How is Circa 1886 restaurant rated?

Circa 1886

4.7

3414 Reviews

$31 to $50

Southern

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Chef Marc Collins draws inspiration from many cuisines around the world to create a menu that is truly unique to the Charleston restaurant scene. Drawing inspiration from historic Southern dishes and always highlighting what is local and in season, Chef Collins puts a healthful, distinctive spin on classic Lowcountry dishes. The result is satisfying dishes that retain their bright, bold flavors without the large amounts of fat found in many restaurant dishes. From our Plantation Rice Bread Rolls made in house daily, to the selection of local seafood, to Pastry Chef Lovorn’s incredible desserts, each dinner at Circa 1886 celebrates the region we call home. Let our professional, attentive, experienced and knowledgeable staff guide you through the menu and help select a wine that is a perfect pairing for food and budget.

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Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Southern, American, Low Country
Hours of operation
Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Phone number
(843) 853-7828
Website
http://www.circa1886.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Marc Collins
Private party facilities
The private dining room (Tack Room)with mirroring fireplaces and six windows overlooking our garden can accommodate up to 38 people. Our Garden Room also offers a private dining experience perfect for a party of up to 12. Several different banquet menus are offered for private parties.
Private party contact
Kristen Blackmon: (843) 853-7828

Location
149 Wentworth St. Charleston, SC 29401
Neighborhood
South Carolina
Cross street
Smith
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 3,414 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.7

4.7 based on all time ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Quiet

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l
lewisg
Baton Rouge
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
One word, Outstanding! Service was excellent and the menu was one of a kind.
G
Grandparents
Charleston
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Special meal in a special place. The food, service, and surroundings were wonderful. One of our favorite places in Charleston.
FD
FineDining
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
When I go out to eat, and since I have traveled extensively in US and abroad, I think I have the basis for comparison. The service at Circa, its best feature, was definitely outstanding and, as should be in a high end establishment, the atmosphere was properly quiet, understated and pleasing. Unfortunately, though foos was well prepared and served the plate presentation was nothing special - and one featured item which is always mentioned as "not to be missed" was nothing more than a surprisingly small, poorly presented, glorified grilled cheese finger sandwich. Worse, for the effort it may take to prepare, and not unusual ingredients, it was way overpriced. Summary: A very nice restaurant that I can recommend, with some resrvations. Sadly, it did not meet expectations of "one of the top 4."
l
luvfinefood
New York Area
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
2 year anniversary love everything about this place! Second time here. Listed one of the 51 top restaurants in the United States
v
vince
Chicago
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2019
overall4food3service4ambience4
A pleasant place I have been meaning to try for some time, however I was a bit nonplussed. I have rather bad soy allergies, and the server indicated that prevented me from quite a number of items on the menu. Although this occurs frequently, it is seldom a problem at higher-end restaurants (i.e. soybean oil or vegetable oil containing soy is a cheaper alternative to olive oil, for example; a good restaurant should not be reliant on lesser soy products). Nonetheless, a pleasant enough meal.
VS
VictorS
Greensboro
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding meal from appetizers to desserts. Wonderful service
RJ
RoxieJones
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was our anniversary and enjoyed the entire experience
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience! Best meal we had in Charleston. Great place for a romantic meal that will treat you like royalty.
HO
HappyOne
Washington DC
61 reviews
vip
5.0
61 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Circa 1886 was a very wonderful experience for our 33rd Wedding Anniversary. The 5 course meal with wine pairing was exceptional. The customer service was over the top and the atmosphere was romantic and relaxing. I highly recommend this restaurant for any reason.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Fayetteville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Terrific experience! The food and service were both amazing and they catered to my wife’s gluten and dairy allergies wonderfully.
KT
KTCharleston
New York Area
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are always so impressed with the service and the excellent food!
WF
WhitneyF
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Circa 1886 has always been my favorite Charleston restaurant. Our large group's dinner on Saturday, October 26th was tremendous as always. With 20 people, the staff at Circa went out of their way to be accommodating and gracious. Thank you for another memorable meal. I can't wait to come back!
JH
JanetH
Tallahassee
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tasting menu is highly recommended from beginning to end.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Circa 1886 was extraordinary! Definitely a culinary experience
MA
MarcusAurelius2
Atlanta
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The wait staff and the food were outstanding. Our food arrived quickly and the presentation was superb.
J
Jimbo
Tampa
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Super server. Good looking menu set up. Nice wine list. Enjoyed the 3-course dinner for Rutledge House guests. The inner room had a bit better ambience than the outer room where we sat. A very good 2-hrs. Would go again.
D
Dusty
Cincinnati
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful experience at Circa 1886. My husband had the tasting menu which was outstanding and I tried the foie gras and the pimento cheese, both were excellent. Our server Austin was also pleasant and went above and beyond to ensure we had a lovely evening. We will definitely be back!
NM
NicoleM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were amazing. Portion sizes are more than adequate, we left stuffed. If you Do the three or five course tasking menu don’t skip out in the wine pairing, it absolutely enhances the experience. We had a wonderful time and would visit again while in Charleston.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Out of this world fantastic Service was incredible! Food prepared with creativity #1 in our books!
LM
LoriM
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved how the foods were paired regionally! My husband chose food from the Native American menu. He absolutely LOVED the rabbit starting dish. I chose the local South Carolina foods and all were good! Outstanding flavors and service means we Texans will be back!
KM
KellyM
Orange County
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and very friendly staff. Wonderful evening.
JK
JacobK
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were on vacation for our wedding anniversary and this restaurant was a recommendation from a Charleston local. We loved the setting, and the food was excellent. Often times when you go to a restaurant of this quality, the food is excellent but you feel like there’s not much of it... not the case here. My wife and I both left extremely satisfied in the quality and quantity of food we received. Highly recommend Circa 1886 for anyone looking for a fine dining experience in Charleston.
L
Lulumom
New England
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience5
Beautiful place. Lovely food. Service was not as welcoming or helpful in finding alternatives for one of our party with dietary restrictions. This was with advance notice. There was only one thing on the menu that could be prepared differently. The final result was delicious, but was difficult to get there.
S
Skummy
Philadelphia
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always dine at 1886 house when in Charleston. New menu (to us) is outstanding very creative (and tasty)tour of SC cuisine.
BG
BigGreek
Charleston
57 reviews
3.0
57 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience4
Dinner was just ok this time. The rabbit stew was unimpressive and our main entree was Grouper. The grouper was fresh but bland. It would have been much better with a sauce of some type on it. The wine pairing were particularly unimpressive - having a Pinot with the was not my idea of a good pairing All in all I was disappointed
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2019
overall5food5service3ambience5
The food was amazing albeit the service was slow.
ML
MichaelL
Charleston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonderful place to celebrate our 48th Anniversary. So elegant and the service was outstanding
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cleveland
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time Great service Wonderful food
l
lynnh
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
It was my mother's birthday and the restaurant and associated hotel couldn't have been nicer. It made the event truly special.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A first class dining experience. The food was creative, but approachable, the service was great and we had a nice private booth. It is expensive, so expect $100 per person
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing! Very much what you expect from this place
K
Kam1372
Baltimore
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Circa 1886 exceeded our expectations. Service was wonderful. Food was impeccable. The grouper was excellent. Dessert was a showstopper. Highly recommend, especially for a special occasion. Really charming.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Columbus
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were outstanding. The thoughtfulness that clearly went into each dish was evident. This meal was special and one I will remember for a long time. ❤️
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a superb dinner. The food was wonderful. Our server Denis was so knowledgeable about both the wine and the foods. It was a wonderful dining experience.
RY
RebeccaY
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Most incredible meal we have gone for a long time. The service was impeccable, the food was outstanding and very unique especially from the native menu, and the Ambiance was perfect for a date night. Definitely coming back next time we are in Charleston! We had the rabbit, apple salad, venison and rainbow trout.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The amazing amuse bouche that the chef sent out before our meal set the tone for the entire night. I’m not going into detail about what I ordered but I did stay on the South Carolina today side of the menu (grilled cheese and fried red hen)😜. The service was exceptional and paced very well. I definitely recommend a night here!!!!
PM
PaulM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic venue, food and service. We had a wonderful evening and would definitely return. Thank you for a wonderful evening.
HC
HCCM
Cleveland
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tanya was an outstanding waitress ! She explained the menu nuances extremely well !
SK
StefanieK
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything about this place was fantastic - the food, service, ambiance/decor. Our server was so friendly, warm and accommodating when I told her about my husband having celiac disease. Every dish was incredible, presented so beautifully and flavorful. They even surprised us with writing Happy Anniversary in chocolate when our dessert was presented. It's little touches like this, that go a long way. We experienced true Southern Hospitality at Circa 1886, thank you for such a memorable time!
c
cidskull
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was delicious. there was a nice selection of wines from which to choose. The menu was varied enough to suit all of us in the party (there were six). The service is impeccable. Requests are handled quickly and expertly. Desserts were a dream. Ambiance is nice. All in all, a wonderful experience.

FAQs

Circa 1886 is rated 4.7 stars by 3414 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Cross street
Smith
Neighborhood
South Carolina
Hours of operation
Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Cuisines
Southern, American, Low Country
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Marc Collins
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.circa1886.com/
Phone number
(843) 853-7828
Private party facilities
The private dining room (Tack Room)with mirroring fireplaces and six windows overlooking our garden can accommodate up to 38 people. Our Garden Room also offers a private dining experience perfect for a party of up to 12. Several different banquet menus are offered for private parties.
Private party contact
Kristen Blackmon: (843) 853-7828

Circa 1886

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Apple Rum Soufflé

Paprika Grouper

Southern Grilled Cheese

Tastes of Native Tribes

Starters

Preserved Rabbit$16.00

61ºc Egg$17.00

Entrees

Rainbow Trout$40.00

Broken Arrow Venison$45.00

Dessert

Spiced Pear Cake$11.00

Flavors Brought from Africa

Starters

Butternut Squash & Peanut Soup$11.00

Shrimp N' Rice Grits$18.00

Entrees

Berbere Sweet Potatoes$32.00

Tankora Spiced Guinea Hen$38.00

Dessert

West African Milk Tart$12.00

Influences from Europe

Starters

Leberkäse$15.00

Foie Gras*$28.00

Entrees

Paprika Grouper$41.00

Prime U.S. Striploin$44.00

Dessert

Bittersweet Chocolate Crémuex$13.00

South Carolina Today

Starters

Green Goddess Caesar Salad$11.00

Southern Grilled Cheese$39.00

Entrees

Sea Scallops$42.00

Chicken Fried Duck Breast$43.00

Dessert

Apple Rum Soufflé$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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How is Circa 1886 restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information