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CIRCA at Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom

4.6
4.6
3040 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 45 times today
  • Lively
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.

Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!

Our patios accommodate service animals only.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00–21:30 Fri, Sat 11:00–22:30
  • Phone number
    (202) 506-5589
  • Website
    http://www.circabistros.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Ruben Rodriguez
  • Private party facilities
    We have the ability to adapt our heated patio to meet your special event's needs. Our patio is the perfect space for hosting company happy hours, reunions, or just a great time with friends.Due to the set up of our dining room, it is difficult for us to create an entirely-private dining space. However, we have the ability to use our bar high-tops larger party needs indoors. Please reach out regarding your special event.
  • Location
    2221 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037
  • Area
    Foggy Bottom
  • Cross Street
    I Street NW
  • Parking details
    Public garage is located around the corner on 22nd Street between I Street NW and Pennsylvania Ave. Metered street parking is available in the neighborhood.
  • Public transit
    Foggy Bottom Metro stop is located directly across the street, off the Orange and Blue lines.
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Menu

Small Plates

  • Soup of the DayUS$8.00

    chef's daily selection

    • Pretzel LoafUS$8.00

      warm pretzel loaf with whole grain mustard butter

      • Fried CalamariUS$17.00

        cherry peppers, artichokes, olives, marinara, grilled lemon

        • Shotgun ShrimpUS$15.00

          flash fried, sweet chili sauce, red bell pepper, broccolini, jicama slaw, pickled jalapeños, micro cilantro

          • Tuna Poke Nachos*US$18.50

            sesame ginger marinade, wasabi avocado cream, tobiko, pickled ginger aioli, wonton chips, roasted nori + sesame seeds

            • Chicken WingsUS$18.00

              spicy apricot chili glaze, carrots, celery, blue cheese dressing

              • HummusUS$15.00

                choice of spiced Wagyu beef with pickled chilies and pine nuts OR za'atar spiced cauliflower with garlic toum and pine nuts served with housemade garlic naan

                • Wagyu Meatball SlidersUS$18.00

                  Garlic brioche, basil aioli, marinara, mozzarella. Contains pork

                  • Brussels + BlueUS$13.50

                    flash fried, applewood smoked bacon, balsamic, blue cheese

                    • Four Cheese MacaroniUS$13.00

                      cavatappi pasta, crispy prosciutto, herbed bread crumbs

                      Salads

                      • Caesar*US$12.00

                        chopped romaine, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, brioche crumble, caesar dressing

                        • Parmesan KaleUS$12.00

                          baby kale, arugula. toasted sunflower seeds, carrots, marinated tomatoes, crushed crostini, parmesan vinaigrette

                          • Veg + Quinoa BowlUS$17.00

                            baby kale, house pickled beets, avocado, marinated tomatoes, hummus, balsamic onions, sunflower seeds, fried goat cheese, grilled lemon, champagne vinaigrette

                            • Blackened Chicken MangoUS$20.00

                              mixed greens, red grapes, mangoes, marinated tomatoes, cashews, dried cranberries, pickled ginger vinaigrette

                              • Thai ShrimpUS$19.00

                                shotgun shrimp, mixed greens, napa cabbage, carrots, cucumber, red onion, marinated tomatoes, crispy wontons, micro cilantro, peanuts, Thai peanut vinaigrette

                                • Salmon Salad*US$28.00

                                  mixed greens, marinated tomatoes, pee wee potatoes, balsamic onions, goat cheese, champagne vinaigrette

                                  • Steak Salad*US$29.00

                                    7oz grilled sirloin, mixed greens, marinated tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, grilled corn, balsamic grilled onions, blue cheese, balsamic vinaigrette

                                    • Sesame Crusted Tuna*US$29.00

                                      mixed greens, romaine, edamame, red onion, shredded carrots, cucumbers, avocado, marinated tomatoes, jicama, herbs, crispy wontons, creamy ginger dressing

                                      Entrées

                                      • Sesame Seared Tuna*US$34.00

                                        nori aioli, pickled ginger salsa, charred Japanese noodles, vegetable stir fry

                                        • Blackened Atlantic Salmon*US$29.00

                                          wilted baby kale, mashed cauliflower, whole grain mustard sauce

                                          • JambalayaUS$26.00

                                            penne pasta, shrimp, chicken, andouille sausage, scallions, diced tomatoes, chipotle cream sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano

                                            • ScallopsUS$36.00

                                              garlic + herb vegetable risotto, pickled onions, charred lemon emulsion

                                              • Chicken PaillardUS$25.00

                                                angel hair pasta, roasted mushrooms, baby arugula, roasted red peppers, brown butter

                                                • Braised Short RibUS$38.00

                                                  roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed baby spinach, red wine jus, crispy onions

                                                  • Steak Frites*US$35.00

                                                    7oz grilled sirloin, chimichurri, blistered cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano + fresh herb french fries

                                                    Sandwiches

                                                    • CIRCA Burger*US$18.00

                                                      Creekstone Farms beef, aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, scallion aioli, brioche bun, fries

                                                      • Turkey BurgerUS$17.00

                                                        provolone, lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, habanero aioli, brioche bun, sweet potato fries

                                                        • Grilled Chicken SandwichUS$19.00

                                                          provolone, arugula, roasted peppers, basil aioli, ciabatta, fries

                                                          • Fried Chicken SandwichUS$18.00

                                                            lettuce, dill pickles, dill pickle aioli, brioche bun, sweet potato fries

                                                            • Eggplant ParmesanUS$17.00

                                                              breaded eggplant, mozzarella, parsley, pesto, ciabatta bun

                                                              Flatbreads

                                                              • Crushed Tomato MargheritaUS$15.00

                                                                hand crushed tomato sauce, basil, fresh mozzarella

                                                                • Rustic ItalianUS$18.00

                                                                  sopressata, local Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, mozzarella

                                                                  • Barbecue ChickenUS$18.00

                                                                    barbecue sauce, slow roasted chicken, red onion, bacon, mozzarella

                                                                    • Wild MushroomUS$18.50

                                                                      cremini, shiitake, portobello, + oyster mushrooms, arugula, pesto, truffle oil, mozzarella

                                                                      • Four Cheese SpinachUS$16.00

                                                                        mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, goat cheese, garlic spinach

                                                                        Sides

                                                                        • FriesUS$6.00

                                                                          • Sweet Potato FriesUS$7.00

                                                                            • Garlic Mashed PotatoesUS$5.00

                                                                              • Seasonal VegUS$7.00

                                                                                Last updated: 17 October 2024

                                                                                What 3,040 people are saying

                                                                                Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                4.6
                                                                                4.6 based on recent ratings
                                                                                • 4.6Food
                                                                                • 4.7Service
                                                                                • 4.4Ambience
                                                                                • 4.2Value

                                                                                Noise • Moderate

                                                                                Review summary

                                                                                AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offers a convenient pre-Kennedy Center dining experience with a varied menu and "always great food and service." Patrons praise the "outstanding cocktails" and friendly, attentive staff. Outdoor seating is a hit, as is the "excellent ambience." While some reviews note occasional service lapses, the restaurant remains "a regular destination."

                                                                                3,040 Reviews

                                                                                1. Deyana

                                                                                  Washington DC

                                                                                  1 review

                                                                                  5.0

                                                                                  1 review

                                                                                  Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                                  The food, drinks and service were superb! I’ll be going back.

                                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                                2. Adrian

                                                                                  Washington DC

                                                                                  44 reviews

                                                                                  vip
                                                                                  5.0

                                                                                  44 reviews

                                                                                  Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                                  Great meal--the short rib melts in your mouth, the trout crust was wonderfully crispy, and the shrimp appetizer was packed with flavor.

                                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                                3. Michael

                                                                                  Greater Boston

                                                                                  104 reviews

                                                                                  vip
                                                                                  4.0

                                                                                  104 reviews

                                                                                  Dined on 7 December 2024

                                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                                  2. Food 4
                                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                                  4. Ambience 3
                                                                                  Excellent service and cocktail recommendations. Tuna was great as was bread pudding dessert. Ambiance ok.

                                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                                4. JANICE

                                                                                  Nashville

                                                                                  3 reviews

                                                                                  4.0

                                                                                  3 reviews

                                                                                  Dined on 3 December 2024

                                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                                  My boyfriend and I had dinner here last ight and our meals were great!!! I had a kale salad ( couldn't get enough of it) and a burger which was very very juicy and seasoned well. My boyfriend had the jambalaya over angel hair pasta. He raved about it,,,and he is THE MOST difficult person to please let me tell you. We had patio seating which was enclosed but still cold. It was a bit uncomfortable and they couldn't move us inside even though there were tables available inside. We were told they were reserved ( get that) but no party showed up til we were leaving. All in all we enjoyed the food (little over priced) and the service was good. We would return for sure. However, if people are being seated in the patio area, when it's so cold outside, have a better heating system.

                                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                                5. Monique

                                                                                  New York City

                                                                                  12 reviews

                                                                                  5.0

                                                                                  12 reviews

                                                                                  Dined on 1 December 2024

                                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                                  One of the few places with a heated patio where we could bring our pup. Service was excellent and food was on point. Happy to find this spot on our short vacation.

                                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                                6. Emily

                                                                                  Detroit

                                                                                  11 reviews

                                                                                  4.0

                                                                                  11 reviews

                                                                                  Dined on 18 November 2024

                                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                                  2. Food 4
                                                                                  3. Service 4
                                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                                  Went for a dinner with friends and it was nice, food was good, just a tad loud.

                                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                                7. kelly

                                                                                  Washington DC

                                                                                  7 reviews

                                                                                  5.0

                                                                                  7 reviews

                                                                                  Dined on 17 November 2024

                                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                                  Always wonderful service and a great menu. Considerate of our arrival time ( concert ended later) and flexible about seating arrangements. Circa is my go-to after the Kennedy Center.
                                                                                  CIRCA at Foggy BottomResponded on 26 November 2024
                                                                                  Thank you for your rating, Kelly! We appreciate your support and look forward to your next visit. All the best, Josh

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                                                                                8. MartinC

                                                                                  New York City

                                                                                  27 reviews

                                                                                  4.0

                                                                                  27 reviews

                                                                                  Dined on 13 November 2024

                                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                                  2. Food 4
                                                                                  3. Service 4
                                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                                  Food and service were great. Everything was fresh and well prepared. Great location across from Foggy Bottom Metro.

                                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                                9. Jim

                                                                                  Washington DC

                                                                                  1 review

                                                                                  5.0

                                                                                  1 review

                                                                                  Dined on 8 November 2024

                                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                                  Circa is consistent. The menu does not change - except for specials- and you can always depend on great food and service in a comfortable atmosphere.

                                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                                10. Chantell

                                                                                  Washington DC

                                                                                  2 reviews

                                                                                  4.0

                                                                                  2 reviews

                                                                                  Dined on 3 November 2024

                                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                                  3. Service 4
                                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                                  Food was great. A little drafty inside and the TVs didn’t work in the dining area.

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                                                                                FAQs

                                                                                CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 506-5589.

                                                                                CIRCA at Foggy Bottom is rated 4.6 stars by 3040 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                CIRCA at Foggy Bottom does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

                                                                                Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                Make a booking

                                                                                2 people
                                                                                19:00
                                                                                Booked 45 times today

                                                                                Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                Google Map for CIRCA at Foggy Bottom

                                                                                2221 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037

                                                                                Additional information

                                                                                • Cross Street
                                                                                  I Street NW
                                                                                • Area
                                                                                  Foggy Bottom
                                                                                • Hours of Operation
                                                                                  Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00–21:30 Fri, Sat 11:00–22:30
                                                                                • Price
                                                                                  $30 and under
                                                                                • Cuisines
                                                                                  American
                                                                                • Dining style
                                                                                  Casual Elegant
                                                                                • Dress code
                                                                                  Casual Dress
                                                                                • Parking details
                                                                                  Public garage is located around the corner on 22nd Street between I Street NW and Pennsylvania Ave. Metered street parking is available in the neighborhood.
                                                                                • Public transit
                                                                                  Foggy Bottom Metro stop is located directly across the street, off the Orange and Blue lines.
                                                                                • Payment Options
                                                                                  AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                • Executive Chef
                                                                                  Ruben Rodriguez
                                                                                • Additional
                                                                                  Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                                • Website
                                                                                  http://www.circabistros.com/
                                                                                • Phone number
                                                                                  (202) 506-5589
                                                                                • Private party facilities
                                                                                  We have the ability to adapt our heated patio to meet your special event's needs. Our patio is the perfect space for hosting company happy hours, reunions, or just a great time with friends.Due to the set up of our dining room, it is difficult for us to create an entirely-private dining space. However, we have the ability to use our bar high-tops larger party needs indoors. Please reach out regarding your special event.

                                                                                Featured in

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                                                                                Gift card

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                                                                                Send a gift card
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