The Whale & Ale

Readers' ratings:
    food: 3.5     scene: 3.6     service: 3.4

Mike Sheffield, England,

It is very authentic decor and indicative of an old English Pub. Anyone visiting it AS a Pub may be put off by the intrusion of the Restaurant side, but Diners might also suffer from the many dedicated regulars who see it as a very fine watering hole. It's a small place, but BIG things happen inside. Busy nights have all the bustle of an English Pub and you get a good feeling when you're part of it. No Scenic vistas from your table, but you don't care when you're there having fun and good food.

Marylyn Ginsburg Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Terrific food for everyone's tastes with typical British fare and great California style salads and pastas. Even vegetarians can enjoy delicious offerings. Service can be variable but generally good and always friendly. Ambiance is very comfortable and inviting with many features one might see in a well-appointed Victorian English pub.

SW RPV, CA

You've got to be kidding. These reader ratings look like an orchestrated campaign by the restaurant to boost its standing.

Rick Kamrath Rolling Hills Estates, CA

If you're looking for an ultra hip place to hook up at the bar, keep driving. This is the only "pub" I would hang out at. The only music you're likely to hear is live. I love their beer, I love the management and the waiters, I love the food, I love the atmosphere. If pubs in the UK aren't exactly like this, they really should book a trip across the pond and find out why the Whale and Ale is what it is.

Peggy Lindquist San Pedro, CA

Being a Director of Food Service for an amusement park, I can say that this is the most authentic, enjoyable, romantic, delectable, relaxing place to go for dinner. The food is outstanding and the atmospher is warm and friendly. I don't often find a place where everything is perfect but at the Whale and Ale it ALWAYS is.

Paula Moore Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

We love the food and atmosphere so much, we're bringing the holiday office party here for lunch! The Whale & Ale is not just about great food. The owner, Andrew Silber, is a community-minded individual who supports many local charities. His food booth at fund-raisers is always a popular one with delicious samples of prime rib and other specialities. We're grateful to Andrew for his philanthropy in addition to a truly wonderful restaurant.

Nancy Richardson San Pedro, CA

Genuinely friendly deliciously attentively delightfully comfortably enjoyably highlighted great place because of the people who serve and those who find a warm welcome with great food and special fun. A place we go back to again and again.

Douglas Widmark San Pedro, CA

I've been going to the "Whale" with family and friends for about eight years. The food sometimes can be even outstanding but it is always at least decent and satisfying, my favorites are the prime rib dishes and of course the sheperd's pie. Friday night is my favorite night to go because they have a good piano bar scene with Rob Klophenstein on keys. Great beers on tap and some rare ones too. Oh, and kids are welcome and they seem pretty well behaved.

Shaye McDermott Harbor City, CA

Oops, first review was sent by cat helping! My husband & I enjoy dining at the Whale & Ale, because this is a place that you can DINE. Take your time, enjoy the ambiance, the music, the camaraderie, we have never been rushed. The food is always grand, Holiday food is even better. This is the place we go for special occasions or sometimes, just for the good English food, to share this special place with friends. My favorite, hard to choose, is the Steak & Kidney pie. Excellent!!!!

Bob Kohler San Pedro, CA

Andrew, the manager, is a warm and cordial host. There are daily specials and the chef, David, is particularly masterful in his creative and tasty soups. In addition to the daily specials, they have an outstanding menu with a wide variety of tasty choices that are sure to satisfy any discriminating pallet. One can't beat the creative salads available, though it is hard to find a better salad than the Whale's own house salad.