Circa69 Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Jensen Beach

Let me start with the fact I want all restaurants that come in to this area to succeed. This restaurant has an awesome location and the potential to be something great and ‘upscale’ in an area traditionally more casual (always nice to have casual and some fancier options). While our experience wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good enough to warrant the final bill - more on this later. I hope they work on some of the stuff in these reviews.

The good (the only reason it warrants 3 stars): -The appetizers were tasty. The crab cakes were a good portion size for 2 people, and the spicy chicken sliders were delicious (caveat on sliders below)

-The scallops were delicious (caveat below)

Seems like they heeded the review about the 16% service charge automatically tacked on to your bill, so good on them, it was told to us by the server and by a sign on the table.

The bad: -The interior design is definitely confused. It feels eclectic but not through intention, more by accident. At the same time, it feels like they tried to make it ‘circa 69’ retro but not in an upscale way and completely missed the mark. In the left side of the restaurant the tables/chairs don’t really fit in and the carpet is off-putting. If you’re going to charge upscale prices, you should have an upscale interior, and this did not have it.

The spicy chicken sliders came with chips. I wouldn’t have missed the chips if they weren’t there, probably would have been better to have 3-4 sliders instead of the chips, especially for $16 - $8 per small slider is a bit steep, and chips don’t fit upscale dining prices.

-While the scallops were delicious, for the price ($36), it should have come with 4 scallops and more of the risotto. I left feeling like I needed another meal. I’ve been to fine dining in Fort Lauderdale where for a similar price you get 4 scallops and enough of the extra stuff to fill up.

It wasn’t actually clear where the entrance to the restaurant was when walking from the parking lot. It might be beneficial to have the host/hostess stand outside to pull/direct people to the entrance. Or a sign on the door.

For my wife, and myself, with two smaller apps, two entrees (one being salmon - the other scallops), and two cocktails, the bill was almost $150 which I would pay in center city Fort Lauderdale and get more food/drinks. After 16% service it was ~$180. Oof.

Neither pro nor con: The parking wasn’t bad early. The amount of people moving up here, is going to make finding parking a fight, not the restaurants fault. They did what they could with the parking.

Really wanted this to be a 5 star place, but I don’t think they are there yet. I hope they work on it and...

As someone who always tips a minimum of 20% to 30 % I have stopped visiting any business with mandatory tipping fees regardless of the % and story behind it . You have your policy and I have mine .

Now for my review

First time visiting and I was impressed with the range of local draft beers and the general ambiance of the place. Sat at the bar and was informed happy hour was $2 off beers and wines plus some appetizer specials. Was not informed that 90% of the beers are not included in the happy hour. To be fair they adjusted my bill when I questioned why a beer brewed a few miles away wasn’t considered domestic. I still couldn’t figure out my bill until I got home and noticed a 16% service charge so I ended up tipping twice . I pulled up their menu online only to read the small print at the bottom stating added service charge. I don’t don’t go out to read small print on menus and I’m sure many other people are over tipping as it’s not mentioned anywhere else and certainly not disclosed by our server for obvious reasons. I liked the place but really don’t feel they gave me any reason to...

Outstanding. Magnificent. Our first visit to Circa69 will not be our last. We were in Jensen beach for the weekend and stopped in for dinner after a movie. Our party of 3 was greeted and seated immediately. Our server, Nick, having been there since the opening gave us great recommendations for appetizers, drinks and entrees. We started with the grilled chicken kabobs with tzatziki and pita and the deviled eggs. My only regret is eating them so fast that I didn’t get a photo. Those apps told the story that we were in for a great meal and we absolutely were. I had the pack crusted snapper with Jazmine rice and seasonal veggies. If you are a fish lover, get it - you won’t regret it. Get extra butter sauce also. My husband and daughter both enjoyed the slammin jammiin Jensen burger with fries. They both raved that their burgers were delicious and juicy and one of the best they’ve had ever. I finished with a “Happy Ending” martini that was a sweet delicious adult treat. The drinks from the bar are serious! Dont drink and drive. My rating 10/10! We loved it and...