CIRCA at Foggy Bottom

4.6

3066 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 46 times today

Lively
Good for special occasions
Good for groups

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 3,066 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

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offers "reliably excellent" food and service, perfect for pre-Kennedy Center dining. Guests praise the "fantastic" sesame crusted tuna, meatball sliders, and "fabulous" bread pudding. The restaurant features a varied menu with "excellent tastes and flavors," a "great happy hour," and a heated patio. Ideal location and friendly staff enhance the experience.

3,066 Reviews

J
Jeffrey
Baltimore
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The service was good….they accommodated us even being late for our reservation…..vibe was dope…..server was really good….now the food….poke nachos was ok….the the fried calamari was meh…..the steak from the steak and fries was juicy and tender and that garlic butter was delicious….my wife had the jambalaya….the sausages in it were like super hot….the drinks were ok….i had the old fashioned….it was meh…and my wife had the blackberry margarita….the margarita had so much ice in it she had to take some out to finish it….overall not bad but I would have wanted more portions less ice and maybe tone down the spicy sausage in the jambalaya
Is this helpful?
ND
NeilD
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food came out quickly and was delicious, service was great as well. 10/10 recommend.
Is this helpful?
A
Alexis
VIP
Washington DC
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great meal with excellent menu options. Server was extremely attentive!!
Is this helpful?
K
Kate
Baltimore
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Classic new American menu prepared solidly well; excellent service
Is this helpful?
V
Veronica
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience all around! Drinks, food, and service were all excellent!
Is this helpful?
L
Lawrence
Washington DC
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We dine at Circa every time we are going to a Kennedy Center performance. It is so reliably excellent for its food and service. The service was attentive and respectful. The sesame crusted tuna and tuna poke nachos are fantastic. We'll definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
L
Louise
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always great service when we come here. Food is great, drinks are great. Whole team works together seamlessly.
Is this helpful?
S
Stephany
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2025
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 on January 25, 2025
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
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2025
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?

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 3066 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

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 46 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