweet and possibly sprinkled with sugar. They kind of make me think of a danish type of dough but when you take a bite you get some salt from the chicken that was on top and factor in the seasoning from the potatoes creates a flavor explosion of sweet, salty, umami and more. Amber and the staff were friendly. She found us a table outside on one patio helping us keep our kid from running amok. She also brought him crayons and a menu to color as well as a to go cup of water when we asked. We also noticed some other guests who had dogs at their table with a bowl of ice. Kudos for being dog friendly Whaler staff! The inside was nice with TVs to watch games, a nice bar if you want to grab a drink, easy to get a table at lunch time on a Saturday. The glass lined patio was a win for us because we could people watch, enjoy our meal, and keep our son out of mischief! read more
3 months ago
The chicken was great! Though I was dealing with a heavily caffeinated brain, I was still able to enjoy the meal! The mashed potato and the garlic, wow! I wished I'd settled for a beer, oh well, next time. Good restaurant with great vibes! Nice outdoor space! Server--fantastic! read more
Welcoming with a great location. Not a large selection of specialty cocktails but if you're a Mezcal fan... look no further - the Westside Vibe is delicious. Sad to report the spicy tuna on crispy rice was average. Overall a cute spot to hop in for a few cocktails at the bar. read more
5 months ago
Great spot for drinks. I ordered the captains table for two which brought a lot of food, could've fed 4 honestly, but was tasty read more
What stood out here was the great service. The food was average, but the prices were fair, considering the area and made to order quickly. We did enjoy their drinks and they do have a good happy hour as well. Not my first option when in the area, but a solid happy hour. read more
There are no words to describe, how I love going to, and just being, in Santa Monica. So once again, I grabbed another opportunity, this time to savor the fruits of the Dine LA weeks (we are fortunate to have two, numerous cities around the country have one, maybe 10 days). This is what brought me to the Whaler, in Santa Monica. Yes, there is outdoor seating, but being a chilly day, I requested an indoor affair albeit, the warmest seat available. Once again, a hard to find choice, all doors are open, still cannot understand why establishments like to suck in the cold air and take down the temperature of your warm food. I have heard the fire escape explanation. But if so, why is it that other restaurants do not open their doors and roofs :) Answer: Many do not. The Whaler offered a three-course Dine LA Lunch menu for $35. My choices were in order, the Clam Chowder, the Shrimp Louie Salad, the IPA Fish and Chips. So how was it? The clam chowder had more potatoes than clams, but too"was well balanced on the thickness of cream and flavor. The shrimp louie salad was super, even though it had only 3 small shrimp (which by the way were prepared perfectly). The fish and chips was a winner. Generously proportioned (3 pieces), an optimally seasoned batter that revealed a flaky inside fish that upheld flavor and taste. What is unique about this place is its interior decor. Several wall spaces are adorned with album covers of the music greats. One cannot help but be awed, or even tear up, to see Johnny Cash, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, and so much more. Wow and Wow. read more
2 years ago
Perfect place to come with friends or family! Atmosphere was amazing if you're sitting inside or out there's just a nice coziness here. I was lucky enough to get the fire pit outside with some friends on New Year's Day. Some breakfast meals were ordered some calamari, quartile and chips and some burgers. The burgers are so juicy and filling I opted to get grilled onion instead of raw I was in heaven I loved it here. All of the appetizers we ordered and shared were great. Everything about this place is just chefs kiss our server was super sweet and so were the other staff. If you're in the area with friends and want to grabs some drinks and amazing food easy choice you have to come to Whaler! read more
6 months ago
I stumbled across this gem about two weeks ago and I've already returned like three times. The view of the Pacific, the friendly and prompt service, combined with the incredible food all brought this experience together very nicely. They have a great happy hour menu as well. read more
2 months ago
The Whaler is a cool spot located perfectly for a fun night in Santa Monica - walking distance to the pier and many other bars. I want to start by saying we went on a very busy night and I know that that is a huge strain on the kitchen and staff. Our waitress (whose name I didn't catch but was blonde with curly hair) was so attentive and communicative despite it being a crazy night! She was awesome and took great care of us. The food was just OK! The Brussels came out cold and very very salty, the fried pickles had too much batter, the ceviche was good, the drinks were good, the sliders were okay! The prices I thought were fair. Nothing really wow'd us food wise, but again, maybe it was just because it was a crazy busy night. I'd come back to Whaler for another try. Shout out again to the great staff! read more
5 months ago
1 year ago
Zero complaints! Fun, open air beach vibe you want & expect near the ocean. Such a good atmosphere. Pizza tasted great & strawberry margarita was delicious. Gonna have to return for one of their karaoke nights! read more
2 years ago
Wow this places portions are so generous and the food is honestly delicious! From the outside it just seemed a random bar but their menu actually has a lot of variety. I loved my plate and I was super full! The fish and chips were super crunchy and the cod was tender. LOVED their fries too with tartar sauce. My only complaint is that it's really really oily but I can't deny it's good. The waitress very helpful and accommodating! The place itself is very chill and laid back since it has TV's everywhere and even live music. It's also a bit loud but you forget about it while enjoying the food lol. I think this is the perfect place for a quick casual bite. And the prices are also worth it for the portion! read more
Cool spot to catch a game or a ufc fight. I finally was able to make it to a Sunday brunch here and the food was really good. I tried the sunrise burger and it was perfect. Definitely recommend this spot for any occasion. Service is always on point. read more
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