Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Coastal North Carolina
  4. Beaufort / Morehead City
  5. Beaufort / Morehead City
Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria, Morehead City, NC

Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria

4.9
4.9
1216 Reviews
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
Clarke Merrell's (Circa 81 Executive Chef/Proprietor) goal is for Circa 81 to provide creative, quality, & delicious food in a beautiful setting. 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. Clarke developed Circa 81 in hopes that guests will try something new and different and truly have a dining experience. Circa 81 offers great wine and cocktails too, with more than 30 specialty drinks on our cocktaileria menu. Our menu also includes medium and large plate selections - delicious sandwiches, homemade soups, local seafood and fresh-made desserts.

Circa 81 also offers take-out and catering - just contact us for more details.

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Seafood, Southern
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Big private lot. Will accommodate large vehicles
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Clarke Merrell

What 1,216 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Overall

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Food

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Value

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Great for brunch

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria is a standout dining destination in Morehead City, offering "great food" and "great drinks" with exceptional service. Known for its "phenomenal" tapas, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere, it's a favorite for brunch and dinner. Guests rave about the "delicious" dishes and memorable experiences.

1,216 Reviews
  1. Scott VIP

    Wilmington68 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Yvonne

    Minneapolis8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We ordered about 10 tapas to share and every bit was a WOW. Cute place, great service. Would go again, wish it was in my town!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Mary

    Charleston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We will certainly return to Circa 81. Great variety on menu. Tapas are a great concept as diner can get small amount of various foods.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Charles

    Wilmington2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Small restaurant with a very attentive staff. The food is always excellent and delivered with a smile. We go here for an “after Church” lunch on the occasional Sunday and it is always good. During the “off-season” it isn’t as crazy as during the summer but still make reservations for your preferred time.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Paula

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love having brunch here on Sundays. Maybe one day I will have an opportunity to come have dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Dr. John VIP

    New York City94 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding - Chris always is there to great us with a smile! The food is excellent! The drinks are delicious and the staff are wonderful! One of our favorite places !!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Dr. John VIP

    New York City94 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always delicious!! The food and drinks and service fabulous!! We always go back !!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Lynn

    Wilmington13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great service. This is one of our favorite places to go. Always delicious. Cocktails are amazing too.

    Is this helpful?

  9. michael

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Quality and consistency are on par with the service and expectations. Our server Melissa always makes us feel welcome and comfortable. We love Circa 81!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Booth

    Charleston3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food! They were BUSY and the staff pulled together to make sure everyone had top notch service and drinks topped off!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (252) 648-8300.

Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria is rated 4.9 stars by 1216 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
Google Map for Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria

4650 C Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Seafood, Southern
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Big private lot. Will accommodate large vehicles
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Clarke Merrell
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo