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San Diego Mourns The Loss of Beloved Pacific Beach Bartender Natalie Wharton-Lake

Pacific Beach is grieving the loss of one of its most beloved bartenders and community fixtures, Natalie Wharton-Lake, who passed away unexpectedly in October. A familiar face behind the bar for nearly two decades, Natalie was a cornerstone of PB’s tight-knit nightlife scene - known for her big laugh, bigger heart, and the uncanny ability to make everyone feel like an old friend.

For the past eleven years, Natalie was a shining presence behind the bar at The Silver Fox, where she became far more than just a bartender. “She was our resident bar psychiatrist, always ready with an ear, a story, or a perfectly timed joke,” said her close friend Julie Kazmi of The Silver Fox. “She had that big laugh that filled a room and a smile that pulled everyone in. People were just drawn to her, and once you knew her, you knew you were in for a good time.”

Before making The Silver Fox her home, Natalie poured drinks and joy at several local staples, including PB Pub. Her humor, warmth, and effortless charm made her a Pacific Beach legend - a “beautiful soul” who turned regulars into family and strangers into lifelong friends.

“Rest easy, Natalie Wharton-Lake,” said Steve Pure, owner of Riptides in Pacific Beach. “She brought laughter, light, and love to everyone around her - the kind of person who made the world a little better just by being in it.” 
Friends and patrons describe her as “a joke a minute,” “the heart of PB,” and “the kind of person who made everyone feel seen.” Social media has filled with tributes, including a heartfelt photo gallery posted by PB Pub honoring her life, laughter, and legacy.

Natalie’s love extended beyond the bar and into her home, where her dogs - her “fur babies” - were her pride and joy. “She’ll be deeply missed by all who knew her,” Kazmi shared. “The Silver Fox simply won’t be the same without her. Her laughter, love, and legacy will live on in every story told, every toast shared, and every wagging tail she left behind. And in true Natalie fashion, if heaven’s calling, we know she’s up there saying, ‘Five more minutes.’”

A celebration of life for Natalie will be held on November 17 at the VFW Ballroom, located at 853 Turquoise Street in North Pacific Beach. The event will include a community potluck organized by Natalie’s close friends, who encourage those attending to bring food, stories, and love to share. 

Out of respect for Natalie’s family and friends, this gathering is intended to honor her memory with only kindness and compassion. Friends, coworkers, and longtime patrons are invited to honor the woman who defined community in Pacific Beach - one drink, one joke, and one smile at a time.

SanDiegoVille welcomes tributes and memories from those who knew Natalie. Please email info@SanDiegoVille.com to share your stories.

Originally published on November 2, 2025.