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Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria Reviews List
Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Clarke Merrell's (Circa 81 Executive Chef/Proprietor) goal is for Circa 81 to provide creative, quality, & delicious food in a beautiful setting. Offering small plates that are perfect for passing around the table in true tapas style, our dishes are meant to inspire and engage our diners. So, start a conversation, relax, and enjoy a fresh take on cuisine. Clarke developed Circa 81 in hopes that guests will try something new and different and truly have a dining experience. Circa 81 offers great wine and cocktails too, with more than 30 specialty drinks on our cocktaileria menu. Our menu also includes medium and large plate selections - delicious sandwiches, homemade soups, local seafood and fresh-made desserts.
Circa 81 also offers take-out and catering - just contact us for more details.
See more Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria details
37 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 37 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(9)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(26)
- neighborhood gem(18)
- good for groups(15)
- special occasion(15)
- notable wine list(11)
- romantic(11)
Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria Reviews List
Review 1 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"...Great place with all the extras...combination of all the special features I mentioned....some elevated booths, and tables in the main room and in the bar area. Not particularly noisy, just right! Great tapas menu with generous portions; inventive pris fixe menu for the special Morehead City/ Beaufort restaurant week. Great service; we were six and didn't feel rushed. Staff was attentive without being overly so! Awesome presentations: the balack bean soup and the calimari were especially terrific! Excellent wine list; try the Malbec or the fuller bodied Pinot Noir!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 2 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent...as usual!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"With an interesting and creative menu, skillfully prepared and beautifully presented dishes, and excellent service, Circa 81 is one of our favorite restaurants!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, late-night find, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent -Best of the Beach!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"From tapas to the meat & cheese board, everything was delightful. Well prepared and tasty. Service was absolutely excellent and there were a few GREAT wine selections. Very good value. This is now our NEW "go to" place when we are in Morehead City."
Dined on 6/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 4 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"So glad we tried this place! Made Opentable reservation but hostess had no record. Showed her the email. Was very friendly and sat us right away. Food was wonderful. Portions are very generous. Butternut squash gnocchi was the best. I could have eaten two more servings! Loved the Sangria! We will be back for sure!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our Favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband and I were very lucky when we found this restaurant one Sunday night. Sangria Sunday, so we enjoyed a pitcher, and tried several tapas. Then we tried Tapas Tuesday with Buy 2, Get the Third One Free, and we always have the black bean quesadilla and the crab dip, but try a special for the third one. Never disappointed! A feast of flavors! (and the best Sunday Brunch also!)"
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food and Kind People
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is absolutely delicious. The tapas work out well for date and it is very calm and quiet. I would definately advise anyone who has thought about eating at Circa 81 to go for it!!!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, hot spot
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Review 7 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Date Night
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First timer to Circa 81. Food was excellent. We shared a number of different tapas and enjoyed all beyond expectations. Definitely will return."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 8 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went out for a special occasion and the server was very inattentive. We waited for our friends to arrive and we they came the server walked passed us to both of her other tables and on to the kitchen instead of acknowledging they were here and taking our drink order. We didn't receive our drink until 15 minutes after we finally ordered.. However; we noticed she had to make our drinks as well. No bartender on a Friday night?? Half of the tapas were too salty and the crab cake appetizer was burnt. We learned of this restaurant due to the Fire on the Dock competition and we were very disappointed."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 9 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
review
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"circa is fun and interesting on the first 2-3 visits then it becomes boring. I had a dish that seemed to be concocted from a bottle of barbeque sauce tossed over a few sauteed bits of chicken and seafood. it could have come out of a woman's day magazine on how to fix dinner in 10 minutes. change up the menu a bit and close off the kitchen view that almost every table in the place has to endure."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 10 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and drinks!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Friendly service, really tasty tapas, and the Sangria was outstanding. Great way to have dinner in a very social way. We ended up book my daughter's rehearsal dinner here afterward. They do have a kid menu if you need it."
Dined on 4/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 11 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Every aspect of Circa 81 was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Every aspect of Circa 81 was what we were looking for; the ambience, the creativity and care put into each dish and each cocktail, and the owner and head chef made the rounds and connected with us and every table in the restaurant. Fabulous seafood, steak and desserts!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 12 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hidden Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have been droving past Circa 81 on our way home from Pine Knoll Shores for years. Finslly stopped one day. Out only regret was that we had done it sooner! Tapas are awesome and service is great! We' ve been back twice already. Lime and cilantro mussels are excellent as is the seared ahi tuna."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of our Favorite Restaurants!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We are so fortunate to have this restaurant in Morehead City. It is not the usual fried seafood restaurant. Instead it is a gourmet diner's delight, with a chef who creates dishes that are full of flavor. This restaurant is also good for vegetarians as well as carnivores. Our favorites include the black bean quesadilla, the pot stickers, and for brunch, the Cuban Benedict, but we also often order the extraordinary specials, as well as one of their martinis or sangria. Yes, we love this place!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food at a great price
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food at a great price with an incredibly knowledgeable waitstaff with excellent recommendations. No long wait for our orders to be served and everything was fresh made, no canned/bottled ingredients used. You have to try Circa 81, you will not be disappointed!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
From San Diego to Newport, NC
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Wife and I are BIG foodies. We are from San Diego and we love trying new places all the time. Since we moved to Newport we have been trying every place we could find and I got to tell you. This place was just amazing. I could go on and on about everything that was fantastic but I'll start with what went wrong. My wife ordered this parmesan lobster encrusted mahi mahi. It had great flavor but unfortunately it was overcooked. For desert we had Chocolate Chip Cheesecake and Vanilla Creme Brulee. Sadly, the Creme Brulee had not been cooked properly and tasted like scambled eggs. The Cheesecake, let me start by saying I really don't like chocolate that often but for some reason it sounded really good. It was and I still dream about it."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 16 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Don't waste your time or money
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wine prices were very high price for what was offered and the food was mediocre at best. When I got there they had no record of my reservation which was made thru Open Table. One dish was so bad that I had to send it back. Never will go back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 17 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
There was one table that was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"There was one table that was extremely loud. We asked to be moved to another section. They were very accommodating. After that woman left, the noise level was fine. There is nothing to buffer loudness."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 18 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great variety on the menu
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great variety on the menu of this tapas and cocktail restaurant. She-crab soup was like velvet with just the right hint of sherry and crabmeat. Mussels were great but I wished for more (and better) bread to enjoy all of the broth. The sour apple martini was a bit sweet."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 19 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The 48 hour short ribs were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The 48 hour short ribs were excellent"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I like Circa 81's small plates.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I like Circa 81's small plates. The food is always very good and the service is as well."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 21 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything was excellent.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was excellent. We will be back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 22 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was excellent, but the service was a bit slow."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 23 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lunch and dinner go-to place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We've been to this restaurant several times & found it via Open Table. The food is always delicious and just unique enough to make it a nice change from many other local places. We've been there for lunch and dinner. We've enjoyed the jazz musician when we've had dinner there. Don't know if they have live music daily or just wknds."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great ambiance, went for our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great ambiance, went for our anniversary and it was perfect! We go for the food and low key atmosphere. Highly recommend Circa 81 to all my friends."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Based on the average of (13) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate