Circle Bar, Santa Monica's Legendary Nightlife Venue, Reopens After Nearly Three Years

Circle Bar, a legendary Santa Monica nightlife institution reportedly frequented by figures like Jim Morrison and Truman Capote, has officially reopened after nearly three years of closure following an ownership change in August 2023. The new owners, Mark and Addie Van Gessel—who also operate Venice's Hinano Cafe and Santa Monica's Tavern on Main—have preserved the venue's original 1949 floor plan and cultural identity while implementing significant upgrades, including a new QSC sound system, an elevated DJ booth called "The Halo," and a digitally controlled lighting system. The cocktail program has been elevated with new offerings like the "Pacific Cooler" and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." The reopening arrives amid a broader crisis in Santa Monica's commercial landscape, with notable closures including the 15-year-old Misfit Bar and Restaurant and the 30-year-old Britannia Pub, while nearly 30 percent of storefronts on the Third Street Promenade remain vacant. The Van Gessels have emphasized their commitment to maintaining the bar's signature edge and cultural significance while attracting a new generation of patrons.