Santa Monica Bar Report: Circle Bar

By Andrew Simmons Wed., Nov. 9 2011 at 11:00 AM

Categories: Bars

Interior, Circle Bar

The Place: Circle Bar, 2926 Main Street, Santa Monica; 310-450-0508.

The Hours: Sat.-Thu. 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri. 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

The Digs: The fact that Jim Morrison did some drinking at this downtown Santa Monica mainstay means nothing to us. He would do it anywhere he could, surely never turning up his nose at the opportunity to, at least in spirit, slurp a slushy cocktail at Chili's or even enjoy an overpriced airport beer. From the tattooed female bartenders crowned in trucker hats to the dance floor high-fives, Circle Bar swims in Spring Break tropes, which the Lizard King, considering his prominence on the walls of college dorm rooms, possibly would not have a problem with either.

Here, white people dance badly to mainstream rap music. Arms out, looking down, invited or not, the fellows frequently elect to move their bodies around ladies as opposed to with them. High school-style, a la the Roxbury Boys, but with shades propped behind the ears and untucked white-collared shirts instead of shiny suits. To a non-participant, the scene is only mildly depraved, yet far from decadent -- a minor league half-cocked club scene you might stumble into but would never make a point of seeking out.

The Verdict: When you go to some bars, you come home -- seeking comfort, consistency, and quiet. You settle into a booth, watch a game, nibble some chips, and chat with the bartender. When you go to others, you go out. You search crowds for fresh faces and Patron. For those who leave the house to come home, Circle Bar will revolt; for those tramping out into the night to shake a leg and do shots, it will only disappoint. There is one bathroom, about two too few. It is crowded, mobbed to the degree that you must smear yourself to the wall like a poster in order to avoid being trampled by surging waves of sodden humanity. And to make matters worse, the bar in the middle of the room isn't even shaped like a circle.

Final Grade: C-

Location Info

Venue

Map

Circle Bar

2926 Main St., Santa Monica, CA

Category: Music

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Malibu OG

When did this jerk even come here. the bathrooms are bigger , it has a diverse crowd, and it's been remodeled. What's w the grudge???

Santa Monica Stud

The moron who wrote this profile obviously has some grudge with the place or was kicked out or didn't get any action.

This bar delivers on its promise- a comfortable place to hang out with friends, dance a bit, have some strong drinks.

I think this review is really messed up and you should go and judge it for yourself.

puravie

If you havent been to Circle bar in a while, you should give it a second chance. It has been completely remodeled, BATHROOMS and all.

TomClayman

This place is a horrible bar with a crowd that could only be described as grotesque. Let's just say that when a local indie music DJ from Germany wanted to date rape a minor, he decided to do it at The Circle Bar.

@Glutton_In_LA

I frequented Circle bar when I was 18 with my fake ID. One thing I remember is always waiting for the bathroom and they were always out of toilet paper. Still shocked every time I hear that place is still open. Mind boggling.

Maybe you are just too full of shit!!

Gnocco Fritto

Don't see the purpose of this review. a) Why would anyone who reads this LAW section be interested in this type of venue and b) maybe a post for a personal blog?