CIRCA at Foggy Bottom

2221 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States
$$$ American restaurant
(2064 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you find yourself in Washington, DC, treat your palate to an exceptional dining experience at CIRCA at Foggy Bottom. Nestled at 2221 I St NW, this American restaurant combines a warm and inviting atmosphere with a menu that champions classic comforts and modern culinary flair.

The moment you step inside, you are embraced by a delightful ambiance that strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and casual charm. With white tablecloths that hint at upscale dining and the added excitement of strategically placed screens airing games, CIRCA creates an inviting spot for both leisurely brunches and lively dinners.

The menu offers a medley of enticing options. Start your meal with the Caesar Salad, perfectly executed with crisp romaine, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a touch of brioche crumble that adds a delightful crunch. For those seeking something different, the Parmesan Kale Salad boasts a vibrant mix of greens and marinated tomatoes, dressed to perfection with an invigorating parmesan vinaigrette. Both salads can be elevated with your choice of protein, making them versatile and satisfying.

For the main course, the Circa Burger has received rave reviews, built on a foundation of Certified Angus Beef and topped with aged cheddar, all plated with a side of golden fries. The Fried Chicken Sandwich is another diner favorite, offering crispy perfection alongside fresh dill pickles and shredded lettuce, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

The brunch menu is not to be overlooked—available Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm, it features delicious options like Avocado Toast, which combines creamy avocado on Italian rustico topped with poached eggs and a touch of chili oil. Another must-try is the indulgent Nutella French Toast, oozing with rich Nutella mousse and crowned with a berry compote that dances on the tongue.

Customer experiences echo the high quality of food and remarkable service at CIRCA. Reviewers like Tiffani Wilson rave about the "thoughtful, attentive service" that makes dining truly special, while James H highlighted the "gorgeous setting" and exceptional staff care. The reviews also speak to the delightful flavors, with patrons enjoying scrumptious dishes like the Tuna Poke Nachos and Wagyu Meatball Sliders, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Finishing a day enjoying the cherry blossoms or after attending a performance, CIRCA at Foggy Bottom makes for a perfect pit stop where each bite is a celebration of flavors, and every visit feels like an occasion to remember. Whether you're here for a romantic dinner or a lively brunch with friends, CIRCA promises to deliver both delicious food and memorable experiences.

Reserve your table today by calling +1 202-506-5589 and see why CIRCA is a beloved gem in Washington, DC.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

2064 Reviews
Hanna Lin

17 Sep 2025

Loved the burgers! The jambalaya was good as well. Lovely environment and great service, but we were unaware of the automatic 4.95% service charge. It's not much, but we found it just unusual.

Joshua Chronley

04 Sep 2025

My dining experience was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. I had the steak frites, which was an incredible dish. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the accompanying French fries were crisp and delicious. What truly made my meal stand out was the sauce, which was wonderfully flavorful and added a level of richness that elevated every bite of the steak. Beyond the delicious food, I was also happy to discover that they produce their own local spirits. The server confidently recommended their gin, which was excellent. The restaurant is situated in a great location, and the atmosphere was fun and lively, creating a perfect backdrop for my meal. Overall, it was a fantastic evening with great food and a wonderful vibe.

Tiffani Wilson

23 Aug 2025

Everything was absolutely perfect. The food was delicious and the place was cute. It was quite hot inside but I understand the weather was insane hot and they kept my water full. The service though, hands down the most thoughtful, attentive service I've ever had. I wish I could remember the young ladies name so I could give her a public shout out. If you read this I thanked you for giving me such a pleasent experience!! The ONLY thing I would suggest as room for improvement is to let your wait staff keep their tips, pooling tips is the worst. If I'm a guest and my server gives exceptional service, I want to give THAT SERVER a large tip for the work THEY did

Heather McCann

22 Aug 2025

Absolutely delightful evening! The food was simply delectable! Following a fantastic performance of Shear Madness, we strolled over for a delectable dinner experience. Seated on the patio, we indulged in the most scrumptious Tuna Poke Nachos, Wagyu Meatball Sliders, and a flavorful Thai Shrimp Salad. Pure enjoyment!

Dawn Godkin

04 Aug 2025

First time here and we enjoyed both the atmosphere and food. We were in the city for the cherry blossoms and after a long day wanted a good lunch. We were seated right away and our waiter was very friendly and attentive. We ordered the Caesar salad with fried shrimp and a cheese burger with fries: both meals were delicious. I would definitely recommend eating here.

James H

18 Jul 2025

Absolutely gorgeous setting with amazing staff Kelsie took especially great care of us. We got some great food and amazing service we will be back again for sure

Regina L. Hurt

29 May 2025

Adding this spot to my brunch elite list. The food was absolutely delicious - appropritely seasoned. The service is what I love - on time with courtesy, respect, and a smile. The ambiance is a sophisticated decor using white table clothes and black cloth napkins. I love the angled television screens channeled to the football games on Sundays.. One suggestion to improve the food rating is to get a filter for the water vs the terrible and unhealthy taste of tap water. The bathrooms were very clean.

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