Avg 4.5* in total 305 reviews.
Claimed - $$ - Tapas/Small Plates, Breakfast & Brunch, New American
Phone: (252) 648-8300
About the Business
Specialties
Focusing on providing guests with a great dining experience is what we do. Using some of the best ingredients from local providers, Circa 81 takes pride in offering a farm / sea to table menu as much as possible, supporting local fishermen and farmers. Offering small plates that are perfect for passing around the table in true tapas style, our dishes are meant to inspire and engage our diners. So, start a conversation, relax and enjoy a fresh take on cuisine.
History
Established in 2010.
Executive Chef and Owner, Clarke Merrell, created everything you see at Circa 81, from the custom-built bar, to the ever popular Circa 81 martini, Clarke has his hand in every aspect of Circa 81's operations. Clarke completely renovated the restaurant space in late 2009 to truly reflect his style. Circa 81 then opened on January 20, 2010. Many people often ask where the name comes from. Clarke and his wife, Liza, were both born in 1981. Circa means "about or approximately" and they both thought it fit perfectly with the number 81. Circa 81 was 2013 finalist and 2014 semi-finalist for Fire on the Dock culinary competition, finalist for the 2011 Best Dish NC contest, "Best Eats on the Crystal Coast" by Cooking with Paula Deen magazine in 2015, Open Table Diner's Choice 2013-2016, Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellent. Clarke was named Favorite Chef in 2015 by Coaster Magazine Reader's Choice Awards.
Meet the Business Owner
Business owner information
Clarke M.
Business Owner
Executive Chef/Owner of Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria, Clarke Merrell, grew up working in the restaurant industry, as his parents took over operations at Atlantic Beach's DJ Shooters in 1988. Clarke graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts from the Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach, FL. In July 2012 Clarke opened up the Twisted Spoon Frozen Yogurt Bar. In March 2013 Clarke opened up Beaufort Olive Oil Co., offering premium oils and vinegars, exotic salts and specialty provisions. He now has 4 locations of Beaufort Olive Oil Co. in Beaufort, MHC, Swansboro & Emerald Isle. In May 2014 Clarke rolled out a food truck, called the Dank Burrito, serving chef-inspired tacos and burritos. The Dank Burrito opened its first restaurant location in Oct. 2015 in Morehead City, while continuing to also travel with the food truck. The food truck operates all around Carteret and surrounding counties. Dank Burrito was named National Food Truck Rookie of the Year by mobile-cuisine.com.
4650 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557
| Mon | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tue | Closed | |
| Wed | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM | |
| Thu | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM | |
| Fri | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM | |
| Sat | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM | |
| Sun | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM |