CIRCA at Foggy Bottom

4.6

3059 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 28, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 44 times today

Neighborhood gem
Lively
Great for happy hour

All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.

Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!

Our patios accommodate service animals only.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm
Phone number
(202) 506-5589
Website
http://www.circabistros.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Ruben Rodriguez
Private party facilities
We have the ability to adapt our heated patio to meet your special event's needs. Our patio is the perfect space for hosting company happy hours, reunions, or just a great time with friends.Due to the set up of our dining room, it is difficult for us to create an entirely-private dining space. However, we have the ability to use our bar high-tops larger party needs indoors. Please reach out regarding your special event.

Location
2221 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Neighborhood
Foggy Bottom
Cross street
I Street NW
Parking details
Public garage is located around the corner on 22nd Street between I Street NW and Pennsylvania Ave. Metered street parking is available in the neighborhood.
Public transit
Foggy Bottom Metro stop is located directly across the street, off the Orange and Blue lines.
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

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Popular dishes

Soup of the Day$8.00
chef's daily selection
Pretzel Loaf$8.00
warm pretzel loaf with whole grain mustard butter
Fried Calamari$17.00
cherry peppers, artichokes, olives, marinara, grilled lemon
Shotgun Shrimp$15.00
flash fried, sweet chili sauce, red bell pepper, broccolini, jicama slaw, pickled jalapeños, micro cilantro
Tuna Poke Nachos*$18.50
sesame ginger marinade, wasabi avocado cream, tobiko, pickled ginger aioli, wonton chips, roasted nori + sesame seeds
Chicken Wings$18.00
spicy apricot chili glaze, carrots, celery, blue cheese dressing
Hummus$15.00
choice of spiced Wagyu beef with pickled chilies and pine nuts OR za'atar spiced cauliflower with garlic toum and pine nuts served with housemade garlic naan
Wagyu Meatball Sliders$18.00
Garlic brioche, basil aioli, marinara, mozzarella. Contains pork
Brussels + Blue$13.50
flash fried, applewood smoked bacon, balsamic, blue cheese
Four Cheese Macaroni$13.00
cavatappi pasta, crispy prosciutto, herbed bread crumbs

Salads

Caesar*$12.00
chopped romaine, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, brioche crumble, caesar dressing
Parmesan Kale$12.00
baby kale, arugula. toasted sunflower seeds, carrots, marinated tomatoes, crushed crostini, parmesan vinaigrette
Veg + Quinoa Bowl$17.00
baby kale, house pickled beets, avocado, marinated tomatoes, hummus, balsamic onions, sunflower seeds, fried goat cheese, grilled lemon, champagne vinaigrette
Blackened Chicken Mango$20.00
mixed greens, red grapes, mangoes, marinated tomatoes, cashews, dried cranberries, pickled ginger vinaigrette
Thai Shrimp$19.00
shotgun shrimp, mixed greens, napa cabbage, carrots, cucumber, red onion, marinated tomatoes, crispy wontons, micro cilantro, peanuts, Thai peanut vinaigrette
Salmon Salad*$28.00
mixed greens, marinated tomatoes, pee wee potatoes, balsamic onions, goat cheese, champagne vinaigrette
Steak Salad*$29.00
7oz grilled sirloin, mixed greens, marinated tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, grilled corn, balsamic grilled onions, blue cheese, balsamic vinaigrette
Sesame Crusted Tuna*$29.00
mixed greens, romaine, edamame, red onion, shredded carrots, cucumbers, avocado, marinated tomatoes, jicama, herbs, crispy wontons, creamy ginger dressing

Entrées

Sesame Seared Tuna*$34.00
nori aioli, pickled ginger salsa, charred Japanese noodles, vegetable stir fry
Blackened Atlantic Salmon*$29.00
wilted baby kale, mashed cauliflower, whole grain mustard sauce
Jambalaya$26.00
penne pasta, shrimp, chicken, andouille sausage, scallions, diced tomatoes, chipotle cream sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano
Scallops$36.00
garlic + herb vegetable risotto, pickled onions, charred lemon emulsion
Chicken Paillard$25.00
angel hair pasta, roasted mushrooms, baby arugula, roasted red peppers, brown butter
Braised Short Rib$38.00
roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed baby spinach, red wine jus, crispy onions
Steak Frites*$35.00
7oz grilled sirloin, chimichurri, blistered cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano + fresh herb french fries

Sandwiches

CIRCA Burger*$18.00
Creekstone Farms beef, aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, scallion aioli, brioche bun, fries
Turkey Burger$17.00
provolone, lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, habanero aioli, brioche bun, sweet potato fries
Grilled Chicken Sandwich$19.00
provolone, arugula, roasted peppers, basil aioli, ciabatta, fries
Fried Chicken Sandwich$18.00
lettuce, dill pickles, dill pickle aioli, brioche bun, sweet potato fries
Eggplant Parmesan$17.00
breaded eggplant, mozzarella, parsley, pesto, ciabatta bun

Flatbreads

Crushed Tomato Margherita$15.00
hand crushed tomato sauce, basil, fresh mozzarella
Rustic Italian$18.00
sopressata, local Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, mozzarella
Barbecue Chicken$18.00
barbecue sauce, slow roasted chicken, red onion, bacon, mozzarella
Wild Mushroom$18.50
cremini, shiitake, portobello, + oyster mushrooms, arugula, pesto, truffle oil, mozzarella
Four Cheese Spinach$16.00
mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, goat cheese, garlic spinach

Sides

Fries$6.00
Sweet Potato Fries$7.00
Garlic Mashed Potatoes$5.00
Seasonal Veg$7.00

What 3,059 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offers a lively atmosphere and "excellent service" in a prime location near the Kennedy Center. The varied menu caters to diverse tastes, making it a "great choice for pre-show dining." Despite occasional service hiccups, the "delicious food" and "friendly staff" make it a favored spot.

3,059 Reviews

S
Stephany
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We chose to dine at Circa really for its close proximity to the GWHospital, where we had been all day.The food was excellent! We started with hummus topped with za'tar cauliflower, served with nan. Delicious! My daughter had the sesame seared tuna as her entree, and I had the salad with sesame crusted tuna. Both were outstanding! Topped it off with the bread pudding. Perfect!
Is this helpful?
W
William
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and very good service. Four of us had a wide assortment of main courses, an appetizer and desert; all were very good. We were eating at 3:30 so the crowd and noise were not a problem. It’s a great location, right across the street from the Foggy Bottom metro station. Typical high prices for DC, but inline for the location.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
VIP
Seattle
31 reviews
5.0
31 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Nice and Double-Plus Good waitstaff; the food very good
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
VIP
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food, waitstaff and ambience was perfect! The prices are excellent too!
Is this helpful?
M
Melonie
VIP
Minneapolis
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Circa is one impressive place! We enjoyed all of the food we ordered but the standouts include the meatball sliders and the bread pudding. The host and wait staff are incredible. Thank you!
Is this helpful?
R
Randy
Washington DC
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Good menu variety excellent tastes and flavors. Beer and wine selection is not lacking. A few vegetarian items but they will make changes to accomodate.
Is this helpful?
C
Carlynne
Washington DC
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The meal was good. But, the tables are too close together. Waitstaff can barely move and another diner almost hit me trying to put their coat on.it takes away from an otherwise pleasant dining experience.
Is this helpful?
I
Ida
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a wonderful meal on New Years Eve! Service was excellent too! Circa at Foggy Bottom is the perfect spot for dinner and drinks before a show at the Kennedy Center. Highly recommend!
CIRCA at Foggy BottomResponded on January 7, 2025
Thank you for the ratings, Ida, we appreciate your support! Cheers! Josh Admin + Marketing Coordinator
Is this helpful?
T
Tracy
Washington DC
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love Circa Foggy Bottom before a show at Kennedy center ! Excellent service and overall experience.
Is this helpful?
S
Shelley
VIP
Washington DC
43 reviews
3.0
43 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We’ve been to Circa several times for dinner before a show at the Kennedy Center. It has generally been reliably good if not particularly spectacular. But this time did not go very well. Maybe it was the fact it was a Monday or maybe because it was the holidays. But the food was pretty disappointing. In particular, the scallops were stringy and tough, and were served with flavorless mashed potatoes rather than the normal risotto. Probably just a bad day, but it will make me think twice about returning.
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FAQs

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 506-5589.

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom is rated 4.6 stars by 3059 OpenTable diners.

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 28, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 44 times today

Order delivery or takeout

2221 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Additional information

Cross street
I Street NW
Neighborhood
Foggy Bottom
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public garage is located around the corner on 22nd Street between I Street NW and Pennsylvania Ave. Metered street parking is available in the neighborhood.
Public transit
Foggy Bottom Metro stop is located directly across the street, off the Orange and Blue lines.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ruben Rodriguez
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.circabistros.com/
Phone number
(202) 506-5589
Private party facilities
We have the ability to adapt our heated patio to meet your special event's needs. Our patio is the perfect space for hosting company happy hours, reunions, or just a great time with friends.Due to the set up of our dining room, it is difficult for us to create an entirely-private dining space. However, we have the ability to use our bar high-tops larger party needs indoors. Please reach out regarding your special event.

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

Tuna Poke Nachos

Thai Shrimp

Sesame Crusted Tuna

Small Plates

Soup of the Day$8.00

Pretzel Loaf$8.00

Fried Calamari$17.00

Shotgun Shrimp$15.00

Tuna Poke Nachos*$18.50

Chicken Wings$18.00

Hummus$15.00

Wagyu Meatball Sliders$18.00

Brussels + Blue$13.50

Four Cheese Macaroni$13.00

Salads

Caesar*$12.00

Parmesan Kale$12.00

Veg + Quinoa Bowl$17.00

Blackened Chicken Mango$20.00

Thai Shrimp$19.00

Salmon Salad*$28.00

Steak Salad*$29.00

Sesame Crusted Tuna*$29.00

Entrées

Sesame Seared Tuna*$34.00

Blackened Atlantic Salmon*$29.00

Jambalaya$26.00

Scallops$36.00

Chicken Paillard$25.00

Braised Short Rib$38.00

Steak Frites*$35.00

Sandwiches

CIRCA Burger*$18.00

Turkey Burger$17.00

Grilled Chicken Sandwich$19.00

Fried Chicken Sandwich$18.00

Eggplant Parmesan$17.00

Flatbreads

Crushed Tomato Margherita$15.00

Rustic Italian$18.00

Barbecue Chicken$18.00

Wild Mushroom$18.50

Four Cheese Spinach$16.00

Sides

Fries$6.00

Sweet Potato Fries$7.00

Garlic Mashed Potatoes$5.00

Seasonal Veg$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is CIRCA at Foggy Bottom restaurant rated?

Does CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offer gift cards?

Is CIRCA at Foggy Bottom currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card