Circa 1888 — Restaurant in Raleigh

I liked having a drink or two here mainly because of the music. It's not too loud that you can't have a nice conversation and it's dark, and not packed ever. I've been here 5 times in 2 years and 4/5 bartenders were very slow to greet me, unfriendly to outright ridiculously rude. St. Patrick's Day last year I came in early and it hadn't really gotten busy yet but I couldn't get anyone's attention to pay the bill. I complained and I was comped my drink, which I appreciated very much. So I came back last week and was meeting a friend. I got there first and ordered after the bartender took plenty of time to get to me. It was a Thursday and not busy yet. I ordered and he put down the draft beer (no napkin or coaster ) and asked did I want to leave it open. I said I was waiting on a friend so yes. He just stared at me. Then goes, so do you want to pay for this now or start a tab? I said oh you need a card? OK. I reached for my wallet but he was about to take the beer away! I said I'm giving you a card you don't have to do that. Then he goes, do you have ID? Now I pretended to be flattered he "carded" me, but I realized right away he was going to check to see if my ID matched the name on the card, because he thought I was some kind of grifter! When my friend got there who is 11 years younger than me, he was not asked for ID. My friend paid for my drink and got my card back for me. Look, I know it is a sign of the times that bartenders and servers have to be on guard against thieves and con-artists. There are ways to be polite about it. I would have not left a tip at all, and I have a lot of serving experience and said I would never do that. But the absolute bare minimum in service, plus obvious hostility for what reason I can't guess...I cannot tolerate. I do not recommend this place and I...

I looooove coming to Circa 1888 to play pool as it’s one of the nicest, coziest places to play pool that doesn’t look dilapidated. This is my favorite date spot.

Drinks are really cheap compared to bars nearby. There are 4 beautiful red regulation-size tables and indoor and outdoor seating.

Unless you find free street parking, you will most likely have to park in the paid lot across the street from the car. I advise you to pay to park as the city tickets me every single time I think I can get away with it.

Once you’re done with pool, you can head over to the beercade right next door, which is also great. Since Circa is downtown, you can walk to a bunch of other cool bars and breweries.

Highly recommend Circa, especially as a date spot. If you want to grab a pool table, make sure you come early or outside of peak hours as they get taken up...

I had a great experience the first time I went here. It's a really nice place; they have good drinks and pool tables. That being said, the second time on Saturday night, 2 of us waited about 30 minutes for the bartender to notice us so we could order a couple drinks and play pool. She would just quickly walk past us at the middle of the bar every time without even looking our way. We didn't want to be rude, so we didn't say anything, we just left. It was mildly busy so we didn't expect to be served right away, but she served many people that came in after us and she never spoke to or looked at us once. We just wanted to throw some money at you guys and drink a lot, not be ignored.

P.S. I will come here again, but it would be nice to have 1 more person to bartend...