Sign of the Whale, a new American restaurant founded by restaurateur and pub juggernaut John Sullivan, with a food program created by Chef Anthony Bruno just opened in the heart of Downtown San Diego’s Historic Gaslamp Quarter at 672 5th Avenue.
With a sister location in Stamford, Connecticut, it is easy as to why the Sign of the Whale concept was decided for this new business venture in San Diego. Sign of the Whale Connecticut has a strong focus on the community, through its conscious decisions to use the finest, locally sourced items. This new San Diego endeavor similarly opts to use local purveyors and items to keep those morals the center of the food program. Additionally, Sign of the Whale will concentrate on community partnerships and assisting in hosting philanthropy events in efforts to make the staff apart of the larger family of San Diego.
As the name implies, the food program incorporates a seafood forward focus with highlighted items including a luxurious seafood saffron risotto and the San Diego Rockefeller oyster plate, which is described as a half dozen of oysters adorned with garlic creamed kale, pancetta and hollandaise sauce. The full menu contains delicious fare with a variety of options ranging from small bites, salads, full dinner entrees and vegan options. Daily ground beef burgers of an angus, short rib and chuck blend are an anticipated crowd favorite. This especially can be said of the signature Whale Burger, which is a beef patty stacked with applewood smoked bacon, gruyere, fried egg, truffle spread on an English muffin. To preserve the integrity of the amazing food creations, limited menus are available until the grand opening celebration scheduled for Friday, August 2nd. Even if you fall in love with a menu option, beware, the menu is seasonal especially regarding seafood and produce selections.
“I’m all about making people happy, and there’s no better way to do that than with food.” said Chef Bruno. “Our goal is to incorporate the San Diego lifestyle in all that we do- and in doing so, celebrating all the best things one of the best cities in the world has to offer with a signature, California, unpretentious flare.”
The staff’s attitudes, personalities and hard work with an unfaltering aim for excellence of the product being served is what the team of Sign of the Whale believes separates themselves from the heard. That, and their 17foot LED television, which takes over an entire wall of the venue for any and all viewing needs. Management is fully prepared to embrace it’s over the top digital abilities which they eagerly embraced by adding 12 brand new 75 inches HD 4K televisions to take over not only the food scene, but the sport scene in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Sign of the Whale also supplies a hide away party in its lower level referred to as “The Brig”. The former, historically preserved jailhouse is a space that has been transformed into a premiere nightlife destination for late night revelers seeking a little mischief. Intending to be open Thursday thru Saturday in the later hours of the evenings, 6 PM on Thursday’s and Friday’s and 9 PM on Saturday’s, The Brig allows the dining destination to also appeal to San Diego’s never-failing late-night partiers. Numerous talented DJ’s, bottle service and party packages along with the seductive ambiance and talented bartenders are what guests have to look forward to. Sign of the Whale San Diego and The Brig is available for all types of private events. The full capacity of the venues can contain 600 guests with the capability of 150 seated and 500 standing. The outdoor patio contains 60 seats, while the Brig is perfect for a seated party up to 35 guests and standing room for 125. Sign of the Whale is open for business 7 days a week. Their hours of operation are 11 AM – 2 AM Monday -Friday. The venue is open earlier at 10:00 AM until 2 AM on Saturday and Sundays for brunch service.