Sign of the Whale

I went to brunch the weekend of pride with my girlfriend, and I loved being in a welcoming space with so many young queer people. Pictured is her smoke salmon bagel which was amazing. I got the French toast but it wasn’t that special. The servers were drunk and didn’t refill my bottomless mimosas at all. If you get bottomless, I recommend asking for a bottle at your table to get your money’s worth since gratuity is included. More importantly, they weren’t refilling waters. The drag performance was amazing and there were several Black and brown performers.

You have to come for brunch. Just come. The brunch deal is incredible — it’s only $32 for an entree and bottomless drinks, which is unbelievable in general and crazy for this city specifically. If you get James as your server you’ll be especially well taken care of, but everyone we met was swell! Definitely make your way over, as the location is convenient for the metro too.

I dont even know where to begin. Me and four friends went for drag brunch on Sunday during Pride. My friends arrived before I did and were seated in the back in a booth. My friend went to slide in to the booth and some brown substance was on the seat which then got on her hands. They requested another table. Table number two was so unbalanced and falling apart that any movement you made your drink went flying. We realized it was going to be a problem and we moved to our third table.Two friends ordered coffee to start. One asked for cream and sugar and was told, I dont think we have sugar right now. Ill check. By the time the sugar came out, the coffee was gone. Three of five did bottomless mimosas but had to go up to the bar for constant refills before finally requesting they just give us the bottle of champagne. There were three people working - two bartenders and one server. One bartender was eating her breakfast behind the bar, one bartender was on and off her cell phone making calls, and the third staff member was responsible for serving every table at the restaurant - AND IT WAS HER FIRST DAY SERVING THERE. Dana was so positive and seemed happy to be there which is about the only positive I can say for SOTW.One hour into being seated we placed our food orders. The first two orders came out after 30 minutes. The next two came out 15 minutes later. The last plate arrived 20 minutes after that. The person who received their food last waited 60 minutes for her food and ate alone because we were all finished. The chicken and waffles were good. Definitely do not order the side of bacon or the hash browns. The bacon was clearly cooked previously and microwaved because it was the texture of beef jerky and had absolute zero grease on it - bone dry bacon. The hasbrowns werent fried or even pan fried and had zero flavor.Last and certainly not least.... The cleanliness. The floors were so sticky and dirty from the previous nights party. There was gum stuck in various places on the brick wall near my head at the table. The womens restroom has two stalls. The first stall has a toilet that is sideways so your leg hits the wall while youre going. It had one roll of toilet paper that was down to the last few squares. The second stall had vomit caked on the toilet from the night before (clearly wasnt that day because we got there when they opened) so nobody could use that stall. The sink had no hand soap. And to make matters worse, the bathroom obviously reeked of vomit.The drag was supposed to start at 12:30. The performers came out at 1:05. Five minutes into the show the microphone died and the MC had to yell for each performer coming out.I dont think it needs to be said but I will never return and I certainly dont recommend this place to anybody. I dont know how they have business or have remained in business this long. They automatically add 20% gratuity to your check so nobody really seems to give a s*** about your experience - theyll get tipped regardless. Hope this helps the next person not make the same mistake we did.

Theres much more to Sign of the Whale than the exterior eludes to: a fairly expansive bar space with secondary rear bar and more seating in the back, vaulted ceilings, a massive fireplace... or maybe when a fireplace is big and fancy enough you call it a hearth. I think this is a hearth then. Its dimly lit and cozy, surrounded by old books (theyre real books not just decorative I won a bet), especially with that fire going. The staff is super friendly, the beer selection is good, and the food menu is great. I dont know what Sign of the Whale is a reference to, but I do know a good place to have a drink and wonder about it.

Went for brunch. Chicken and waffles are fire. The BLT was also tasty, kinda tastes like maybe Caesar dressing is on it. The bloody Mary’s are good, spicy and on the thinner side. Service was very attentive, thanks Amanda!!

Fantastic bar experience on a Friday night! Friendly bartender, lively Gen-Z crowd, and a vibrant atmosphere with two floors, including a cozy second-floor bar and space. Security was welcoming, making it a great spot for those who love to party, dance, and enjoy loud music. We encountered a brief disturbance with a fight breaking out. Unfortunately that was the only negative experience we had.

I went for the bottomless brunch and had the chicken and waffles and added scrambled eggs. Sooooooooooo good. The whale pail drink (I think) was delicious and BOTTOMLESS🤪. Also, their mimosas were tasty as well. The DJ was great and the service was too. Enjoyed myself and look forward to going back soon.,😊

First time here, an old friend brought me and its a visit Ill repeat. Pictured here is Toby holding platter of some delicious salmon tacos. The price was totally right. We hung out talking about the key themes of today -- deception, down home elections workers and race.

Everyone here was under aged. The girls in the bathroom were talking about whether they were going into senior year of high school or freshman year of college next school year.

Went there for a pub crawl drinks were supposed to be 4$ as part of the crawl, got charged 16.94 for three drinks. Be careful here, will not be back.

A really awesome drag brunch hosted by Tiffany D. Carter.Really enjoyed the chicken and waffles and the staff were super friendly and fun.

I came in for drag brunch this past weekend celebrating a friend’s birthday and had an amazing time! Laura and Trinity, our bartenders, took excellent care of us—very speedy and consistent service. I wasn’t a fan of the meal I had but the service, drinks, and performances more than made up for it. Excellent experience, I’ll definitely be coming back.

Great Time. Rich the bartender knows how to pour and entertain. And with Toby manning the helm it only gets better.Next to Camelot and Umpire dance clubs.

Best place for happy hour in DC. They have a very nice place and seating arrangements. Their staff was super nice. The food was amazing and their price was super as well. We ordered their truffles fries, quesadillas, tacos, wings, pretzel with beer cheese, and everything was amazingly good.

Phillies World Series Game 1. Go Phils!

I have a lot to say about this bar, this bar was suggest to the group I was out with because the other bars in Dupont circle had insane lines. Right away when looking at the crowd that was waiting in line here I started clocking how young everyone was. Inside I actually tried to google if the bar was 18+ because it was not advertised outside as such. Nowhere on the website does it state that it is an 18+ bar, but if you read through other reviews the company has stated in comments that they do often have 18+ nights. As a mid 20 something I would have never entered this bar if I knew that was the case. Once inside I honestly was horrified. In every direction I saw young children very obviously as young as 14 years old. I genuinely think the group of people I was with were the only 21+ people in the establishment besides the bartenders and security. These children were also obviously heavily intoxicated and during the 10 minutes total we were there we witnessed 2 fights almost break out. When IDs were checked at the door there was no wristband/stamp given to those that were under 21. On top of that the bartender was not checking IDs so anyone who was let in to the establishment could order a drink once inside, which for an 18+ bar is INSANE. I truly do not understand how this bar can get away with serving minors. There is no playing dumb in this situation because if you looked at any of these kids, and yes I am going to keep using the word kids because that what they are, you would know they were not 18 let alone 21 and able to drink. It is a conscious effort between those checking IDs at the door and bartenders inside turning a blind eye to serve this kids. Anyone who is actually 21 looking for a bar to go to RUN the other way if this one is suggested to you. I can not speak for the food, or dining experience I can only speak on my experience going here for the bar. Again I am truly shocked this business is able to operate as it is and was disheartened by how many drunk minors I saw inside.

Came for the Eagles TNF game and was overall disappointed. The pretzel and beer cheese was not good. The bartender could not even recommend the egg rolls my friend ordered.Service at the bar was abysmal. Took 15-20+ minutes for a drink. They struggled to find my tab and had to look up how to make drinks. In the end, if your bar is subpar at every level your management has to be called into question.

Some blonde bartender was texting on her phone and then straight up looked at my friend and I and ignored us while here... literally looked at us and served prob 10 others...still waiting...taking our group elsewhere...this place sucks

This place definitely serves 15 year olds. I came here last night on a whim because the lines at the other Dupont bars were super long. My friends and I only stayed for about 10 minutes (while finishing a drink) before running out as fast as we could. This bar is FILLED with underage minors. Don’t be fooled. They say they are an 18+ plus bar (they don’t even advertise this online, so we didn’t know, the only reason I found out now was because they responded to other reviews stating that they allow 18 year olds) but this bar was absolutely filled with 14-15 year olds. This is also obvious. It is incredibly obvious that they allow minors in, not just 18+. It doesn’t take a genius to notice how incredibly young the people in this bar were. They 100% take fake IDs here. If you want to be surrounded by minors, this is a great place to come! The bar definitely fills this place past capacity as well, as you literally cannot move at all. This place is a sweaty, minor filled cesspool. It is packed and filled with actual children. Be weary and do not come here if you are a 20 something in DC trying to have a good night!

We came here for drag brunch today. We arrived at 11:15 a.m., ordered bottomless mimosas, and told our server we needed a moment to look at the menu. She didn’t return to take our order until around 12:30 p.m. After she took our order, she didn’t submit our order to the kitchen so we didn’t receive our food until we asked about it at 2 p.m. They charged us full price for food we waited hours for. The performances were great and the drinks were perfect, but the fact we were charged $200 for waiting is absurd.

DC is expensive, so a spot that charges $32 for food and multiple bottomless cocktails is a welcome addition to the scene!

A couple of my friends and I went out to Sign of the Whale for a fun time. The night was great, however the staff were incredibly rude. One of the bouncers inside the bar pushed someone into my friend and she hit her head extremely hard. We brought her to the stairs near the alley and a blonde bartender was yelling at us saying if she throws up we are getting kicked out. She was absolutely no help and she was rude. I understand how hectic and chaotic it can get, especially late at night, but listen to your customers and have a heart. The bouncers are really aggressive which resulted in my friend getting a concussion when she didn’t do anything wrong. Please do better.

Absolutely wonderful staff and amazing food. If you’re in the area and want a drink and meal this is the place to go. Highly recommend to any one visiting or looking for a nice getaway from the overpriced places.

Sign of the Whale is the best bar in D.C.!! My friends and I attended the drag brunch this weekend and had the time of our lives. The food was amazing and the service was great, would definitely recommend!

Made reservation but no one knew what was happening so I didnt have a set place to sit as that was the point of a reservation. Decided to stay but then got charged $44 for 2 blue moons and half done wings. Only 2 bartenders..Was promised a gift card..never came. I dont need it as I wont be back..plenty of other places to watch a game

The newly redesigned Sign of the Whale is beautiful and upscale! The food and cocktails are so delicious!! The staff is too notch!! Toby and Annie were our bartenders/servers and they were truly attentive, informative, and super nice! Its definitely going to become my number one hang out spot! Great happy hour deals! Looking forward to brunch coming up!

Originally from Philly been in DC for a bit. Worst place I’ve been. Drinks were expensive, the website is wrong they said no drinks are from the website menu. Took 1.5 hours for food to come out. Staff didn’t know the menu and they didn’t even have a drink menu. Eagles Gameday Sunday was trash. My friends paid $70 for 2 drinks and 2 apps.

Salmon tacos and truffle fries were great! The atmosphere was also really nice. I was there pretty early on a Friday so service was great.

First time being here and the experience was amazing. Came here for brunch and everything we got was phenomenal. Toby is the best and made sure that we were well taken care of. Definitely my new favorite brunch place! 10/10 highly recommend.

Worst experience today for my birthday brunch. The online representation is not what you get when you walk in. Dirty furniture. Dirty glasses- not once but twice - lip stick stains and filth! Slow service! We waited an hour for absolutely nothing. And NO COVID PRECAUTIONS. The server actually touched the top of the straw with his hands after wiping his forehead! Highly disappointed after hearing such great reviews! Hope things turn around.

Came to DC from out of town and made a reservation in advance of our trip. Confirmed reservation through text the day before. Got there night of and told to “go upstairs and sit anywhere”- but all that is upstairs is the little crows nest bar, no tables. The bar tender was extremely nice and tried to go talk to someone downstairs again, but ultimately we were told that we could sit at that bar to eat, but they had a happy hour event that would be starting downstairs, so there was nowhere else we could sit. We didn’t see any tables downstairs either, just the bigger bar. The floor was sticky, and everything seemed much dirtier than what we were expecting. We did not stay to eat there, so can’t comment on the food or drinks.

Other than the RATS, great drag venue. Omw to the bathroom and the rat was right there with me. Canceled my food and enjoyed the bottomless Bellinis :P

Food wasnt bad. The beer was cold, but the bar staff was really attentive and cool.

Probably one of DCs oldest bars still with its original tin ceiling, fireplace, beautiful chandeliers...a trifle quiet on weekdays though but I went on a Friday and there were a bunch of energetic, young (drinking age) people who were thoroughly enjoyable to talk to. Fun, friendly bartender too. Very reasonable prices for food and alcohol.

Went for drag brunch, food service and the show were amazing!! I had fried chicken and waffles, highly recommend them.

In my experience there was an issue with my table and another black table not receiving water. I waited and asked other tables if they were given water or had to ask for it and they were given water upon arrival. I noticed another table where two black men were seated and they did not have water either. Out of the entire restaurant the two tables of black people had no water. I let the bartender Arie know my concerns and she apologized and provided accommodations however it sucks that we are still having to deal with being treated unfairly and its unfortunate. Its definitely time for a change.

Great bartenders! Good food. Chef knows his stuff

Reopened on February 10...best food, drinks and ambiance. Try the crab cakes, Chicken sliders, truffle fries, wings, fried shrimp...best ever. Great ambiance and service. Thanks Toby, Becka Jess and Annie. Well follow you everywhere!!

I’m sure it would have been great BUT they messed up our reservation due to a private event. 😒

Ended up staying the night in DC and decided to get some drinks at the bar. Ordered a double Jack and coke and then a pineapple and Malibu (they didnt have Malibu so they used another coconut rum). Closed out my tab and saw it was $40 and change. They changed $22 for a double Jack and coke and then $10 or so for the mixed drink. On top of that they add a 20% gratuity. When asking how that could be right I was told Havent you ever been to DC? Were actually one of the cheapest places. Well I beg to differ because the other bars that night were much much cheaper. I would recommend not choosing this bar.

It may improve but this place doesn’t quite appear ready to open. Half of their menu wasn’t wasn’t available, the small plate I ordered was microscopic. Fine for drinks but probably skip the food both for availability and value until they dial it in.

Went for Friends trivia, the drinks were excessively watered/soda down. I ordered a whiskey sour and it tasted nothing like it should have. My GF ordered a Moscow mule and he gave it to us literally half full, then filled it with ginger ale when we asked for more. The kitchen is not in communication with the staff and food orders went to multiple wrong people while ours didnt even get submitted. To be fair (and keeping it from one star) when we did get our food it was on the house and the chili tater tots were incredibly good.If I go back and the bartendering is better and the communication between the staff and kitchen improves Ill easily put more stars here.

Always a great time with a vibrant crowd. A good place to throw back some drinks, dance a little, but mainly drink.

They were EXTREMELY overpriced and deceitful with their receipts. They automatically included gratuity and expected you to tip as well. I spent $120 on 6 shots. Definitely not worth it.

Food was typical bar food. Service was fine, except that they added automatic 20% tip for two adults and two kids when there was barely anyone at place. I normally would have tipped 20%, but the presumption was what ruin overall experience for night.

Typical american bar that caters yo college kids. Went here because its a known bar for Philadelphia Eagles fans! Fun watching the game here. Place os a bit dity specially the floors. Rest rooms are somewhat clean. Again typical of a college bar. Food was good.

The drag brunch here is fabulous! The host was the best.

This place is fun but it’s also a big party venue, at least on weekends. The photos make it look like it’s a chill place to relax and grab a drink but I went on a weekend night and there was loud music and dancing (which was great to me, just unexpected from the photos!)

This was a terrifying experience and I left thirty seconds after I arrived. The amount of teenagers in shein tops pushing their way to the front of the line was enough to make me go home for the night. Just be an +18 plus place at this point.

I had a great time here! I was celebrating with my friends for my birthday, came here left and we came RIGHT back! Played “water” pong (we just ain’t pay for the beer haha), danced, and drank. Idk the guy and the girl bartenders we had but thank you guys. Double thanks to the guy. Let this place be a go to and tell them sydney sent you okur :)

Discrete dive bar just off DuPont Circle.

If you guys come here, you HAVE to see Buck! He is THE best bartender I have met yet. The drink specials are great and I am currently having an awesome time!

The best Eagles bar in town. I loved the service. I go there almost every weekend.

Amazing what theyve done with the place! Very beautiful warm, inviting, excellent cocktails and the service is beyond great! Will probably make this a regular spot!

My wife and I went for drinks and the bartender charged a $4.60 service fee on $13.40 tab. When I questioned him about it he just said that is their standard and walked away. We in turn left to go to another bar.

Perfect spot for a large group. Great seating, friendly staff, good prices on food and drinks! Loved the experience.

Sign of the Whale has burned. Awful fire at 5 pm Eastern time March 2, 2022. Please we hope all are safe and the staff are safe.

Fun atmosphere! The DJ and drinks were great and reasonably priced. Perfect place to dance your work worries away!!

So happy to have the Whale back! Great happy hour spot for a cheap beer and good food. Friendly staff and as always, great games on the TV.

Love the new Whale! Cleaned up, friendly staff, great drinks and food. Amazing happy hour 7 days a week!!!!!! Come by and meet new friends!

One of my new, favorite happy hour dives. Also, the homemade guacamole is DEEE-licious. 🙂

Great place and absolutely amazing food!

The food was amazing, but we didnt realize that there was a show over brunch so it was so loud we had to shout to hear each other.

35 years ago, one of our first dates, 6 kids and 4 grandkids later (still counting)!

I love Ben. Amazing person, even better service

My meal was dry and I was overcharged. I had to send my bill back twice and then she just told me to subtract from her tip.

Literally so nice!! Great deals and such a nice staff. I felt super taken care of and there’s a super comfortable vibe in there. Check this place out!!

Glad to see this place reopened, the interior is gorgeous and the drinks are great. Will stop by again when I’m in Dupoint Circle.

Make sure y’all come out to this bar. The bartender Buck is awesome ! You don’t wanna miss this spot ! Great experience

I went for brunch and was very pleased. They have great service and the food was good.

First off went before the pandemic and the food was amazing. The service is phenomenal and i recommend this place for people looking to try a sushi twist

Awesome place to eat some wings and drink some yueling beer! Great prices and super friendly staff! Really enjoyed this establishment!

I loved this place. Nice place but not nice people.

We went for brunch and a drag show and it was a blast.

Loved the Drag Brunch! Great experience!

It was very very cold inside. Food was really good. Service was good too.

Great atmosphere! Good happy hour!

Great atmosphere and solid drinks! Fridays are great for the 21-30 crowd

Nice place to relax after a long day. Food was good and the french fries were excellent!!

Sign of the whale is back - with a vengeance - phenomenal revamp with generous liquor selection, shots flowing at all times, and the friendliest staff in the area.

Discreetly included 20% gratuity

Collin was amazing. Let us use bathroom

Not too busy. Good deals for Happy Hour. Ample places to sit.

Great bar in downtown DC.Been there for 40 yrs..

Food was surprisingly good, good atmosphere

Fabulous place, good food/drinks; definitely attention to detail.

Great spot for a drink in dc. Open bar Friday nights

Used to love this place, but now you stick to the floor and half the TVs are off.

I had a good time here, but this would not be my first choice to revisit.

I had a great time and they treated me like family.

Great brunch! Loved the ambiance.

Ella Janes upstairs has great cocktails!

DRAG BRUNCH SHOW WAS AMAZING!

Brunch and service were both great!

Sadly, the same dirtbag security screws regulars so he can hit on college girls.never every

Shannon is the best! Totally different SOTW and I love it!

Bc I didnt want to drink during a happy hour I got kicked out

Great experience.! Ask for Buck he is sexy.! ;)

Friendly and fun bartenders, great drinks

So happy to see this DC legend return. Long live the Whale!

Great prices. Bud light tasted a little off.

Bar at night is HORRIBLE

The service was and continues to be a joke. Avoid every iteration of Sign.

The music was good. DJ calabash u rock

Great stuff .. 5 stars! Wowza!! Shazam!!

Great staff, good food.

Great service, food, and ambiance.

Great experience. Great bartenders

Came here on a college outing ! This jawn def was worth it.

Strong drinks at a fair price

This place has changed a ton from 10 yrs ago

Friendly and well priced

Excellent service

Nice place, but terrible service

Funky cool bar

First time going here amazing

Trivia night. Fun. Its slightly dingy

Great place to play

Good drinks and wings.

Amazing & awesome

Awesome

Fire

Loved it!

This club is awesome!

Classic DC drinking establishment

Bartenders fine

Awesome bar

Great place.

Boudoir Boheme

E-A-G-L-E-S

Great place