Ugh. I went with my friends and it was just way too expensive. Was visiting for the weekend, usually love the aa bar scene, this kinda changed my opinion. Pretty gross, staff was totally rude, big bummer. Rip.
Ahmed
Insanely rude and aggressive bouncers-Walked in slightly before closing time unaware that they were actually closing and was literally told at the entrance to just flat out “get out”. When I confronted the bouncer on why he was so rude, the response was “I don’t care about that face you’re giving me, just go”. Like who hurt you for you to feel like it’s acceptable to talk to other people like that? To make matters worse, one of the bouncers was like “You didn’t know we were closing, do you not own a watch?”. Literally a bunch of teenage boys who were never shown love as kids. Just sad. As we were heading for the door, one of the bouncers literally walked towards us (as if to gesture to throw us out like a macho man) and said to “go get a watch”.Totally unnecessary. We weren't even pushy to try and get in, we literally would have left, but they just decided to be rude because they felt like it? I used to come here a lot, but won’t ever step foot here again. If you actually want to enjoy your night, I’d suggest you go elsewhere, unless you want to get borderline assaulted.
C
Really only had negative experiences here. Known to be racist and they will charge you random amounts for drinks depending on how good looking they think you are. I wouldn’t recommend it, there are plenty better bars and clubs in Ann Arbor. Additionally they are just massively overcharged!!
Ken Patterson
The drinks are very watered down. After receiving a round of really bad Palomas I asked the bartender why the drinks were so weak and his only reaction was to tell me he is "professionally trained to pour the perfect drink every time". If you don't want a bad drink you can get a pint of decent beer for $8.50 or a pint of PBR for $6. A pint of popcorn is $3. The best part of the place is the DJ, but you only get to hear the music in between the Karaoke singers.
Samantha Harinck
The bartender was extremely rude to me for no reason. He yelled at me for touching a bobble head that was at a bar. Why would you have a bobble head right there if you don’t want people to bobble it
Rose
My family and I decided to go to The Circ Bar last night and had a very unpleasant experience with a member of their staff. My sister brought her baby with her into the bar and was never stopped. We were in the bar for 45 min until a staff member went up to her and told her she needed to leave and it’s illegal to have her baby in the bar (it’s not) and that she is a “irresponsible mother”. We were all in shock and didn’t leave right away so the staff member started taking videos of her from across the room. We were never refunded for the drinks they allowed us to buy or given an apology by this said staff member. I hate to leave a bad review but this was a very upsetting experience for me and my family having a staff member bully my sister the way he did especially after spending a lot of money. We will never return to this bar.
Cici Martinelli
Was here with some friends to celebrate a 21st. Was kicked out w in five minutes for how I apparently walked up the stairs. Had a dead phone battery and hadn’t driven to this location. Bouncer was kind enough to allow me to make a phone call and I was lucky enough to have my partners phone number memorized. Was in extreme distress and embarrassment until I looked at the reviews and I suppose now that this tracks.
Brian Klik
5 stars to the OG Circus Bar.Never will I forget $0.55 PBR until 1pm (when the price jumped to $4).Never will I forget feeding the animals popcorn.Never will I forget the justifiably rude waitstaff who had to put up with us.Never will I forget the completely empty lower levels, even on a Saturday.I wish you never changed, Sweet Circus. Alas, just like Happy's Pizza and Von Dutch Energy Drink, nothing can stay forever.
Jahil Parker
Circ is a three level bar which includes:The Circ Bar - Rooftop BarThe Root Bar - Basement/SpeakeasyBarThe Tiki Bar - Outside bar with firepit and grilled/bbqish food.I believe there's a different name for the entire business but I can't remember. Circ is the upstairs/rooftop bar venue. They have a couple pool tables and two bars with several bartenders at each. Went during the summer so its less crowded because college kids are out of town. Pretty spacious venue. Drinks are definitely wayy cheaper than buying from their basement/speakeasy bar Root. Cool looking place. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Outside there are games when you walk in like cornhole and random stuff. Not sure if its free to play or not.
Abby Mondro
I love going here! Great atmosphere, great drinks, and I feel safe because of the security. Brandon especially is one of my favorite security guards!!! He’s super chill and keeps the environment safe while also keeping it super fun. Dude really cares about his job and has the safety of others always as his top priority!!!
Enjoyed shooting pool here (for free). Sad to see it go. All the best to the new owners of the complex
Akshay Bamzai
What makes Circus so charming is that it advertises that it's closing forever once a month...pour one out for an Ann Arbor staple
Brianna Beardsley
I really want to love this place, but have had many mixed experiences, and the negative are currently out-weighing the positive. Be careful; the bartenders are ruthless and will actively attempt to overcharge or not give you change if they think you are too drunk to notice or care. It has happened multiple times to me and friends. I was even double charged (I paid my tab in person in cash and was still charged on my credit card despite not having authorized or signed anything). The cheap drinks, free pool and karaoke are awesome... but it's heartbreaking to feel like I cannot trust the staff to do right by their customers.
john deangelis
Laid back different type of bar...however alot of fun and active at the right times...
Haley Prasad
Really disappointing post-renovation. For the loyal patrons of Circus (can't believe they call themselves “Circ†now....), key things you must know:
Ugh. I went with my friends and it was just way too expensive. Was visiting for the weekend, usually love the aa bar scene, this kinda changed my opinion. Pretty gross, staff was totally rude, big bummer. Rip.
Insanely rude and aggressive bouncers-Walked in slightly before closing time unaware that they were actually closing and was literally told at the entrance to just flat out “get out”. When I confronted the bouncer on why he was so rude, the response was “I don’t care about that face you’re giving me, just go”. Like who hurt you for you to feel like it’s acceptable to talk to other people like that? To make matters worse, one of the bouncers was like “You didn’t know we were closing, do you not own a watch?”. Literally a bunch of teenage boys who were never shown love as kids. Just sad. As we were heading for the door, one of the bouncers literally walked towards us (as if to gesture to throw us out like a macho man) and said to “go get a watch”.Totally unnecessary. We weren't even pushy to try and get in, we literally would have left, but they just decided to be rude because they felt like it? I used to come here a lot, but won’t ever step foot here again. If you actually want to enjoy your night, I’d suggest you go elsewhere, unless you want to get borderline assaulted.
Really only had negative experiences here. Known to be racist and they will charge you random amounts for drinks depending on how good looking they think you are. I wouldn’t recommend it, there are plenty better bars and clubs in Ann Arbor. Additionally they are just massively overcharged!!
The drinks are very watered down. After receiving a round of really bad Palomas I asked the bartender why the drinks were so weak and his only reaction was to tell me he is "professionally trained to pour the perfect drink every time". If you don't want a bad drink you can get a pint of decent beer for $8.50 or a pint of PBR for $6. A pint of popcorn is $3. The best part of the place is the DJ, but you only get to hear the music in between the Karaoke singers.
The bartender was extremely rude to me for no reason. He yelled at me for touching a bobble head that was at a bar. Why would you have a bobble head right there if you don’t want people to bobble it
My family and I decided to go to The Circ Bar last night and had a very unpleasant experience with a member of their staff. My sister brought her baby with her into the bar and was never stopped. We were in the bar for 45 min until a staff member went up to her and told her she needed to leave and it’s illegal to have her baby in the bar (it’s not) and that she is a “irresponsible mother”. We were all in shock and didn’t leave right away so the staff member started taking videos of her from across the room. We were never refunded for the drinks they allowed us to buy or given an apology by this said staff member. I hate to leave a bad review but this was a very upsetting experience for me and my family having a staff member bully my sister the way he did especially after spending a lot of money. We will never return to this bar.
Was here with some friends to celebrate a 21st. Was kicked out w in five minutes for how I apparently walked up the stairs. Had a dead phone battery and hadn’t driven to this location. Bouncer was kind enough to allow me to make a phone call and I was lucky enough to have my partners phone number memorized. Was in extreme distress and embarrassment until I looked at the reviews and I suppose now that this tracks.
5 stars to the OG Circus Bar.Never will I forget $0.55 PBR until 1pm (when the price jumped to $4).Never will I forget feeding the animals popcorn.Never will I forget the justifiably rude waitstaff who had to put up with us.Never will I forget the completely empty lower levels, even on a Saturday.I wish you never changed, Sweet Circus. Alas, just like Happy's Pizza and Von Dutch Energy Drink, nothing can stay forever.
Circ is a three level bar which includes:The Circ Bar - Rooftop BarThe Root Bar - Basement/SpeakeasyBarThe Tiki Bar - Outside bar with firepit and grilled/bbqish food.I believe there's a different name for the entire business but I can't remember. Circ is the upstairs/rooftop bar venue. They have a couple pool tables and two bars with several bartenders at each. Went during the summer so its less crowded because college kids are out of town. Pretty spacious venue. Drinks are definitely wayy cheaper than buying from their basement/speakeasy bar Root. Cool looking place. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Outside there are games when you walk in like cornhole and random stuff. Not sure if its free to play or not.
I love going here! Great atmosphere, great drinks, and I feel safe because of the security. Brandon especially is one of my favorite security guards!!! He’s super chill and keeps the environment safe while also keeping it super fun. Dude really cares about his job and has the safety of others always as his top priority!!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Enjoyed shooting pool here (for free). Sad to see it go. All the best to the new owners of the complex
What makes Circus so charming is that it advertises that it's closing forever once a month...pour one out for an Ann Arbor staple
I really want to love this place, but have had many mixed experiences, and the negative are currently out-weighing the positive. Be careful; the bartenders are ruthless and will actively attempt to overcharge or not give you change if they think you are too drunk to notice or care. It has happened multiple times to me and friends. I was even double charged (I paid my tab in person in cash and was still charged on my credit card despite not having authorized or signed anything). The cheap drinks, free pool and karaoke are awesome... but it's heartbreaking to feel like I cannot trust the staff to do right by their customers.
Laid back different type of bar...however alot of fun and active at the right times...
Really disappointing post-renovation. For the loyal patrons of Circus (can't believe they call themselves “Circ†now....), key things you must know:
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