Cool dark and chill place to enjoy a drink ! Bartender make some good drinks ! See you on my next trip back to North Carolina. read more

Circa 1888 - Visiting from California - LA ! Pretty cool bar . Dark n chill - Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Nice low key spot had a decent time out and staff was very helpful and friendly. I recommend

Visited this location on a Tuesday night. There was a nice crowd, and we were fortunate enough to grab a pool table that was just opening. We had a fun few games of pool and enjoyed a couple of bottled beers. The pool area was kept clean which was nice. Enjoyed the visit and would definitely visit again! read more

Every single time you order something other than a PBR, you get belittled by the bartenders. They're always so incredibly rude. It's as if training includes "be as rude as possible when the drink order is 'slightly' complicated." As if it's not their job? Besides the incompetence of the bartenders, the vibe is fine. I honestly wouldn't bother. Unless you're a man, who likes PBR. God forbid you order ANYTHING with more than 2 components to it. They'll make you feel bad for it, guaranteed. If it's not easy for them to pour, they become assholes. Ordered a Paloma (god forbid) and the bartender told me "I don't feel like making it". I'm sorry? It's your job? Also? A Paloma. Give me a goddamn break. read more

Great bar with pool tables, an outdoor patio, attentive bartenders, and affordable drinks. The crowd is a lot less stuffy than your typical Raleigh nightlife spot. read more

Dope dive bar. Pool tables are free so long you're drinking so that's dope. They have a sweet little patio with covered seating for some but not for all, so be mindful on rainy days. Typical dive bar smells and feels tho. I felt right at home and happy. I'll be back... read more

I had no idea this bar was here. Like not even a full block from Boxcar. The drinks were good. Plenty of seating. They even had 4 or 5 pool tables. It seems like a good place to have a few drinks and actually have a convo while doing so. I'd definitely return. read more

In the space that used to house the old FUBAR, you now have the decidedly upscale and posh, Circa 1888! Owned by the same folks as Landmark Tavern, this innocuous front entrance opens up to a huge space inside. Arched stone entry-way, antique brick interior and a long, serious bar on the right hand side. We grabbed a pint here and wandering around you've got a nice billiards area, huge red banquette/booths, a private room along with a side patio. Service from Renee at the bar was personable and friendly, I'm curious to see what kind of crowd they draw here. Never made it here when it was a dance club but I'll come back now that it's Circa 1888. The bar and cocktail scene takes another leap forward in the Triangle... read more

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Nicole was a sweetheart of a bartender ty...Very pleasant atmosphere, great drinks, fun pool tables, and patrons! We enjoyed ourselves and will go again read more

This is a hidden little gem. If not for a friend taking me here I would've never known it was there, but I'm so glad I found it. It's a very chill low key spot with some great drinks. There's a few pool tables that are free to use during the week. The atmosphere is nice as well. Low lighting and an intimate feel, but not so intimate that you couldn't come with a few friends. They have a great drink menu with nice craft cocktails as well. Great place to go to escape the craziness of Boxcar when it gets busy if you need an escape since it's just a 1 minute walk away... read more

Circa 1888 - Bourbon Bellini..soo good - Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I walked into Circa 1888, but whatever it was, it was blown out the window! From the outside the building looks small and I think I was just anticipating a small bar. What Circa delivers is a huge space and as soon as you walk through that ordinary door, you're transported into somewhere that is far from The Depot. After walking through a stone archway, you're greeted by a bar along the entire wall of one side of the building. Fancy, red loungish seating, pool tables, a porch that will comfortably seat 50+ and two more "private" spaces, one full of high top tables and chairs, the other located behind a beaded divider that once you pass through will transport you into a dimly lit "Austin Powers" set (complete with my Granny's crochetted blanket on the back of one couch. Circa 1888 and The Landmark (further downtown) are owned by the same gentleman, however the only thing similar between the two is the Allagash White on tap. They have a normal collection of beers on tab and a wide bottle selection as well as wine by the glass and bottle! Unfortunately, as of last night, they are still putting together a cocktail list but have all the liquor in stock so if you can come up with it, they can probably make it. Circa is just plain cool, it's an awesome addition to The Depot and this place is going to blow up. I can see grabbing a circle booth with a group of friends and ordering bottles of wine. Playing some pool ($10/hour) with a handful of friends OR renting out the Austin Powers room for a party, complete with private bar! Currently the Austin Powers room is first come first serve, but I'm telling you, as soon as people realize what a new treasure Circa is, this will change. As long as Circa keeps up the charm, excellent bartending and the chill vibe, I could definitely see this place becoming a five-star spot and one that I would recommend to all; I just want to see that cocktail list and come out on a weekend and confirm the awesomeness! read more

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For my first night out on the town...this is an awesome place to start! Met up with buddies around 9pm on a Friday night. You could definitely tell there were large groups of those who started drinking at 5pm Happy Hour. Love that the pool tables are controlled by the bar, with a wait list and you get charged to your tab. A few tried to steal our table so set them straight and sent them to the bartender. Love the drink choices! Cocktails, mules, wine, and a funky craft brew list :) Around 1030/11pm the place and patio got packed so we headed to Neptune's for dancing before that place got too packed, since we had a large group by then. So fun! read more

Circa 1888 - Pinot Grigio....love the extensive drink list. Such a fun venue! - Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

We were encouraged to check out this establishment by a bartender at another bar we had a blast at so we had high hopes. We went Saturday 3/16 in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. The entire city was basically drunk by the time we arrived around 11pm. The bar itself was cool looking, only a $1 cover and they had a lot of drink options. My friend and I ordered a gin and tonic and my husband ordered a Guinness, which the bartender poured and left at the tap to settle (as is normal). The bartender, however, stepped away from my husband's beer and never gave it to him. My husband, obviously a little tipsy already, tried to get the bartender's attention to remind him about his beer to no avail. He then tried to get the second bartender's attention, but he was on his phone a lot and never really gave my husband any attention until he snapped asking if anyone was going to give him his beer. The second bartender then asked the first if that beer was indeed my husband's and he admitted that he straight up didn't remember who that beer was for. After my husband, semi-frustrated, told him the beer was indeed his, the second bartender slammed it down in front of him with attitude and went back to talking to some other patrons and scrolling through his phone. Noticing my husband's frustration and seeing the way the bartender treated him, I asked him what happened and he proceeded to tell my friend and myself how the whole interaction took place. Of course, with a few drinks in him and pretty frustrated by how everything transpired, he was a little louder than necessary and his language a bit colorful. He told us what occurred and in so doing, called the bartenders "***holes." After which the second bartender, again on his phone, put it down, grabbed my husband's beer, dumped it out and told him to leave. My husband said he had a tab and they had his card and the BT got it and threw it at him, telling my husband to go somewhere else if he wasn't happy at their establishment. My husband told him they should learn how to serve people correctly, especially since they weren't even busy when the first BT "forgot" who the beer was for and the second was spending the majority of his time on his phone rather than attending to patrons. I know my husband's remarks weren't mature, but bartenders should have thicker skin, I know first hand that they hear FAR worse and my husband understands bar etiquette better than most. And let's be honest, it was St. Patty's... how a BT could be so soft on one of the drunkest days of the year was nothing short of pathetic. What made the experience even worse was as we waited for them to return my friend's card before leaving, I could hear the BT whining and telling everyone he could about the jerk who he had to kick out and exaggerated the story to anyone who would listen, making my husband out to be this vicious attacker and making it sound like he was calling him an asshole to his face and getting in his face like he had to stand up for himself against this big bad wolf. He somehow managed to sound like a cry baby and braggadocious all at once... All in all, the experience was horrible... which was too bad because the place seemed really cool. We may go back another time to give it a shot when that BT isn't around. read more

My first impression was terrible. I walked in with a water in hand. Instead of asking me to pour it out, or saying that outside drink wasn't allowed, the man working the door simply pointed at me and then pointed toward the door. Confused, I asked if he was asking me to leave. He used few words, but the message was, "get rid of your drink." Ok. Walked outside, and threw my water away in a nearby recycling bin. After that, the employee briefly stopped watching a YouTube video to say, "members?" We weren't, so he lifted his index finger. No one understood. He then said "one." What? He was asking for a dollar to cover the membership, but that took some deciphering. Please don't misunderstand-- this person wasn't struggling with English. He just didn't feel like talking to us. Anyway. After getting inside, which was A THING, we found comfy red banquets and reasonable drink prices for a Saturday night. We never got an opportunity to play pool because the tables were all taken, but it was nice to find the option in something other than a dive bar. On the way out, I asked the door person if we get any sort of proof of membership for the next time. I wish I hadn't. His response was, "DID YOU PAY ME?" Yes, we all paid a dollar, and that's exactly why I was asking how they would know for next time. After CONVINCING him that we paid, he offered a sign up sheet. I filled it out, and then he compared my ID to the form to make sure I wasn't lying. ??? No one else from my group cared to fill out the form, and I'm assuming that's because they have no plans to return thanks to him. I actually will try this place again. There were few people there so it was nice to be able to have a conversation on a Saturday night downtown in a comfortable setting. If you can deal with the guy at the door, you will most likely be pleased with what you find inside. read more

Circa 1888 is starting to become a regular stopping ground for me now. I love the atmosphere here, it's dimly lit with plenty of seating inside and out. There are pool tables if you want to play and even a little private room tucked away in the corner. They have a good drink menu, and plenty of beers to choose from. I really like the staff here, they are always friendly and attentive. You will not wait for a drink here no matter what day of the week it is. You really can't beat their outdoor patio, it's beautiful and spacious. I like the fact that it's not crowded which makes me want to keep this place a secret. Circa 1888 is in the warehouse district and is the perfect place to grab a cocktail before dinner or late night. If you don't know it's there you might miss it, it is at the very end of Davie st. right where it dead ends. Definitely a nice addition to the cocktail scene here in DTR and a quiet place where you can actually sit down and chat with your friends. read more

Randomly walked in one night for drinks. The cocktails all have very different flavors so there's something for everyone. Sunday-Thursday you can usually snag a pool table if it's not too busy. The seating area is nice and great to enjoy the company of one or a few. read more

Stopped by there after riding the Trolley Pub with my girlfriend, her brother and friends. We were able to order a round of drinks which I thought were good, but my buddy did not want it so he attempted to slide it over to me but accidently spilled it. One of the bartenders (tall big white guy I'm a black shirt), not the one that was attending to us, cursed out my girlfriend's brother who didn't do anything and the individual responsible one apologized for it. The guy was extremely rude and did not even attempt to apologize to my girlfriend's brother. Not sure what the guy's problem was and it was not like we were rowdy and being obnoxious. That's not the way you should treat your customers. Definitely a negative experience and doubt I will ever come back. Paid cover, ordered drinks and got cursed out at the end. Great way to end the night. Thanks Circa 1888. read more

Great scene, awesome bar, incredible cocktail menus and fantastic staff. Love the space, great to go to with some buddy's to grab a few drinks and play some billiards. Great to have a place like this in the Triangle! read more

I love this place it is amazing the drinks are made just right. They have pool tables if you go on a Friday or Saturday there's normally a wait to play pool so it's best to get there early have a few drinks put your name on the list for the pool tables when they open up. Bathrooms are somewhat clean they could do a little bit better job of maintaining them however it is a nightclub so there's lotta traffic so it's understandable why they're not as clean as you would like them to be. Staff is always nice courteous friendly and understanding when you don't know what you want to drink their always willing to help you with a selection of their own advisement. They have a nice outdoor area where you can smoke and I cannot say enough about the drinks they are always made great and a nice fine if you're looking for a first date second day third day option in the city. read more

The most homey bar in Raleigh. Free poll during the week. Guaranteed a good time. Drew and staff are incredible. Can't wait to be back post COVID. read more

Always a good time at Circa! It's great for a low-key night with friends. Lots of space, good seating, and of course, pool tables! The only negative is that the secret has gotten out about this place so there's usually a wait to get a pool table. But while you're waiting, enjoy delicious drinks served by friendly bartenders. read more

Yeah. Go. Nice darkbar area.lotsa cool bottles I wish I loved to dri nk more. Great bartenders. Great jazz band. Laid back . Generous pour on my Malbec and kinda sexy, laid- back-vibe on bar side. I am originally from Midwest...if it had been snowing outside when we left,would have been perfect cozybar. Sorry Southern-borns, but if you are from the north you may have the bar-cozy feeling you remember here. P.S. if this doesn't make sense, I blame the bartenders (great as they be!) read more

This is a beautifully designed and decorated bar, and I love that it is off the beaten path of downtown Raleigh. I enjoyed a few glasses of their very nice and chilled Chardonnay at the long wooden beautiful bar. The bartenders were all business with no chit chat or warmth there, but again they were very busy on this Tuesday night when I visited. I guess I'm used to smaller bars where they make you feel like an old friend. In any case, I would definitely go back, mainly due to the location and warm lighting and exposed brick atmosphere. read more

Great place to chill out. Really nice place for those who really bored of college people!

Atmosphere was dead on a Tuesday night and didn't even care to stay to finish a drink due to absurd pool prices. It had potential though! Maybe more exciting on a weekend. Surrounded by a few better options... read more

Cute "members only" drinking establishment right next to the railroad tracks and near Box Car. So glad we drove by it to turn around, or else it may have gotten missed. They don't serve food, just beverages. For a small fee you become a member of their club. It gives you access to the pool tables and free parking in the big lot on the side. There is a long bar to the right with a large selection of liquors, and pool tables on the other side. I saw a curtained private space, which I'm guessing you could request. Very dimly lit, mellow music, and nice bartender. Probably a great spot for a first date-- seem to be intimate enough and not super loud. And hopefully you have a better pool game than me, because I definitely lost. read more

Fun joint. A good amount of pool tables. Seems like a neighborhoody type of place but also felt very welcomed when I came in. Great service and good drinks. read more

I asked for a pumpkin beer with sugar rim... First I received a beer with nothing around the rim after I explained why, THEN reminding him I wanted sugar, he repoured a beer WITH SALT!!!!!!!!! After about 20 minutes, I was brought a new beer with sugar only. Although after 20 minutes a resolution was met, I was offered no discount on the two previous incorrect drinks. I was also told I would only be brought my correct drink after I removed my Yelp review.... In addition, my cousin wanted a cider martini (that's on the menu), the bartender did not know how to make it..... Awkward. read more

What a cool place! Lots of pool tables, nice lounge area and delicious cocktails. I could see myself being a regular here!

Lovely bar with wonderful staff. Nice patio to view the sunset. Nice cocktail menu and their bourbon/ whiskey selection is one of the best in Raleigh. 4 nice pool tables with no league nonsense to get in the way. No food but you can order take out and bring it in. Not much parking but two decks are just two blocks away. read more

This places rocks. Easily one of the nicest places to visit and have a drink in Raleigh. Very nice pool tables and a big patio. Everyone is nice and looking forward to going back. read more

Bartender lady was Very rude to us tonight. Not sure if she's had a bad night or what; but we left right away.

it's a fun classy little place nestled in the warehouse district, doesn't give you those normal gross pool hall vibes where a biker gang might be outside this place is top notch. but it's going to have a lot of competition with box car right next door.....I hope the higher caliber of alcoholic beverage really gives them the edge read more

This is a cool bar you wouldn't even really know was there! Its got an awesome underground feel and is a good place to go for a private chat. Not sure I'd wanna go here with a big group of people, though they do have pool tables that were taken over by a group the one weeknight we went there. Overall good bar, I'd definitely go back. read more

Great place to relax, chill, and shoot some pool if you are so inclined. The drinks are reasonably priced and strong, and the service is fantastic. read more

Very chill atmosphere and friendly bartenders. Not crowded and dim lighting, just like I like it. Also a nice patio space and pool tables. It's a dollar membership but worth it if you want to avoid crowds and want a cozy place to drink and talk. read more

I still like this bar, but the little kids in there running around was definitely not a one time thing. At least the drinks are great and most of the bartenders are too. read more

Great find with a relaxed atmosphere fun bartender. Will definitely be back and bring others. Pool tables and free parking out back which is nice when downtown read more

The bar is a cool place. The decor and bartenders are all cool. I got a parking ticket for parking right in front of the bar, which I think is odd. The parking signs were very weird and confusing. If I were the bar owner, I would make them change the signs that are right in front of their building. They are very confusing. Not sure I will go again!! read more