Whaling Station Prime Steaks & Seafood
- Price Range: $$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Dressy
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: Yes
27 Reviews for Whaling Station Prime Steaks & Seafood
Overpriced, officious staff and bland food.
I know it is a lot to ask to find good reasonably priced food in a tourist trap place like this, but come on $23 for linguini with 8-10 clams in it and 8.95 for a caesar salad? We should have just gone to the mexican place down the street. The food there was fine and at least the prices were fair. My linguini with clams was bland. The clams were good, but the pasta was overdone and the sauce was tasteless. The strawberries we had for dessert were not great (and there is great fresh produce around here, why not take advantage?).
Wound up at this place after asking the concierge for a "not too touristy" place nearby our hotel. Our experience makes me wonder what place she possibly could have sent us to otherwise, since this place screams tourist trap. The prices are absurd for what you get. It's sort of trying to be an old-school steak house, but the saran-wrapped steaks they bring to your table to show the cuts didn't quite succeed in making us think "classy." We asked the waiter a couple questions to which he gave us some entertainingly evasive answers. We wondered if he was drunk and decided it would be best if he was. There was one awesome highlight--we got to watch an all out brawl in the lobster tank next to us.
After reading the reviews on Yelp, I thought this would be a good place for dinner for our bachelorette party. Also, it helped that the bride-to-be is a fan of this place.
I liked it... but I don't know... I didn't LOVE it. I felt like it was kind of overpriced. Also, my filet mignon was a little too rare for me. I don't like it when I'm eating steak and I have that aftertaste of blood in my mouth. Blech. Maybe it's just me, but that isn't tasty to me. I requested medium well and it just wasn't medium well. It was more like medium or medium rare. Just not my idea of medium well. If I ever go back there, I'm ordering it well done.
The service was really good, though. I laughed at how the waiter didn't bring the tray of raw meats to our all-women's table, but he brought it to the table of guys the next table over. I guess he figured that the women don't want to look at raw meat or something. hehe... He DID bring us the dessert tray at the end of the night. I didn't try any of the desserts, but the other girls seemed to enjoy it. I would've ordered the chocolate souffle if I thought it was made fresh, but I don't think it was because if it WAS, he would've mentioned it at the beginning of the meal. What? I'm a little bit of a souffle snob. I only like it fresh. hehe.
The bill was more than $60/person. And we didn't really order drinks or wine or anything... Nor did we order appetizers. And we only ordered 2 desserts. So slightly on the pricey side.
I don't know. I liked it and the food and service were both good... but I just... wasn't WOWED.
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If you have to do the "Steakhouse" thing, this is the place to go in Monterey. Waiter was great, funny and knew when to leave us alone. GF had the Maine Lobster (of course, ha-ha) and I had the bone-in NY.
Steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly, lobster was great but "black" inside.
Standout appetizer was the ravioli in brown butter, we actually fought over it!
Drinks were so-so. Menu variety good.
Food was as expected, expensive, but nothing really memorable or enough to make it a regular stop. One good note is that they sat us next to the lobster tank and my GF feels "sad" for the lobsters now. That will save me $100 next time we eat out!
All in all great restaurant but not "awesome" for us. We will be trying another place next trip.
Forget the rest, when it's time to worship at the altar of a true top-of-the-line dining experience - this is the place. Giant martinis, classic dishes, USDA Prime beef and a wine list to match - don't get me started...This is local-legend Chef John Pisto's ultimate expression of his inner joy. Here's the insider scoop: "Bistro" dishes served only at the bar. Blackened salmon filet, Prime sirloin steak sandwich and (only on weeknights) prime rib french dip - your choice for $16.95. Best deal on the planet.
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This was the cherry on top of my most recent trip to Monterey, I heard about this being a must stop place to eat from my dad, who makes this a routine stop every time he's out in this area diving. First I was very pleased when I drove past that they had a private lot for their customers which was valet but they do not charge their customers to use it. Considering that a good chunk of my weekend was spent looking for parking and having to pay 20+ to use an abandoned lot had started it get old. Any case, I had the rib steak which had some good marbling of fat in it when they had initially wheeled out the meat cart to to further assist us in decided what to order. My girlfriend ordered the filet mignon and we ordered the table-side Caesar salad and shared a side dish of zucchini.
Our server for the evening was this Asian gentlemen, I believe by the name of Jun, he was very professional and attentive but was able to keep from being overbearing and interrupting our conversations. Even when he was preparing the Caesar salad table side, he was casually creating conversation with us as he skillfully and elegantly assembled the salad. He even threw on a bit more anchovy into the dressing seeing as how we both liked the aroma and flavor it gave to the salad. The steaks soon came after, we were finished, my rib steak came medium rare as I had asked and was cooked perfectly, the marbled blend of fat and meat with each bite made for a spectacular meal. My girlfriend's filet mignon was a nice sized medallion, extremely tender and cooked perfectly, and had a very good flavor. The zucchini came in fine strings of green and gold, was really pretty, but to be honest I did find that they were overcooked, limp and a bit bitter, still even without the zucchini it would have been a good amount of food.
I saw a number of sweet and succulent looking desserts, but the two of us were starting to show symptoms of food coma and thought it would be best for us to stop, mainly because I had a 2 1/2 hour drive back ahead of me.... But I really did enjoy the service and the quality and care these steaks had when they were made for our meal! I can't wait to go back and try their Prime Rib and make an attempt to try some of those desserts...
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Had Easter Dinner here once with the fam. Love the old school classy feel of this restaurant. Good steaks and service,
Food is excellent. My girlfriend and I both had Prime Rib and along with the garlic mashed potatoes. Very nicely prepared. Way too pricey if you just want to have a beer with your meal. ($5.45 for a bottled Stella).
The only thing really wrong with the place is it's ambiance. The restaurant tables are jammed within a close proximity. The wait staff has an unusual and often times annoying approach. They said we can demand our food at any time be served. So we sat down, were hungry, and said okay bring it on. It took merely 45 minutes after that to get it.
For the price and the ambiance I would not go back.
I was lead to believe that this was a good choice for dinner, and I wasn't disappointed. We arrived an hour late for our reservation, when we called to let them know, the host said no problem, just come when you can, we'll have a table for you.
When we arrived, the host was happy and cheerful as he greeted us. I'd say the dining area was about half full. People seemed to be enjoying their meals and carrying on with spirited conversations.
The lighting was sort of on the pinkish red side, which was OK because it made the room feel warm and brighter at the same time. Service was timed well and after ordering our meal progressed at a nice pace.
The wine list was varied with many, local, domestic and imported choices. We got a bottle of Cabernet from a local winery, it was excellent.
My wife ordered the swordfish, it was an impressive piece of fish, but puzzling was that it was served on a bed of mixed vegetables that included black beans, corn and other bits that just didn't work. Hence the 1 star deduction.
I got the 1 pound prime rib, now you got to love medium rare to rare cuts because that's all they serve here. It was melt in the mouth tender. The side of Garlic mashed potatoes was excellent as well at the spinach deal.
This place is on the reasonable side as far as steakhouses that serve top quality meats are concerned, prepare to spend a min. $75 pp for a good meal with drinks, appt. etc.
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Dining with the Stars
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During the course of our dinner, my wife asks me if Clint Eastwood was still alive. We got into this whole diatribe about Clint and his movies. So I finally ask her why she brought it up. She said, well that guy behind you reminds me of him. I turned and glanced over my shoulder and sure enough it's the ex-Mayor of Carmel himself with his wife Dina and another guest.
I must of come to the right place.
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I had dinner here about two years ago with my husband and then 2 year old son. I kick myself and think "Why haven't I been back since"? Well the answer is that its pretty expensive. Where else can you get a lobster tail for $100 bucks and it be the size of your head? I didn't actually order it but longed for it as I saw a gentleman at the other table eating it. Haha, he probably thought I was checking him out.
My husband and I opted for filet mignon and shrimp. It was just wonderful. Service was great and they seated us immediately right next to a lovely elderly couple who ooooohed and ahhhhhhed over my toddler and kept him busy while we enjoyed our succulent surf and turf meal.
I'm packing my bags and heading out for Monterey very soon - Whaling Station here I come to fulfill my lobster fantasy. It's been way too long!
We don't leave Monterey without coming here first. This place is great. Food is amazing, fresh ingredients, large portions for a steak house. The table Cesar salad is great and entertaining. They sometimes have a grilled veggies salad with balsamic vinegar that is really amazing but they don't always have it. Service, they are very attentive but not to the point where you feel that you are having dinner with them. The decor is nice, a little dark, should you want to have a romantic dinner for two. I like that you can come dressed up or in jeans from walking down cannery road.
The Whaling Station gets 5 stars from me for it's cuisine, service, and ambiance. The food here is as fresh and top notch as it comes. Their seafood is incredible and their steaks are cooked to perfection. Everything I was served was excellent. I will definitely be returning to the Whaling Station.
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This is probably my favorite restaurant of all time. I have been going here for years with my significant other. EVERY time, I am totally happy with the entire experience. Everything from the cocktails, wine selection, ingredients, preparation and presentation is fantastic! The service is incredible, the staff is completely knowledgeable, and the food is outstanding. The manager and staff know me by name and treat us like family. I love it! I have traveled a lot in my life and had the privilege of going to many fine restaurants, but this one is always my top choice. I've even been to the famed French Laundry in Napa Valley, CA and though it is a slightly different type of experience, I would prefer to eat at the Whaling Station any day over the French Laundry. I just love this place and hope to go here for many years to come.
Really good food. Ridiculously slow service.
Great restaurant in a great location. It's a tiny bit touristy but the food is fabulous, the views are sweeping and the service is excellent. The last time I dined here we purchased a cigar from their cigar case and the waiter ran up the street to Black Cat to buy a cutter so that we could smoke it upon leaving. THAT'S service!
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John Pisto needs to lose some weight, but his steakhouse is the best in town. I guess you must eat like him in order to learn how to cook superior dishes. He also owns Abalonetti seafood on the wharf which is also very good.
Of all the Surf & Turf establishments I've been to, sadly it's been only a few, I've never tasted anything like the Whaling Station. The food is exquisite and the service is top notch!!! It was a great choice being that I was in Monterey for a special occasion. I ordered the Fillet Mignon/Lobster dish and my taste buds literally had an "O" (going to be safe and leave out the word but I'm sure all of you know what I mean). It's somewhat off the beaten path but if you ask any local, they'll point you in the right direction.
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A friend and I decided to have dinner at the Whaling Station last night.
Excellent steaks, I had the New York as usual and my friend had the prime rib. Both were cooked excellent, flavorful and juicy. Word to the wise though, my friend got the regular cut instead of the bistro cut on the prime rib, and it was huge. Unless you are really hungry it may be best to get the bistro cut on the p.r.
It would be a great place to take a date though a bit pricey.
This restaurant has changed hands several times over the past 15 years. The version now is focusing on prime rib, steaks and seafood. Yet another steak house for sure, but handsomely decorated inside. Some of the back tables are nice for romantics.
Food is very good. Both the steaks and the seafood are above average. The filet was tender and juicy, while my companion had fresh Alaskan halibut which was outstanding.
Service was just right. Has a nice bar area, also.
Pricey for sure, but who doesn't splurge a little when on the Monterey peninsula?
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I'm suprised that of the 2 reviews they were mixed. I'd have to say that The Whaling Station (under John Pisto's reign) is the top spot in Monterey and fights with possibly a place or two in Carmel for the top spot in the Bay.
Very meat heavy and the waiter comes out with a platter of each cut to show it to you raw and explain the marbling and the pros and cons of each.
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Decided to have dinner at the Whaling Station based on other Yelp reviews. Was very pleased with the decision.
Based on other reviews I expected the options to be expensive but once there found the bill to be comparable to most steakhouses.
I went with the boneless ribeye. It was great except for a few pieces of fat that needed to be cut out, but I am usually a filet girl... so I guess that is what you get with a rib eye. I had my steak prepared with just butter, salt, and pepper based on the waiter's recommendation. I requested the steak sauce which they generally prepare it with, on the side and was glad that I did. It was extremely tart, and I felt took away from the steak's original flavor. Was surprised that the meat came with two sides of spinach and mashed potatoes. I usually expect to have order sides a la carte.
Ordered the Tirimisu for dessert and it was the perfect end to the meal. They have a pretty good wine list and we were very happy with Pinot Noir we ordered.
The ambiance for the restaurant could use some help but it is a pretty touristy town so I guess that is what you get. Service was great, although our waiter might have talked a little "too" much. I generally don't expect much from restaurants that are in tourist served beach towns, but the Whaling Station exceeded my expectations. If you are in Monterey I would definately put it on the list of places to eat.
Another thing to mention is we arrived for our reservation earlier than the time we requested and they were able to seat us within 5 minutes.
Must say that the food here was rockin, and the atmosphere was quiet comical. From families to cock-blockin brothers in cowboy hats, it seemed like everyone was enjoying themselves. I sure did. Our waiter was a bit energetic, although he didn't have much info to share regarding the menu.
Sharp wine list with a number of half bottles that looked good, and a long list of champagnes. Went for the scallops wrapped in bacon to start, and it was grilled to perfection. I had a petite filet which was very tender and matched the Pinor Noir well...fuuugettaboutittt...
Everything we had--chilled artichoke appetizer, juicy salmon, and lemon tart--was wonderful!
Service was great too.
First time my bf and I went to Whaling Station, and I truly did enjoy the experience. The wine list was superb which consisted of half bottles as well as full bottles. The half bottle that we opted to order was out, but was still able to choose from other Cabernet's and was pleased with our second choice.
First off, I researched the restaurant and looked into the menu that was available online at www.restauranteur.com/... and it's good I did because we were able to get a free appetizer. On the restaurants website, there is a quick questionnaire that you fill out and at the end of the survey, you can print out a coupon for a free chef's choice appetizer or just mention that you filled it out on restauranteur to the waiter. The free appetizer was a chilled artichoke with a mayo dipping sauce that was placed in the center of the artichoke where the heart was. We also ordered the oysters rockefeller, a very good choice. The oysters were placed on top of a bed of sea salt and the oysters were covered with a bacon and spinach with a hollandaise on top of that. This is one of the best oyster appetizers I have had aside from the Monterey Fish House oysters that are cooked on an oak grill.
For the entrees, I suggest to order the meat! the waiter comes to your table with a silver platter filled with different cuts of meat. He will then begin to describe the cuts of meat and why it is good. I was unfortunate that the prime rib ran out, but ended up ordering the rib steak which is heavily marbled. The meat came with garlic mashed potatoes and spinach. I did not eat much of the sides because the meat itself was huge. It was perfectly cooked and tasty, one of the best steaks I've had. As for my bf, he ordered the filet mignon. There are two types of filets, either petite or the larger one, I suggest that you order the larger one because it seemed very small unless you are a extremely light eater. This plate also came with he same sides, and the taste of the filet was not as superb as the rib steak.
For dessert, again a silver platter was brought to the table. I was very hesitant to order dessert after eating my entree, but was able to make room for the lemon tart. All the desserts looked great, yet I wanted something light. The tart wasn't the greatest though, it wasn't anything out of the ordinary.
Overall, I believe that this is one of the better steak houses in Monterey and would suggest you order the rib steak. The service is friendly and very informative if you have any questions about the menu. I would come here again for the prime rib, and hopefully it will be available!
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Very delicious food, but I gave it only three stars because it was quite expensive and the service was slow, plus I got the wrong entree at first. I had the wild mushroom soup to start and filet mignon tips for entree, both of which I highly recommend. Just be prepared to spend a little extra time and close to $100 per person (appetizer, entree, a few drinks each) including tip.
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This place is the equivalent to the hot chick with no personality - everything looks and tastes good but there is something missing - character. The food is pretty good, nice presentation, good wait staff - but boring as hell. If you are looking for a unique dining experience in Monterey, you might look elsewhere, but if you want good old normal steaks and seafood then this is your spot!
We had dinner there and enjoyed the experience. We had oysters on the half shell, the house salad, and the Filet Mignon. We also enjoyed the large selection of wines and chose a Zinfandel for our meal. Our waiter, Jum, was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. We will definitely return for their Prime Rib dinner. The prices were higher than usual but all the meat is USDA Prime and well worth it. The service was just right , not too fast or slow.
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