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Focusing on providing guests with a great dining experience is what we do. Circa 81’s goal is 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. 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. And, don’t forget Sunday brunch. We offer on and off-site catering for special events, big or small.
Locally sourced small plates & cocktails served in a chic, minimalist setting.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 4650 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557
Phone: (252) 648-8300
Website: http://www.circa-81.com/
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Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria Store
Brunch from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Dinner from 5 to 8 pm … An 81 Hospitality Concept. 4650-C Arendell St, Morehead City NC 28557. [email protected] · ( …
Circa 81 Restaurant | Morehead City NC – Facebook
Circa 81 Restaurant, Morehead City. 7323 likes · 43 talking about this · 10607 were here. Gather, Eat, Enjoy Serving Sunday brunch, lunch, dinner,…
Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria – Morehead City, NC on OpenTable
Circa 81 publishes distinct hours for brunch, lunch and dinner: Brunch on Sunday from 10:30 am–2:00 pm; Lunch Wednesday–Saturday 11:30 am–2:00 …
Reviews
Kiara Ruth
Circa 81 quickly became one of my most memorable meals along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast: a restaurant that understands both timing and tone. We arrived with a reservation (always a wise move), though we were seated immediately, greeted by a gracious host who set our lunch off on the right note.
Once settled, we were welcomed by Philip, whose ease and genuine enthusiasm made the experience feel less transactional and more personal. He spoke about the menu with confidence and curiosity, the mark of someone who truly enjoys being there. Drinks came first: my husband ordered a Painkiller easily one of the best we had during our time on the coast while our son stuck with a classic Coke, and I opted for water.
As we ordered, it became clear we were leaning fully into the small plates philosophy. When Philip smiled and dubbed us “tapas aficionados,” it felt like an acknowledgment rather than a joke and in that moment, we felt perfectly at home.
The table filled quickly. Spanish lamb meatballs arrived first, glazed with sriracha and paired with whipped feta and cilantro bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Pork pot stickers followed, tender and flavorful, with a soy-ginger dipping sauce and sweet Thai chili providing just the right contrast. The Gambas al Ajillo shrimp bathed in extra-virgin olive oil and garlic, served with crostini, was classic and comforting.
But the standout was the Potatoes Bravas: sliced potatoes grilled to a crisp and finished with a spicy brava aioli. They were addictive in the best way, the kind of dish you keep thinking about long after the table is cleared.
Circa 81 is polished yet relaxed, clean, and thoughtfully maintained, a place where the food arrives hot, the service feels human, and the atmosphere invites you to linger. It’s a restaurant I would happily return to, and one that earned its place among my favorites on the Crystal Coast.
… moreOnce settled, we were welcomed by Philip, whose ease and genuine enthusiasm made the experience feel less transactional and more personal. He spoke about the menu with confidence and curiosity, the mark of someone who truly enjoys being there. Drinks came first: my husband ordered a Painkiller easily one of the best we had during our time on the coast while our son stuck with a classic Coke, and I opted for water.
As we ordered, it became clear we were leaning fully into the small plates philosophy. When Philip smiled and dubbed us “tapas aficionados,” it felt like an acknowledgment rather than a joke and in that moment, we felt perfectly at home.
The table filled quickly. Spanish lamb meatballs arrived first, glazed with sriracha and paired with whipped feta and cilantro bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Pork pot stickers followed, tender and flavorful, with a soy-ginger dipping sauce and sweet Thai chili providing just the right contrast. The Gambas al Ajillo shrimp bathed in extra-virgin olive oil and garlic, served with crostini, was classic and comforting.
But the standout was the Potatoes Bravas: sliced potatoes grilled to a crisp and finished with a spicy brava aioli. They were addictive in the best way, the kind of dish you keep thinking about long after the table is cleared.
Circa 81 is polished yet relaxed, clean, and thoughtfully maintained, a place where the food arrives hot, the service feels human, and the atmosphere invites you to linger. It’s a restaurant I would happily return to, and one that earned its place among my favorites on the Crystal Coast.
Fair Critic
It was very quiet for lunchtime 12.45 pm, yet we were still seated at a tiny table. Our server Paul, was great. The perfect blend of being attentive, but not overbearing. The food took 40 ish minutes which I thought weird since they weren’t that busy -and mine was a salad and the Serrano ham. My dining companion had the seafood mac & cheese. The side order of bread was huge and a bit lackluster. The bread with the ham was warm and fresh, the balsamic vinaigrette had a stale aftertaste. that was quite disappointing. I lost interest in eating the salad. Tomatoes were kind of old and tasteless. The egg was some white blob. It looked like feta cheese. The coffee was so-so, the water had that slightly funky taste you get in some places. Not great. I would go back for the ham, but wouldn’t order any of the other items again.
… moreEK
We had high hopes for this restaurant and booked dinner for Christmas Eve, which made the experience even more disappointing. We arrived about 20 minutes early and were seated right away since they said they were ready. Unfortunately, that was the last smooth part of the evening.
We sat with menus for about 20 minutes without any acknowledgment. Plenty of employees were nearby, walking past us and clearly seeing us, yet no one offered help or even checked in. It felt like we were invisible.
Eventually our server came over, took our drink order, and then disappeared again. After another long wait, she finally returned to take our food order. The restaurant is tapas-style, so we started with a cheese board. What arrived was laughable for the $17 price — basic grocery-store crackers (poppyseed, whole wheat, etc.) and very basic cheese. Absolutely not worth it.
My husband ordered the rosemary beef, which arrived looking like a frozen TV dinner. It wasn’t cooked to order and was drowned in sauce. Easily a 0/10. We also ordered the pork pot stickers, which were just as bad — clearly frozen, covered in an overly sweet sauce, and something you could buy yourself in the frozen aisle.
The service was just as bad as the food. Long waits, zero attention, and no professionalism. We ended up cutting the meal short and left with full plates on the table. Our server didn’t ask why we hadn’t eaten or if anything was wrong — not even a basic check-in.
To make matters worse, as we were leaving, we overheard another table being told about specials that were never mentioned to us.
If you’re looking for an expensive meal that tastes like it came straight from the freezer section, this is your place. If you want even basic service and food that justifies the price, look elsewhere. Extremely disappointing experience, especially for a Christmas Eve dinner. We will not be returning. Bonus though for the worker with an awesome British punk haircut.
… moreWe sat with menus for about 20 minutes without any acknowledgment. Plenty of employees were nearby, walking past us and clearly seeing us, yet no one offered help or even checked in. It felt like we were invisible.
Eventually our server came over, took our drink order, and then disappeared again. After another long wait, she finally returned to take our food order. The restaurant is tapas-style, so we started with a cheese board. What arrived was laughable for the $17 price — basic grocery-store crackers (poppyseed, whole wheat, etc.) and very basic cheese. Absolutely not worth it.
My husband ordered the rosemary beef, which arrived looking like a frozen TV dinner. It wasn’t cooked to order and was drowned in sauce. Easily a 0/10. We also ordered the pork pot stickers, which were just as bad — clearly frozen, covered in an overly sweet sauce, and something you could buy yourself in the frozen aisle.
The service was just as bad as the food. Long waits, zero attention, and no professionalism. We ended up cutting the meal short and left with full plates on the table. Our server didn’t ask why we hadn’t eaten or if anything was wrong — not even a basic check-in.
To make matters worse, as we were leaving, we overheard another table being told about specials that were never mentioned to us.
If you’re looking for an expensive meal that tastes like it came straight from the freezer section, this is your place. If you want even basic service and food that justifies the price, look elsewhere. Extremely disappointing experience, especially for a Christmas Eve dinner. We will not be returning. Bonus though for the worker with an awesome British punk haircut.
Corin Bartusek
This is a must stop! Everything I’ve ever ordered from here was so delicious. The menu has a really great range of different options so you’ll always be able to find something for everyone to enjoy. The cocktails are also have a great ratio of liquor to whatever additives included. You will be spending some money here though! (Worth it)
… moreC. Jules
Circa 81 just may be my new favorite restaurant in the area.
Highlights:
Tapas menu selection is diverse.
Everything was fresh and perfectly prepared.
Service was professional. (Jared was our waiter).
Appropriately priced.
Best dish we ordered was the Garlic & Shrimp. It was divine! The garlic sauce was rich & velvety while the shrimp were expertly cleaned & prepared and cooked to perfection!
Everything we ordered was great.
As for the service, everyone (from the hostess, to the manager) was friendly and attentive. Even showing initiative when something was needed. You can tell that this restaurant is extremely well run & that the people who make this delicious food take pride in what they are doing.
Decor is a bit dated & could use an update. Avoid the booth seating to the right when you walk in the front door. It’s at a slightly downward slope so I felt like I was slipping out of my seat for the entire meal.
Otherwise all was perfect and we’ll definitely be back!
… moreHighlights:
Tapas menu selection is diverse.
Everything was fresh and perfectly prepared.
Service was professional. (Jared was our waiter).
Appropriately priced.
Best dish we ordered was the Garlic & Shrimp. It was divine! The garlic sauce was rich & velvety while the shrimp were expertly cleaned & prepared and cooked to perfection!
Everything we ordered was great.
As for the service, everyone (from the hostess, to the manager) was friendly and attentive. Even showing initiative when something was needed. You can tell that this restaurant is extremely well run & that the people who make this delicious food take pride in what they are doing.
Decor is a bit dated & could use an update. Avoid the booth seating to the right when you walk in the front door. It’s at a slightly downward slope so I felt like I was slipping out of my seat for the entire meal.
Otherwise all was perfect and we’ll definitely be back!
Carrilee Spence
Highly recommend Circa 81! Robbin and I love it and had the pleasure of introducing two new people for an outstanding dinner. Food, service and atmosphere all exceeded expectations!
Visiting again with consistent excellence!
… moreVisiting again with consistent excellence!
brooke hathaway
Call ahead during season or if you want an outside table. There are only a few tables on the front porch but are dog friendly. Cozy bar inside. The wait staff is super friendly and professional. We had the Brussel sprouts, mussels and pork belly and they were all on point! Highly recommend!
… moreedmee martinez
I had the crabcake and it was delicious. I do wish that it could have been two instead of one but it was really good. The sauce it came with definitely compliments it well. My co worker enjoyed the pork belly. The environment was very nice and quiet.
… moreLindsey W
I rarely write reviews, but this restaurant was top notch. The staff, atmosphere, and food were superb. My husband ordered the fried shrimp plate and raved about the coating on the shrimp and the homemade cocktail sauce. I ordered the Parmesan encrusted mahi mahi and found it to be cooked to perfection with powerful flavors throughout. Thank you so much for helping my husband and myself celebrate our anniversary. You all were amazing! Special shout-out to Q for providing us with our dessert to end the most incredible meal.
… moreNiki Cashwell
We are regulars and I can’t say enough good things about this restaurant.
Want great drinks? The bar is on point, especially martini night. They make the best traditional sangria too.
What about food? The specials are unique and fabulous. The scallop special is a stand out favorite. The Ashe county cheese plate is delicious, especially the chutney! Thomas is a mastermind of flavor and texture.
Well what about good service? All of the staff are attentive and amazing. Chris, Pete, Jamie, Kira, Paul, and so many more beautiful humans beings work there! Tonight our server was Garrett, and he was wonderful too!
Short version of the story:
Eat at Circa! Best restaurant experience I have ever had, consistently better every time.
… moreWant great drinks? The bar is on point, especially martini night. They make the best traditional sangria too.
What about food? The specials are unique and fabulous. The scallop special is a stand out favorite. The Ashe county cheese plate is delicious, especially the chutney! Thomas is a mastermind of flavor and texture.
Well what about good service? All of the staff are attentive and amazing. Chris, Pete, Jamie, Kira, Paul, and so many more beautiful humans beings work there! Tonight our server was Garrett, and he was wonderful too!
Short version of the story:
Eat at Circa! Best restaurant experience I have ever had, consistently better every time.