Circa69 is set to reopen on Saturday, January 17, in Jensen Beach after a complete culinary overhaul led by Hell’s Kitchen Season 9 winner Chef Paul Niedermann.
The restaurant closed in late 2024 for what ownership calls a “creative reset.” Now it’s coming back with a new menu, refined approach, and renewed focus on becoming a community gathering place rather than just another great Jensen Beach restaurant.
What’s Actually Changing
Chef Paul Niedermann, who currently runs The Buccaneer Waterfront Bar & Grill in Palm Beach, takes over the kitchen with a menu that leans nostalgic but isn’t stuck in the past.
The new lineup includes:
- Crispy Mahi Batons with cocktail sauce, tartar, and fresh lemon ($21)
- Tuxedo Deviled Eggs with truffle and American paddlefish caviar ($18)
- Shake & Bake Pork Chops with charred haricot verts, potato pave, and apple mostarda ($31)
- Lobster Pot Pie with fresh Maine lobster, English peas, red bliss potatoes, carrots, and roasted corn in puff pastry (market price)
- Wagyu Beef Meatloaf with applewood smoked bacon, roasted carrots, Boursin Yukon potatoes, and brown gravy ($36)
The cocktail program gets attention, too. The Psychedelic Sip combines Islamorada hibiscus gin, soda, elderflower, and lime. The Pan Am features Walker’s Cay bourbon, amaro Aperol, and lemon. An elevated wine list rounds out the drink menu.
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A Fresh Start with Clear Vision
The original Circa69 opened with a 1960s theme but struggled to find its footing near Downtown Jensen Beach. Communi 55ty feedback on social media ranged gave mix reviews about pricing, atmosphere, hours, and happy hour options. The brief closure gave ownership a chance to refine the concept and bring in culinary expertise that matches the ambition.
Chef Paul Niedermann’s hiring signals a commitment to elevated dining while staying approachable. His success at previous establishments shows he understands what Treasure Coast communities want: quality food, consistent service, and a place that feels welcoming rather than exclusive.
According to Chef Paul, this reopening is about building lasting connections with Jensen Beach rather than just serving dinner. The goal is to create a restaurant that becomes part of the local fabric.
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The Jensen Beach Restaurant Challenge
That location on Indian River Drive has seen multiple restaurants come and go. Locals remember Tony Roma’s, one of the beloved Jensen Beach Italian restaurants, occupying the space years ago.
The challenge for Circa69 is proving it can survive where others haven’t. New ownership and a Hell’s Kitchen-winning chef help, but ultimately, the food, pricing, and consistency will determine whether this reopening sticks.
Chef Paul’s track record suggests he understands Florida dining. The question is whether his refined approach translates to Jensen Beach’s more casual expectations.
What to Expect
📍 Location: 3750 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach
📆 Opening: Saturday, January 17, 2025
⏰ Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 4:00-10:00 PM (closed Sunday & Monday)
The restaurant opens for dinner service at 4:00 PM on January 17. After opening weekend, regular hours run Tuesday through Saturday evenings only.
The physical space remains largely the same, but the atmosphere aims for “warm and inviting” rather than the TV-everywhere setup some previous diners complained about.
Closing Thoughts
Circa69’s reopening is a gamble on whether Chef Niedermann’s culinary credentials and refined menu can win over a community that’s been skeptical of upscale dining in this location.
The pricing ($18-$36 for entrees) puts it in the upper range for Jensen Beach, which has been a sticking point before. The focused hours (dinner only, five nights a week) address complaints about inconsistency but limit accessibility.
If the food lives up to Chef Paul’s Hell’s Kitchen reputation and the restaurant commits to being part of the community rather than above it, Circa69 might finally become what it was supposed to be from the start.
Circa69 reopens Saturday, January 17, at 3750 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach. Dinner service begins at 4:00 PM. Regular hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 4:00-10:00 PM.
