The Venice Whaler

Great food, great people, music is on point! Two levels: downstairs is pretty quiet, upstairs is where the party is. Open patio so you can see the beach and watch the sunset. It gets crazy packed, but somehow no one is bothered by it haha. If you don’t find a table you’ll end up making random friends and sharing one with them lol. But if you’re one that needs to have a spot then get there early. Drinks are reasonably priced, not outrageous. Bartenders are able to keep up with all the orders for the most part so the wait isn’t longer than a couple minutes. If you’re in the area I’d recommend it. We’ll be heading back there next time we’re in Venice.

My boyfriend and I have been here a few times; once to order take out, the others just for a drink. If you are looking for a fun time to drink and hang out, this place is great. If you are coming here to eat, I might think twice. We were exploring the area because we just moved here, and decided to order takeout when we walked by. The menu looked great, very different. We ordered the aloha lettuce cups, sliders and the clam chowder fries. While we waited, we sat at the second floor bar for a drink. The bartender was friendly, and I liked their assortment of lemonade a with fresh fruit or herbs muddled in. Great non alcoholic options. Very fun atmosphere, and we will definitely be back for that, but not the food.
Everything was neatly packed up, so we didn’t check the food first. This isn’t some fast food joint so I thought we would be good, plus there was a paper stapled to the bag with our order on it.
We got home, and I excitedly dug into the box with the aloha lettuce cups. It’s supposed to be lettuce cups with Kobe beef inside. There’s seasonings and other stuff also, but that’s the main description. What we got was a salad. Lettuce, radishes and some creamy dressing. I was pretty disappointed, since that’s what drew me into the place.
Next were the sliders. They were delicious, but we ordered them medium well, and they were rare. I’m pregnant, so I couldn’t eat them like this. I had one bite, before knowing they were undercooked, and that was it. Being that sliders are so small, I’m pretty sure it’s more difficult to undercook them, than overcook them. I could have cooked them more myself, but by this point I was just disappointed.
Finally were the clam chowder fries. Admittedly this is weird option in general, but we’re originally from New England, so we love clam chowder. These weren’t horrible, but we didn’t love them. I have to say, that might just be too weird a combo, even for us, so I won’t blame this on the restaurant.
On a side note, my boyfriend was back there for a drink the other night and he heard the couple next to him say «I think it’s just a bed of lettuce». He asked them What they ordered, and they said the Aloha Lettuce Cups. Apparently this is a common mistake. He said they sent it back and got the real thing, and it looked really good.
I guess the food might not be that bad, but you have to be hyper diligent on making sure your order is correct. Overall I would say this place is better at being a fun spot for a drink on the water and a fun night out.

I love coming here for the live music! Sure there’s no air circulation on that bottom floor, and it feels like someone’s basement, but give me that live music and upstairs is chill with the open patio area for a breath of fresh air.
Parking can be hard but if you go near the bridge area which is still walking distance, there are some good hidden spots there.

I’d like to start this by saying my meal and bar tab was comped.
My friend and I were in town and thought we would try the Whaler for dinner. First off, they told us to try upstairs. It was standing room only so we came back downstairs. Our waitress comes over. She was very nice. She explained that despite ~15 taps only three were working. Ok… we can adjust and we got cans. We ordered food. We each got a burger. His medium well. Mine medium.
Two minutes after ordering we hear our waitress say to another waitress that the kitchen was shutting down. Now we’re worried.
Food comes out. Looks good. His is raw mine is darn close. But I’m hungry and rare never hurt me so I take a few bites more. He sends his back and I kindly wait until his returns nearly 10 minutes later. Expecting super well done we were perplexed to see a still med rare burger that had a stripe of grey in the middle. Probably microwaved. I take another bite of mine to only get to the raw part. I mean. Raw.
We sent back. No questions. They comped. Just beware. They could have had an off day. The location is nice but my experience… not so much.

It sucks that they don’t have a liquor license for the patio but honestly this restaurant is perfect. We had a burgers and shared the Chowder fries and they were amazing! If you sit on the patio have the lemonade for a great drink!

I love coming to the Whaler. I only come here for Sunday Funday’s. Okay parking, Horrible!!! Where you park on the street or private lot it’s a pain and make sure you read all signs. They don’t have a specific dress code and card you before entering. I usually like to sit upstairs because it’s a bit more active and fun. Upstairs they have indoor and outdoor seating. They also have a menu and although I haven’t personally tried the food I heard it’s really good and it looks good in pictures so I believe them. Drinks are good and they have a big selection of alcohol to choose from. They also have great music they don’t have a dance floor but people are always dancing everywhere. I love this place because it’s so diverse, and you don’t usually see the same people. Since Venice is known to be a touristy place you have people visiting from all over the place so it’s pretty cool. Also I forgot to mention that the whaler is in front of the beach and board walk so you have an amazing view.

Came around 3pm on a Monday afternoon. We went upstairs and seated in the outdoor patio area which over looks the view of the ocean. It was super packed for a Monday. Service was slow but good and attentive just flag down your server.
We ordered some beers and the margarita pizza. The pizza was fresh and thin crust NY style. I would highly recommend their ranch dressing to
Go along w it. You need to ask for Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes also.
Overall it was a decent experience you’re paying definitely for the view to enjoy a social time to have a quick bite and a couple drinks. Cheers!

If you want an old-​fashion, this is the place to get one. It’s one of the very few locations in Los Angeles that specialize in old-​fashions. I personally like them less sweet and request mine with half the sugar that normally comes with the cocktail — Ahhh, yes… perfection.
Sundays are too noisy with the DJ at the rooftop. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a wet rag! I loved the vibe and music, but it was hard socializing at a spot that’s meant for handing out. I had to leave sooner than planned. I still enjoyed my cocktail though.
I’m a repeat customer — Just avoiding the loud rooftop tourist trap on weekends ;)

The upstairs bar is a great place to take tourist with it’s view of the Venice Pier and Beach. They have a good selection of craft beers at a fair price. The staff is very friendly. On the other hand the food portions are very small and expensive.
I recommend having a drink upstairs, enjoying the view and eating somewhere else.

Love this place for its view! It was really busy for a Monday so I can’t imagine what the weekends are like. Everything was nice– great afternoon.

Terrible Service. Told to choose a table outside and Hostess would follow. Never did! Waited 10 minutes before even being acknowledged.
Portion size is laughable. Fish & Chips using a basket of fries as filler to the 1 piece of soggy fish is the idea of an amateur non-​Chef!
Table in such disrepair, it wobbled 20°, no exaggeration. They really dont care and it shows. Obviously only care about the alcohol sales/​profit to sustain the business.

Great, buzzy bar with the view over the beach and ocean from the balcony. Rich selection of craft beers and amazing fish/​prawn tacos! Very attentive and helpful staff. They have a policy to charge the card or open the tab straight away, but as a tourist didn’t want to do any of it and they were fine with that.

Came up to watch the Oklahoma and Villanova game
The place was packed a lot of ppl in the balcony area but I had a big bet on the game so I didn’t really care
The service was great waitresses took care of us the whole time very friendly and referred us a lot of tasty stuff
I didn’t take a lot of pics of the food cuz I was sitting in a uncomfortable area but the over all experience was fun
DJ was playin some cool stuff you were beach front and just a fun time

Great dive bar. It is packed on the weekends, at least on the particular saturday that we went. You will get carded at the door, so no ID no entry. Even with a lower and upper area for guests, it’s extremely tight when busy. It was very loud inside, but the cool atmosphere and all the people made it even more enjoyable. The view from the upper deck is pretty awesome. The margaritas were strong, except it was served in a tiny little mug… I thought it was a shot LOL. I also had a couple of beers.
I’m not sure about the parking situation. I just know that I don’t want to be driving anywhere near here. Our group parked in Santa Monica and biked over to Venice. We were open to trying any place and ended up here. Definitely worth checking out.

This place always rubs me the wrong way but that’s mostly due to my own tastes, so I’m still giving it 4 stars. The Whaler just always seems to have an unintentionally fratty vibe going on. It’s not that any single quality of this place is trying to summon the bros, but they sure do flock here on the weekends.
Occasionally they’ll host some cool bands downstairs, but most people try to hang out upstairs on the open patio, and by that I mean cram uncomfortably close and stare at the TV instead of the beautiful friggin’ ocean right behind them.
Over all this bar is decent. The prices are ok and the food is hit or miss. The staff is friendly and work hard. If the clientele wasn’t so douchey and basic, I’d stop by more often.

Local bar near the MDR/​Venice pier with some of the tastiest margaritas ever! Really though. They use fresh lime juice and agave. I ask for a splash of cranberry too. yum! Oh, and they serve them in the cutest mugs! lol. A bit pricey …$ 13 each with Milagro tequila
Casual vibe with ocean front views and beach breeze. Upstairs bar is scenic and chill, except when they have a DJ… then it gets loud.
FYI — Parking is scarce.
*** 10% discount if you show them your Über/​Lyft receipt *** kudos to them! More bars should do this.

Used to like it. Then I went more than once.
Their take out wait is so long you will want to lose your shit and frankly, beyond ridiculous. It is often so long I’ve paid for food and walked away without it rather than watch the girls behind the counter pretend they care about my time.
After all, what’s $ 15 and 30 min between friends?
Other times I’ve just walked away after getting corn tortillas after asking for flour, knowing it will take me another 20 min for them to fix it.
One to avoid.

Lobster roll: 1 star
The Venice whaler burger: 5 stars
Sweet potato fries: 5 stars
The Lobster roll was pretty sad. Not a lot going on, and the lobster meat is not fresh (packaged?)
The Venice whaler burger, despite being almost well done instead of medium like we asked, was super super tasty.
And the soda is super carbonated here– yay!

During my road trip to California last summer I visited Venice Beach and tried out The Venice Whaler. Located in a unique blue house with a clear surf vibe to it which I really like and its located just by the Venice beach boardwalk. And because it was the first day in California i just had to get a burger.
So I tried the Whaler burger which where a real good burger with the place own beef patty blend, cheddar, slaw, chefs secret sauce and had fries with mayo to go along with the burger. The burger where a real good burger no doubt about that but the real thing here is really the fries. In fact I think they have the best fries in the world here. Its just perfect from the inside and out and the crispness is just perfect. Have never experienced better fries than these once.

What a neat place with a view!
When asked about seating preference, if you can, try sitting upstairs for the best vantage point.
I dined here on one of our strangely rainy spring days and with the windows open, the atmosphere was almost like being up north.
Service was warm, and present when needed.
The bartenders are really attentive, which is appreciated.
I had a short rib banh mi with french fries and a Hefeweizen.
The sandwich itself was really flavorful, but kind of dry…
So order extra sauce on it, which kicks up the «heat» and prevents the dryness.
The aioli served with the fries is addicting, so heads up!