Who wouldn’t need a strong cup of coffee and a hearty meal after battling a whale this big?

This unusual 1960s menu cover from the Moby Dick Coffee Shop on Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California is actually a humorous play on the novel by American writer Herman Melville.

The book, published in 1851, was sailor Ishmael’s narrative of the maniacal quest of Ahab, captain of the whaling ship Pequod, for vengeance against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that crippled him on the ship’s previous voyage.

Moby Dick is located on Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wood wharf in California which was built in 1872 by John Peck Stearns to facilitate the transfer of cargo and people from ship to shore.

Over its long and distinguished history, Stearns Wharf has battled fire three times. In November 1998 fire destroyed 70 per cent of the wharf and parts of the restaurant had to be rebuilt.

Today this popular eating spot remains a fun and friendly dining experience with wonderful views of the ocean where diners can catch glimpses of visiting dolphins and whales (though not as big as Moby Dick.)

Courtesy Private Collection.