Circa 81

Established in 2010.Executive Chef and Owner, Clarke Merrell, created everything you see at Circa 81, from the custom-built bar, to the ever popular Circa 81 martini, Clarke has his hand in every aspect of Circa 81's operations. Clarke completely renovated the restaurant space in late 2009 to truly reflect his style. Circa 81 then opened on January 20, 2010. Many people often ask where the name comes from. Clarke and his wife, Liza, were both born in 1981. Circa means "about or approximately" and they both thought it fit perfectly with the number 81. Circa 81 was 2013 finalist and 2014 semi-finalist for Fire on the Dock culinary competition, finalist for the 2011 Best Dish NC contest, "Best Eats on the Crystal Coast" by Cooking with Paula Deen magazine in 2015, Open Table Diner's Choice 2013-2016, Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellent. Clarke was named Favorite Chef in 2015 by Coaster Magazine Reader's Choice Awards.