Victorian Closes, Santa Monica Club Plan Advances

The longtime Santa Monica restaurant and club shut its doors after a final Halloween weekend as the city-owned site moves toward a family membership club.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Dining Out

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The Victorian, a longtime Santa Monica restaurant and club, closed after its final Halloween weekend as the city moves toward approving a family membership club. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Victorian, a tri-level, multi-room restaurant and club in Santa Monica, closed following a final weekend of Halloween events on October 30 and 31. City officials have approved a plan to transform the city-owned property into The Santa Monican, a family-oriented membership club.

Why it matters

The closure ends a venue that drew a largely early-to-mid-20s weekend crowd and marks a shift in how the city-owned site will be used. The planned club is designed around families and residents, with a share of memberships set aside for qualifying Santa Monica residents.

Up to 20% of memberships will be set aside at no cost for qualifying Santa Monica residents, according to the approved plan. The reopening as The Santa Monican is targeted for mid-2028, while the source does not detail membership pricing or qualification criteria.

The players

Garner Gerson

Garner Gerson is one of the operators leading the planned transformation of the property into The Santa Monican.

Adir Tal

Adir Tal is one of the operators leading the planned transformation of the property into The Santa Monican.

The details

The Victorian's final weekend of Halloween events on October 30 and 31 preceded its closure. The approved plan calls for a pool, spa, fitness facilities, a restaurant, and spaces for kids, led by operators Garner Gerson and Adir Tal.

Timeline

  1. - 1892: The Main Street property dates back to this year.

  2. - 1973: The Victorian relocated to Heritage Square.

  3. - 2010: The Victorian began its restaurant and nightlife concept.

  4. - October 30 and 31, 2026: Final Halloween weekend closure events were held.

  5. - Later in 2026: Renovations are expected to begin, with reopening targeted for mid-2028.

Season Trajectory

The Victorian's exit and the approved Santa Monican plan follow a pattern of repurposing nightlife venues into family-oriented membership clubs. The approach keeps the city-owned grounds in community use, including a reimagined Sunday farmers market.

Santa Monica residents may qualify for free memberships, since up to 20% of spots are reserved at no cost for qualifying residents. The grounds will continue hosting community events, including a reimagined Sunday farmers market, while nightlife patrons will need to find another venue.

The takeaway

Residents interested in the free membership allocation should watch for qualification details as renovations proceed toward the mid-2028 reopening. Keep an eye on the Sunday farmers market, which is set to continue on the grounds.

What happens next

Renovations are expected to begin later in 2026, with a reopening as The Santa Monican targeted for mid-2028.

Further reading

For more on the local restaurant scene, explore Dining Out coverage in Santa Monica.

Source note: This article includes information reported by LA Weekly.

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