1825 M Street, NW
From a press release:
“Sign of the Whale, the DC institution known for decades as the ultimate intern hang out has closed and re-opened its doors more than a couple of times. Now under new ownership, what was once an overcrowded divey intern bar is maturing into a gathering space where those same interns, now grown professionals, and new DC residents alike can get a touch of nostalgia, grab a quality cocktail and bites and be proud to frequent.. Keeping its namesake, the new Sign of the Whale will be unveiled to the public mid-February. Owners of Nero, who have taken over Sign of the Whale, have pegged Chef Andre Holden to create a unique fusion dining experience for the concept.
Beyond the new sleek, white facade of the century-old building at 1825 M street NW will lie a chic, fully renovated cocktail lounge. The once sticky marble-top bars will now boast sophisticated copper counter tops flanked by expanded fireplaces and bistro-style seating. Upstairs, a smaller bar and cozy, lounge seating await with exclusive cocktails awaits. Beyond the freshly exposed brick where sports flags once hung, an intimate dining area with banquets and booths for more private dining will be available. In 2012, Complex Magazine named Sign of the Whale as “one of DC’s douchiest bars,” writing, “At some point you age out of guzzling liquor from a tiny plastic cup.” Owner Vik Bhalla understands just that and is ready with a craft cocktail menu that will accompany a curated wine menu. However, at Sign of the Whale, a selection of Sake will take the lead, accompanying chef Andrew’s sushi and southern comfort-fused menu.
Chef Andrew, mostly known for his role as executive chef of the historic Cedar Knoll in Alexandria, Virginia, also works as executive chef with the new Whale owners on the Indian and Italian-fused menu of Nero Restaurant and Lounge right around the corner. Guests can expect to fulfill all their cravings with a menu of small plates featuring bites such as sashimi, sushi rolls, fried chicken, and other creations that fuse the rich flavors and dishes native to the south with classic Japanese cuisine. Pork belly pops with pickled watermelon, fried oysters with spicy ginger kewpie, okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes usually served with protein), and selections from the grill such as lamb chops, octopus and jumbo scallops are just a few examples of offerings to look forward to.
Sign of the Whale aims to keep a tradition alive by growing with the clientele. “We want Sign of the Whale to be a place where those once interns now professionals, parents, and adults in general, can be proud to call their own,” says Vik. Complete food and cocktail menus will be available in the coming weeks.
About Sign of the Whale: Sign of the Whale will offer lunch, brunch, dinner and late-night fare. The menu will be comprised of a selection of small plates featuring Japanese and southern American classic and inspired bites. Hours of operation will be 7 days a week from 11:00 – 2:00 am. The new Sign of the Whale is under new ownership and management and is in no way connected to previous owners, staff or representatives. Sign of the Whale is located at 1825 M Street NW in DC’s DuPont Circle neighborhood.”