Circa 1886 Restaurant
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Circa 1886 Restaurant
Tucked within the original carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion, Circa 1886 evokes the romance and old-world charm of historic downtown Charleston. Look beyond its original pine floors and charming architectural details and discover an unexpectedly modern take on the city's classic Lowcountry cuisine.

Circa 1886 regularly ranks among the finest restaurants in downtown Charleston SC. Just saying Sommelier can be intimidating. Wine shouldn't be! This experience will cover the basics from how grapes become wine to how to pick a wine at a restaurant. You will leave with a greater understanding and appreciation of wine.
Services
From bridal luncheons to business dinners, Circa 1886 ranks among many Charlestonians' favorite venues for private celebrations, thanks to its unmatched setting, outstanding service, and flavorful modern Southern cuisine. The Circa 1886 Team looks forward to working with you to plan a memorable event in Charleston.
Reviews (10)
Alex Bibbey
Alex Bibbey
Dec 23, 2021
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Went for New Year's Eve dinner for two at Circa 1886.
The good:
-Our server was friendly and attentive and had some wine knowledge
-Lobster bisque and the souffle were both excellent
-A gluten free diner was readily accommodated
-Alcohol free diners were thoughtfully accommodated
The bad:
-Many dishes appeared to have sat out or under warming lights for long periods of time (skins and condensation had formed, etc) before service
-Staff delivering dishes to the table seemed to be extras helping out and did not know anything about the dishes
-Fish sauce used in the chicken sausage dish was
Robert Edelstein
Robert Edelstein
Nov 22, 2021
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First class service, gorgeous ambiance, and Michelin quality food. We had the Leberkase and Caeser to start, beef tenderloin and sea scallops (pictured) for entrees, and spiced pear cake and apple rum souffle for dessert. Everything was outstanding. Absolutely recommended for special occasion or just for a really nice dinner out.
Angie Schuster
Angie Schuster
Nov 10, 2021
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Absolutely one of the most memorable dining experiences of my life. We've eaten all over the world, and this place was phenomenal. Every course was top notch! I'm in heaven thinking about the service, the ambiance, the FOOD..! Plan to return again just to enjoy this lovely restaurant.
Chris Gatlin
Chris Gatlin
Oct 17, 2021
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Amazing. The service, the food, the atmosphere, the parking(being downtown), everything. Amazing. Laura was our hostess and a great one at that. We got the Chef's tasting menu with wine pairing. The food was exquisite. I was trying things that I've never had before. Hands down, one of the finest restaurants in Charleston which means Circa 1886 is one of the finest restaurants anywhere. An added bonus was when Charles came up to our table and told us the story behind Head Chef Marc Collins inspiration for the grilled cheese entrée. Ask him about it if you go.
Dennis Kjaersgaard
Dennis Kjaersgaard
Oct 03, 2021
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Very classy place. Had some of the best cocktail I have had I years here. The food was very balanced and service was perfect. Super atmospheric, even though I ate at the bar. Big recommendation.
Kristy Ducharme
Kristy Ducharme
Aug 01, 2021
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We had a nice corner spot by the bar, very intimate and cozy. My wife and i was celebrating our last day in Charleston. The food was epic.
We tried foie gras for the first time, it was delicious. The foie gras just melted in our mouths.
The cocktails were refreshing and delicious. The food was out of this world amazing. Definitely a true culinary experience. I had the pork duet. Pork was juicy and tender. The Carolina reaper sausage had just the right amount of heat. The Mac and cheese was definitely suitable for any adult, definitely not your moms box made Mac and cheese.
The Apple soufflĂ
Karina Perez
Karina Perez
Jul 25, 2021
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I got the tasting menu and each of those things were so perfectly prepared, perfect portion size, amazing flavors and I loved every single one of 5 courses. And our server Denis was so helpful and made the experience even better. Thank you!
Evandro Silveira
Evandro Silveira
Jul 21, 2021
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Style meets substance!! Amazing meal with impeccable service. A must go when in Charleston. Sophisticated and expensive but it delivers one of the best meals one might eat. Be sure to make reservations and enjoy it!
N.
N.
Jul 11, 2021
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5 stars ++. What a wonderful place. Recommended by our hotel Fulton Lane Inn. The food was sensational. Strip steak, shrimp & grits and sea scallops wonderful. Didn't quite love the rabbit appetiser as was a bit bean heavy. But still well made. Excellent cocktails and wine and desserts and service. A+. Also a wonderful hotel / grounds next door.
David Cunningham
David Cunningham
May 12, 2021
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It was my wife's and my first time. We were graciously welcomed and seated. Emily was our server and we can only thank her for adding so much to our experience. The menu had so many dishes that we would have liked to try but I would hope nobody would try. We both had the chef's menu with wine pairing. After a hello taste from the chef consisting of pee soup with lemongrass oil and what I would call almost a bite of crab cake? , we were on our way. Every single dish in the 5 courses was fantastic and the wines were a great accompaniment. The dessert was an apple rum caramel souffle with praline