CIRCA at Clarendon — Restaurant in Virginia

Had Brunch here a couple weekends ago with a group of friends. Had the rudest waiter ever along with a cavalier manager. Long story short...Waiter came to the table and we were ready to order. The waiter got to one of our friends and she wasn’t ready and simply stated, “Could you please come back around to me?” This guy proceeded to state, “You better be ready when I get to you.” Now I thought he was joking (I got there a little late and thought a joking rapport was built) but he wasn’t as he then walked away without a smile. I then asked my friends was he serious and they were like, “I believe so.”

So of course I did what I had to do. I got up and approached him and addressed him accordingly. I asked if he was serious and he stated, “Yes, I’m busy!” I then instructed him to never speak to a woman like that and that if he was “busy” you get another waiter and that there is a certain level of professionalism he should maintain at all time. (side note...someone turned the music down and all eyes were on me while doing this) He then apologized, but I instructed him to apologize to the lady and not me. So, he went and apologized! I told him to then get his manager. So his manager comes over and listens, but I could tell he’s unbothered.

At this point I’m like make sure he doesn’t serve us. Keep in mind, THEY ARE NOT BUSY. Most of you know what a crowded brunch at Blackwell looks like! Now, could they have been short staffed, absolutely but you don’t take it out on your customers. So as I’m talking to the Manager, The bartender slips me a “thumbs up” this lets me know that these guys may be an issue behind the scene as well. So now i’m like, hmmm...what’s really going on. I’m about to wrap this up guys...I promise.

So a group of young ladies that were at a table behind us heard the commotion and actually approached us. They wanted to know what happened before they left a tip..They were like you handled that well, but they had to know what happened. So of course we told them and they were disgusted so they tipped accordingly. So apparently, he must’ve been an issue with them as well, because i’m sure if he was a stellar waiter with them they would’ve just tipped him and been about their Saturday.

Now I’m not going to say any names. I’m doing this because their attitudes are a reflection of the entire establishment and show they treat their patrons. So in my eyes, they are all guilty. And the next time you go (which I advise not), proceed with caution. We’ve already cancelled them as their brunch was sub...

As the thermometer soared to a blistering 95 degrees, my girlfriend and I, in search of a cool escape, set our sights on the happy hour at CIRCA at Clarendon. Outdoor seating was initially on the agenda, but the heat persuaded us to embrace the chilled bar area instead, ready for some good deals.

From 4 to 7 pm, happy hour was in full swing, with promises of well-priced libations and eats. After a blessedly cool metro ride, we arrived, ready to test out CIRCA’s offerings.

Intrigued by the happy hour menu, we scoured the list for something that would cater to my girlfriend's vegetarian preference and landed on the Hummus, normally $15, which offered a choice between spiced Wagyu beef with pickled chilies and pine nuts or za’atar spiced cauliflower with garlic toum and pine nuts. Opting for the latter, we paired it with housemade garlic naan that struck the perfect balance between crispy and soft, drenched in fragrant melted butter and herbs.

We also chose the Brussels Sprouts, regularly $13, choosing to forgo the usual flash-fried applewood smoked bacon for a simple veggie version coated in a balsamic glaze and a sprinkling of blue cheese. While they could have done with a pinch more salt (compensating for the absent bacon), a little shake from the salt shaker had us back in business. That said, an extra crumble of blue cheese wouldn't have gone amiss.

With appetites still whispering for more, I eyed the Crushed Tomato Margherita, priced at $13 under normal circumstances. Another victory for our happy hour quest, as small plates and flatbreads were seeing a sweet $2 off. Size-wise, the flatbread mirrored the naan, which seemed like a good sign. The hand-crushed tomato sauce was notably fresh, though a tad sweeter than expected, and while the fresh mozzarella offered a nice creaminess, it had a chewier texture than I'd usually go for.

A couple of refreshing $5 drafts later, also thanks to happy hour, and our evening was set. The bill—minus the tip—didn’t even break the $50 barrier, a pleasant surprise for a Friday night in Clarendon. Service was warm albeit a smidge slow, likely due to the happy hour rush, but it was no dampener on our laid-back night out.

CIRCA at Clarendon has earned itself a nod from us, securing a spot on our go-to list for friends and chill night-outs, with tempting bites and drinks that don't skimp on...

My recent experience at CIRCA in Clarendon left me with an impression of an establishment that, while not necessarily disappointing, failed to distinguish itself in a way that would elevate it to a standout dining destination. The adjective that consistently comes to mind is "average," as CIRCA seemed to lack the distinctive elements that make a restaurant truly memorable.

The culinary offerings at CIRCA fell into a similar category of averageness. While the menu presented a range of options, the execution of the dishes left me without a lasting impression. The flavors were decent, but there was a noticeable absence of the wow factor that sets exceptional dining experiences apart. The lack of a standout signature dish or a unique culinary approach contributed to the overall sense of mediocrity.

One notable drawback was the state of the restrooms, which, regrettably, were not up to the standard one would expect. The cleanliness of these facilities was subpar, detracting from the overall dining experience. It's a fundamental expectation that the restroom facilities in any establishment, particularly a restaurant, should be maintained to a high standard to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of patrons.

While the service at CIRCA was courteous, it did little to compensate for the absence of outstanding features. Politeness alone could not overcome the overall sense of averageness that permeated the visit.

In conclusion, CIRCA in Clarendon is a decent dining option, but it falls short of being remarkable. The lack of distinctive elements, coupled with concerns about restroom cleanliness, hinders its potential to leave a lasting positive impression on patrons. Enhancements in both culinary innovation and maintenance standards could transform CIRCA into a more compelling dining...