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CIRCA Reviews List
CIRCA
Seasonally-driven New American small plates that draw inspiration from local farms producing organic and artisan products, CIRCA’s menu incorporates unique and exotic flavors from around the globe. Chef Erik Hopfinger’s dishes are a perfect marriage of traditional American cuisine with modern taste and technique, served in a sleek and contemporary space which seduces guests with sensual materials and elegant lines.
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30 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 30 reviews
5 stars
(7)
4 stars
(11)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(11)
- fit for foodies(10)
- hot spot(10)
- neighborhood gem(9)
- vibrant bar scene(8)
- great for brunch(6)
CIRCA Reviews List
Review 1 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
stunk
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"there for 20 minutes without anyone taking our order. Then placed order and was another 20 minutes and had still not received anything. Stunk"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 2 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Neighborhood Gem !!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food,good service, a little slow at times but the restaurant was extremely busy on the evening we visited. The baked Brie appetizer was the best I have ever had. Parking is difficult, had to circled around mutiple time before finding a space. Thank you Circa, had a great time."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2004
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Review 3 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Need to work on the service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Need to work on the service aspect of it. Runner brought our food to the wrong table. Felt understaffed the night we were there for dinner."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2007
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Review 4 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not sure I'll return
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were seated upstairs and the service was terrible not just for my party but for the other patrons around us. Everyone was very upset on the poor and slow service. One couple literally walked out. Not sure i will return."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 5 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sunday Funday at Circa!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Brunch was decent this time around; the crowd was a bit overwhelming for the waitstaff. At times, we had to flag down our waitress, as she couldn't make the rounds with a busy brunch bunch. Overall, it's still the best spot to have brunch with the girls."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 6 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was one of our best dinning
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"This was one of our best dinning experience ever. Jenna, our server was fantastic and the food terrfic."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 7 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This place is more of a bar
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place is more of a bar hang-out than a "good" food restaurant. It even smells like many a drink has been spilled here. Definitely NOT a repeater."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2009
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Review 8 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Overall it was a good experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall it was a good experience but service was definitely lacking. We had to wait 20 minutes for a reservation which wasn't bad because they have a great bar and ambiance. But when the bill came the wrong tab was transfered to our table. This wasn't too bad because they fixed the error after we pointed it out.
My biggest criticism is it did seem under-staffed. There only seemed to be one waitress at first but then another appeared magically. I was given a complemetary b-day cake slice which was great but there were 15-20 minute periods of time which would pass without anyone checking in and empty glasses waiting to be filled. Friendly staff otherwise :)"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 9 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Sit at the bar
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I really wanted to give Circa 4+ stars because of the fabulous bar staff and generously unending bottomless mimosas. I really did. Unfortunately, the food was meh (how eggs and home fries can be done poorly is sort of beyond me), and the service before we moved ourselves to the bar was literally non-existent. We walked in, were seated promptly, and then just as promptly forgotten. Each time the hostess walked past our table, she deliberately avoided eye contact. After a while, we got fed up and found ourselves seats at the bar. Best decision ever. We met some great barmates, chatted it up with the bartenders, who were doing an excellent job of keeping the strong mimosas flowing, and got in some excellent people watching."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch
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Review 10 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Circa S.F. A undiscovered hot spot!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I met my 23 year old son and his girlfriend for dinner at Circa, after reading their menu from a promo I saw.
In the old days, (circa 1980's), I lived in the neighborhood and recognized the previous establishment as Original Joes. We reserved a table for 7:00 p,m. and from outside it looked empty especially for a Saturday night! When you walk in the ambiance is warm and inviting, with a DJ playing "Circa" 40's dinner music. We were greeted by a friendly 20ish server styled in Retro Haight street fashion. I commented on previous establishment she said, "Original WHO? OK, I feel old! lol When we asked her advice regarding wine and food, she told us "it's all good" She was right,! Everything was delicious! You have to try the rib meat tacos"
In the old days, (circa 1980's), I lived in the neighborhood and recognized the previous establishment as Original Joes. We reserved a table for 7:00 p,m. and from outside it looked empty especially for a Saturday night! When you walk in the ambiance is warm and inviting, with a DJ playing "Circa" 40's dinner music. We were greeted by a friendly 20ish server styled in Retro Haight street fashion. I commented on previous establishment she said, "Original WHO? OK, I feel old! lol When we asked her advice regarding wine and food, she told us "it's all good" She was right,! Everything was delicious! You have to try the rib meat tacos"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 11 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Although the restaurant is
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Although the restaurant is very large for the Marina, five of us had a table that was quiet and we could easily talk. Our dinners were all quite good but the chocolate lava cake was one of the best ever! Our server realized we were old friends with photos, etc. and needed time to catch up. She was gracious, friendly and went at our pace. Never did we feel rushed. I cannot believe we live in the Marina and had never been to Circa. We will definitely recommend it and go again. (We had early reservations on a Saturday night)"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for CIRCA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place to enjoy the game
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great place to enjoy the game and enjoy their bottomless mimosas and breakfast. Great for groups."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for CIRCA
Based on the average of (18) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic