Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria

Name: Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria
Address: 4650 C Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC, United States, 28557
Telephone: (252) 648-8300
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8 (1257)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

4650 C Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 5, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails

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.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Seafood, Southern
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 10:30 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(252) 648-8300
Website
http://www.circa81.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Clarke Merrell
Catering
Circa 81 offers full service catering. Let us cater your next event. Think of us when you are planning your next, wedding, rehearsal dinner, bridal luncheon, office party, dinner party, baby shower. Also popular is our drop off menu. Email Clarke@81hospitality.com or call 252.648.8300 for your catering needs.
Private party facilities
Circa 81 can be used for semi-private events or rented out and closed to the public for events. Contact us for details on special event bookings.

Location
4650 C Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557
Neighborhood
Beaufort / Morehead City
Cross street
Across from EJW Outdoors
Parking details
Big private lot. Will accommodate large vehicles
Public transit
Taxi Cabs (sorry MHC does not offer public transportation)We are located 2.5 miles west of the Atlantic Beach bridge in Carteret Village Shopping Center.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

She Crab Soup$7.99
made with jumbo lump crab and a hint of sherry
Tomato Basil Soup$6.99
made with Beaufort Olive Oil Co. basil olive oil, fried goat cheese and citrus crema
House Salad^$9.99
mixed greens, hard-boiled egg, tomato, and bacon topped with croutons, dressing of your choice
Sesame Tuna Salad*$15.99
benne encrusted local yellowfin tuna, mixed greens, pickled cucumber, roasted edamame, soy ginger vinaigrette
Caprese Salad$11.99
heirloom tomato, herbed mozzarella, basil, basil olive oil and 18 year traditional balsamic, smoked Alderwood salt

Cheese + Charcuterie

Ashe County Cheeses^$10.99
variety of North Carolina cheeses, table crackers, fruit chutney
Pimento Cheese with Biscuit Crackers^$6.99
Jamón Serrano^$9.99
dry, cured Spanish ham by Redondo Iglesias, aged 18 months, sliced country loaf
Benton's Ham^$9.99
cured and smoked Appalachian ham aged 18-24 months, sliced country loaf
Lady Edison Dry Cured Spanish Chorizo^$9.99
with table crackers
Chef's Tour^
variety of cheeses and hams, olives, seasonal pickled items, crackers, chef's choice of accompaniments
- Half Tour$24.99
- Full Tour$39.99

Tapas

Bread Service
featuring Beaufort Olive Oil Co. Tuscan herb olive oil, 18 year traditional balsamic vinegar
- Small$2.99
- Large$4.99
Green Olives$5.99
Castelvetrano, Italy
Serrano Ham Hush Puppy$5.99
with malt vinegar aioli
Hot Crab Dip^$10.99
with parmesan flat bread
Shrimp & Grits$10.99
fried grit cake, chorizo sautéed shrimp & cajun cream sauce
Crab Cake$10.99
homemade with jumbo lump crab, served with lemon tarragon aioli, red onion marmalade
Pot Stickers$7.99
pork dumplings, served with a soy ginger dipping sauce
Sweet Potato Quesadilla$7.99
cream cheese, cinnamon, cumin, hint of cayenne pepper, sweet & spicy pepper jelly
Black Bean Quesadilla$8.99
whole black beans, Monterey Jack and Havarti cheese, chipotle sauce, sour cream
Seared Sesame Tuna*$11.99
wasabi and soy ginger dipping sauce
Potatoes Brava$6.99
sliced potatoes, grilled to a crisp with a spicy brava aioli
Medjool Dates$8.99
bacon, almond, chevre, sunchoke
Savory Stuffed Brie$9.99
with pepper jelly & toasted walnuts, wrapped in puff pastry & served with warm French bread
Rosemary Beef*$12.99
asparagus, mashed potatoes, garlic demi-glace
Gambas al Ajillo^$9.99
(shrimp in garlic) extra virgin olive oil, crostini
Ashley Farms Duck Breast*$11.99
beets, celery root, shaved fennel, compressed apple, citrus
Truffle Honey Pork Belly$12.99
smoked gouda cheese grits, toasted benne, pea tendrils
Charred Brussel Sprouts$8.99
harissa emulsion, sea salt, lemon
Asparagus$8.99
smoked salt, cured yolk, parmesan, poached egg, fine herbs
Steamed Mussels^$10.99
with lime and cilantro
Rustic Bruschetta$8.99
Benton's ham, fig, honey, citrus goat cheese, arugula, peach white balsamic

Large Plates

Cavatappi Seafood Pasta$28.99
shrimp, oven roasted tomatoes, spinach, Benton's bacon, pesto
Lamb Chops*$28.99
fingerling potatoes, mint pesto, roasted broccoli, peppadew peppers, arugula
Seared Salmon*$25.99
lemon-basil risotto, parmesan crisp, spinach
Ribeye*$36.99
garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, lusty monk demi-glace
Mixed Grill*$32.99
blackened Yellowfin tuna, pan seared duck breast, beef tenderloin, tobacco onions, wild mushrooms

Extra Side Items

$2.99

Potato Salad
Pasta Salad
Broccoli Salad
Edamame Succotash
Sweet Potato Fries
House Cooked Chips

What 1,257 people are saying

Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Coastal North Carolina
Best Service
Coastal North Carolina
Great for brunch
Coastal North Carolina
Innovative
Coastal North Carolina
Hot spot
Coastal North Carolina
Neighborhood gem
Coastal North Carolina
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria delights with its "excellent cocktail menu" and "fantastic customer service." Known for "great tapas" and "delicious food," this spot offers a warm atmosphere perfect for date nights or beachside dining. Consistently praised for "top notch food and service," it's a beloved choice for many.

1,257 Reviews

G
Gretchen
Coastal North Carolina4 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Food was great, restaurant was too cold and a bit noisy, our waiter was nice but not attentive distracted had to ask other waiters to get him
Is this helpful?
C
Cori
Baltimore / Maryland1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My father and had a wonderful dinner for his birthday here. The cocktails were top notch, and every plate we ordered was fantastic. We’ll absolutely be returning!
Is this helpful?
J
Jami
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill12 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Circa 81 has an excellent cocktail menu with a variety of drink offerings. The staff is always very friendly and efficient. Great menu and the food is always delicious. One of our favorites that we frequent often.
Is this helpful?
A
Alison
Spain8 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great date night spot, delicious tapas, excellent martinis!
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill21 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent tapas, as always. Gambas (garlic shrimp) are a must. Great service from Becca B.
Is this helpful?
J
Jon and Penny VIP
Baltimore / Maryland18 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic Customer Service-from Reservation to Check, Excellent Cuisine Options and Cocktails (Ginger Martini)!
Is this helpful?
F
Frances
Coastal North Carolina1 review
5.0
Dined on June 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I always enjoy coming to Circa 81 with my husband, sometimes including family and friends. The food and service are exceptional! The menu is varied so that there’s something for everyone. I’m looking forward to coming back again soon!!
Is this helpful?
J
Jeff VIP
Washington, D.C. Area5 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We stop here whenever we can when we’re down at the beach. The food is always incredible and the quality very consistent. They have the best seared tuna on the coast! Everything is great and we will continue to go back over and over again.
Is this helpful?
S
Sheila VIP
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill27 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious! Our server Phillip was exceptional! Phillip was friendly, attentive and helped us with suggestions for our dinner. We will be back again soon!
Is this helpful?
C
Constance VIP
Baltimore / Maryland36 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My visiting girlfriend and I love to go to Circa for one of our meals out. We try to hit the special martini night and enjoy those and tapas items. Last night did not disappoint! We capped off the evening with chocolate creme brulee. Garrett welcomed and seated us right away and Jared was a wonderful, attentive server. We will be back for her visit next year and I will certainly be back all throughout the year.
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FAQs

Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (252) 648-8300.

Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria is rated 4.8 stars by 1257 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 5, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Google Map for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria

4650 C Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557

Additional information

Cross street
Across from EJW Outdoors
Neighborhood
Beaufort / Morehead City
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 10:30 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Seafood, Southern
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Big private lot. Will accommodate large vehicles
Public transit
Taxi Cabs (sorry MHC does not offer public transportation)We are located 2.5 miles west of the Atlantic Beach bridge in Carteret Village Shopping Center.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Clarke Merrell
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.circa81.com/
Phone number
(252) 648-8300
Catering
Circa 81 offers full service catering. Let us cater your next event. Think of us when you are planning your next, wedding, rehearsal dinner, bridal luncheon, office party, dinner party, baby shower. Also popular is our drop off menu. Email Clarke@81hospitality.com or call 252.648.8300 for your catering needs.
Private party facilities
Circa 81 can be used for semi-private events or rented out and closed to the public for events. Contact us for details on special event bookings.

Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Small Plates

Soups + Salads

She Crab Soup$7.99

Tomato Basil Soup$6.99

House Salad^$9.99

Sesame Tuna Salad*$15.99

Caprese Salad$11.99

Cheese + Charcuterie

Ashe County Cheeses^$10.99

Pimento Cheese with Biscuit Crackers^$6.99

Jamón Serrano^$9.99

Benton's Ham^$9.99

Lady Edison Dry Cured Spanish Chorizo^$9.99

Chef's Tour^

Tapas

Bread Service

Green Olives$5.99

Serrano Ham Hush Puppy$5.99

Hot Crab Dip^$10.99

Shrimp & Grits$10.99

Crab Cake$10.99

Pot Stickers$7.99

Sweet Potato Quesadilla$7.99

Black Bean Quesadilla$8.99

Seared Sesame Tuna*$11.99

Potatoes Brava$6.99

Medjool Dates$8.99

Savory Stuffed Brie$9.99

Rosemary Beef*$12.99

Gambas al Ajillo^$9.99

Ashley Farms Duck Breast*$11.99

Truffle Honey Pork Belly$12.99

Charred Brussel Sprouts$8.99

Asparagus$8.99

Steamed Mussels^$10.99

Rustic Bruschetta$8.99

Large Plates

Cavatappi Seafood Pasta$28.99

Lamb Chops*$28.99

Seared Salmon*$25.99

Ribeye*$36.99

Mixed Grill*$32.99

Extra Side Items

Potato Salad

Pasta Salad

Broccoli Salad

Edamame Succotash

Sweet Potato Fries

House Cooked Chips

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria restaurant rated?

Is Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information