CIRCA at Clarendon

Great spot, great food
Service– Wonderful. Our waiter Johnathan was very personable. He knew a a lot about the menu and was very helpful in our decisions.
Atmosphere– Very suave. Seems like they are very popular for happy hour but I don’t know what that includes. And let’s talk about what’s important: the chairs are VERY comfy.
Food– SO good. My boyfriend got the jumbalaya. It was great, a lot of favors and very filling. Though don’t expect it to be spicy, not a lot of heat. I got the steak frites. Yes. Yes to all of it. Make sure to ask for extra sauce it is SO good. Amazing.
For dessert we got the bread pudding. Frankly, there is nothing that I can write that will do this dessert justice. I thought it was great until we got to the middle and caramel came pouring out like gold. And then I knew: this dessert is superb. If you get nothing else, get the bread pudding.

We’re eating at this great restaurant and the best part of the experience is how patient, helpful, and cool our waiter is. He’s seriously awesome and deserves a lot of credit (and a raise!) Jonathan is awesome. NOTE: I have never met him in my life, and he did not ask me to do this.

Wonderful service. Great place for good food and good drinks. Lounge type atmosphere with a nice size bar. Smaller menu helps you choose something to eat. Everything was great!
Small wait but you’re welcome to the bar, which has full menu service.
We had Steak Frites and the salmon salad. I drank a bees knees (gin cocktail) my fiancé had the mojito. Finished the night with coconut cream pie (my favorite) and chocolate trifle and coffee

Went last nigh with the family and the soup special was a cream based tomato with arugula. Amazing. And then to follow it with the special, rack of lamb on a bed of sweet potato purée and green beans and a mint chimichurri sauce! Awesome. Circa is a solid performer in Clarendon. The bar bustles and servers and bar tenders like James, Tommy and Eddie and Marnie and Tor keep it flowing great. Surprisingly good blue cheese burger, btw. Place could maybe use a bit of a refreshing since it’s not changed much in six years but still, the food is always solid and satisfying.

Though I’ve been here a number of times (for brunch, dinner and drinks), it was during my recent visit this past weekend for brunch that I realized I’ve never written a review for it. So it’s about time I get on that…
Following mass at St. Charles (just five minutes from the restaurant) my boyfriend and I made our way here — we came in early for our reservation on a Sunday and were seated immediately. During our meal there were a number of empty seats but I’ve also been here when it’s absolutely packed.
We each ordered an Aperol spritz (Aperol, Cava and club soda) to start. My boyfriend is a pro when it comes to an Aperol spritz so thanks to him we got a drink that was the right ratio of ingredients as well as crisp and refreshing. Later we switched to the blood orange bellini (Cava, blood orange juice and peach schnapps) and a mimosa (Cava and fresh OJ). The bellinis were refreshing, not too sweet and had a bright, cheerful color.
Because the two of us can talk forever, it took a little while to actually look at the menu but our kind server waited patiently, coming back intermittently to check in with us. I always appreciate when a server doesn’t rush a dining party. Eventually a woman, who we believe was the manager based on how she was walking around, ended up taking our entrée order when she came asking if we’d like another round of brunch cocktails and then asked «Can I put some food orders in for you two?»
The two of us love frittatas so we both ordered their «veggie frittata» as our brunch entrée. Two things I love most about this frittata are the pasta used and the kalamata olives. The cavatappi pasta is cheesy and crunchy. My boyfriend has a great theory that they must make a mac & cheese and then crumble it up for the frittata. As for the olives, they add a natural saltiness to the dish and elevate every other ingredient including the tangy Feta. The bottom was also crisp and browned but not in a burnt way. Filling, nourishing and delicious — the frittata is a solid choice. It’s also a pretty looking dish! Following our brunch entrees, we rounded things out with another brunch cocktail and reminisced some more thanks to patient service and a relaxed environment.
Overall, the good service, quality food and cocktails in a comfortable setting makes Circa a good pick for brunch in the area.

I seem to get a seat right away! Unless it’s for dinner on the weekend– then I would make a reservation. I like their brunch menu– I usually go for the huevos rancheros and the $ 4 mimosas seem larger than others but it’s not a bad drink.

Circa is always a good call for a nice hearty meal, strong drinks or a good happy hour.
We went here after dinner to have drinks. I had the Bees Knees drink and it was strong & good. Later, we split the brick chicken.
My belly was happy so that’s a major win for me! The crowd was good, seating was available and it wasn’t too crowded.

I came here for brunch with a friend, and I was pleasantly surprised. I had heard good things, but needed to check it out for myself. The waiter was very friendly and informative, and made sure we had everything we needed. We ordered some mimosas, which were okay, but not the best I have had. we both ordered the huevos rancheros which were amazing. I couldn’t put my fork down and I practically licked the plate clean. The price was reasonable as well. We were able to sit outside, which was pleasant. All in all, if you are in the area for brunch, check this place out.

I always enjoy Circa! On my most recent visit, I tried a few new items and enjoyed them all! The Foggy Bottom drink is light, refreshing and just darn good! I also had the short rib sliders for the first time and they were yummy. The coconut cream pie is to die for!
Love that they have outdoor seating when the weather permits!

Excellent brunch and reasonably priced with a very upscale feel. We sat outside on the most perfect day at 12:45, the restraunt was not crowded at all which actually shocked me. I was a little worried why they were so empty on a perfect Saturday.
Two of us had crab cake benedict a veggie egg white omelet and sweet potato fries. We all had two mimosas and when the waiter noticed me dropping strawberries in my drink he brought the next round out with strawberries in them.
Huge fan, awesome service. Awesome outdoor seating and solid menu.

Came here for dinner with one of my girlfriends. LOVE LOVE LOVE the cucumber margarita– SO refreshing, and not too sweet. The hummus plate was yummy and perfect to split between two or three. I got the burger and fries– both were delicious.

Circa is a popular restaurant with multiple locations in the DC metro area. I came to Circa in Clarendon for a brunch today. They have a nice traditional American brunch with a few funky twists. They have a savory french toast with a corn-​flake crust, and nice brunch cocktails. The mimosas are only $ 3, so I recommend getting one of those to start. The bloody mary’s are made in house, so some might not like their take. That was the case with my cousin. I got the egg white omelet with a side of fruit. It was really nice and the goat cheese on the inside was very rich. Any of the egg dishes can be substituted for egg whites.
We came at 1:30pm on a Sunday without a reservation, and were seated immediately. During our meal, there were many empty seats, so reservations might not be needed. They have outdoor seating as well, which is first come first serve.
Come here for a safe brunch choice.

Okay after returning several times since my first visit, I’ve since been more impressed with Circa with each visit. The clientele here can sometimes be questionable, but its got a great outdoor patio that allows you to people watch, big indoor space for mingling, classy atmosphere and a high quality wine list, as well as great specials everynight. Best bar in Clarendon.

I would have given them a higher rating but the service was spotty. We had about 3 different people approach us which is fine, but what was not was the fact that we were not checked on, refilled, given our check in a timely manner etc. The host was pouty about giving us a table. Weird?
It did seem to be a popular place on a Thursday night and they had some loud music playing. The lights were quite dim for dinner.
We got a bottle of wine, split a few appetizers and got some entrees. The cheese plate was ok — the were 2 smelly cheeses and 1 good cheddar. The wings were great. The bruschetta was good but very garlicky. I got a spinach salad. It was very good. Bf got jumbalaya which he enjoyed.
I would give it a second chance to try more of the menu.

Despite their claims to being ADA compliant, they’re not. The one low table in the bar didn’t come with chairs, as though people with disabilities don’t have friends or family that they enjoy eating with. All this on the 25^th anniversary of the ADA. It took a tantrum and an talk with the manager before they managed to find chairs.
They also brought out an extremely dirty knife. Just can’t seem to win at this restaurant.

Great service, friendly managers, and fantastic atmosphere! We chose outdoor seating because it was a nice day, and also sipping on mojitos while people-​watching was relaxing. However, the food didn’t strike me as anything that great. We ordered the bleu cheese buffalo burgers (which came with fries) and the strawberry and ultimate mojitos. The drinks were great, the waiter was very accommodating with any drink needs and I greatly appreciate that. The burgers were cooked to our preferences (medium), and the meat was thick and flavorful. The fries were sort of thin, kind of like the soft fries you find at fast food restaurants, so I didn’t find them to be totally amazing.
I found the meat of the burger to be the best part of my meal, but overall, the meal itself was just average to me. It took me such a long time to decide on this dish from the menu only because everything else on the menu didn’t strike me as «filling» or that appealing. I would recommend this place for maybe happy hour or a business luncheon, but to other foodies and adventurists looking for something new, I think another restaurant may be worth your while.

A popular brunch joint in the DC area, Circa has something for everyone. Although this was my first time dining at this location, I have had brunch at the Dupont Circle location (although it has now been several years).
Most recently, I dined with two of my good friends on a Sunday afternoon. Although the restaurant was quite busy (to be expected), we called ahead and were promptly seated in a corner window upon arriving. To my surprise, a long piece of blonde hair was laying on the table waiting my arrival. A bit grossed out, I promptly removed the specimen from the table, never notifying our server of this little «oops» moment.
Since it was the weekend and the weekend means drinking time (in my book), two of us ordered mimosas ($ 3) and the other ordered a bloody Mary ($ 9). I don’t know about you, but when I think of a mimosa, I imagine sipping the bubbly beverage from a champagne flute. Well, the surprises didn’t stop with the hair on the table. Our mimosas were served in water glasses filled with ice. There were other people in the restaurant drinking mimosas from flutes, I couldn’t figure out why were weren’t at least asked if we wanted ours served any differently. Luckily I was thirsty and didn’t send the drink back, but I sure as heck didn’t order a second.
For my entrée, I ordered the turkey burger served with a side of sweet potato fries. The burger was the highlight of the meal, perhaps even the day? It was moist a delicious. To say the least, I was a bit bummed when I was finished. Now, for the sweet potato fries. I love, love, love sweet potato fries and was super excited to try theirs, however they failed to wow me. Don’t get me wrong, they were good but I’ve had better. Skip the ketchup and ask for a side of honey to dip them into — you won’t be disappointed.
Circa is definitely a four star spot, but a clearly visible blonde hair on a dark wooden table in a huge no-​no. Also, I would have appreciated being given the option to have my mimosa on the rocks or in a traditional champagne flute, but I was not. For that reason, this experience chalks up to be a three star visit.

Circa is one of those places if you are looking for something a little more «classier» in Clarendon with an older crowd (late 20s-​30s). I’ve been here many times for happy hours, dinners, and late night drinks. The dining room is inviting and intimate. It’s great if you want to bring a date to impress or catch up with an old friend or bring your parents. The bar area can get crowded and it’s not built well to mingle but it’s a great place to grab a drink with colleagues. The food has never impressed me and the happy hour specials aren’t the best. But when the mood strikes and I’m looking for a less «bro-​ish» crowd Circa is my go-​to.

This place is always packed every time I pass by it on my runs and now I FINALLY tried it out. I think I hyped it up so much, which resulted in extremely high expectations… and… I walked out feeling… Ehh.
It is the typical American restaurant with no out-​of-​the-​ordinary menu items. You know, the steak and fries, salmon, and all that jazz. I have to say though, the Mac and cheese starter was delicious! *I must warn you that that statement may be biased as I love Mac and cheese.*
My entrée was steak frites, cooked medium. It was a bit over salted to me and was over-​charred on the grill. I didn’t mind it too much but I think someone else would complain about that. The fries were good; although, if they add some seasoning, it might be more intriguing.
I enjoyed the scallop entrée more than my dish. They were on top of a mountain of veggies. I dig the veggies but the scallops again were a bit too charred. I didn’t mind it but I would’ve enjoyed it a little more if it was not.
Would I return? Maybe if the wait for other restaurants in the area were too long.

Came in on a Tuesday at 8pm to meet a friend who was in town for work. I live in DC so it was great that the restaurant can be seen upon exiting the metro. The place wasn’t busy so we were seated right away at a table with comfy leather chairs against the window. There is a lot of window seating as well as a patio, as well as booths and a cool bar inside.
I ordered the scallops with risotto and my friend ordered 3 small plates (shrimp, Cobb lettuce wraps, and hummus) which ended up being a lot of food. It was my first time eating scallops and I thought they were delicious. However, they did not sit well.
I’m subtracting a star for the service. Although our server was nice, he wasn’t that attentive and it took him forever to come back and rake our dinner order after we got our drinks. I was okay with it but it’s really unacceptable especially when it’s not busy. Also, on our way out, I picked up a flyer that advertised a raw bar deal from 3 – 9 on Tuesdays. I really wish our server would have told us about it before we ordered!