Circa - by John Bragg

Location: 119 Main Street, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone Number: 901.522.1488
Cover Charge: N/A
Food: Contemporary, Sophisticated, French-inspired Memphis Cuisine. Bar Menu
Entertainment: TV at the bar, Private room available w/ Wi-Fi and 50'' Plasma Screen
Crowd: Classy
Service: Excellent
Cleanliness: Spic-and-span
Drink Specials: Happy Hour Specials from 4-7 every night

• Mon - $5.00 Martinis
• Tues - $2.50 Beers including Microbrews and Imports
• Wed - $8.00 Featured Wine Flights
• Thurs - Scotch Night - All Single Malts $2.00 off
• Fri & Sat - Complimentary Hors d'Ouvres
• Sun - Tasting Menu w/ Wine Parings - $45 per person. $3.00 Small Plates at the Bar

Smoker Friendly: No, smoking not allowed in restaurants in Memphis
Review:
irca, "the best reason to dine downtown," was a fun experience, and an excellent Memphis bar. I had first heard about it through Paul Ryburn's Blog, a pretty famous blogger/drinker in downtown Memphis. My first impressions before experiencing this place were a little different from the actual experience. Initially, I was under the impression Circa was on the same page as the Flying Saucers, the Blue Monkey's, etc. I was expecting loud music and lots of people - your general 'bar'. However, I was surprised to find out my experience was quite different from what I had expected.

Circa is an upscale, swanky, and contemporary restaurant located on the Main Street strip. I'm ashamed to say this was my first time walking down this block of Main. I was quite impressed. Outside Circa were some tables gently illuminated by small white-stringed lights hanging from above. I was dressed in jeans and an untucked button-up, and immediately I felt a little embarrassed to walk inside because I felt underdressed. My group and I were greeted at the front and I mentioned we were just there for the bar. The greeter (which also turned out to be our bartender for the evening) told us enthusiastically to "have a seat!" I was really impressed with the decor. It felt very upscale and contemporarily artsy - perfect for Main Street. I brought my camera to take pictures, but sadly it had run out of batteries before I could snap any photos. The lighting was soft, and it paired well with the upbeat jazz flowing through the room.

The four of us sat down at the bar and took up nearly a third of the seating. The bar had a handful of stools, and behind us were a few small tables. I realized then that Circa was a restaurant first and a bar second. Not a problem! We asked to see the drink menus which had plenty of great beers to choose from. Not only that, but they had over 50 wines by the glass to choose, and have the city's largest collection of scotches. I ordered a beer, the bartender poured it in a glass for me, and the night began.

I was very caught up with the look and feel of the place. The bar area was fantastic. The bottles behind the bar were sitting on a neat looking wooden-type shelf. Each bottle had its own square. Not only that, but it was open to the back and you could watch people walk in and out behind the bar. I could have been entertained enough just looking around all night. But if that wouldn't satisfy you, they had a tv playing basketball in the left corner.

Most bars I visit have a stressed-out bartender running around filling drink orders. Rare is the time where I go to a bar and actually talk with the bartender. Our server for the evening asked us to call him House. He was an extremely friendly gentleman who told us a little about the history of the restaurant and the Chef himself. We were there for an hour or so and he talked with us nearly the entire time. Now, I'm sure he would have left us alone if he could sense we just wanted to drink and sit, but a social crowd and conversation is always welcome. I have to say that House's friendliness helped make Circa more than just a plain 'ole bar.

House told us that Circa has been selling Absinthe at the bar for a while now. If you aren't aware, Absinthe has been noted as a drink with other powerful side effects other than drunkenness. It has been said that it inspired many great writers and musicians centuries ago. The United States had banned the beverage up until recently. But, if you're curious, go sample it at Circa. We were told if we were going to drink it, we had to make sure it's the first thing we have for optimum effects, so if you try it, don't pre-drink. Our bartender also let us know that they have a beer that was brewed just for Circa that they sell. It's brewed by Bosco's, a noted beer-joint in Memphis. I don't see it on their menu, but it's supposedly very good, so ask for their Main Street beer next time you're there. Also I learned that, Circa has some reputable claims:

• Circa is the only restaurant in Memphis that serves Bosco's brewed beer on tap.
• They have the largest selection of scotches in the city, 50+ available. (Maybe I should start drinking scotch?)

Circa is a very modern-day bar that can accommodate a handful of people. The food looks exquisite and the drinks are plentiful. As a guy right out of college, I probably won't become a regular there, but you can bet that it would be a superb place for me to take my girlfriend for special occasions or "just because" nights. Keep in mind that Circa is probably better suited for a small group of friends when it comes to just drinking, as the bar lacks big tables for a large party. Though I suppose a large group could just as easily be served at a table away from the bar. This bar is perfect for all groups of people including visitors as well as locals who are a little tired of the loud and obnoxious bar-scene and would like to drink to a little sophistication.

Anything Else:
Bosco's draft beer, Cream Ale, Pale Ale
Free Valet Parking. Open from 4p-10p Sunday thru Thursday, 4p-11p Friday and Saturday.

Website: http://www.circamemphis.com/