Glad to have them back! They did a great job restoring it. Lots of bar seating. Bartenders are solid and so nice. Floors are clean. This is my only memory from the 90s that is better than I remember. read more

Circle bar has reopened (as of 05/08/26)! I went for the soft opening and have to say, the drinks are great, the staff is fantastic, and even the security was nice. Solid layout and vibe too. Happy to have the place back! read more

Just rejected my whole group and we are 25 years old! This place is actually insane. They let us all in then kicked us out AFTER we ordered drinks!! read more

Rejected REAL ID!!!!!! ID scanner does not work, whole group was 22 and staff was very rude about the entire situation and would not retry the scanner. YIKES!! read more

My ode to the Circle Bar: I can't speak for the hundreds of complaints about rough security guards or what a shithole this place became, I can only speak on my single experience to this bar on my 21st birthday in 2001, a few months shy of 9/11 before the world as we knew it ended forever. There was a line, the three of us eventually entered a red-lit room. It was crowded, we got shots, we sat against the wall, I desperately hit on an older woman throughout the night (and was kindly shot down), we drank until the early morning then went to Tommy's nearby and ate terribly good bad food. I've since graduated college, got married, had a kid, quit drinking, survived in a world gone mad, and am waiting for my family to get home as I write this. When I went to the Circle Bar, I was a stupid kid--now I'm a lost adult, but I'm okay with that. I still have that shot glass. Thank you for the memories. read more

It's a classic LA dive for good reason. I spent a lot of my youth in this place, and saw it go from more classic hip-hop into a strictly top-40 joint, but it still could be a good party with the right crowd. Unfortunately having no cover (at least in those days) did mean you have frankly a ton of dudes and also an overly packed, sweaty dance floor. The airflow and fans aren't great and I've even seen the fans be off sometimes. Service-wise it's probably some of the nicest staff and bouncers you'll ever meet in an LA spot and this was consistent year to year. For a dive it's trying a little hard, but never too hard. Fun, quirky and sometimes risque photos line the walls, and the decor was always on point. I think they may still have a chandelier made from Jack Daniels whiskey bottles hanging over the dance floor. Unfortunately I did have a black blazer stolen inside once after setting it down, always a risk but it gets so hot on the dance floor and I'm a big guy so I do sometimes get bad vibes from other dudes in the wings, definitely could imagine one of them calling the night early and just taking off with my jacket. I did convert from beer on tap here to bottled only because I felt the lines weren't flushed properly and I wanted faster service. But price-wise not bad for the area. I may have gotten food here once if ever, and I can't recommend it. All in all this is one of the better crowds in Santa Monica IMO, although over the years it became increasingly touristy, especially in the summer as neighboring bars closed down... and also a bit fratty with deep crews wearing idiotic grins and carrying a bit too much money too confidently rolling through. read more

I had a feeling this place would be fun. I read some bad reviews but it seemed like it was only because this wasn't the type of place they were looking for. For my friends and I, it's exactly what we wanted--a place to dance. We showed up earlier in the night and had the dance floor mostly to ourselves for a bit, which was super fun. As the night went on we stayed through and danced our little hearts out. The DJ had a great mix of stuff in my opinion. From Usher, to Lizzo, to Justin Timberlake--it was all a hit (especially if you're a fan of throwbacks). It got a bit crowded later on but that was what we expected. Overall I'm happy to have spent a bunch of time here. It's exactly what we needed. Just don't go if you're not hoping for a little bit of grunge. read more

Ladies if you go , go with someone you trust or just don't go, no matter what they will protect their money , ladies be safe not a place for women to go to People in the pictures are all proudly protecting the predator in the middle, This individual that was groping and harassing all the women there that night , my friends and I were included . he was kicked out the first time because he was threatening to unalive everyone in the bar and the manager was there to watch him get tossed out by her security guard, we come back to pick up our friend and there he is taking a shot with them , this is a disgrace place don't go read more

Circle Bar - Bartender who let it happen - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This bar is great! Went out Friday night 4th of July weekend and it was packed. We waited in line for about 30 minutes. I loved the quick spiel the bouncer gave us, basically reminding us to be respectful and to have fun! The red glow inside is super cool. The music is AWESOME- if you're in your mid-20s, like me, you will enjoy all the childhood throwback music mixed by a DJ. Will definitely be back! read more

Flora was absolutely amazing, we had such a great time! Highly recommended for tourists as they had lots of recommendations. read more

Circle Bar - Half price drinks on a Tuesday! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Came here with a party bus with about 18-20 people for the pride crawl. It was my first time at this spot. A lot of the reviews seem to complain about the security guards being too aggressive and music not being good but that isn't how my experience was. Security guards were very nice and respectful. Music was really good! The drag show was so much fun. Definitely coming back again! read more

Circle Bar - Lemon drop shots - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I visited here on Halloween along with other pubcrawler bars on Santa Monica. Can't say much about the ambiance or crowd but I didn't like the music. It was a fast in an out for me. read more

A terrible place to go to a friend of mine was unreasonably and forcibly carried out even when he was being compliant. And for some godforsaken reason security thought it was a good idea to choke him out when he was defenseless. Never coming here again, and I advise for anyone who reads this to reconsider their decision on coming here for a "good time." read more

Great music and drinks are a decent price, but security is severely lacking. When I alerted a security guard to a male on the dance floor groping a female patron who was clearly very intoxicated, the security guard did nothing. I mentioned this to the bouncer while exiting and his attitude was very much "creepy things happen all the time, doesn't mean it's criminal, you didn't tell me so it's not my problem." This business has been around for awhile. The owners understand the risks that come with running a business like this. Security staff should be trained to handle these situations to keep all patrons safe. Every staff member, but especially SECURITY, should be focused on safety. I know that things are hectic at closing and staff are tired, but the blasé response from the bouncer when I was sharing an assault I witnessed was completely unprofessional and callous. If you visit, keep an eye on your drinks, keep an eye on your friends, and don't let anyone leave alone or with a stranger. Look out for each other because security isn't looking out for you. read more

Security guard ran up to one of my friends and grabbed him by his collar yelling "I saw you vaping" when my friend did not have any smoking devices on him. Told him to get out of the bar otherwise he was going to throw him on the ground and "drag his ass" out of the bar. He kept his hands around my friends neck and started shoving him out of the bar. Not only that, but we had seen this security guard walking around putting his arms around girls trying to flirt with them all night. Do not go to this bar. They have security on a power trip. I do not feel safe going back here ever again read more

ZERO STARS!!! THIS PLACE IS NOT SAFE. I witnessed the bouncer drag my friend out of the bar in a chokehold. To this day he has a lump and bruises on his neck from how aggressive the bouncer was. No one should have to go through this traumatic situation. They did not give any warning to my friend. Everyone at the bar was having a good time until after this even takes place. To be honest, if this happens again, I'm not afraid to press charges. I HATE THAT MY FRIEND HAD TO GO THROUGH THIS. It was very unprofessional, rude, and immoral. read more

always had a wonderful time here! hopefully they have a reopening because i will most definitely be there!

Top 40 music. Gen Z and Millennials. I haven't been lately but it used to be really good on Tuesday nights. Bartenders can be short but if you're drinking you wont care as much. read more

Flora was an amazing bartender! She was so engaging and a great bartender! I 100% recommend this place and sitting with flora!

My boyfriend got punched outside of the bar unprovoked. The door guys did absolutely nothing and it was completely out of nowhere. They don't care! Don't come here read more

Circle Bar is not trendy or posh, and doesn't pretend to be. For decades this place has been the only free parking/no cover/live DJ dance bar to end the night. Perfect for a few more drinks and loud music. Get there before 11pm to avoid the line. read more

The Circle Bar is one of those Main St., Santa Monica hotspots. It has been around literally forever. I started coming here in the 1980s. Yes, it certainly has changed a lot since then. The crowds are different, the layout is different, but it is still a fun place to sit back, enjoy your drink, and hang out with your friends while you listen to some music. On the weekends, this bar can get very crowded. It obviously draws a lot of people from far away as well as local residents. But, wherever people come from, they are here to have a good time. Personally, I like the Circle Bar best during the week. There is far more seating and you won't be overrun with people pushing and shoving to get their drink. Plus, parking is a whole lot easier to find on weeknights as opposed to weekends. Overall, this is a fun place to hang out. The people are always nice, you never know who you'll meet, and kicking back having a drink here is always a fun experience. read more

Super chill place, good music! It just gets overly crowded, but over all loved it, the waiting in line wasn't soo bad, probably like 10 min or so. read more

Had my best friend's bachelorette party here last night. We had a blast! Shout out to Anthony for taking care of us. Great place for good music and dancing!! read more

Really cool bar. The DJ was amazinggg! I wanted to give a 5 star rating just for him lol. The drinks were good.. the vibe was good.. it was fun! EXCEPT.. The bar tenders were the worst ive seen so far.. the attitude was sooo unnecessary and the very unwelcoming poker faces i just dont get! This is an entertainment venue, either hire people who wantttt to deal with other people or train them to act like they do!..We were there early so its not.like they were busy or tired! Also my friends felt that same way..And that was basically our only disappointment! read more

God awful DJ on a Friday night! His playlist was an absolute abomination. Playing pretty much all outdated music, from at least 20 years ago. Great for the boomers, not so great for anyone else. Try and find an up to date DJ next time. read more

Line out the door? What line? Last night, Friday, we were two of about 6 people in the bar. Total. It was early, before 11, but still........... The two stars are for the dance floor, because I like to dance. Other than that, this bar appears to have nothing going for it, whatsoever. I was told by my date and another long-time local that Circle Bar was a great spot 15 or 20 years ago. There used to be a pool table, even. The worst part of Circle Bar was the musty smell that hit me the second we walked in the door. I wanted to turn around and walk out but my date had already ordered drinks. The smell was overpowering the entire time we were there. We sat in the back, talking to a musician we happened to meet, a vocalist. The conversation was so much fun that we considered a second round of drinks......until we learned that happy hour prices were over, and the drink price jumped to 9 bucks for a vodka soda. It will be a cold day in hell when I can justify paying that price to sit in a stinky, empty dive bar. We left. read more

Circle Bar - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

My friend wanted to come here for a "guaranteed lay", she says. I say, "Noooo...really...why????" Her drunk ass thinks turning up the radio volume and shimmying in the passenger seat is enough to circumvent the question...unfortunately, it works. The lighting in this bar makes me angry. And the only thing that I think this bar has going for it is the dancing. But it's not so dim that I can't notice that this dance floor actually has old gum all over the office-grade carpet. That's a first I've ever noticed at any place with a dance floor. And I'm not a prude by any stretch, but I guess the lighting in there also gives people carte blanche to make out all over the place. You people are old (ur fuckin my age and grossing me out) and playing tonsil hockey in a dark dive bar...it doesn't get any more classy than this here... Oh, wait, but I forgot about the girl grinding her ass on the wall opposite me when I was standing in line for the loo. I felt sort of obligated to insert a dollar into her cleavage. The times I've come here the bartenders have always been smiley and nice. But Circle Bar has way too much of a "clientele" that just gives me the heebie jeebies. Oh and the lines to get in here on the weekends are a big joke on you! read more

It can be circular, rectangular, perpendicular, or jugular, but how about a bar that you can actually stand at and get a drink? At Circle Bar, you get to line up against either of two walls, where you spend 60% of your time imitating a pancake in order to let people pass in front of you. That same percentage of time or more consists of gripping onto your drink so it doesn't spill all over you. Even with such precautions, any passerby can knock your drink all over your front - this definitely happened to me. I've been to Circle Bar twice now and my second visit confirmed that I dislike the place greatly. The dance floor is probably the main attraction, and even that is sub-par. It's crowded and the crowd is pretty sketchy. I believe on my first visit our group was trailed for a long time by a slimy gentleman in a beret. The girls are not much better - fake boobs and fake tans everywhere. So - loud with a trashy crowd and an atmosphere that consists of said trashy crowd rubbing body parts against you while you hold onto your drink with both hands? I guess you could say it isn't my favorite scene. read more

Cooooooo spot. Like I posted on my "checked in" first bar I went to when I turned 21. A bit small or intimate if you will. Great vibes coo music. Always have had great memories here. Crazy memories to be exact. You find a little bit of everything circle and it's diverse which makes it dope so at the end of the day you basically come full circle read more

Circle Bar - Me looking fly definitely won't ever where THIS to circle. A ball from my most recent event. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

A strange place to come and really not a good place to be. The crowd is very mixed but many people seem like they just got out of jail and never seen a women in years. I have to say that this place made me feel very uncomfortable and not safe at all! They have a bar when you walk in and after that a small area to dance in. The DJ really sucked and kept switching music from many different genres and eras! Overall I would not recommend coming here and going to this spot. Stay away! read more

Best night to come is on Wednesday! DJ EDDIE.FM puts it down with awesome underground house music with a mixture of Top 40. It does get crowded here, so come early and party til 2AM. Bartenders are quick and drinks are priced like most places. Best of all NO COVER and FREE PARKING. read more

See all

Loving all the new updated and facelift one of my Favorite spots has gotten. New Bar, new Staff all redone new bathroom 100% awesome. I haven't been In a few years and will def be going there much more now. Great Job Circle Bar! read more

Circle Bar - Fun people - Dance Clubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I was physically assaulted by the bouncer here. Without warning the bouncer put me in a chokehold from behind and jerked me backwards toward the exit. At one point, I fell to the ground on my back yet he continued pulling me by my neck out of the bar and onto the sidewalk. I was not asked to leave prior to this nor was I given any indication that I had done something wrong. I feel completely violated by the security staff here and have filed a police report with SMPD about the assault. I highly recommend finding another place to go out to as it appears like the entire security staff is aggressive and potentially violent. read more

I wasn't there to get a free drink; I went out to enjoy my time. After reading your comment, I now understand why your employees may come across as rude because you seem to be a terrible business owner. It's my advise to sell your business if you can't handle it properly or you will soon go bankrupt with this attitude read more

Came here on Halloween night and had a great time. Pros: - Cool venue (a little bigger than the streetview lead me to believe) - Great location (on Main St.) - Cool crowd (everyone was wearing a costume) Cons: - Parking on Main St sucks (be prepared to feed the meter every 3 hours) - Drinks are kinda pricy ($11 for an Amaretto Sour). - Music could use some improvement. read more

All the reviews about the security being overly aggressive are absolutely true. My friend was grabbed by the neck and dragged across the floor, being told he had to leave without any explanation or prior warning. My friend wasn't even resisting, yet they continued to choke him and violently restrain him on the sidewalk outside. I cried and begged them to stop since we were already outside, which is when they forcibly pushed me to the wall. Afterwards, one of the guards had the nerve to call me "beautiful," acting completely dismissive and disrespectful after their physically aggressive actions. I will never feel safe coming back here again. read more

Had so much fun dancing with friends. We also came here after another place was a bust & had a blast. Drink prices aren't bad and the music is a lot of fun as most people end up and are on the dance floor. will be back definitely. read more

So I'm a big fan of this place, albeit I've only been here late-night after I'm already a few more than a few drinks in. A great place to let loose, I've always had a good time. The bar itself is huge, the drinks are strong and inexpensive, and it's a nice change-up from the typical pretentious Santa Monica bar scene. People are friendly and willing to have a good time, both men and women, and there is small dance floor where people really get down to the bangers they have playing. Great place to make boozed up memories with friends, or chat up the (beer-goggle) hottie across the bar. Now that I read this, I might feel differently walking into this place sober... read more

Man I love this place I don't care what fancy night club you're used to, or how big your normal dance for normally is this ain't it! And you have to understand that before coming here. There's a dance floor and its always packed and everyone is always having a great time. The drinks are cheap and they make them strong and it takes up the whole place. The people there are locals and beach vibes so no one cares about your bottle service you normally do. Just find 1 bartender leave your card open, tip them well, get drunk, make eye contact with a pretty girl on the other side of the bar, buy her and her friends shots, and hit the dance floor. Then catch A food truck outside and uber home. Never drink n drive especially from this place police dui check points are usually on pico and 4th Great time always never fails! read more