Located at the base of the Venice Pier for 70 years, two-story beachside shack The Venice Whaler has had quite the history(in the 60s and 70s, it was a hangout for bands like The Beach Boys and The Doors). It’s weathered facade has always hosted an eclectic crowd of locals and tourists.

Los Angeles Magazine

The beachside institution, properly known as The Venice Whaler, has a new look, new owners, new chef and new menu. But it’s still a dive bar at heart: your go-to for happy hour, ever-flowing cheap beers and long nights on the patio just steps from the waves.

 Zagat

The Venice Whaler is 70 year old restaurant/bar has a new owner who has restored the Venice Whaler into an “upscale dive bar” featuring craft cocktails. While sipping cocktails, there is a full menu of what you would expect in a dive bar……tacos, sliders, fish and chips, but also a lot of vegetables. Call it an upscale dive bar because they are not serving greasy food. The flavors are clean and fresh, as is the presentation.

 Please the Palate

Venice Whaler is not only a sleek new aesthetic, but also has an innovative craft cocktail menu that customers can especially take advantage of during the happy hour special.

Happy hour at the Crab Shell Bar takes place Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm. The specials include $2 off well cocktails and all draft beers; $5 off all pitchers, house cabernet and chardonnay, and pickle back shots; and $6 for the specialty cocktail of the day.

 Westside Today

The Whaler was a dive on Venice Boardwalk but it recently received a major revamp, both in the décor and the cocktail menu. Now you can find a list of craft beers on tap along with Negroni snow cones. For brunch, grab a Bloody Mary garnished with a whole crab claw. Head down to the Crab Shell bar at night for some live music or karaoke.

 Entertainment Voice