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: 4.9

4.9

1015 Reviews

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(252) 648-8300

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
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 Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 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. We will cook and clean, and you can take all of the credit. Think of us when you are planning your next, wedding, rehearsal dinner, bridal luncheon, office party, dinner party, baby shower etc. Also popular is our drop off menu. We will drop off your food so you can eat at your own leisure. This has been a big hit for the big family beach gatherings. Email Clarke@circa-81.com or call 252.648.8300 for your catering needs. Gather, Eat, Enjoy!
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)<br /><br />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

Popular dishes

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 1,015 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Coastal North Carolina
Best Overall
Coastal North Carolina
Best Food
Coastal North Carolina
Best Service
Coastal North Carolina
Best Value
Coastal North Carolina
Great for brunch
Coastal North Carolina
Innovative
Coastal North Carolina
Good for special occasions
Coastal North Carolina
Lively

Sort by

WK
WilliamK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
By far the best dining in the Beaufort/MHC area. The selections, quality of food, professionalism of service all are the very best. We look forward to our next visit.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had 3 tapas, soup and 2 large plates - everything was delicious. Ginger martini was refreshing and great bourbon selection. The desserts were incredible- chocolate lava cake, crème brûlée and cheesecake. Highly recommend, and make your reservations for an excellent dining experiences!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome place for small plates! Great wine selection and wonderful staff!
KM
KathyM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is excellent and the service was outstanding.
L
Localpatron
Raleigh
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Outstanding food and menu choice. Love mojito night special
MC
MrCAToledo
Raleigh
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great place for a romantic dinner with a loved one or taking your family to Sunday brunch. The food is great! The place is small. Make sure you make reservations a few weeks in advance.
YJ
YoelyJ
Wilmington
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect and the drinks were right on point, I recommend this place.
MN
MilosNC
Wilmington
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very consistent...great! Excellent staff and service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quickly seated and served! The food is always good and the staff kind!
D
Drew58
New York Area
65 reviews
vip
5.0
65 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Circa 81 - one of our favorite places. Food, Drink, service always fabulous!
ZC
ZacharyC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding place! Highly recommend the Pork Belly and Brussel Sprout tapas. Look forward to coming back and trying different dishes.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best tapas bar I’ve ever been to! Our goal every time we come to this area is to eat here
b
beachlover
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Whenever we come to the beach, we make sure to eat at Circa 81 twice because it is the best!
JG
JessicaG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved this place. Everything was delicious. Love the smaller portions if you choose that route especially if you want to try multiple items. Prices are reasonable & worth it. Waitstaff/Host/Bartender were all wonderful with prompt service. Food & drinks came quickly. Highly recommend.
D
Devil66
Atlanta Metro
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great tapas meal. Philip was our server and did an excellent job of pacing our courses in a timely manner. The food and service were excellent. Don’t miss the crab cakes!
CB
CarolB
Wilmington
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Nice place; something for everyone on their varied menu. I thoroughly enjoyed my tapas selection; others in our party had the evening salmon special — good, but not great. Will return.
D
Donkey
Raleigh
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brunch was awesome with many great choices and service was excellent!!
AJ
AJBean
New England
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
From beginning to end it was a delicious and delightful evening. Our server Philip was excellent and timed the arrival of our various tapas dishes perfectly. The barrel fish entree was wonderful. The parking is easy, too, but nothing outshines the food and the service.
CH
ChristianH
Greensboro
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you've never eaten here, or maybe you've never tried a tapas restaurant before...you HAVE to eat at Circa 81. We vacation near Morehead City a few times each year and always eat here. It is always perfect, all the way around.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my mom here for Easter dinner. She had never tried tapas before and I thought she would like it. This place was wonderful from start to finish! The restaurant is not huge but has a decent amount of seating and we were seated promptly in a comfortable booth. The service was excellent from the host to our waitress as well as from an attentive dapper man that inquired about our meals and was very enjoyable to talk to. The food was absolutely outstanding! I am from Philly so I was a bit wary about a tapas restaurant in morehead city, but I’m here to tell you this place could easily compete in Philly or NYC for that matter! We tried the following items: medjool date’s wrapped in bacon, Cajun tilefish bites (melt in your mouth delicious!), she-crab soup, sesame tuna salad, duck breast and for dessert salted caramel crème brûlée. Everything was perfectly prepared and presented and I highly recommend. It. There was really something on the menu for everyone. We aren’t drinkers but I tried a Mai tai mock tail that was delicious. They also played great dinner music in the background. We will definitely be back!!
KP
KellyP
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had Easter brunch here. The food was excellent, the staff friendly & I especially loved the mojitos!
h
hank
Jacksonville
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
we were visiting for Easter weekend happen to come upon this place, and were thoroughly satisfied with our experience – wonderful food, great service. We sat at the bar and would definitely return.
LD
LynneD
Raleigh
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was honestly the best meal we’ve had out in a long time! The service and food was incredible! Looking forward to our brunch there in a month!
N
Naomi
Wilmington
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious Staff was friendly and attentive
ML
MikeLand
San Francisco
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. One of the best restaurants in Morehead City.
DP
DotP
Wilmington
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant. Excellent food and service!! We love it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a quality experience at Circa! Such a comfortable vibe to go with the scrumptious food, tasty beverages (the white sangria is my go to bev), and anticipatory service. Never disappoints! ❤️
OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, drinks and outstanding service. Love this place.
F
Foodie
Raleigh
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on March 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the small plates & selections. Will definitely go back
l
lisla
Raleigh
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was wonderful as always. Staff is very friendly.
r
rudymable
Charlotte
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food friendly service. Cozy restaurant. Make a reservation on the weekend.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrated moving back to the area after being away 8 years. Circa 81 was a favorite then and it certainly will continue to be! The Chef’s Tour board was huge and it was an even bigger hit with our kids. All around great evening. The service, food, and drinks are some of the best in the area.
JC
JosephC
New England
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our favorite places to dine in Morehead City!!!! The small plates are absolutely delicious and there is always a wonderful variety!!!
BH
BrigitteH
Wilmington
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
We were seated promptly and our server came immediately. We ordered about 7 different small plates: the scallops were excellent and we ordered them twice; the crap dip was so-so, the hush puppies were a little over cooked and underwhelming, the medjool dates were delicious as were the pot stickers. The mint in the mojito wasn’t well muddled, the white sangria drink did not taste like there was any alcohol in it. The ceiling in the bar area where we were seated looked dingy. These are just several little things that add up to mild disappointment.
KR
KristinR
Wilmington
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing! The food was great, great service! Will be going back
GB
GlennB
Raleigh
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very attentive to my gluten free wife. Rosemary beef and scallop special were delicious. I hadn’t had she crab soup in awhile but that was absolutely delicious!!
G
Gurk
Richmond
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as always!!!The food was delicious. My husband and I had the scallop special. Service was attentive.
LM
LynneM
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great selection of appetizers, entrees and delicious desserts. Wait staff very attentive. One of my favorite places to eat in the area.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, drinks and staff were top notch as always! Seeing some new faces can mean a change in service level or consistency of the dishes, but not for Circa 81! Loved it!
KJ
KyleJ
Wilmington
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and a great time, we always enjoy ourselves here

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

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 4.9 stars by 1015 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(252) 648-8300

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 Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
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. We will cook and clean, and you can take all of the credit. Think of us when you are planning your next, wedding, rehearsal dinner, bridal luncheon, office party, dinner party, baby shower etc. Also popular is our drop off menu. We will drop off your food so you can eat at your own leisure. This has been a big hit for the big family beach gatherings. Email Clarke@circa-81.com or call 252.648.8300 for your catering needs. Gather, Eat, Enjoy!
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

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Truffle Honey Pork Belly

Charred Brussel Sprouts

Seared Salmon

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

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

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

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information