“Sign of the Whale Has Returned”

1825 M Street, NW

From a press release:

“SIGN OF THE WHALE, is pleased to announce it reopened on Wednesday, February 10th. Sign of the Whale, the D.C. institution known for decades as the ultimate intern hang out, has closed and reopened its doors more than a couple of times. Now under new ownership, what was once a dive bar is maturing into a gathering space where those same interns, now grown professionals, and new D.C. residents alike can get a touch of nostalgia, grab a crafted cocktail, draft beers, and bites. Owners of Nero, one of the top wine bars/lounges in Washington, D.C., are the new proprietors of Sign of the Whale and have created a unique style of contemporary American cuisine with Latin and Asian influences for everyone’s pallet.

Beyond the new sleek, white façade of the century-old building at 1825 M Street NW will lie a chic, fully renovated bar and lounge area. New swivel barstools, plush chairs, and bistro-style seating. Upstairs, a smaller bar and cozy lounge seating with exclusive cocktails await. The marble bar top has been replaced with a sleek copper one. Beyond the freshly exposed brick wall, an intimate dining area with banquets and booths for more private dinning will be available. Large high-resolution T.V.s and a 4K projector will soon be installed to keep sports fans coming.

The Sign of the Whale will be offering a scaled-back version of their food and drink menu. The kitchen will be offering a variety of options. Fun bar inspired fare such as Whale Nachos, Pork Belly Sliders, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Deep Fried Shrimp, and Whale Wings. The California Bowls should be a big hit featuring the Southwest Chicken, Blackened Shrimp, and Korean Bibimbap. For those searching for an entrée, Lamb Pops, Grilled Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Steak and Frites, and burgers will be available. Food items must be purchased during your visit to keep up with Phase 2 guidelines. The cocktail menu will feature some modern Whale favorites, some new cocktails, and a cocktail of the day. Some featured cocktails are the Sign, Melville’s Manhattan, and The Old Sea King put a spin on classic cocktails. The wine menu by the glass and bottle is also available, featuring a wine of the day as well. Rose and Prosecco are offered by the glass for a perfect experience. Our beer list will start with 12 draft beers showcasing a variety of styles such as Cisco’s Whale Tale Pale Ale, Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA, and Anchor California Lager.

The Sign of the Whale seats 50 guests. It’s a perfect place to have a draft beer, sip a cocktail, and enjoy delicious food! There is limited seating inside for Phase 2 Covid guidelines. You’ll still get the great bar vibe and music you’ve come to expect. There are also sanitizer stations throughout the restaurant. Reservations are required. Masks are required upon entry and exit of the restaurant.

Sign of the Whale will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 pm to 10 pm. Keep an eye on our hours as we will extend as restrictions ease up. We will be offering brunch on Saturday, March 6th, 2021. Sign of the Whale is located at 1825 M Street NW, Washington D.C. Contact Sign of the Whale at 202-964-6200.”