Circa (finally)

Sound the trumpets and break out the confetti, the Dupont eatery for which we’ve been waiting five long, hungry years has finally arrived. When signs for Circa first showed up at the location of the ill-fated Wrap Works I know I couldn’t have been the only one holding my breath; mid-range options in the area have long been limited to waiting in line for Raku or settling for Bistro Du Coin, (french in only the bad aspects of the term). And while the recent arrival of Hanks Oyster Bar two blocks east has alleviated the misery somewhat, it’s still not the type of place hungry tourists and CEO’s alike could stop off after work.

Well, Circa is. Mild-mannered coffee bar and café by day, mild-mannered restaurant and wine bar by night, someone heard my fevered prayers. Dressed in dark wood, the newly redone location at the corner of Connecticut and Q boasts a crazy sound system, comfortable chairs, a nice outdoor patio, and absolutely lovely staff to match. The long communal bar table is perfect for breaking out the laptop to leach off the free wifi while soaking up something from their 1500-strong wine locker.

A recent lunchtime visit brought an excellent grilled shrimp salad to my table, as well as one of the best bacon burgers I’ve had the privilege to absorb. Any earlier and there would have been muffins and coffee; a little later and I might have tried what I swear sound like bangers and mash, Lobster ravioli, and Scottish smoked salmon as part of their late night menu.

With hours from 6 am to 2am, could it be that Kramers is about to lose its stranglehold on Dupont’s late night food scene? I sure as hell hope so.