Circle Bistro

Name: Circle Bistro
Address: One Washington Circle, Washington, DC, United States, 20037
Telephone: (202) 293-5390
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 3.8

3.8

798 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Circle Bistro, located in the heart of the Foggy Bottom Neighborhood, offers a casual yet chic bar and restaurant atmosphere serving American comfort fare including a wide selection of sandwiches, salads and sharing plates. The extensive beverage program showcases over 12 wines by the glass, domestic and imported beer, and a seasonal cocktail list. Our pet-friendly outdoor patio is the perfect oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of the Nation’s Capital. Circle Bistro is the ideal place for breakfast meetings, business lunches, and happy hour gatherings.

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

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 293-5390

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 293-5390
Website
http://www.circlebistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Ashley Olexa
Catering
Ask us about Bistro To Go our newest to-go style catering option to fit your office meeting needs! We are the number one venue for your social and corporate events. Customize your event with one of several options tailored to fit your needs. We’ve got all ends covered from the moment you arrive. Contact our Catering Manager, Annie Schmidt at 202.730.1246 or avschmidt@modushotelsdc.com for more information and to receive your custom proposal.
Private party facilities
In partnership with One Washington Circle Hotel, Circle Bistro has the ability to cater a multitude of events. Our Catering Manager and Executive Chef are happy to work with you on a tailored menu to fit your event needs in one of our state of the art banquet rooms, lounge or private dining room.
Private party contact
Annie Schmidt: (202) 730-1246

Location
One Washington Circle, Washington, DC 20037
Neighborhood
Foggy Bottom
Cross street
23rd, New Hampshire & L
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Foggy Bottom Metro Station
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Soup of the Day$9.00
Tuna Poke Nachos$12.00
avocado cream, lime-crème fraiche, wonton chips, sesame seeds
Old Bay Steak Fries$9.00
sriracha mayonnaise
Fried Calamari$12.00
remoulade sauce
Chips & Guac$10.00
tomato salsa
Buffalo Wings$12.00
free range chicken wings, carrots, celery, ranch dressing
Frites$6.00
parmesan, truffle oil

House Made Personal Pizza

Burrata$14.00
white pizza, parmesan, asiago, EVOO, burrata, black pepper, basil
Americano$14.00
mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions, tomato sauce
Clam$15.00
garlic cream sauce, pancetta, clams, sweet corn relish
Margherita$13.00
fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce

Sandwiches

All sandwiches come w/ a choice of frites or salad

Angus Beef Burger$15.00
bacon, LTO, pickles, choice of cheese
Salmon Burger$17.00
pickled red onions, arugula, pickles, tomato, remoulade
Veggie Burger$14.00
sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, mustard aioli
Chicken Sandwich$14.00
bacon, cheddar, LTO, chipotle Mayonnaise

Salads

Add Chicken / $6, Shrimp or Steak / $8

Caesar$10.00
romaine, parmesan, croutons, Caesar dressing
Mixed Green Salad$10.00
goat cheese, cherry tomato, cucumber, candied pecans, balsamic
Cobb Salad$16.00
avocado, bacon, hard-boiled egg, cherry tomato, blue cheese, ranch

Entrees

Steak Frites$22.00
arugula, mushrooms, red wine sauce
Linguine$20.00
meatballs, garlic, onions, cream-tomato sauce
Norwegian Salmon$24.00
potato & cauliflower puree, green beans, saffron beurre blanc
Shrimp Scampi$22.00
garlic, white wine, parsley, baby carrots, creamy polenta
Poke Bowl$20.00
rare ahi tuna, rice, avocado, cucumber, green onions, sriracha mayo

GWorld Meal Deal

Please ask server for rotating deal of the day

GWorld Meal Deal$10.00
choice of frites, salad, soup & soft drink

Desserts

Gala Apple Beignet$10.00
cinnamon ice cream, maple syrup
Chocolate Lava Cake$10.00
vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce

White Wines

Brut Cuvee NV, St Kilda, Australia$9.00
Pinot Grigio 2018, Cielo, Italy$9.00
Chenin Blanc 2018, M.A.N Family, South Africa$9.00
Riesling 2018, Villa Wolf, Germany$10.00
Albarino 2017, Burgans, Spain$10.00
Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Ponga, New Zealand$10.00
Chardonnay 2017, Martin Ray, Sonoma, CA$12.00
Rose 2018, DMZ, South Africa$9.00

Red Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Santa Julia, Argentina$9.00
Syrah 2016, Roblar, Arroyo Seco, CA$9.00
Malbec 2017, Zuccardi, Argentina$11.00
Primitivo 2017, Masseria, Li Veli, Italy$11.00
Pinot Noir 2017, Cielo, Italy$10.00
Mosiac Red Blend 2018, Indaba, South Africa$9.00
Pinot Noir 2017, Meiomi, Monterrey, CA$44.00
Red Blend 2012, Oyster Ridge, Paso Robles, CA$60.00

Draft Beer

Stella Artois$8.00
Goose Island IPA$8.00
DBB O'fest$8.00

Bottle Beer

Bud Light$6.00
Estrella Jalisco$7.00
Eight-Point IPA$7.00
Gold Leaf Lager$7.00

Cocktails

Pomegranate Martini$12.00
Titos, triple sec, pomegranate Juice
Moscow Mule$12.00
Grey Goose, lime juice, ginger beer
French 75$10.00
Beefeater, simple syrup, lemon juice
My Monkey$12.00
Monkey Shoulder, lemon juice, ginger beer

What 798 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.8

3.8 based on all time ratings

3.9Food
3.8Service
3.6Ambience
3.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

j
jbac
Washington DC
70 reviews
vip
4.0
70 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
We arrived at Circle Bistro on a freezing night and were met at the door by a gracious gentleman who showed us to a table by the fire. From then on the dinner proceeded faultlessly. My only caveat is that the menu is very limited.
B
Benjy
Washington DC
49 reviews
4.0
49 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience3
Circle Bistro was much quainter than I expected and much more low key than you typically see on Open Table. Was ok though. Service was great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
65 reviews
vip
4.0
65 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Much enjoy lunches especially salads topped with salmon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
65 reviews
vip
4.0
65 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Go-to place for lunch meetings. Staff always helpful. Menu items always appealing and well prepared. Great choice of salads. Top one with salmon...great start and the sweet potato fries have graduated to top of class!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a very quiet side room — perfect for our business meeting! John
DD
DanielaD
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience3
Great quiet space in the center of tow. Easy access. Good food.
s
stephaniep
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2019
overall1food1service4ambience1
It’s not a stand alone restraunt, it’s in the basement of a hotel. Not a great meal.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
65 reviews
vip
3.0
65 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience4
Reliable, enjoyable though limited selections. Perfect for quiet meetings and get togethers. Definitely a top choice for convenience and easy dining.
JP
JosephP
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2018
overall1food1service2ambience3
Our muffin was moldy! It was disgusting, so we left. It also smelt like old hotels that used to allow smoking. Not pleasant to smell that while eating. The waitresses were friendly.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
65 reviews
vip
3.0
65 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2018
overall3food3service5ambience4
Food is better than average although very limited choices. My go to place for quiet meetings. Very accommodating staff.
a
andreapendleton
Washington DC
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food & service are great and it’s a treat to find a place where you can actually talk to friends without shouting at them!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience3
Quiet location. Nice, fresh food. Attentive service. Kitchen was able to modify items to suit all our needs.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
65 reviews
vip
4.0
65 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2018
overall4food3service4ambience3
Staff is always great. Downsized menu is a challenge since I like to use this quiet and pleasant location for biweekly lunch meetings. Food is good. Never have or hear complaints.
JA
JoAnnM
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 9, 2018
overall1food1service1ambience1
No one up front at the desk. Had to knock on the kitchen door before someone noticed we were there. Tiny menu. Left for a better place.
KE
KEIFER
Washington DC
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Definitely one of Washington's best-kept secrets, yet has been around for years and is appreciated by those who know about it; enjoy the creative, delicious menu (and beautiful presentation); calming ambience to be able to appreciate the food; and the courteous, excellent, unobtrusive service--all of which equals a five-star rating!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I had breakfast here on Sunday, February 18th but I neglected to mention Open Table to the restaurant and would like to receive my dining points. We stayed in Room 317. The service was great and the food was delicious. Thank you, Sandra Callahan
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2018
overall1food1service4ambience1
No one was there for a reason
a
andreapendleton
Washington DC
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful to find a quiet spot for downtown dining! Definitely a hidden gem.
B
Bert
Washington DC
81 reviews
vip
4.0
81 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2017
overall4food5service3ambience5
Circle Bistro is a neighborhood go-to for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or setting up a meeting for friends. The food is excellent and innovative. The staff is excellent, although from time to time inattentive. It is reliably good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2017
overall1food1service1ambience1
We made a reservation for 11:45 on Sunday for brunch. When we arrived at 11:45 we were told they were closing at noon. Why on earth take an 11:45 reservation to only close at noon? Also, not a good way to welcome a guest. Needless to say, we left and went elsewhere because of this.
C
Cylia
Baltimore
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wonderful hidden gem! Service was great and we truly enjoyed our meals. The bar area has a wonderful fireplace. It was a very quiet location which was great for a lunch. Will definitely be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2017
overall2food2service1ambience3
I visited Circle Bistro for Restaurant Week due to the flexibility of their menu. The options were varied and the food was pretty good. However, the service was terrible. I'm not sure if they were short staffed or what, but the maitre'd seemed to be serving as a waiter and the busser seemed to also serve as a waiter. It took nearly 20 minutes from when we were seated and received water to when someone came to take our order. Then it was another 15 minutes before the first course arrived. I had the hummus and pita. The hummus was a bit too salty and pasty, and the pita was a bit too chewy. I had ravioli for the entree and pineapple upside down cake for dessert. The ravioli was the best part of the meal and the cake was a bit too dry. I had to attend a meeting so I had to get my entree and dessert to go.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 27, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience4
Second visit. Good place to talk. Salad was good and prices are reasonable. It is sort of unknown in Foggy bottom.
KJ
KathleenJ
Washington DC
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this restaurant for the ability to have a conversation and be heard. They do not bother to leave after one has eaten. Delightful.
SR
SRQMark
Tampa
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2016
overall4food4service4ambience4
There were four of us there for Sunday brunch. All liked their meal. Service was attentive and setting was very nice. Location in D.C. West End is great - right on Washington Circle, across the circle from the Foggy Bottom Metro stop. Although I generally do not like hotel restaurants, this one is an exception. Just what we were looking for. Pricing was great in general; but especially for the area and a hotel restaurant. It may not win awards, but it is a solid choice for a comfortable, good quality meal at a great value. Nice view of the area. All were quite glad that we ate there.
BS
BillS
Washington DC
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2016
overall4food4service3ambience3
Good location and good variety of lunch selections. All three of us were pleased with our choices.
J
Justme
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2016
overall5food4service5ambience4
We walked to this place before packing up to leave another hotel. Very nice, we made reservations but they weren't needed at 9:45 on this particular Sunday. Pleasant waiter, 5 of us. Several had the banana buckwheat pancakes which were good. (I would have thought they would have put a strawberry or a small piece of fruit on the plate; it seemed sorta naked with 3 pancakes dusted with sugar!) The others had French toast. We all used the blueberry compote, yum. My brother got a ton of bacon with his. It was all tasty; no complaints.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2016
overall3food3service3ambience3
Chose this venue for a business lunch as I knew the noise level would be low. Like it because there are a limited number of table for lunch which it makes it's ideal for doing business as well as enjoying the company.
l
loves2eatout
Washington DC
27 reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2016
overall4food3service4ambience4
Very average food. Good service. Too many other restaurants in that area so I probably wouldn't bother to return.
PH
PaulaH
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great location if you are heading to the Kennedy Center for a show. They have valet parking and from there it is a quick trip to the Center. All our food choices were very good as were our wine choices. Service was quick and responded to our need to get to the evening show. Staff were helpful and attentive. The Bistro was a great choice for us!
MG
MonciaG
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 21, 2016
overall4food4service3ambience4
We sat in the patio area, which most of us enjoyed. Unfortunately, service was not coming to our table as often as we wished, although our table (5 people) was the only one in the outdoor area.
S
Scar
Central Coast
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is an exceptional place to eat. The food was excellent and presented quite pleasingly. Out waiter was very helpful and even chased us down outside when we forgot our left over bag.
K
Kee1
Dallas
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice and quiet place.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2016
overall4food4service5ambience4
The mussels appetizers was more than ample for us to share, very well seasoned. We both had fish, salmon and swordfish. Each was just a tad overcooked for our taste, but not dry. The vegetable accompaniments were ok, but unimaginative. Still, the service was expert and no extra charge for sparkling, rather than still, water. We'd go back.
FB
FeliciaB
Washington DC
154 reviews
vip
5.0
154 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service!
T
Tish
Washington DC
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2016
overall3food3service4ambience5
Took my mom and sister for Mother's Day brunch. My sister had to send all of her food back and my Mom's waffles were burnt. Drink menu was very scarce and the waiter was unsure of our drink selection. But it was a really quiet and peaceful environment. I would go again on an informal occasion maybe
J
Jerry
Baltimore
132 reviews
vip
4.0
132 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2016
overall4food4service4ambience4
My wife and I enjoyed a very nice lunch following a NSO event. The special turkey club was loaded with interesting ingredients on a nice bread. Salad consisted of a variety of fresh spring vegetables with a light dressing.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2016
overall4food4service4ambience3
A good menu selection, courteous and friendly service. An intimate dining room but they also have a larger area that was closed off for a private event (good to know they provide that service.) I will be back.
L
Langacre
Washington DC
43 reviews
vip
4.0
43 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2016
overall4food3service3ambience4
There are not that many places to get a good lunch near Washington Circle. I was meeting a colleague who was staying at the hotel in which the restaurant is located, so it seemed like a good option. But service was confused and slow, and the fish and chips was pretty low end, especially for the price being charged. My colleague's salmon looked better. We were really there to talk, so the iffy service and mediocre food was not much of a problem, but if you are looking for a good meal, you should look elsewhere.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2016
overall5food3service3ambience5
Food was okay, crab dip was the best part of the meal

FAQs

Circle Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 293-5390.

Circle Bistro is rated 3.8 stars by 798 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

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 293-5390

One Washington Circle, Washington, DC 20037

Additional information

Cross street
23rd, New Hampshire & L
Neighborhood
Foggy Bottom
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Foggy Bottom Metro Station
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Ashley Olexa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.circlebistro.com/
Phone number
(202) 293-5390
Catering
Ask us about Bistro To Go our newest to-go style catering option to fit your office meeting needs! We are the number one venue for your social and corporate events. Customize your event with one of several options tailored to fit your needs. We’ve got all ends covered from the moment you arrive. Contact our Catering Manager, Annie Schmidt at 202.730.1246 or avschmidt@modushotelsdc.com for more information and to receive your custom proposal.
Private party facilities
In partnership with One Washington Circle Hotel, Circle Bistro has the ability to cater a multitude of events. Our Catering Manager and Executive Chef are happy to work with you on a tailored menu to fit your event needs in one of our state of the art banquet rooms, lounge or private dining room.
Private party contact
Annie Schmidt: (202) 730-1246

Circle Bistro

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Appetizers

Soup of the Day$9.00

Tuna Poke Nachos$12.00

Old Bay Steak Fries$9.00

Fried Calamari$12.00

Chips & Guac$10.00

Buffalo Wings$12.00

Frites$6.00

House Made Personal Pizza

Burrata$14.00

Americano$14.00

Clam$15.00

Margherita$13.00

Sandwiches

Angus Beef Burger$15.00

Salmon Burger$17.00

Veggie Burger$14.00

Chicken Sandwich$14.00

Salads

Caesar$10.00

Mixed Green Salad$10.00

Cobb Salad$16.00

Entrees

Steak Frites$22.00

Linguine$20.00

Norwegian Salmon$24.00

Shrimp Scampi$22.00

Poke Bowl$20.00

GWorld Meal Deal

GWorld Meal Deal$10.00

Desserts

Gala Apple Beignet$10.00

Chocolate Lava Cake$10.00

White Wines

Brut Cuvee NV, St Kilda, Australia$9.00

Pinot Grigio 2018, Cielo, Italy$9.00

Chenin Blanc 2018, M.A.N Family, South Africa$9.00

Riesling 2018, Villa Wolf, Germany$10.00

Albarino 2017, Burgans, Spain$10.00

Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Ponga, New Zealand$10.00

Chardonnay 2017, Martin Ray, Sonoma, CA$12.00

Rose 2018, DMZ, South Africa$9.00

Red Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Santa Julia, Argentina$9.00

Syrah 2016, Roblar, Arroyo Seco, CA$9.00

Malbec 2017, Zuccardi, Argentina$11.00

Primitivo 2017, Masseria, Li Veli, Italy$11.00

Pinot Noir 2017, Cielo, Italy$10.00

Mosiac Red Blend 2018, Indaba, South Africa$9.00

Pinot Noir 2017, Meiomi, Monterrey, CA$44.00

Red Blend 2012, Oyster Ridge, Paso Robles, CA$60.00

Draft Beer

Stella Artois$8.00

Goose Island IPA$8.00

DBB O'fest$8.00

Bottle Beer

Bud Light$6.00

Estrella Jalisco$7.00

Eight-Point IPA$7.00

Gold Leaf Lager$7.00

Cocktails

Pomegranate Martini$12.00

Moscow Mule$12.00

French 75$10.00

My Monkey$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

FAQs

Does Circle Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Circle Bistro restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information