Santa Monica’s long-standing party mansion, The Victorian, is set to permanently close its doors this month after 20 years. The popular restaurant and nightclub, located a block from the Santa Monica Beach, announced its closure on Instagram on Monday, with its final weekend slated for its annual Halloween party on October 31.
While The Victorian did not provide a reason for its closure on social media, city records indicate the space is being cleared for a new private members club offering wellness amenities. According to city records first reported by the Santa Monica Daily Press, the historic Main Street property will transform into a club complete with a pool, spa, fitness center, and coffee bistro. Meeting minutes from March confirm the Santa Monica City Council approved transferring the lease for the city-owned property to Santamonican Club LLC.
A city staff report describes the transition from The Victorian's current use as a restaurant, bar, and nightlife venue into a family-focused recreation, events, and wellness destination. Initial concept designs for the new members club show plans for a new pool and expanded greenery. The lease agreement for the new operator also requires continued support for the Sunday Main Street Farmers Market, which utilizes the property’s parking lot.
For two decades, The Victorian has been a fixture on Santa Monica’s nightlife scene. During the day, it operated as a restaurant, serving weekend brunch, dinner, and happy hour. On weekends, DJs performed across its basement, main floor, and upstairs spaces, and the venue also hosted weekly salsa and bachata lessons. The Victorian did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding its closure.
The city staff report also revealed that Ocean Park Restaurant Corp., The Victorian’s existing operator, had been underbilled by the city for rent. The report states that "Under the amended lease, the Operator has agreed to repay $278,094 in back rent that was underbilled." The city did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this matter.
The building itself has a history predating its time as The Victorian. Originally constructed in 1903 at 1003 Ocean Ave., the structure was relocated in 1977 to its current address at 2640 Main St., alongside the Heritage Museum’s "Roy Jones House." Over the years, it has undergone several repairs and renovations. However, the city staff report notes that many of its building systems and previous improvements "are now approaching the end of their useful life."
The closure of The Victorian comes as other long-standing Santa Monica nightlife spots have also announced their exits recently. In April, The Misfit Bar & Restaurant shut down after 15 years, with its operator citing downtown Santa Monica conditions and changes in building ownership as reasons for not renewing its lease. The Britannia Pub, located nearby, also closed its doors in July after approximately 30 years at its Santa Monica Boulevard location when its lease expired. An Instagram user commenting on The Victorian’s closure post noted, "So many businesses are closing down right now and everything keeps getting more expensive. Sad seeing legendary places like this disappear."
