Circa 1918

Reviews 5

AP

April Hawk

My husband and I had eaten here in the summer of 2012 and were so impressed we decided to come here for our Valentines Day dinner. The first course was great (Oysters Rockefeller), but the second...Hm. It was a small steak, lobstertail and risotto. The steak was perfect, delicious. I cut into the lobster tail and took a bite: Almost raw. That cant be, I said to myself. I took another bite. Still raw. Maybe its how they cook it here? I asked for a bit of my husbands lobster: Perfect, tender and crisp. He takes a bite of mine. Raw. Husband flags down the waiter and tells him about the tainted tail. Waiter apologizes and takes away entire plate. Waiter returns with plate, still with nibbled steak, untouched risotto and the still half-eaten lobster tail...that has now been cooked. Ugh.....but ok. Take a bite of Risotto...completely undercooked. As in, borderline crunchy. I look up at husband and hes making the same suprised face I am. The waiter returns at that point and tells us hes comped my glass of wine ($9) for the lobster experience. Ok, thanks. Rest of evening went nicely. We received the bill (expecting it to be somewhat hefty, but this was a special occasion) $186 for two people...2 meals, a beer and minus a glass of wine. For $186 I expect my food to be properly cooked. Especially shellfish. I would also expect that you replace my raw food with a new, untouched completly cooked version, delivered to my table and NOT handle the plate im still eating off of. On top of THAT, crunchy risotto. How much of a rushjob was my food? I could happily take the price if the lobster was handled correctly. I could take it if the lobster was fine and risotto was still crunchy. But all three? Sorry, paid it, but not impressed, wont be back. Ill spend my special occasions and the money involved at a place I can trust to give me a 5-star experience for a 5-star bill. Its a shame, bc out first visit was so amazing. Maybe they have a hard time handling holidays.

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Jeni M

Our first visit to Circa 1918 was very enjoyable, however, our second was quite disappointing. My husband and I were on our first date since our after our 3rd was born. We had made reservations online which their website states you can do, arranged for childcare, and drove the 40 minutes. Circas food is excellent and we were looking forward to our dinner and time together. However, when we were arrived we were directed to the bar. When we asked about our table they informed us that there werent any available despite our acknowledged reservation (and email confirmation) and the bar was our only option for at leasts 45 minutes. Who gets a reservation for dinner so that they can sit at a bar on a date? They informed us that we should be happy because wed get our drinks faster (??). We werent there for drinks or simply just to eat food, we were there for a nice dinner at a table and the opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted conversation. Since we had a newborn and were on a schedule, waiting 45 minutes past our reservation time also wasnt an option. We were treated as ridiculous for not being happy with our bar "reservation" and no apology or acknowledgment that our disappointment was legitimate were made at the restaurant or when my husband called back to clarify our complaint. Only excuses. They did call back a while later and briefly apologize before reiterating the excuses and offering us a $25 gift card (??). If you decide to visit this establishment, two tips: 1) Call to double check that your reservation is for a *table*, not the bar. 2) If there are any issues, dont expect an apology, just excuses.

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WI

Will Stricklin

Went here last night with my girlfriend and both of us were very impressed by not only the great food but the friendly staff that treats you more like a well known friend than a customer. We started off with a Hendrix Gin, elderflower syrup and sparkling wine martini that was one of the best cocktails Ive had in a while. It was served by one of the bartenders right to our table. He made plenty of recommendations on what he thought was good and even made suggestions on what he didnt like. I actually felt like he was making good suggestions and not just trying to sell us a dish. We tried the formage plate that included three cheeses, grilled bread, nuts, bacon jelly and an assortment of honey covered fruits. He highly recommended the fried oysters and was he ever right! Amazing! Im from N.C. and Im very particular about my oysters and these meet every expectation I had for good clean and buttery oysters I had. Served with a red curry aioli, it was different, well composed and delicious. We ended up getting a sirloin served on a bed of sweet potato risotto, topped with asparagus and crab butter; my girlfriend went with the lump crab cake topped with a habanero vinaigrette with a side of white bean salad. Impressed, yes, satisfied, 100%! I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting the Yorktown, Warwick or Newport News area. We went for a late night dinner around 8:30 and the atmosphere was calm, casual and laid back. Check it out for yourself and be amazed by this quant little establishment tucked away in a historic section of Warwick.

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Lindy Singleton

This was my second time here. Overall the food was good, but the service was definitely a bit slower tonight than the first time I was there. The restaurant wasnt full when we first got there, yet our food was slower to come out...even the appetizers. In addition, two things that I dont get - an "open gratuity" for a table of 5 that was 20% of our bill (it is not explained anywhere on the menu as to what that is either!!), and the fact that they wont split checks. I do get that restaurants for reserve the right to not split checks, but still when you are going out with a group of friends or co-workers, you usually do not play credit card roulette. And some people are not comfortable for splitting things evenly. Just my recommendations - 1. explain what the gratuity is. I was actually a bit offended that the gratuity was included, and Im a former waitress. Did we look like we wouldnt tip well on a $250+ check? I read in another review that it is for the chefs?!? If so, then we all stiffed the waiter, as we thought the grat in the check was for him. And 2. be willing to split the checks. It does make it awkward when we have to do it at the table for you...AND this way you are guaranteed to get the correct amount, vice our attempts at math.

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K Majors

I will start with the good. PAUL the GM is great the type of person that you can trust your business if and when your not there. A good selection of spirits. I like the location, its an artsy-fartsy Renaissance type Historical Area. Although the kitchen is eite there and open the cooks and staff are not loud. The food is good with Beautiful presentations. The average entree is about $25, appetizers & desserts $10. But NOW...... for what I thought was bad in my humble opinion :-0. I think the portions are too small. The restaurant is too dark. This place is TOO small. This place is TOO LOUD if full. You need to make a reservation because the place is small. I know the electric need updated there is a periodic load that dims the lights. Again, good food but I will not be back because the restaurant is not my cup of tea. Try it for yourself because u may think its a 5 star, some people like Coca-Cola others Pepsi-Cola, I dont drink either.

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