After sitting vacant for a few years, the space right on the corner of Lincoln and Broadway, at 1447 Lincoln, is getting a new tenant. Window paper has gone up on the location announcing the arrival of Cotti Coffee. If you’ve been paying attention, you may have heard of Cotti and its meteoric rise. It has a smattering of locations in SoCal and is known for its buzzy lifestyle brand. Cotti Coffi began in China in 2022 and has quickly risen to a presence in “33 countries with 18,000+ stores, [and is] ranked 3rd globally.” On offer will be innovative drinks, light meals, and merch.
Well, they really pulled a rabbit out of a hat… After two years, ambitious B&T’s Deli abruptly closed up shop on April 30 at 912 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. By some miracle, cult-fave carb purveyor Pop’s Bagels has not only managed to move in but are planning to open today (Friday, May 15). Pop’s Bagels has four other LA locations and is well-known for long lines and bagels described as “fluffy, crispy, and perfectly chewy”. With equally culty H& H Bagels just a block away, and Sam’s Bagelsa little over a block in the opposite direction, Montana Ave is turning into something of a carb capital.
Santa Monica’s Legendary Circle Bar is Set to Reopen on Friday, May 22 Under New Ownership
Historic Main Street Watering Hole that Served Jim Morrison, Truman Copote Returns with New Energy from Local Restaurateurs Behind Hinano Cafe and Tavern on Main
One of Santa Monica’s most legendary nightlife venues is set to return on Friday, May 22, 2026.Circle Bar, the longtime OG Main Street bar and nightclub known for its dimly lit, oval-shaped bar, packed dance floor, and historic past, will reopen under new ownership.
At the helm are local restaurateurs Mark and Addie Van Gessel, the duo behind the Venice staple Hinano Cafe and Santa Monica’s Tavern on Main. Both concepts are known for their consistent quality and focus on community. With deep roots in the Westside hospitality scene, the Van Gessels are committed to preserving Circle Bar’s legacy as one of LA’s best dive bars, blending nostalgia with new energy while maintaining its grit and dive bar charm.
Originally established in 1949, Circle Bar evolved from a neighborhood watering hole into a fixture of Santa Monica’s nightlife and music scene. By the 1970s, it had developed a reputation as a go-to spot where artists, musicians, and locals gathered regularly. Over time, it became known for late-night DJ and live music sets, dance floor, and a diverse crowd ranging from industry professionals to neighborhood regulars. In its heyday, Circle Bar became known for its low-key, dimly lit atmosphere, which attracted discreet late-night drop-ins from icons such as Jim Morrison and Truman Capote, as well as Anthony Kiedis, Sean Penn, Robert Downey Jr., and cast members of hit shows like Mad Men.
“Circle Bar isn’t just a bar,” said Mark Van Gessel. “It’s part of Santa Monica’s cultural DNA. Everyone has a Circle Bar story. We want to honor what made it special while bringing fresh life into the space, keeping the focus on great music and drinks, and a fun atmosphere so a new generation can create their own Circle Bar stories.”
That One Westside “aquarium” shopping center in Sawtelle Japantown is really a hotbed of activity right now. I’ve recently told you about two new establishments moving in: Rok Matcha and Ding’s Noodles. And now two more are taking up residence. Window paper at 2202 Sawtelle Blvd is announcing the arrival of Paper Rice, a purveyor of Vietnamese spring rolls and bowls with two other locations. Just a few doors away at 2216 Sawtelle is the future home of Mollie Mollie, a new ice cream shop about which there is currently little information.
It’s that time of year again… The 11th Annual MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Streetis back on Sunday May 24 from 1pm to 5pm. One big difference this year: Due to a special City of Santa Monica permit, you’ll be able to freely walk around with alcoholic drinks throughout the event. Read more and get tix here.
Another dining option is heading to the diverse canvas of the Sawtelle Japantown food scene. There’s window paper up at 2212 Sawtelle Blvd, in the One Westside “aquarium” shopping center, announcing the arrival of Ding’s Noodles. It looks like this will be their first location. A still-developing website promises “authentic Chinese noodle(s)”.
Toddrickallen 