Connecticut-Based Sign Of The Whale To Open Downtown San Diego Location

June 13, 2019

From the owner of San Diego's now-defunct McFadden's comes Sign of the Whale, a New-American restaurant and nightlife concept first founded in Connecticut and opening a second location in the Gaslamp Quarter later this month. 

The flagship Sign of the Whale was opened by prolific New York City restaurateur, John Sullivan, in August 2014 in Stamford, CT. Sullivan is also the owner and operator of John Sullivan's Bar & Grill in Manhattan, as well as many other bars in the NYC area and throughout the United States, including the McFadden's chain, which shuttered its San Diego location this past April to make way for a new hotel. 

Sign of the Whale's San Diego location will open within the 1870s-era building in the Gaslamp that last housed Old City Hall/Florent Restaurant & Lounge. The design will incorporate some of the building’s original elements and offer an interior dining room with a full-service bar and wraparound outdoor patio on the main floor. The basement, which was formerly a jailhouse, will be converted into The Brig, which owners hope will become a premier downtown San Diego nightlife destination. 

As far as the food, Sign of the Whale will offer a menu melding new twists on American comfort food and California seafood classics from Executive Chef Anthony Bruno. Expect dishes like whole local lobster and chipotle BBQ beef empanadas, as well as pizzas, salads, burgers and entrees. There will also be brunch service Friday through Sunday until 3pm.

Sign of the Whale will grand open on June 28 at 672 5th Avenue in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp. For more information, visit signofthewhaleca.com.