Originally established in 1949, the bar attracted a wide-ranging clientele that included figures such as Jim Morrison and Truman Capote
A long-shuttered nightlife venue on Main Street is set to reopen next month, marking the return of one of the city’s oldest bars.
Circle Bar is expected to resume operations in May at its longtime location, operating Thursday through Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to a recent announcement.
The bar, originally established in 1949, has been a fixture of Santa Monica’s nightlife scene for decades, known for its oval-shaped bar, dim interior and dance floor. Over the years, it attracted a wide-ranging clientele that included figures such as Jim Morrison and Truman Capote.
The reopening follows the venue’s closure in August 2023, after a change in ownership. Property records reported earlier this year indicated the 1,700-square-foot building housing the bar sold in December 2025 for nearly $2 million, and a subsequent public notice suggested plans for new ownership under an entity known as Circles LLC.
Organizers said the refreshed venue will include upgraded sound and lighting systems while maintaining the bar’s longstanding character.
