Circa 1888

412 W Davie St, Raleigh
(919) 307-4597

Recent Reviews

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The One

I came here on New Years Eve for the first time and I had a blast! The bartenders were so welcoming and the atmosphere was festive! I can't wait to come back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Elizabeth

My fav downtown spot! Circa Bar delivers a genuinely friendly atmosphere with mindful, attentive staff and a cool backstory that gives the space real character. The vibe feels like a writers’ watering hole of eras past; unpretentious, thoughtful, and quietly inspiring. Come in sweats or couture; either way, you’re welcomed exactly as you are.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jermaine Landon

Every day is a great day when Gabe is behind the bar! Always friendly and efficient. Always the reason I keep going back.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Rey Kahluha

Me and the homie been going here for years. Great service industry bar. Price that you cany beat. An amazing selection and of course Gabe, one of the best bartenders around. Always friendly and welcoming. Gets your drink to you quick and a bit of flare. Never a bad night at this place.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Jessica Moffitt

Love coming here when feeling forlorn because the charming man of Irish descent, an angel by the name of Gabriel, behind the bar. He always goes out of his way to make sure I’m well taken care of and can make an incredible drink. Not the mention, he always goes out of his way to subtly make sure myself and other women feel safe & welcome in the bar like a straight manly girls girl, which is what keeps me and friends coming back. He’s one of those bartenders who is so kind that you can show up to his bar alone and leave feeling like you’ve spent time with a good friend. Give this guy a raise, or better yet, give him a kiss on the mouth & a fat tip!

Service: 5

Brandon Perry

Love this place. The staff is super friendly, drinks are quick, and overall vibe is really relaxed. Gabe behind the bar is such a genuinely good person, impossible to have a bad day when you’re around his positivity.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

micah forsline

Circa is always my go to dive bar. I don’t go out super often but when I do, I always make sure it’s a night when Gabe is working. nicest bartender in the whole city!

Service: 5

David Lapre

Gabriel at Circa 1888 is hands-down one of the best bartenders I’ve ever had the pleasure of sitting with. His bar skills are elite—every drink is perfectly balanced, creative, and made with real intention. You can tell he genuinely knows his craft, whether he’s making a classic cocktail or recommending something new based on your taste.

What really sets Gabriel apart, though, is his service and personality. He’s welcoming, attentive, and has that rare ability to make everyone at the bar feel like a regular. The energy he brings elevates the entire experience—professional, friendly, and effortlessly cool.

If you’re at Circa 1888, do yourself a favor and grab a seat at Gabriel’s bar. He’s a huge reason this place stands out. I’ll absolutely be back because of him.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jamie Allen

The staff at circa are some of the best people I know! Specifically the ginger bartender (well known as Gabe) is the kindest, most thorough bartender there is

Austin Snyder

The staff are awesome. That Gabe, in particular, always knows I’m gonna want a High Life & a Malört… chefs kiss.

Service: 5

Kidda Fujioka

Amazing place to go for a drink. Amazing ambiance and even better cocktails. Love to stop by after work and have Gab make me a cocktail. Hes a fabulous bartender so definitely go get a drink from him sometime!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Wookiee Benitez

I don’t go out as much as I do before, but when I go to Circa and Gabe is there or any other bartenders they know exactly what I want. Makes you feel at home there! Best place to kick back, relax, play some pool or many of there board/card games they have!! Highly recommended!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Haley Bobbitt

I don’t go out to bars much these days, but Circa used to be one of my favorite spots especially once Gab started working there! Genuinely one of the kindest humans.

Charlie

A friend took me here the night I flew home to NC for the first time in years. Such a freaking sick atmosphere. The bartender was busy but super kind and helped me pick a drink since I know nothing about cocktails lol. Shout out Gab!!! Made my night man. Will definitely be back every time I'm in town!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jamie Lee

I came in on my birthday and was treated like a Queen. Gabe is truly one of the most attentive and knowledgeable bartenders around; from creating custom cocktails, to keeping us laughing and entertained. We had such a wonderful time! We definitely will be coming back to see him ❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

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