Chef and Owner, Clarke Merrell, created everything you see at Circa 81, from the custom-built bar, to the ever popular Circa 81 martini, Clarke has his hand in every aspect of Circa 81's operations. Hear the Circa 81 story. Clarke completely renovated the restaurant space in late 2009 to truly reflect his style.
Many people often ask where the name comes from. Clarke and his wife, Liza, were both born in 1981. Circa means "about or approximately" and they both thought it fit perfectly with the number 81. Clarke grew up working in the restaurant industry, as his parents took over operations at Atlantic Beach's DJ Shooters in 1988.
Many people often ask where the name comes from. Clarke and his wife, Liza, were both born in 1981. Circa means "about or approximately" and they both thought it fit perfectly with the number 81. Clarke grew up working in the restaurant industry, as his parents took over operations at Atlantic Beach's DJ Shooters in 1988.
Services
Circa 81 is always looking for professional, passionate, hardworking people who love great food, drinks, and hospitality. If that is you contact us at Clarke@Circa81.com. Send us your contact information, resume/work history, availability and what you think makes you a great fit for our team. We prefer that you not inquire for jobs in person or via phone, so that we do not interrupt service for our guests.
Circa 81, Dank Burrito and Beaufort Olive Oil Company realize and appreciate our unique opportunity to support the community and we are committed to doing so. Each year Circa 81, Beaufort Olive Oil Company, and Dank Burrito support dozens of charitable organizations through donations to various events and organizations.
Circa 81 offers a variety of catering options, from delivery and pick-up to full-service off-site catering, chef-designed for holiday parties, business luncheons, corporate events, rehearsal dinners, and wedding receptions. Rent the entire Circa 81 Dining Room or reserve the bar side of the restaurant for holiday parties, corporate functions, birthday celebrations and large family gatherings.
Reviews (25)
Jeff G.
Jan 16, 2022
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I have a love/hate relationship with this place and the other restaurants within the same family. I had been in the love stage until today. We ordered some food to go and it was made in a prompt fashion and staff were exceptional as usual when interacting with them. The restaurant was full on a Saturday lunch service and I see that as a good thing for them. We get take out a lot on Saturday afternoons as our son is usually napping at that time and go home to eat lunch. My surprise was that we were charged a 20% gratuity for take out! What was that for? I would typically tip the person(s) getting
Marty T.
Jan 03, 2022
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Sarah Thomas
Dec 28, 2021
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Loved the atmosphere, menu options, and staff! One of my favorite things is to order a bunch of appetizers (and deserts) to share. Circa 81 made this experience unforgettable by offering tapas! I only lived in NC for a couple of years, but while I was there, Circa 81 was one of my favorite restaurants to visit. Thanks for an unforgettable experience while I was missing home.
Luisa Galvis
Dec 22, 2021
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The food and service at this restaurant is outstanding.
Our server Shawn was, amazing and upbeat.
The food speaks for its self. It is fresh, and punches a lot of flavor. Hands down I would come back to this restaurant.
My husband and I had:
Lamb
Duck
Gambas al ajillo
Papa's brava
Brie tapas
And a blueberry yumyum for dessert.
You can't not come to this restaurant, your tastebuds will thank me later
Our server Shawn was, amazing and upbeat.
The food speaks for its self. It is fresh, and punches a lot of flavor. Hands down I would come back to this restaurant.
My husband and I had:
Lamb
Duck
Gambas al ajillo
Papa's brava
Brie tapas
And a blueberry yumyum for dessert.
You can't not come to this restaurant, your tastebuds will thank me later
Jeff Szymanski
Dec 22, 2021
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Wonderful. Had a lunch date with the wife.. Ordered 6 items. She- crab soup. Jamon Serrano (exquisite) Ashley farm duck breast, Charred Brussels Sprouts, Rosemary Beef and lastly Truffel Honey Pork Belly. Each dish was crafted superbly. Imo, however, the pork belly was one of the best tasting dishes I have had in many years. We are definitely coming back. The staff was very attentive and graciously humble. Even got to meet the owner and have an amazing conversation with him about his creations. This dining experience was completely awesome.
Dennis S.
Nov 30, 2021
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We eat at Dank Burrito, which is affiliated, but for some strange reason, never tried the "mother ship". I'm sorry we didn't stop here ages ago because the food is great. I had the shrimp and grits, and it's a different take in how they prepare it, but very good. Everyone else in our group had various dishes and they all loved it.
Sheila Theune
Nov 14, 2021
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Erin L.
Nov 10, 2021
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Alissa C.
Oct 31, 2021
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On yet another work trip... which means, find some healthy yet delicious eats! That's where circa 81 came in.
They had a bunch of selections to choose from but to be honest if ahi tuna is on the menu, that's what I'm getting. Plop that on a salad and it's a picture of healthy eats. The salad dressing was so so delicious and added a lot of flavor.
The potstickers are usually something I'll always get on a menu as well and while I thought these were yummy, I have high standards and these weren't my favorite I've had. Would I get them again though? Yes.
In another
They had a bunch of selections to choose from but to be honest if ahi tuna is on the menu, that's what I'm getting. Plop that on a salad and it's a picture of healthy eats. The salad dressing was so so delicious and added a lot of flavor.
The potstickers are usually something I'll always get on a menu as well and while I thought these were yummy, I have high standards and these weren't my favorite I've had. Would I get them again though? Yes.
In another
Diane T.
Oct 19, 2021
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This was a fabulous spot for brunch! I had never been and it was recommended. We sat outside on the porch and enjoyed a fabulous meal. The staff is attentive and incredibly accommodating! From the mimosas to the banana French toast to the best grits I've ever eaten the meal was stellar. I will definitely be back to try the tapas! I highly recommend!
C. M.
Oct 03, 2021
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Andrew K.
Sep 25, 2021
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Great service from beginning to end. We had a 7 pm reservation. We were seated right away by the hostess ?? And then our server brought us the menus. Nadia was on point with the courses, never rushed us. We had a very nice meal. Food was great. Always a bonus when a restaurant offers mocktails on the menu and the server never blinks and eye when bringing them instead of an alcoholic beverage. We will be back. My partner ate his entire dessert. He never does that!
Marissa Claudio
Aug 31, 2021
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Kathryn G.
Aug 26, 2021
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This is an excellent restaurant! We enjoyed a good bottle of wine at a great price, 4 small plates/tapas each of which was beautifully prepared, inventive, complex in flavors, and delicious! We also had desserts- the hands-down favorite being the chocolate creme brûlée. The wait staff was incredibly helpful and down-to-earth. A friendly yet upscale atmosphere. A great find in Morehead City!
Caroline S.
Aug 01, 2021
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Tried this place for the first time one night a couple weeks ago and we do not regret it!! Many of our friends gave it high compliments, rightfully so. The main menu is Tapas, which are smaller entrée dishes for sharing. Essentially you get a handful of dishes and all have appetizers. We ordered the Potatoes Brava, Shrimp and Grits, the Tuna, the special (which was steak stuffed with basil, bacon, and feta over mashed potatoes and green beans), Sweet potato quesadilla, Bruschetta, and Bread sampler. There were even mock tails for those who don't drink, and bigger portions for those who don
Cheryl S.
Jul 05, 2021
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Sarah S.
Jun 15, 2021
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Lee S.
Jun 09, 2021
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Stopped here over the weekend. Food was quite good as was service. Loved their biscuit crackers, pork belly and grits were also good. Nice salty/sweet flavor to it. Tile fish special was delicious. Shrimp dish with garlic was good though some toasted bread would have been welcomed. Dessert we had a delicious creme brûlée.
Madeline Young
May 29, 2021
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We had a very lovely experience here! Our favorite time while at the beach this weekend! We all agree that it will take quite some time to top the 7 course meal we had here. We are hard to please and were all very impressed with our tapas, our service and ambiance, especially including the company of Peter! What a lovely place from the greeting of the host to the incredibly gracious attitude from all the staff in allowing us to order so late on a Sunday night(last night, 5-23-21). Thank you so much to the kitchen! We had an incredible experience and that food will be so hard to top!
Lisa Jeffries
Mar 19, 2021
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I can’t say enough good things about this spot. The menu always has a ton to choose from for any dining preferences (and they’ve never complained about my vegetarian edits requested). The service is friendly and spot on. Their consciousness of COVID and putting in safe practices for all has brought us in for both brunch and dinner since! Sean was our server tonight and we couldn’t have been better taken care of... thanks, y’all!
Fran H.
Mar 16, 2021
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Felice B.
Mar 11, 2021
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COVID review: Outdoor seating available, alternating tables indoors are blocked off. All staff is masked.
Food review, dinner: An interesting combination of traditional Spanish tapas and Southern-inflected small plates with an emphasis on regional ingredients . Gotta love any place that has Benton's ham in multiple places on the menu. Layered flavors, mostly nuanced, occasionally less so but well thought-out and nicely executed. Good wine selections and some of the worst coffee I've had in recent memory. Friendly and competent service.
Food review, dinner: An interesting combination of traditional Spanish tapas and Southern-inflected small plates with an emphasis on regional ingredients . Gotta love any place that has Benton's ham in multiple places on the menu. Layered flavors, mostly nuanced, occasionally less so but well thought-out and nicely executed. Good wine selections and some of the worst coffee I've had in recent memory. Friendly and competent service.
Claudia V.
Aug 08, 2020
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Your biggest challenge will be deciding what to eat from the abundant menu!
I started with the Sesame seared tuna, it was so good I forgot to take a picture. Seared to the perfection and coated in sesame seeds.
I then ordered the shrimp and grits. Let me tell you that fried grit patty was life changing! It was so delicious balanced with a little heat and cream sauce! I would have licked the bowl it was so good.
Now the atmosphere is awesome, music is cool and staff is fantastic! Sean and Jamie rock!
Only disappoint was being to full to try anything else. Definitely coming back.
I started with the Sesame seared tuna, it was so good I forgot to take a picture. Seared to the perfection and coated in sesame seeds.
I then ordered the shrimp and grits. Let me tell you that fried grit patty was life changing! It was so delicious balanced with a little heat and cream sauce! I would have licked the bowl it was so good.
Now the atmosphere is awesome, music is cool and staff is fantastic! Sean and Jamie rock!
Only disappoint was being to full to try anything else. Definitely coming back.
Chris H.
Jul 26, 2020
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Well, this tapas restaurant is one of the best we have ever been to. It was spot on tonight. Our server, Kira, was great. The food was great! We had the Chef's tour charcuterie plate, prosciutto wrapped figs, pork belly with grits, seared tuna, she crab soup and the crab cake. When we come back to the Crystal Coast we will definitely visit this place again.
Meg K.
Mar 08, 2020
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So much more than what I was expecting! Since I would only be in town a few days I called ahead to check if they would be open since I was visiting over the Thanksgiving holiday. I was happy to hear from Paul that they were going to be open the Wednesday before the holiday- lucky me!
Paul also greeted us at the door as we arrived and waited on us as well. As we started to glance at the menus Paul went over a few specials they had that day. My ears perked up when I heard "Wine Down Wednesday" wine specials. He helped me chose which red wine I wanted, I went with the Shannon Ridge Zinfandel
Paul also greeted us at the door as we arrived and waited on us as well. As we started to glance at the menus Paul went over a few specials they had that day. My ears perked up when I heard "Wine Down Wednesday" wine specials. He helped me chose which red wine I wanted, I went with the Shannon Ridge Zinfandel
