This restaurant is a throwback to the 1989s complete with the decor, the music and the food. And that's not a bad thing. It has an extensive menu. I started with oysters on half shell. I was given 7 instead of 6. A nice bonus. I had the Caesar salad as a starter. It was top notch. For my main, I had a seafood pasta. It was absolutely delicious. A generous portion with a very tasty garlic sauce. I cleaned my plate. Normally I skip dessert but I was presented with a dessert tray with ALL of my favorites. I could come here just for the desserts. I chose the hot Apple casserole with ice cream. It was a real treat but way too much for me. The next time I need to try the key lime pie, chocolate lava cake or the magnificent caramel pie. Sadly, this restaurant is closing in August after 45-years due yo the loss of their lease which was sold to yet another planned convenience store. This was my first visit but not my last before they close. Plenty of parking. Excellent friendly and efficient service from start to finish. read more

The Whaling Company - The 1980's style fining room. - Seafood Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Now I know why restaurants don't have carpet. Immediately upon entering the restaurant, there was this musty smell. I assume it's b/c of the old carpet. However, I did notice that the place was not clean and looked dirty. There were spider webs on the ledge over our booth. I know they're trying to go for the rustic look, but the place still should be clean. I had the shrimp tempura dinner with fries and coleslaw. They only gave 7 shrimp, a little bit of fries and the coleslaw was nasty. For as much as you pay you would think they would give you more food; and for the lack of attention to cleaniness, you would think the food would be better. I definitely will not be going back here. P.S. Our waiter was nice. read more

The Whaling Company has been an institution in Williamsburg for over 45 years and it's still going strong! This simply is one of the best seafood restaurants in Williamsburg and beyond! We ordered the classic french onion soup and their infamous baked seafood platter. Everything perfectly seasoned and mouth watering delicious. Mason, our server was a delight and served us well. If you want some of the best food in Williamsburg then this is the right place. read more

The Whaling Company - Homemade French Onion Soup - Seafood Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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Nice people , owner is very nice BUT food was not good for the price ... I do feel bad they are closing, but quality of seafood was not good (frozen) tasted bland. Do not recommend. I travel a lot and give honest reviews... I know how hard it is to run a business, and I applaud what they have accomplished... I totally feel bad for the owner who worked 40 years at this location and doesn't want to close ... read more

This place is about as old school as it gets, much like many of the other local owned restaurants in the Williamsburg area. However, even though the interiors could use a little updating (some of the booths are pretty tight, for example) this place still exudes a bit of dated charm for those who want to take a trip to the 70's or 80's once again. The food here was average at best although the portions are pretty huge and you do get your money's worth from a volume-centric POV. As for the taste, the fried platter has a lot of room for improvement. The fish didn't taste particularly fresh (felt frozen) and was very tough/rubbery. The shrimp was average and the fries were fine. However, this place does get bonus points for their great service and the very friendly hostess at the front who went out of her way to make everyone feel welcomed the second they walked in. Our server was also very kind and did a nice job of taking care of us. That said, if you just want to stop by for some drinks and some finger foods this place will do just fine. If it's amazing seafood you're looking for this might not be the ideal spot based on my previous experience. The ambiance here is also very dark, so keep that in mind. At least the service here was very friendly and they do seem to really appreciate the customers who come here so I think it's still worth checking out for those of you curious about this place. read more

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We had such a great time at The Whaling Company! The service was truly amazing--our server was always checking in, refilling drinks, making sure our food was prepared exactly right, and offering great advice while happily answering all of our questions. The food was not only very tasty but also beautifully presented--definitely picture-worthy. The cheesecake with raspberry and pecans was absolutely outstanding, honestly one of the best cheesecakes I've ever had. This is a very family friendly restaurant! We are currently traveling but I hope to come again one day! read more

The Whaling Company - "Mud Pie" with chocolate/vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fudge, a cookie base and nuts (we opted out of nuts) - Seafood Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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Friendly and efficient service, but the food was just meh. Other than the shrimp cocktail and potato skins, appetizers were underwhelming. Sides were bland, and main courses were filling but limited in flavor. Desserts are a standout here, though; you can't wrong with any of them, so make sure to include a couple in your dinner plans. read more

The service is very friendly and helpful. The ambiance is 1970's Red Lobster. The cod was delicious! I see why this is rated as a 4.

The Whaling company is such a hidden gem here in the burg. First off, the vibes inside are SO CUTE! makes you feel like you're in a restaurant on the docks. I got crabmeat stuffed flounder with a salad and baked potato. it was amazing! Our waitress name was Makayla and she was so nice. She was so sweet. The service here is AMAZING as well. I will definitely be coming back read more

The Whaling Company - flounder stuffed with crab meat - Seafood Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Had a great experience here! I was with a party of about 20 and they were awesome with accommodating us. Our server was friendly and made sure we were taken care of. The bread they served before our meal was delicious. Our food came out in a timely manner for a group our size and they compensated us for any mistakes that occurred. My scallops were very good/fresh and there was no complaints with any of our orders. I would definitely go back, it was a cute setting and easy to socialize there. read more

This place was great! The seafood is fresh and delicious! The prices are great! Drinks are good too! My only complaint is they are closing! The owners are retiring and we are happy for them but sad this place won't be here next time! If you have time stop before August! read more

Great food and even better service. They treat you like family. We visit this place on multiple nights when we visit Williamsburg. read more

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Went for preset Thanksgiving dinner price of $50. They neglect to inform that gratuity of $16 per person is added,food was definitely not worth $50.And mixed Christmas drinks......$14 a pop. Grand total for 2 people $185. Not again read more

My reviews will always come from a travelers perspective, with a strict budget. We always travel with our service dog as well, so I give tips on that also. We are a middle aged couple, and sometimes when we have the kids with us we review from that perspective as well. They were open Thanksgiving Day so that was great! The clam chowder... amazing! Def nice on a cold night, it was 25 outside when we visited. The apple cobbler was different... not traditional, the apples still had some firmness to them and the topping with a layer of puff pastry on top of apples and cinnamon sauce, with a scoop of ice cream on the side, it wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. For the prices, you're going to spend an average of $20 a person, probably more. They added 15% automatically to my take out check which I feel is ridiculous, too many places forcing a tip... they have forgotten what the definition of a "tip" is. For a togo order, I don't agree. But to each his own. I will also say this is nowhere on their website and when I called to place the Togo order I wasn't told this right away. Once she said 20 minutes, I said "ok thank you, we're right here at the courtyard so we won't be late".... That's when she stated the 15% is "automatic", honestly, I feel that was a lie and she gave herself a tip. Either way, we ate and they were open. Next time I'll know, and might just walk in and order the soup because it was very good. Happy travels! read more

Service was excellent. Treated us very kindly and the server even talked to my young kids which was nice. The food is tasty and they give very large portions! The decor is ship themed and had dim lighting which we enjoyed. Definitely stopping here again if we ever do Busche Gardens again! read more

Food was very good. Eddie, our server, was fabulous and you should request to be seated in his section. His recommendations were very helpful and helpful. Thank you Eddie! read more

So the fresh bread is amazeballs, no apps needed. My wife had the tempura shrimp and loved it. The baked seafood dish had shrimp, scallops and cod. Both entrees were really good. The baked potato was so good! The service from Eddie G was top notch 5 stars, his service was impeccable just like his dad. Thank You ! read more

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The food was delicious.The atmosphere is retro seafare and a bit old fashioned. Seriously, you go for the food and the featured dishes were tasty and plentiful. Not enough staff the night we went, but service was good. Broiled platter was tasty, salads crisp and fresh, Fish of the day was well prepared, and dessert selections were varied. If you are a Tuna fan, they know how to grill it up right. Also seating available for a group of you're traveling with a crowd. read more

Hubby and I came here for dinner on a Saturday evening while visiting for the weekend. It looked pretty interesting with all the dark wood. It looked very similar to our usual seafood restaurants back home. Of course we Yelped it but to be honest, I was put off by the low stars. My husband really wanted to try it and I went along. We walked in and there was no one at the hostess booth. The nice older lady finally came, and walked us to our table around the corner. I couldn't believe how many people were actually there. It was pretty dark inside, the wood was dark and there was very low lighting. I will say it had a very nostalgic feeling to it. The music they played was a blend of late 70s and early 80s and gave it was like being in a time capsule, one that made me smile. Our server was super awesome. I noticed he was the only one so he kind of got a little busy and we had to wait a while for our food towards the end, be he did an amazing job! We ordered their French onion soup, clam chowder, salmon and broccoli, and their stuffed tilapia with crab. Omg. Wonderfully seasoned, perfectly cooked. Delicious. Their French onion soup was absolutely delicious. Huge fan. Love this place. We will definitely go back!! read more

Delicious! Service was a little slow but it was made up for by friendly staff and amazing food. I recommend the tuna steak!

Great Food. Seafood was very fresh and delicious. The steak cooked perfectly. The service was very nice. Cozy atmosphere. Highly recommended! read more

The Whaling Company - Baked Seafood Platter - Seafood Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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This is a mixed bag for me. We love the look of the place. Someone else mentioned that it was dated, but I love the motif for the name. It resembles the inside of the ship with the paneling throughout. It is darker, but it feels appropriate. Our server was excellent and helpful. Now, for the dishes ordered. There was clam chowder, and it was a big hit at our table. I ordered a shrimp, scallop, sun dried tomatoes, and mushroom pasta. It had too much of the mushroom for me, and needed to be seasoned heavier. The stuffed flounder special was just okay, as well. It came with a house made house made hollandaise that had a taste of margarine base instead of butter. The bread was a little hard, as well. The house made salad dressings were good. For $100 bill, it didn't live up to our expectation. read more

Dark. Dirty. Old. Musty. Need I go further. Sorry but I wanted to like this place as it was once an institution in the burg but time has moved in and they have not. No renovation. No upgrades. Food is below average and the wait staff is indicative of this place. You have much better options in the area to spend your hard earned money on read more

We went on a Thursday in time to catch happy hour and early bird dinner specials. Drinks were good and we were introduced to Mango cart. The atmosphere was welcoming and the staff were nice. We tried the crab dip, crab cake and fried seafood platter. The portions were a nice size but overall the food lacked flavor. read more

For our 11th anniversary, i surprised my wife with someplace we'd never been together. If you like seafood, there is no way to go wrong here. The baked stuffed flounder was amazing. Our server, Ben, recommended it, so I went with it. When he asked what sides I'd like with it, I said that whatever he recommended would be fine. I wasn't disappointed. A healthy serving of rice and the largest broccoli sprig I've ever seen were presented. It was phenomenal. The lighting was subdued, but at least we could see what we were eating. There was a seafood smell to the place, but it wasn't overwhelming like you'd find at that national chain which no longer exists. One thing that I was absolutely blown away by was the "crew roster." It was a printed sheet detailing every employee who worked there (even the dishwashers). Some of the employees were sons, daughters, and even grandkids of previous employees. Highly recommended. read more

The Whaling Company - Seafood Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

My wife and I had enjoyed dinner here on a visit to Williamsburg last year, so we came again on this year's trip. Our server was very cordial and conscientious, if a wee bit slow to start. The house gin martini was well-made and a good size (too many drinks nowadays are tiny). I had the steamed Middle Neck Clams for an appetizer; they were fresh, delicious, and of ample quantity. For the entree, I had tempura fried cod with cole slaw and potatoes for dinner; my wife had tempura fried shrimp. Both were excellent and came out in good time from the kitchen. The ambiance inside the restaurant is great -- nice, dark paneling, with warm lighting, and the place was mellow and generally quiet during dinner, which we appreciated. All in all, a very good experience here, and I look forward to returning on my next trip to Williamsburg. read more

We ordered Sonnys pasta and the flounder. Everything was absolutely delicious!!! 10/10. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. We will most certainly be back! read more

Slow service due to inadequate staff. Steak was only "fair" and arrived 10 minutes after other entrees Wouldn't go again

Worst dinner during our trip and fairly expensive, in comparison. Shrimp appetizer was overcooked, couldn't even peal the shell off. Main course stuffed flounder the supposed fresh speciality was undercooked and cold at the bottom, I got sick. Nobody in out party of 4 finished their meal. The bathrooms looked like they hadn't been cleaned in a long while, trash everywhere and disgusting. Waitress though friendly, never brought me a spoon I ask for, and was slow. I never complained because it was our first night in. Honestly a terrible kickoff for our vacation. When we left they just stood at the front counter and never said thanks or come back. I had worked in restaurants before, the bare basics are not beIng met IMO. Also we chose this place because we went there around 10 years ago and had a great experience. read more

Amazing steaks!!! Great service, too. The atmosphere is very coastal. A must-visit if you're in the area and in the mood for some delicious seafood! read more

Surprise surprise! Haven't been here in years! And it's changed for the Much better. My husband's steak was so thick and juicy , he cut it up as our appetizer! Best ever! I mean it! My mother worked meat department and this is the "Goods"! There French onion soup had great flavor, less bread would make it perfect. My seafood fried platter was not heavy , but fresh, tasty. Would order again. Nice experience, happy staff, decor like a ships captain cabin.. Fun read more

Food , not bad but appetizer are the the best . The service was just okay!! My friends drank beers on tap I think I tasted a couple of them and wow!! Nice fruity undertones and I tasted one that I really enjoyed kind of pumpkin flavor read more

The staff was helpful and friendly. The food was decent. Good sized portions. Ok taste. Not Fantastic. Not bad. But OK. 1970's called and wants their ambiance back. The music was from the 70's and so was all the decor. Needlessly dark inside. read more

We almost passed this place up because it looked (and is) kitschy, but I'm so glad we went! The service from our waiter, Eddie, was top notch. They made excellent recommendations from the menu and made me an espresso martini that was delicious, even though it wasn't normally on the menu. The entrees were simply presented but all the fish was fresh and tasted so. I enjoyed the flounder from the specials list, pan fried per Eddie's recommendation. It was perfectly cooked. The caramel pie for dessert was beyond addictive! Everyone in our party was happy with their meal and left satisfied. Thank you, Whaling Co team, for fitting us in for a lovely, last minute meal on Christmas Eve! read more

Always a staple when we come into town! The Whaling Company has a cozy, family feel with delicious food. The restaurant has character with a nostalgic feel of a seafood house. Great service! Large portions of homemade recipes. Great value, service and experience! Highly recommend- give it a try! read more

This place is such a vibe! It felt like stepping back in time in the best way. The food was incredible. This caramel pie was life changing. And service was fantastic. read more

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Very attentive staff. Food was delicious but a little pricey. Ordered my tuna medium but definitely came out rare. A little outdated setting but very enjoyable. read more

The Whaling Company - Blackened tuna! - Seafood Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

We made reservations for 6 people because we wanted oysters .They only serve oysters on the weekends. Everything ordered was horrible, cheap, frozen food. Gordens fish sticks from the grocery store are better than every meal we ordered. Grandson ordered pb&j from kids menu and they served him a freaking snack pack still in the plastic wrappers. My wife got a crab cake that was so pathetic with no real crab, and it clearly came from a frozen bag. All of the seafood clearly was processed food. This IS NOT a real seafood restaurant. AVOID AT ALL COST! Do not take your family ! I would only refer this place to people I do not like. read more

I was excited to have a celebration dinner with my wife and children at the Whaling Company. My daughter was going to arrive slightly later than us, so we decided to have some oysters as an appetizer while waiting. At first, the hostess wasn't going to seat us because all of our party was not there. That was fine, we said we would go to the bar. They then decided to seat us. The restaurant appeared 1/2 full. While we looked over the menus, our waitress came rushing by and said she'd be a few minutes since she was busy. Of course, I told her no worries. By the time my daughter arrived, we still had no water at the table. The bus boy had bussed a table nearby, but did not come to offer us waters. A few minutes later, he came to bring us an appetizer that was meant for another table. Still no waters. After 30 minutes of not receiving any service, we decided to leave. I thanked the waitress and told her we'd be back again another time when perhaps they weren't so understaffed. She huffed at us that she was "only one person ". We were disappointed. read more

Bad. The Salmon was mushy not flaky and I ordered it blackened but instead of seasoning it had a burned unflavored bread topping. Very un seasoned, technically it was black though. The caesar dressing tasted like A1 sauce somehow and it was expensive for no reason. My item was $5 more on the check than on the menu as well. The server had a whole introduction he memorized and was very good with informing us about the menu but wasn't very attentive to the table. Idk if he added 20% gratuity or just implied that it was mandatory but the way its written on the receipt seems shady. Someone would pretty much have to spit in my face for me to not give them 20% anyway, but i believe 18% is the standard for automatic gratuity. I would never recommend this restaurant. read more

The Whaling Company - Receipt - Seafood Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia