Great place in High Bridge. Cozy atmosphere and the best place in the area to meet up with friends. Prices were alright but portions were small. You can't go wrong at Circa. Give it a try, you will like it. read more

I really like Circa. The space is cozy, the bar is comfortable with good beers, and the small patio is great in the nice weather. Inconsistent food quality is a problem. read more

Food: Very Good - Creative Menu - Interesting wine list Style: NYC Chic - Casual (Used to be Planet High Bridge, biker bar) Price: Expect to pay $50per head avg. read more

Love this place. They always have a minimum of 6 craft beers on tap that changes each time the keg is kicked. The menus change seasonally and the food is always so perfectly prepared and arranged. Moderately pricey, but the plates are small (tapas) and you can order a few of them. We come here more for the beer and live music than to eat. They also throw Mayfest and Octoberfest each year where they have live bands, great food and craft beer trucks in their parking lot out back. Never miss these festivals. read more

Stopped by on a Thursday afternoon on a friend's recommendation. Friendliness and menu knowledge of the hostess, Arantxa, convinced us to stay for lunch. Hummus was extremely tasteful and fresh - very homemade. Ambiance - very enjoyable. Greek salad delicious, grilled Chicken club outstanding!! Definitely will return!! read more

One of the few restaurants in this part of NJ that is trendy. Great signature cocktails, menu is incredible, new food specials almost weekly. They always rotate beers on tap based on the seasons (all craft brews). Staff is super friendly and always give their recommendations for food and beer to try. read more

I visited Circa tonight with my family, 6 in total.When you walk in it looks pleasant enough,but beware behind that hip facade lurks a sloppy staff with no real training this would include the kitchen staff.We started with small plates they arrived one at a time with no reason for this except they were using a team approach to serving ,meaning you don't know who is going to take any part of your order,just depends who is free .Most of what we received was cold not really even warm.This is on New Years eve when its cold outside,by the way do sit way to the back of the restaurant on a cold night because when the door opens the entire restaurant gets chilled .The small plates we ordered ( appetizers) were poorly done the calamari tempura was wilted and the coating was coming off, by the way it was cold, next was Asian meatballs not bad but a bit gummy on the quinoa ,last was the scallop and brisket, the scallop was seared almost burnt and the brisket it was served on was cool and served with a poorly executed canned tasting demi glace sauce. The two children that were with us ordered pasta with fresh butter what they were served was absolutely cold not even warmed pasta with a side of butter that would never melt on this dish.We asked for bread ,they gave us the equivalent of maybe two portions for the table,when we asked for more they told us that ran out (New Years eve?)no bread.My sister in law was served a drink in a chipped glass and the homemade pasta must've been made by a child used to working with play-do,it was thick and chewy not at all like a fine pasta.We all ordered hanger steaks with french fries this was not bad but was served with an A-1 steak sauce that had been altered to taste like a homemade recipe and it was served cold on the plate as part of the presentation! Meanwhile the service was nonexistent ,there was one woman who also owned a dog grooming service who may have saved the day if it were not for the other man who worked with her who was a total incompetent.When questioned about some of the mishaps his reply was "its not my fault" yeah right.Now for all this incompetency we were charged 240.00 and that included two kids meals. I don't usually care about exorbitant pricing ,but I do want the food to live up to some sort of standard.Finally the straw that broke the camels back was when the adjacent table got their food ,seafood it stunk up the dining room,my daughter commented that it smelled like her Guinea pig cage!! HORRIBLE I have been cooking for many years and this was the aroma of bad seafood especially clams.We finally talked to the owner after paying the check and all she did was make excuses and said that you cant get good help ,she was also the cook who made the food ,wearing a t-shirt and dirty apron,Really! Fine restaurant?.I am a corporate chef and been doing restaurants for over thirty years and my brother who was also in attendance is a well known chef and been on Food Network as a winning contestant.We both teach cooking in degree programs for people that want to be chefs,I must say that some of my students would put these people to shame.NEVER AGAIN!!!.will I go back there. read more

Went here for dinner on Saturday because I had a craving for steak tartare, and this is the only place remotely close to us where I could find it! Walking in I loved the atmosphere, and asked to sit in the darker bar room. Would be a great bar to eat at, too. The menu had a ton of choices, and we decided to order a bunch of "small plates" to try. The prices are on the high side, but none of these plates were "small"...defintely good sized portions! We loved the tartare, ricotta gnocchi, shrimp and chorizo (maybe our favorite?) and papardelle that we had. Our bottle of wine was great too. The dessert (almond tres leches cake) was heavenly as well. Our server was helpful and friendly. We'll definitely be back, wish it was a little closer! read more

Just had dinner at Circa. The service was horrendous! My husband received his entree 10 minutes after the rest of us. My son never received his beer but it was on the bill. Our waitress was very inattentive. We had to flag the bus boy down several times to get the attention of our waitress. We couldn't wait to get out of there! I would think twice before going there again! read more

First time at Circa recently, definitely not impressed after all of the hype. Overpriced and under-flavored food, minuscule portions, uncomfortable seating, but they do have a descent beer selection! I probably won't go back or recommend to anyone looking for a nice dining experience, maybe for a drink. read more

Went there on 10-06-2017. Service was horrible. Three people at the table and all three orders were wrong. One dish came out cold and was sent back only to come back to the table with plastic wrap mixed in with it. Have been going there for years and i have to say the service is declining gradually. Overall the food is good but it's inconsistent. You could order the same dish two days in a row and the second day will taste different than the first. Also the bartending staff has a lot to learn about mixing drinks. Nothing more disappointing than getting a poorly made Manhattan served in a martini glass with no ice. This has happened to me on more than one occassion. I guess it's my own fault for not learning the first time read more

Nice atmosphere and waiters are friendly. The food was good but very pricy for what one gets. The salads were the size of small side dishes, the portion size was tiny and basically one would need a starter and a full main to serve a small eater. But again it was tasty and service was good. read more

Always fantastic food and fantastic service. One of the best restaurants in the area hands-down. Delicious small plate choices along with main entrées and to-die-for desserts. Fantastic liquor and cocktail selection. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone and hope they stay in business for a long time, I think they will. read more

We stopped in last night for a late dinner and a couple of drinks. The staff was friendly and seated us right away, even though the restaurant was busy. We ordered several small plates from the extensive selection and our food came out very quickly and was expertly prepared; we had the braised short rib tacos, the mezze plate (assorted cheeses and meats), the stuffed clams, and the chicken pot pie. All I can say is YUM!!! And we loved the fact that we were able to sample so many different items without getting stuffed. The prices were about what you'd expect for this kind of restaurant in our area, with the tab for 2 glasses of wine, 2 martinis, and 4 small plates coming in at $98 (before tip). I would love to have given Circa 5 stars, but my only negative comment is in regards to the noise level...while the atmosphere and decor make it perfect for a relaxing, romantic evening, the noise level is insane and makes conversation pretty much impossible. We will definitely check it out on a weekday evening, because we loved everything else about it!!! read more

Sat out front on a beautiful Spring evening; listened to wonderful acoustic Thursday night music, and enjoyed rabbit ragu pappardelle and goat cheese tart with a spring mix. 5 Stars for Circa...cool vibe, friendly service, and fresh, innovative food. read more

One of the best spots around. Good service, great drinks, great food. Everything is great except the fra diavolo.

This wasn't my first visit to Circa, but I fear it may be my last. I was so excited and enamored when this friendly, hip yet sophisticated bistro first opened in High Bridge, but oh how the mighty have fallen. On this most recent visit the dining room was empty with only one other table occupied. Our waitress was not familiar with the beverage or food menu and could offer few insights into tastes or preparation and no one on the staff could be bothered to light the candle on our table. The wine glasses were spotted and we had to wave off gnats hovering around. With so few diners, I was surprised how long it took each course to arrive and although we enjoyed the cheese plate, no explanation of the selections was offered when it was delivered and we worked our way through by trial and error. Of our main courses the lamb was well prepared, but the accompanying "gnocchi" we're a large watery disappointment. The grilled oysters were excellent, but my own garlic prawns over lemon risotto was lukewarm and pasty. I'm honestly sad as I write this review, but unfortunately Circa is past its prime :-( read more

I'm giving Circa five stars based on 2 visits. My first visit was quite a while ago and I had the hanger steak and it was wonderful. This past week we were able to get back for lunch. We both ordered burgers. They were freshly ground, ample and delicious. One of the best burgers I've eaten. read more

For the area this place is perfect for a hip night out and a great asset to High Bridge! Food was well prepared and the vibe was fun. Raw bar, fresh blue point oysters and little neck clams; charcuterie and hummus all had as small plates to start. The chiopino was very good and my wife loved the papardelle. There were no complaints from my brother and his girlfriend either; they had shrimp w/chorizo and hanger steak. Good selection of craft beers on tap and we finished up with snifters of GM & dessert. Band was hot (albeit loud but who cares it was a late dinner and a festive Friday night) and we all had a good time! Will definitely be back when our travels bring us back to my hometown land of Jersey. read more

Circa is a fabulous restaurant..sophisticated, industrial design, interesting and innovative foods and fine wine, craft beers and cool cocktails. The small plates are always enjoyable with quality, fresh ingredients. Well worth the price since they serve consistently good food in a nice upscale setting. Also, Circa has a really great bar area with Thursday night music and cool events. It's a great addition to the town. 5 stars! read more

Always treated well here, food is very good. One of the few restaurants approaching NYC quality in the area. Great beer selection. Fun to sit at the bar and eat lunch or dinner. read more

Very nice place. Give it a try. The food is fresh and they have a great selection of wine and beer. The service is good. It is NYC quality and atmosphere in High Bridge. There is a kid's menu if you want to bring the family. read more

I'm from a town in the Western MA area that has no fewer than 72 restaurants in its immediate area. I am spoiled! I Have struggled to find good French or American cuisine without heading towards Madison, NJ or the Frenchtown area. This place is one of the most pleasant surprises I have come across in this area in the last two years. Really creative, delicious and consistent. I am never disappointed in the food, the service or the ambiance. Having eaten there now 5 times I am compelled to tell others to give this establishment a try. While not cheap, prices are more than reasonable for the exceptional dishes this kitchen turns out. For me to give 5 stars takes La Toque in Napa, a garden to table gem or a real crab shack on the docks of the eastern shore. That being said, this has become one of my regional favorites. Try the pumpkin goat cheese tart if you get there while its still on the menu. read more

Front outdoor sitting was excellent; breezy, sunny, open, bug-less. Beer selection was good; wine selection short but well chosen. Calimari appetizer was sauced and seasoned well. Spanish mussels special was tasty; daily menu salmon was better. Apple crisp was good - fresh, warm, a la mode. Prices were fair. Service was excellent. Will certainly return. read more

This is a charming place that we just happened upon the other day. It was during the week so it was fairly empty which was just fine by us. We sat inside right in front of the open window over looking the porch. The decor was just to our liking but we noticed it could use a paint touch up in spots. Our server Jess was just fabulous. very accommodating and attentive with suggestions of her favorite dishes to try. And we took her suggestion and got the fish tacos and asparagus artichoke dip which were both amazing. We tried a few other small dishes which were also very tasty. Again, Jess was very attentive to her needs and quick with drink refills. All and all a lovely place which we will definitely come back to. read more

Tried out circa for the first time last Saturday to check out the bar. Drinks were phenomenal and the food was excellent. Service was great, our bartender was young but very knowledgeable. ( I probably had the best old fashioned I have ever have had in my life. If you're a whiskey drinker you have to try it) We had an excellent experience and can't wait to come back if not to just bs with the bartender about whiskey again. (Try Four Roses!) read more

Interior is very nice. Was impressed by how professional and competent our young waitress was. Got a Manhattan that was to die for. Steak tartar was fantastic. And the braised short ribs were beyond words. Pretty pricey but you get what you pay for. read more

came here for the first time last weekend. the oysters were fresh and delicious, the hangar stake and frites were also very good. bartender was really cool and they had the football games on TV - a must for me. (ill never come back to any place that has cnn on). they also have live music - cool place read more

Just to start, I want to say that it makes me sad to write this review. My husband and I had our rehearsal dinner for our wedding here almost six years ago, and at that point the food was really good. Different experience tonight. To start with, it looks like the bar area is in need of some love - the booths are getting pretty beat up and it just looks kind of dark, not in a good way. And the first indication that things might be different was the menu - it was crazy all over the place. But we ordered drinks and apps and dinner anyway. My husband's glass of red wine tasted like the the bottle had been open way too long. The raw bar oysters that we ordered ... Three looked and tasted fine, three looked small and and one tasted not right at all (I only ate the one and sent the other two back). The crab cake tater tots were terrible - they were like cream of crab soup + instant potatoes fried ... And burnt. At that point, we cancelled our entree orders, payed for our drinks and left. The only reason I'm not giving one star is because our server was nice and the manager comped the food. I really wish I could have written a stellar or even good review, because I am legitimately sad this place has gone so downhill. read more

Before you write this 1 star rating of as trolling please read on. There is a serious issue with this place and it makes me sad to write this, should have just walked out. A couple friends and I stopped in at Circa after a 12 mile bike ride on the Colombia Trail that goes from Long Valley and spits you out right on Main St, High Bridge. We had planned to stop in at Circa for a beer and possibly some lunch. There are just a few customers drinking at the bar when we arrive. We take a seat at the bar and the bartender tell us ALL the beer an draft is no good, its all warm so he won't serve it. Keep it mind its about 3:00pm?! What kind of bar allows this to happen. "We only have bud light and miller in the bottles." as opposed to apologizing or offering any sort of discount for this inconvenience he offers us the lunch menu. We immediately notice 2 or 3 flies flying round the bar. Being that we were quite hungry after a long ride my friends order the chicken club and I order the burger. It is revealed that these 3 flies have about 5 or so friends all flying around and on the bar area. We notice the bartender wildly spraying "Raid" in the air trying to spray the flies out of the air? YES...RAID the toxic pest/roach killer! I saw the can and it was "flying insect killer, which you are not supposed to spray around food or in a room with hmm..People in it. The raid website says do not remain in treated area. He sprays the raid on a metallic cutting/prep station where the flies seem to be congregating. A minute later a waitress brings out a loaf of bread, cuts it on this prep station and serves it to us. I said, I am not eating that you just sprayed fly killer on that cutting board. "No we just cleaned that" they both said. Being as we saw that the clearly hadn't I said I am not eating that and they took the bread away, never attempting to bring more or apologize. Should have walked out then and there. They bring the food and my burger is heavily charred on the outside, a large amount of gross black grill residue. Clearly burnt, made with no care. The french fries were passable since I was so hungry. Disgusted I regretfully payed and walked out. Its like these two servers were trying to get fired or something. I really hope that no one gets sick from this type of behavior. Poor food, bad service, fly infested, chemical laden staple in the Hunterdon County community...never again, watch out. read more

circa where there classy waitresses scream derogative terms at you right outside of their job(:

I've been to Circa in High Bridge, NJ many times. The draw of which is usually the atmosphere. This particular evening 3 friends and I sat in the dining area to have drinks and small plates. The whole experience, starting with the baffled and somewhat disoriented hostess who seemed to have "misplaced" our reservation was like watching a slow motion train crash. After finishing our complementary, fairly portioned sized basket of homemade chips, naturally we asked for more only to be told by our waiter that we had exceeded the 1 basket of chips per table limit of the evening. Not long after this on my excursion to the restroom I spotted a large plastic container out of the corner of my eye containing a plethora of the apparently scarce homemade chips that, mind you, was still full by the end of the evening. In the meantime 30 minutes have lapsed since we ordered our second round of drinks. As the waitress finally returns with what seems to be our drinks, we only receive 2 of the 4 ordered. One of which contains some foreign floaters that do not seem to be part of the ingredients in the cocktail I requested. After kindly asking for my drink to be remade I then receive something that tasted like lime flavored pledge. At this point I take matters into my own hands and go straight to the source. The bartender who I believe to be the owner says nothing to me after I explain to him what has happened and only gives me a straight look as he plops down the newly made drinks on the bar. After returning to the table I see our food has arrived. Fingers crossed I dive into the "highly recommended" fish tacos. Unfortunately they were soggy and flavorless. Based on our last experience here, 1 star is being kind. I expected better. read more